There’s ribbon cutting, and then there’s pasta cutting.

Dignitaries including Mayor John Tory did a bit of both Wednesday, cutting a giant pasta noodle to officially open Eataly at the Manulife Centre — Canada’s first location of the popular Italian food marketplace.

“I am delighted to be here,” said Tory.

“(We’re) a very grateful city for getting the project together and having it open.”

Hundreds packed the massive, three-storey, 50,000-sq.-ft. store Wednesday to witness the opening ceremonies, just prior to opening to the public at 5 p.m.

Invited guests were able to sample everything from prosciutto, cheese, pizza, fresh pasta and gelato at various food stations, although visitors will be able to take advantage of both sit-down restaurants and various to-go options.

Nicola Farinetti, global CEO of Eataly, said the Toronto location was inspired by the city’s ethnic diversity, with an entire photo wall devoted to Torontonians from all over the world.