SAMMARCO

David Whittaker

• Interior Architects

II BY IV DESIGN is proud to announce that SAMMARCO, Toronto’s newest addition to the hospitality scene, has been recognized by Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants with three major distinctions in 2026. The restaurant has been awarded Best Restaurant Design, ranked No. 7 on the Best New Restaurants list, and placed No. 37 on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants overall.

Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants continues to set the benchmark for the nation’s culinary landscape, earning recognition as a trusted authority among food and beverage enthusiasts nationwide. Its highly anticipated annual rankings celebrate the country’s top restaurants and bars, spotlighting the attention to detail, sophistication, and innovation that define excellence, while also honouring the talented individuals and teams behind these exceptional experiences.

photo_credit David Whittaker — David Whittaker

Canada’s Best Restaurant Design Award 2026
SAMMARCO is recognized for its exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, from terrazzo floors and a sculpted ceiling to bespoke lighting elements. Being honoured alongside some of Canada’s most outstanding dining spaces marks a significant achievement.

SAMMARCO is the result of a collaborative effort by an exceptional team whose creativity, innovation, and precision have shaped both the physical space and its culinary offering. II BY IV DESIGN was instrumental in achieving this vision inspired by global travel and experience. Seasoned restaurateur David Minicucci and Michelin starred Chef Rob Rossi played integral roles in bringing the vision to life, drawing on their extensive experience in the food and beverage industry.

Canada’s Best New Restaurant 2026 NO.7
Since opening in spring 2025, SAMMARCO has exceeded expectations under the culinary leadership of Minicucci and Rossi. As their third culinary venture, following the success of the Michelin starred Osteria Giulia and Michelin recommended Giulietta, SAMMARCO represents a natural evolution of their collaboration. It was therefore a deliberate and seamless choice for II BY IV DESIGN to partner with Minicucci and Rossi. Together, they have created a distinctive new presence within Toronto’s culinary landscape, shaped by design innovation, culinary precision, and a compelling sense of storytelling.

Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2026 No. 37
In a country celebrated for its dynamic and diverse culinary scene, SAMMARCO’s placement at No. 37 reflects the seamless integration of thoughtful interiors, refined cuisine, and attentive service. This recognition underscores the strength of a unified vision, where every element works in harmony to create an exceptional and memorable guest experience.

Canada’s 100 Best evaluates its annual rankings using a holistic set of criteria, including quality of food, overall guest experience, depth of the wine program, and interior design. The list is determined by votes from a distinguished panel of culinary enthusiasts, food writers and critics, chefs, restaurateurs, and industry professionals.

Inspired by the international travels of II BY IV DESIGN partners Dan Menchions and Keith Rushbrook, SAMMARCO is rooted in the convergence of design, history, and culinary artistry. With a strong emphasis on the holistic guest experience, the restaurant redefines dining by crafting a narrative that begins the moment guests walk through its doors.

Together, these recognitions mark a significant milestone for SAMMARCO and reaffirm its place within Canada’s evolving culinary dialogue. By uniting visionary design with refined cuisine and a deeply considered guest experience, SAMMARCO exemplifies a holistic approach to hospitality, one that continues to shape and elevate Toronto’s dining landscape while setting a new standard for excellence across the country.

Team:

Client: David Minicucci and Rob Rossi

Architect: Daniel Johnson Architect Inc.

Landscape Architect: II BY IV DESIGN

Interior Design: II BY IV DESIGN

Construction: BLT Construction

Fabricators (Millwork + Furniture): RFP Design Group Inc

Fabricators (Upholstered Seating): Louis Interiors

Fabricators (Custom Light Fixtures): Anony

Custom Chairs: REPUBLIC OF II BY IV

Fabricators (Ceiling Plaster Installation): Studio Alvo

Fabricators (Custom Exterior Doors): Classic Crystal