A large, three-alarm blaze that started Christmas night has destroyed two landmark restaurants in midtown Toronto, officials say.

Firefighters were called to Sotto Sotto restaurant just before 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

At least 12 fire trucks and more than 40 firefighters were on the scene at Spuntini Ristorante & Bar and Sotto Sotto Restaurant, located near the corner of Avenue and Davenport roads.

"We looked over at the restaurant and we noticed a lot of smoke coming out," a witness told CTV News. "At first I thought it someone doing laundry or something, but then we realized it was bellowing. We called 911 right after that."

Fire personnel arrived about 15 minutes after being called.

“When our crews arrived, they found a fully involved fire, said Toronto Services division commander Bob O'Hallarn. “We initiated a second alarmed immediate and a third shortly after.”

“We’re trying to keep from spreading to other buildings because the buildings are that close together down here” he said.

Flames could be seen shooting through the roof the building as crews battled the fire. Heavy smoke was also visible on the street. 

"We are devastated to hear about the fire that started tonight," said founder and part-owner of Spuntini Ristorante Fernando Esteves in a tweet.

Peter Catarino, another owner of Spuntini Ristorante who was on the scene, was at the scene and he said he is "traumatized" seeing the blaze.

The two restaurants were closed at the time of the fire, but officials do not yet now if there was anyone in the apartment above.

No injuries were reported. Crews are still investigating the two restaurants as well as the apartment.

Sotto Sotto is located in the basement of the building and Spuntini Ristorante is on the floor above.

Firefighters do not yet know where the fire started.

Sotto Sotto and Spuntini Ristorante are both Toronto landmarks, popular with celebrities during the Toronto International Film Festival.