Our story began on the green fields of Abruzzo where my grandfather Francesco DiGenova raised animals for his family and for other families in the town. He passed his teaching to my father, Nevio, who immigrated to Canada in 1954. My father opened up our first family butcher shop in Toronto, located at Bloor and Manning and then a second at Oakwood and Rogers.
In keeping with tradition I followed the same path, learning about the importance of farming, and the art of being a butcher. In 2002, my wife Mirella and I opened Butcher by Nature, a butcher shop offering traditionally raised meat, with no hormones or antibiotics, high quality prepared foods and our signature marinated flat chickens that quickly became popular and are still a favourite today.
In keeping with tradition I followed the same path, learning about the importance of farming, and the art of being a butcher. In 2002, my wife Mirella and I opened Butcher by Nature, a butcher shop offering traditionally raised meat, with no hormones or antibiotics, high quality prepared foods and our signature marinated flat chickens that quickly became popular and are still a favourite today.
Reviews (20)
Lorraine Roth
Nov 18, 2021
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Brett Grantham
Nov 17, 2021
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Paul M.
Oct 28, 2021
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Anusree Roy
Jul 27, 2021
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Andrea Massingham
May 28, 2021
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We called from Nova Scotia to order a Charcuterie box for our son and fiancé in Toronto. The staff were very helpful in helping us navigate the ordering process, and in connecting us with Cassandra. Pick up was not an option for our son, Cassandra graciously agreed to deliver on a days notice! Delivery was at the scheduled time, and the Charcuterie box, with handwritten card was just a special touch! And the ingredients were perfect! Thank you from the Chefs’ from Away in Nova Scotia!
Nadine D.
Jan 07, 2021
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Chris Trella
Dec 04, 2020
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Harlan Azzopardi
Jul 14, 2020
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Mk
Sep 08, 2019
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Frank, the owner, is the consummate local entrepreneur. From the moment I stepped in his store I was greeted like an old friend. His knowledge of meats is very impressive. His prices are reasonable compared to similar quality. We make every effort to shop here for our proteins. And then there are his wife’s biscuits that are simply awesome. We make a habit to buy a dozen or so to accompany dessert when we have company. Parking may be the only issue however he welcomes you to park in behind his store. Just take the small lane way immediately behind the building. Otherwise parking on Runnymede
Celeste Francis Esteves
Jan 16, 2019
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BEFORE & AFTER photo.
Dee-lishous! Staff and owners were so helpful and friendly when I placed an order for this leg of lamb; I had no idea how best to have it butchered and they offered to carve the meat from the bone and then leave it in and tie it all up. Presentation got lots of "oohs and aahhs" when I got it to the table.
Dee-lishous! Staff and owners were so helpful and friendly when I placed an order for this leg of lamb; I had no idea how best to have it butchered and they offered to carve the meat from the bone and then leave it in and tie it all up. Presentation got lots of "oohs and aahhs" when I got it to the table.
Keith Portelli
Sep 08, 2018
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Amazing experience. Frank was so passionate about the meat industry that he grew up in. He has top quality meat locally farmed in Ontario. I bought a skirt steak that was absolutely delicious and some home made couscous. Frank even game me an amaretti cookie as a sample and also sent me home with some home made sausage meat to give it a try. The customer service is personal and friendly, meat quality is top notch and this place has a very nice local touch that is extremely rare these days.
Beth McKenzie
Nov 17, 2017
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Andrea
Oct 23, 2017
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This is my go to place for all meat. They have an excellent selection of beautifully butchered naturally raised meats at prices better than I've seen anywhere. Many 'gourmet' shops charge significantly more for conventionally raised meats. They are really doing their best in terms of trying to bring the best foods to the community at the best prices. They also have a small selection of dry goods, carefully chosen and well priced. Their eggs are amazing. The cheese selection is small but perfect. I've seen the exact same Gruyere at another well known cheese shop for $20 more per pound! The owners
Karen M.
May 11, 2017
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Caro A.
Apr 16, 2016
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Cindy L.
Oct 11, 2014
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I have been a customer of Butcher by Nature for many years now. The personal service is very special and found in so few places. The quality of every product in the store is unsurpassed in terms of the quality of the product, freshness, where it is sourced. When you enter this store you feel welcomed and they have such a wonderful selection of meats and fishes you will find yourself happily discovering something you did not expect to find. Knowledgeable and caring. They specialize in meats and fishes free from artificial hormones, both organic and raised in traditional ways and in the case
D. M.
Feb 16, 2014
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Helen E.
Jun 03, 2011
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You can taste the difference a quality product contributes to a meal and the butcher by nature carries quality product. This is by no way a large grocery store with hundreds of product, this place caters to the discerning cook that knows what they like. The staff is extremely helpful and provides some interesting recommendations on how to improve recipes.
TOFoodReviews N.
May 25, 2011
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My chicken lived a healthy, happy life. She was lovingly cared for, allowed to roam the yard, and fed fresh corn and barley. How do I know? The other day I was going to my neighbourhood grocery store to buy a whole chicken. You know the type of bird I mean. It sits in those refrigerated, glass boxes at the back of the store; the only indication it was ever a chicken at all is the familiar sight of wings and breast meat. As its lifeless body sits there, I can't ever imagine this thing having feathers, breathing, living. Truth be told, buying that chicken is a mostly unceremonious experience
Bob R.
Feb 12, 2011
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