The food scene in Toronto is booming – established restaurants are drawing in repeat customers, while new venues are opening all the time for those who like to be on the cutting edge. The city is full of hotspots to attract committed foodies, from fine dining establishments drawing on French heritage to family-run joints, the best restaurants in Toronto promise a memorable time.
Head to the Financial District where you can find elegant contemporary French cuisine, American-style dining perfect for your next special event, and one of the best Italian restaurants in all of Canada. In the Entertainment District, MICHELIN-recommended dining options abound – from rooftop views to funky Thai street food and more. Chow down on artisan pasta and pizza in Yorkville, or head on over to Burlington for cocktails on the patio, surrounded by lush greenery. The contenders for Toronto’s best restaurant are endless – better get those tables booked now and start sampling what’s on offer.
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Toronto’s best restaurants are waiting – here are the top 10 to try
For elegant French cuisine with a modern twist – book at Lucie in the Financial District
Arnauld Bloquel, executive chef at Lucie, has perfected the art of “transforming simple ingredients into a symphony of flavours”. Quintessentially French techniques combined with innovative elegance make for a refined and harmonious menu. This intimate venue is ideal for a romantic date night, or for your next special occasion. Named for the beloved grandmother of owner Yannick Bigourdan, Lucie is an enchantingly special place designed for creating memories. For the full Lucie experience, opt for the tasting menu with expertly chosen wine pairings – six courses which may include Atlantic prawns with beetroot ravioli or Délice de Bourgogne with pumpkin seed praline. From the a la carte menu, try the Hudson Valley foie gras with artichoke sorbet or the whole Nova Scotia lobster with Armagnac and arabica sauce. Finish with light and fluffy choux pastry with chocolate sauce and hazelnut praline and an indulgent glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut.
For one of the best restaurants in Toronto for American-style dining – head to Daphne in the Financial District
For your next special occasion, book a table at one of the best restaurants in Toronto, Daphne, where you’ll find contemporary American cuisine complemented by an extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails. The kitchen is centred around two wood-fired grills, with local ingredients charred to perfection. The modern and elegant decor provides a decadent feel to your occasion, with a garden terrace perfect for summer events. You can’t visit Daphne without adding some bread to your order – artisan crafted at the in-house bakery by hand and served with whipped cultured butter. Move on to freshly shucked oysters with an Aperol spritz mignonette, followed by beef tartare with truffles and capers. Next, perhaps the wood-grilled branzino with lime and jalapeno salsa, or the Daphne burger made from a selection of prime cuts of beef. Finish with an extra-special Midnight Cap cocktail – Grey Goose vodka, Tia Maria and espresso with maple cheese foam.
For MICHELIN-starred French dining with a view – take your seat at Alo in the Entertainment District
Located on the top floor of the prestigious Relais & Chateau Hotel, Alo brings you MICHELIN-star dining celebrating the very best of seasonal produce. The open kitchen and picture windows mean you’ll never be short of something to watch while you await your food and drinks – there’s always a view and something going on. Tasting menus mean you get to sample the best the chefs can create from what’s in season, with different dishes added to the menu all the time. One of Toronto’s best restaurants, Alo is a must-try. Just two floors down you’ll find sister restaurant Aloette, a MICHELIN-recommended self-styled bistro/diner with an internationally inspired menu. Aloette is set in a mock-up of a train dining car with a background of old-school hip-hop playing while you dine on some of the city’s best cheeseburgers. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed brunch, complete with mimosas and piping hot coffee.
For one of the best Thai restaurants in Toronto – visit PAI Northern Thai – Uptown in Yonge and Eglington
Traditional Northern Thai food of exceptional quality is the ethos of visit PAI Northern Thai – Uptown. Jeff and Nuit Regular, owners and executive chef, serve up delicacies from the “Land of Smiles” that will certainly make you smile when you try them. Recommended in the MICHELIN Guide, and for very good reason, PAI is the ideal venue for your next night out with friends. The Northern Thai platter is the perfect way to ensure you get to sample as many delicious flavours as possible. Available after 4 pm, try sticky rice and laab salad, sweet Moo Ping barbecue pork skewers, Northern Thai sausage and Grabong squash fritters that are deep-fried and served with tomato-pork relish. Or choose your own selection from vegetarian spring rolls, tiger garlic shrimp, gai satay and more. Make a night of it with a pineapple bucket pitcher of rum and pineapple juice, the ideal complement to the spicy flavours of the food.
For one of the best Italian restaurants in Toronto – visit Terroni in the Financial District, Rosedale / Summerhill, Queen West, The Junction and Leslieville / Riverdale
Terroni has locations across Toronto, from Rosedale / Summerhill in Summer Hill and Queen West, to The Junction and Leslieville / Riverdale. The flagship venue, however, is Terroni Adelaide, inside the former York County Court House, a heritage building from 1852. The sunlit atrium and secret garden patio are perfect for eating out in summer, while the main dining room has fireplaces at each end for a cosy winter retreat. Try the handmade spinach ravioli with ricotta and freshly grated pecorino, or for something different, the white pizza with speck, walnuts, gorgonzola and fresh pears. Finish with gelato or classic coffee-soaked tiramisu. An entire gluten-free menu is also available. La Bettola di Terroni brings you classic Terroni dishes and new favourites, with a focus on southern Italy. Alternatively, head to sister restaurant Sud Forno by Terroni on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday nights for a mixture of Terroni classics and Italian staples plus music from a live DJ.
📍 Rosedale / Summerhill — Check availability
📍 Queen West — Check availability
📍 The Junction — Check availability
📍 Leslieville / Riverdale — Check availability
📍 Terroni Adelaide— Check availability
For one of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Toronto – try Canoe Restaurant and Bar in the Financial District
Critically acclaimed not only as one of Toronto’s best restaurants, but also one of the best in all of Canada, Canoe Restaurant and Bar is simple, stylish, and with a sumptuous menu. Take in the spectacular panoramic views across the city skyline from the rooftop of the TD Bank Tower while you dine, surrounded by a conceptualized interior from Yabu Pushelberg and Solid Design Creative. The rich yet raw environment of Canada is reflected in both the decor and the menu. Expect inspired regional Canadian cuisine at Canoe Restaurant and Bar, with chef Ron McKinlay bringing you the best textures, flavours and ingredients from across the country. Think crispy oyster with duck prosciutto, cod and crab in a shellfish broth and 54-hour short rib with beef cheek and stout croquette. Finish with a Canoe original cocktail – try the yellow dogwood with cinnamon, lime and tequila infused with sage and chilli.
For one of the best restaurants in Toronto for group bookings and family dining – try Earl’s Kitchen + Bar in the Financial District, Yorkdale, Etobicoke, Yorkville, Vaughan, Mississauga and Burlington
The flagship venue of Earl’s Kitchen + Bar is in the heart of Toronto’s Financial District. You can also enjoy the same great food and service at other locations in Yorkdale, Etobicoke, Yorkville, Woodbridge, Mississauga and Burlington – testament to the popularity of the brand. Family-friendly and perfect for group bookings, these spacious and welcoming venues are the best Toronto restaurants for your next event or celebration. All the energy of Downtown Toronto with a joyful and warm ambience. Notable dishes from the menu include the yuzu calamari with jalapenos and fresh cucumber, the shareable warm spinach and three cheese dip with artichokes, garlic and chives, and the ahi tuna poke bowl with fresh mango and avocado. Wednesdays mean half-price bottles of wine and $5 off all steak dishes, while Saturday nights are all about the half-price fizz.
📍 Financial District — Check availability
📍 Yorkdale — Check availability
📍 Etobicoke — Check availability
📍 Yorkville — Check availability
📍 Woodbridge — Check availability
📍 Mississauga — Check availability
📍 Burlington — Check availability
For one of Toronto’s best restaurants for pizza and pasta – don’t miss La Pizza & La Pasta – Eataly in Yorkville
When you think Italian food, the first things that come to mind are usually pizza and pasta. These beloved Italian exports are international favourites for a reason – when cooked the true Italian way, there’s nothing finer. La Pizza & La Pasta – Eataly Yorkville bring you freshly baked Napoli-style pizzas and artisan al dente pasta dishes, all cooked right in front of your eyes in the open kitchen. Watch the pizzaioli slinging dough for your order as you relax with a glass of “vini Italiani” or a signature cocktail. Neapolitan pizzas crafted by experts from Rossopomodoro include cotto e funghi with Rovognati Gran Biscotto ham and cremini mushrooms, and diavola with spicy ‘nduja sausage and salami. Or, opt for pasta cooked perfectly al dente – try the linguine with fresh seafood and chilli, or a simple but delicious bucatini with pecorino and freshly ground black pepper.
For all-Canadian prime-grade steaks grilled to perfection – you need a table at Hy’s Steakhouse – Toronto in Toronto’s Financial District
A classically traditional steakhouse with an artsy vibe, Hy’s Steakhouse – Toronto brings you the best prime-grade Canadian steaks in a warm and welcoming environment. The rich, deep wood tones are offset by clean lines and colourful artwork for a truly unique interior, from the expansive lounge to the mezzanine floor and private dining area. The always cheerful and responsive waitstaff will help make sure you have a memorable experience. And with live music from Wednesday to Saturday, you’ll never want to say bye to Hy’s. Happy hours at Hy’s are early and late every evening, with selected drinks discounted and 30% off the sharing and snacking menu. Indulge yourself with the house special famous cheese toast alongside mini lobster rolls, prime beef sliders and a featured cocktail. Or visit for dinner mid-evening, where you can sample A5 Wagyu with ponzu and crispy garlic, followed by a prime porterhouse steak grilled to order as you like it.
For a neighbourhood gem loved by locals – pull up a chair at Koh Lipe in Downtown and Scarborough
Loved by locals and renowned as not only one of the best Thai restaurants in Toronto but also one of the best Southern Thai restaurants in North America, Koh Lipe Downtown and Koh Lipe Scarborough are truly something special. Try something new and enjoy a unique night out with a visit to your choice of Koh Lipe venues – with traditional Thai hospitality to boot, it will be a night you won’t soon forget. Start your meal with the fresh pineapple salad from the chef’s special menu, featuring juicy shrimp, chilli and peanuts. Move on to the khao pad pla – fried rice with mackerel, lemongrass and katsuobushi flakes. Or enjoy a unique local dish from Songkhla province – a dried chicken curry with coconut rice and chilli tamarind paste.
📍 Koh Lipe Downtown — Check availability
📍 Koh Lipe Scarborough — Check availability
The best restaurants in Toronto have plenty to offer – from rooftop dining with panoramic views over the cityscape, to MICHELIN-starred food from top chefs, to homely family-friendly joints and more. Whether you’re in the market for date night at an elegant French bistro, somewhere to unwind with friends after a hard day at the office or a place to bring the entire family, there’s something for you in the heart of Toronto.
Reserve your seat at one of the best restaurants in Toronto right now on OpenTable.
If you’re looking for something a little different, check out some of these guides to discover more of the best Toronto restaurants:
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- 10 of the best vegan restaurants in Toronto to try ASAP
- 12 special occasion restaurants in Toronto for any celebration
- Toronto’s best outdoor dining setups
- 12 top-notch Italian restaurants to try in Toronto right now
- The 10 best ambience restaurants in Toronto
- The best French restaurants in Toronto to try ASAP
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