- Vaticano Restaurant
- Nov 4
- 2 min read
When you walk through the doors of Vaticano Restaurant in the heart of Yorkville, Toronto, you don’t just step into a dining room, you step into a story. A story of Italy, of family, of tradition, and of evolution.
Felice and Luca Vacca, a father and son duo who’ve shared one of Yorkville’s most timeless Italian legacies for over 20 years. Now, Luca carries it forward.
Founded in 2003 by renowned celebrity chef Felice Vacca, Vaticano was a dream brought to life, infused with memories from his childhood in Rome, lessons learned on his grandparents’ farm, and the unyielding belief that simplicity often leads to the most profound flavour.
His vision; every dish would honour tradition and every ingredient would be fresh. Nothing is precooked, nothing kept overnight; everything is made from scratch daily. The restaurant became a living embodiment of Felice’s philosophy.
Chef Vacca didn’t just open an Italian Restaurant, he built a home. Vaticano became a gathering place for family, friends, celebrities, and locals alike. Every guest who walked through the door became part of the story.
For Luca Vacca, Vaticano was his childhood. He grew up immersed in the rhythms of the restaurant. From the early mornings of deliveries to the late-night cleanup. Luca watched his father orchestrate chaos into harmony, transform raw ingredients into culinary art, and greet every guest like family.
It wasn’t long before he realized that his father’s dream was also his own. Luca learned that a restaurant is a living, breathing entity sustained by passion, respect, and care.
Over 20 years later, the restaurant has entered a new chapter. Luca is bringing his own perspective while honouring his father’s vision.
Luca’s approach; modern yet rooted in tradition.
More than restaurateurs, they are family. Felice built a legacy. Luca carries it forward. Together, they’ve created something timeless; a Yorkville original darling that continues to define the neighbourhood’s Italian soul.
