# @toronto_archives on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DLALkp2T76n
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/33999462-toronto-archives-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/cdcc35393e.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-06-17T13:01:35.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** City of Toronto Archives (@toronto_archives) — https://gondola.cc/toronto_archives

## Caption

Angelo’s Hotel at 144 Chestnut Street was founded by Italian immigrants Clelia Busca Belfanti and Angelo Belfanti. First appearing as 'Belfanti Angelo' restaurant in the 1922 City Directory, the sign outside of 144 Chestnut changed multiple times from Italian Restaurant to Angelo’s Hotel and later to Angelo’s Tavern. 

The Belfantis wanted to create an authentic Italian eatery with a welcoming atmosphere and excellent food. It is believed to be the first place many Torontonians encountered dishes such as ravioli, spaghetti with meatballs and spumoni. Situated in a working-class neighbourhood, the restaurant became a popular destination for well-known writers, artists and performers. 

The building was demolished in 1956 but Angelo's lived on when a family member opened Old Angelo's at 45 Elm Street. The restaurant stayed in the family until 1962 but continued to operate under the name Old Angelo's until 1997.

This Italian heritage story comes from a new donation and will be available on our database soon! 
Look out for Fonds 659, Belfanti and Belli family fonds.

Photographs 1-3: Fonds 659, file 9.

#TorontoArchives #TOHistory #TheWard #ItalianHeritageMonth #Italy

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## Tags

italianheritagemonth, tohistory, theward, italy, torontoarchives

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