Popular Mississauga restaurant celebrates 40 years of service

For lovers of good Italian cuisine, Michael’s Back Door has been one of Mississauga’s premier dining spots for over four decades now.

The popular Clarkson restaurant – which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2021 – continues to serve a variety of appetizers, chicken, veal, pasta dishes, and more on its extensive menu.

Their hands-down most popular dish is the Capellini Di Angeli with lobster, tomato and cream sauce – a staple on the menu since 1985.

Capellini Di Angeli with lobster

There’s also the traditional Gnocchi Napolitana: Potato dumplings with fresh basil, shaved parmigiano reggiano and tomato sauce.

Gnocchi Napolitana

One of the restaurant’s newest and must-try dishes is the Artisan Bruschetta Trio, a three-piece Calabrese crostini topped with zucchini marmalade, sautéed mushroom, and tomato jam with goat cheese.

You can pair your meal with something from the restaurant’s extensive wine selection. A wide variety of red, white, and sparkling wines are available by the glass or bottle.

Those who have dined at Michael’s Back Door know about its back door entrance which the restaurant is aptly named after, as well as its super cozy interior and refined atmosphere.

The Solarium, located in the main dining room, is beautifully sun-drenched by day, warm and elegant by night. The restaurant also has a small alcove, often called “Lover’s Lane”, which is perfect for those who want an evening of quiet intimacy.

Michael’s Back Door celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, and you might be surprised at just how much interesting history the restaurant has.

In 1957, Michael Morra Sr. opened a hair salon on Lakeshore Road West in Clarkson, and eventually bought the buildings to the left and right.  In 1979, his vision was complete when he opened The Clarkson Galleria, a small indoor boutique mall. Needing an anchor tenant, he approached an acquaintance with restaurant experience to operate Michael’s Back Door, which officially opened in 1981.

After a very successful first year, Michael was left to operate the restaurant on his own, so he enlisted the help of his wife Anna. They were soon introduced to Swiss executive chef Stephan Waespi, who helped bring the restaurant’s success to all new heights.

The restaurant’s current owner, Michael Morra Jr., was introduced to the business as a 14-year-old washing dishes during spring break. He later worked as a busboy, bartender, waiter, and maître d’ before eventually becoming manager and partner.

Managing partner Anthony Coffa, Chef Mark D’Souza, and owner Michael Morra

The popular restaurant has served quite a few celebrities over the years, including Olympic gold medalist Donavan Bailey, singer Tony Bennett, PGA golf pro Payne Stewart, hockey pro Darryl Sittler, and actor Woody Harrelson. According to Morra Jr., Harrelson wrote his order down on paper because he was taking a vow of silence at the time.

Through all the ups and downs over the years, Morra Jr. says the main focus has always been on the restaurant’s guests, and thanks them for their support over the past 40 years.

“We are truly blessed to be in such an incredible community,” said Morra Jr. “We are grateful for the relationships we have established and look forward to many, many more years of serving Mississauga and the GTA.”

Michael’s Back Door is located at 1715 Lakeshore Rd W and reservations can be made online. You can also reserve a table by calling 905-822-5751.

Keep up with the restaurant by visiting their website and on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.