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Best Authentic Restaurants in The Junction

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248 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lucia - Toronto restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(647)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • The Junction
Booked 4 times today
Lucia in Toronto is an authentic Italian restaurant, as evidenced by reviews praising its 'authentic Italian cuisine' and 'fresh ingredients carefully prepared'. The restaurant's focus on hand-made pasta dishes and simple Italian cooking aligns with its Italian roots. Reviews also highlight the cozy ambiance, excellent service, and delicious food, adding to the authentic Italian dining experience.
A photo of Piri Piri Grill restaurant
4.4
Awesome(486)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • The Junction
Booked 1 time today
Piri Piri Grill is considered authentic due to its interpretation of classic Mediterranean dishes and its authentic Portuguese cuisine. Customers consistently praise the restaurant for its delicious food, generous portions, and attentive service. They also highlight the ambiance and value for money. The reviews confirm that the restaurant maintains a high standard of quality and authenticity, making it a standout in the neighborhood.
A photo of Giulietta restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2219)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Little Portugal / Dundas West
Booked 46 times today
Chef Rob Rossi & David Minicucci, have collaborated to bring a genuine neighbourhood restaurant to Dufferin Grove.Designed by acclaimed architect Guido Costantino, a beguiling interior sets the stage for a convivial dining experience that honours traditional Italian fare while showcasing stand-out ingredients. Original brick and beam frame this warm, welcoming space where no detail is left unconsidered. Copper, Italian wool and red oxidized steel accents interplay with blonde wood and terrazzo, creating a rich, textured environment.We look forward to welcoming you soon.**Reservations are available within 14 days** Bar / Main BarStandard / Dining RoomCounter / Chef's Bar4169640606 | @giulietta972'22, '23, '24 Michelin Guide | Toronto'19 Canada's 100 Best | Best New Restaurant #1'19 Canada's 100 Best | Best Overall #9'19 Toronto Life | Best New Restaurant #3'18 EnRoute | Best New Restaurant #5
A photo of Mamakas Taverna restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1350)
Price: Very Expensive
• Greek • Queen West
Booked 44 times today
Mamakas Taverna is an elegant 85-seat Greek taverna on Ossington Ave. Owner Thanos Tripi brings a fresh, authentic approach to Aegean food, offering classical Greek dishes against a contemporary canvas. Each plate is thoughtfully crafted to evoke the way Thanos’ grandmother cooked, inviting guests to explore the Greece he grew up with through food, art and music.Meant to mimic an open market, the room is built of white concrete blocks creating an effect similar to the stucco seen throughout Greece. Mamakas is a nod to heritage, history and family memories – the daily trip to the market for ripe and fragrant tomatoes. Visiting a trusted butcher for fresh paithakia, and the local fish monger for the daily catch.Recipes passed down through generations. Honest Greek fare with a modern twist. Designed to share. Everything just as Thanos’ family has done through the ages.
A photo of Quetzal restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1027)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mexican • Little Italy / College St.
Booked 27 times today
At Quetzal, we celebrate regional Mexican cuisine, inspired by traditional flavours and cooking styles, all cooked over a 28 foot-long open fire that runs the span of the hot line.  Traditional moles, sauces and little-known native ingredients are transported to Toronto and infused with the bounty of local Ontario and Canadian produce, for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Quetzal is located at the corner of College & Bathurst, at the edges of four Toronto hotspot neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Kensington Market, Harbord Village, and the Annex.
A photo of Aleria restaurant
4.0
Excellent(244)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Queen West
Booked 3 times today
Aleria is a stylish and modern Mediterranean restaurant located in the heart of Toronto's Queen West neighbourhood. The restaurant offers a vibrant and inviting atmosphere, with a menu that features a variety of delicious dishes from across the Mediterranean region. Aleria's menu is inspired by the fresh and flavorful cuisine of the Mediterranean, with a focus on using seasonal ingredients. The restaurant's signature dishes include the grilled octopus, the lamb chops, and the seafood paella. Aleria also offers a wide selection of wines and cocktails, making it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal with friends or family. The restaurant's interior is designed to evoke the feeling of a Mediterranean oasis, with warm colors, comfortable seating, and plenty of natural light. Aleria also has a spacious patio that is perfect for enjoying a meal on a warm summer evening. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a fun night out with friends, or a casual lunch, Aleria is the perfect place to experience the best of Mediterranean cuisine.
A photo of Daphne restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1061)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Financial District
Booked 42 times today
Daphne is a modern American style restaurant, lounge, and garden terrace in the heart of Toronto's Financial District. Daphne offers American cuisine with a contemporary twist, skillfully curated by Executive Stuart Cameron. The menu showcases seasonal American classics, complemented by an array of small bites, handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive wine list, all presented within an elegant and modern ambiance. At the heart of the culinary offerings are two authentic wood-fired grills, infusing a distinct flavor into each dish. Locally sourced ingredients, along with local and imported seafood, are expertly grilled over live coals, ensuring a tantalizing dining experience. Each dish is thoughtfully enhanced with the addition of seasonal produce, while the bakery crafts artisanal breads by hand.
A photo of DaNico restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(330)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy / College St.
Booked 15 times today
Danico is the pinnacle of fine-dining in Toronto, offering a unique blend of traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist, as per the menu. The reviews are glowing, with one stating 'this meal did not disappoint' and another saying 'perfect in every way'. The chef's creativity and expertise have won praise, and the service is consistently described as professional and friendly. The ambiance is also highly rated, with one reviewer noting 'the moment you walk through the giant wooden door, you are immersed in a luxurious experience.'
A photo of Alo Restaurant restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(470)
Price: Very Expensive
• International • Entertainment District
Booked 13 times today
Alo is a contemporary French restaurant located atop a heritage building in downtown Toronto. Our cuisine is internationally inspired and celebrates the finest in seasonal ingredients paired with a genuine sense of welcome, served as a blind tasting menu. The Bar at Alo is adjacent to our main dining room and offer à la carte options as well as a shortened seasonal tasting menu. For large party bookings and/or private events please contact us at info@alorestaurant.com1 Michelin Star 2022, 2023, 2024No. 1 by Canada's 100 Best Restaurants five consecutive years since 2017No. 5 by Canada's 100 Best Bars in their inaugural awardsNo. 90 on the 2020 World’s 50 Best Restaurants listNo. 14 on the 2024 Opinionated About Dining North American best restaurants listNo. 58 on the 2020 La Liste world’s best restaurant list
A photo of Bar Isabel restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2040)
Price: Very Expensive
• Spanish • Little Italy / College St.
Booked 42 times today
Enjoy an intimate dining experience at Bar Isabel - a cozy restaurant nestled between Toronto's little Italy and little Portugal, where creative Spanish-inspired small plate dishes are served alongside cocktails and an extensive Iberian focused wine list. The restaurant's elegant interior boasts an intriguing blend of soft lighting, curved walls and a beautiful mosaic tile floor. Managed under the guidance of Maitre d' and Partner Alessandro Pietropaolo, Bar Isabel's menu includes a diverse mix of pintxos, conservas, seafood and meat dishes. Diners rave about the grilled octopus, the bone marrow and the ceviche. For dessert, the Basque cake and sherry cream is a must-try. Bar Isabel is open 5-11pm Sunday through Friday, and 12-11pm Saturday. Accolades include listings in the Michelin Guide, Canada's top 100, and 2013 awarded the best new restaurant in Canada by Enroute Magazine. Bar Isabel accepts reservations for parties of up to 8 guests.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Diane
    Toronto / Ontario •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Piri Piri is an excellent choice for dining. The food is unbelievable! The atmosphere both in the dining room and lounge is very soothing and comfortable. Service staff were very attentive and polite. Piri Piri will definitely be our go to 👍
    More info
    Piri Piri GrillPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• The Junction
    4.4
  • Anna
    Toronto / Ontario •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Excellent service from beginning to finish. The kitchen did an outstanding job! I have never had flavors like this before. The pacing of the tasting menu was perfect and the ambience was just right. Thank you everyone especially Farabi, Louis, Eder and Jack! I already look forward to the next visit!
    More info
    QuetzalPrice: Very Expensive• Mexican• Little Italy / College St.
    4.9
  • KunalVIP
    Toronto / Ontario •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great food, nice service. Very accommodating as my party was running late and they were able to give us a later time slot. Good vibes all around
    More info
    Mamakas TavernaPrice: Very Expensive• Greek• Queen West
    4.8
  • Diogo
    Toronto / Ontario •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Went for my birthday and the space has definitely got a renovation since my last visit in 2021. The food was equally as delicious, service had changed a bit (I do miss the old cutlery) but I understand with the demand and expansion since the WELL deserved Micheline recognition. The food was FABULOUS the octopus was a stand out texture perfectly cook the sala Verda had heat, zest, and herbaceous however, the star were the beans! DESSERT was my favourite course strawberries are my favourite fruits so confidently the gelato was right up my alley. I knew it was incredibly well done when my brother who notoriously dislikes strawberry “ice cream” of any sorts kept matching my spoon for spoon (will be back for the Torta). My only wish was to maybe talk about more with the Som and the employees. I know it’s hard to sometimes be able too in service and some guest just rather not be spoken to during their stay. I kept looking for an opening with everyone who touched our table didn’t work out. CJ was a wonderful server, paced our dishes and drinks, took care of my family wonderfully. Also loved that the table was communicated that it was “ours” until a specific time. It was a wonderfully birthday, thank you.
    More info
    GiuliettaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Little Portugal / Dundas West
    4.8
  • Mike
    Toronto / Ontario •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 8, 2025
    Very pleasantly surprised. Drove in from Oakville for Winterlicious. Will definitely return.
    More info
    Lucia - TorontoPrice: Moderate• Italian• The Junction
    4.6

Discover best authentic restaurants in The Junction

Discover the vibrant culinary landscape of The Junction, Toronto, where authenticity is the cornerstone of the dining scene. In this diverse neighborhood, restaurants specializing in authentic cuisines cater to a discerning clientele, offering a genuine taste of global cultures right in Ontario. Each establishment emphasizes original recipes and traditional cooking methods, ensuring a truly authentic dining experience that resonates with both locals and visitors. From meticulously crafted dishes that celebrate their cultural heritage to ambient settings that enhance the dining experience, these restaurants in The Junction are a testament to culinary authenticity. Patrons can expect not only flavorful meals but also a warm, inviting atmosphere that pays homage to the origins of each cuisine. The commitment to authenticity is evident in the careful selection of ingredients and the skilled preparation by expert chefs, making each meal a delightful journey through taste and tradition. Whether you're a food enthusiast seeking genuine flavors or a casual diner eager to explore different culinary traditions, The Junction offers an impressive array of options that promise an authentic dining experience. Each restaurant's dedication to maintaining high standards of quality and authenticity ensures that every visit is both satisfying and memorable.

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