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Restaurants

Best Restaurants in Toronto

The best restaurants in Toronto, from Alo and Michelin tables to peameal bacon icons, waterfront patios, romantic date spots, and buzzy new openings by neighbourhood.

Finding the best restaurants in Toronto means embracing a city that treats dining as a portrait of the whole world. In a single day you can grab a cornmeal-crusted peameal bacon sandwich for lunch at St.

Lawrence Market, wander through the noodle shops and taco stalls of Kensington Market, and end the night at a Michelin-starred tasting menu.

Toronto's food identity is built on wave after wave of immigrant communities, from Cantonese and Vietnamese to Ethiopian, Portuguese, and Sri Lankan, layered over a fiercely competitive fine-dining scene that finally earned its Michelin stars in 2022.

At a glance

The top pick in each category, at a glance.

CategoryOur pick
Best overallAloReserve
By CuisineQuetzalReserve
Fine Dining & Michelin-Starred RestaurantsAloReserve
Most Romantic RestaurantsAloReserve
Rooftop & View RestaurantsKostReserve
Vegetarian & Vegan RestaurantsPlantaReserve
Iconic Toronto Eats: Peameal, Patties & RotiCarousel BakeryReserve
New & Trendy Restaurant OpeningsPrime Seafood PalaceReserve

Top Picks

🍽️GetYourGuide food & wine tours, taste the best of Toronto on a food tour. Affiliate slot (stub).

📍 Queen West

Alo

French$$$$· Special occasion

Patrick Kriss's Michelin-starred flagship sits above a Spadina Avenue storefront and consistently ranks as the best restaurant in Canada. The French-driven tasting menu is precise, luxurious, and quietly confident, moving through caviar, seafood, and immaculate seasonal composition with impeccable service. The elegant room and adjoining bar make it feel special without tipping into stuffiness. If you want to understand why Toronto has become a serious fine-dining city, this is the essential reservation to chase months ahead.

What to order: Ever-changing tasting menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Yorkville

Sushi Masaki Saito

Sushi$$$$· Intimate & ceremonial

Toronto's only two-Michelin-star restaurant is an intimate Edomae omakase counter where chef Masaki Saito shapes each piece by hand. Aged and cured fish flown in from Japan, warm rice seasoned with red vinegar, and a slow, ceremonial pace define the experience. Seating is limited to a handful of guests, and the price sits at the top of the city's dining. For sushi purists chasing the highest possible craft, this is the definitive Toronto pilgrimage.

What to order: Edomae omakase

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 King West

Edulis

Spanish$$$· Cozy & seasonal

Tobey Nemeth and Michael Caballo's warm Niagara Street gem draws on Spanish and French traditions with a deep devotion to foraging and seasonality. Menus revolve around whatever is best that week, and truffle and wild mushroom seasons are legendary among regulars. The mood is cozy and gracious, more like dinner at a talented friend's home than a formal room. It is one of the city's most personal fine-dining tables and a favorite for those who love ingredient-driven cooking.

What to order: Wild mushroom and truffle menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Financial District

Canoe

Canadian$$$$· Skyline fine dining

Perched on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower, Canoe pairs sweeping views of the lake and skyline with refined, ingredient-focused Canadian cooking. Game, foraged produce, and regional fish anchor a menu that celebrates the country's larder with polish and restraint. The setting makes it a go-to for milestone dinners and impressing out-of-town guests. It is a reliable, deeply Toronto choice for elevated dining with a genuine sense of place high above the core.

What to order: Regional Canadian tasting

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Downtown

Richmond Station

New Canadian$$$· Casual & lively

Top Chef Canada winner Carl Heinrich's bustling downtown room helped define modern Toronto dining with soulful, farm-minded cooking and zero pretension. The kitchen roams from seasonal vegetables to hearty mains, but the famous Stn Burger, capped with aged cheddar and house pickles, is a genuine icon. The energy is warm and busy, and the value is rare for the quality on the plate. It is a dependable, defining table for anyone eating downtown.

What to order: The Stn Burger

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Little Italy

Bar Isabel

Spanish$$$· Moody & convivial

Grant van Gameren's College Street landmark brought Spanish-inflected, share-friendly cooking to a moody, candlelit room that still feels essential. The whole grilled octopus is the signature, joined by charcuterie, seafood, and vegetable plates built for grazing over sherry and natural wine. The atmosphere is loud, romantic, and effortlessly cool, exactly the kind of place that defines Toronto's independent restaurant scene. Reservations are worth the effort for one of Little Italy's best-loved tables.

What to order: Whole grilled octopus

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Ossington

Prime Seafood Palace

Steakhouse$$$$· Sultry & striking

Matty Matheson's Ossington destination hides serious steak and seafood inside a breathtaking, cathedral-like room of curved white oak. Dry-aged beef, pristine shellfish, and thoughtful sides are delivered with genuine warmth and craft. The design alone makes it a special-occasion pick, but the cooking earns the acclaim on its own terms. It is one of the city's most striking recent openings and a strong choice for a memorable, celebratory dinner.

What to order: Dry-aged steak

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 King West

Buca

Italian$$$· Chic & buzzy

Tucked down a laneway off Portland Street, Buca is a stylish, nose-to-tail Italian restaurant known for house-cured salumi and handmade pasta. The bone marrow, nodino, and daily pastas showcase serious technique, while the wine list leans deep into Italy. The room is chic and buzzy without being fussy, ideal for both dates and groups. It remains one of King West's defining tables for anyone who wants ambitious Italian cooking done at a high level.

What to order: House-cured salumi

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Entertainment District

Pai Northern Thai Kitchen

Thai$$· Casual & lively

Chef Nuit Regular's basement dining room off Adelaide is a joyful, always-packed shrine to Northern Thai cooking. The khao soi, a coconut curry noodle soup crowned with crispy noodles, is the must-order, alongside sticky rice, gai tod, and fiery salads. Bright, warm, and endlessly popular, it delivers big, layered flavors at friendly prices. It is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to eat exceptionally well in the heart of downtown.

What to order: Khao soi

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 St. Lawrence Market

Carousel Bakery

Sandwiches$· Market counter icon

No Toronto food tour is complete without the peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery inside the historic St. Lawrence Market. Thick rounds of cornmeal-crusted back bacon are griddled and stacked on a soft bun, a rite of passage that has drawn crowds and celebrity fans for decades. The counter is fast, cash-friendly, and gloriously no-frills. It is the single easiest way to taste the city's signature sandwich in one satisfying, budget-friendly stop.

What to order: Peameal bacon sandwich

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Kensington Market

Seven Lives

Mexican$· Market taco stand

This tiny Kensington Market taco stand serves some of the best Baja-style tacos in Canada from a cramped, joyful counter. The gobernador, packed with smoked marlin, shrimp, and melted cheese, is the essential order, joined by battered fish and rich fillings. Expect a line down the block and nowhere to sit, which is all part of the charm. It is a quintessential Kensington experience and a cheap, unforgettable bite between wandering the market's stalls.

What to order: Gobernador taco

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Chinatown

Mother's Dumplings

Chinese$· Casual & homey

A beloved Spadina Avenue fixture, Mother's Dumplings has drawn devoted crowds for years with handmade, from-scratch dumplings and northern Chinese comfort food. The pork and chive and lamb dumplings, boiled or pan-fried, are the reason to come, alongside hand-pulled noodles and green onion pancakes. The room is unfussy and welcoming, exactly what a great neighborhood dumpling house should be. It is a reliable, affordable Chinatown anchor worth the occasional wait.

What to order: Pan-fried pork dumplings

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Little Italy

DaiLo

Chinese-French$$$· Inventive & stylish

Chef Nick Liu's College Street restaurant fuses French technique with Hakka Chinese heritage into some of the most inventive cooking in the city. The fried watermelon and Big Mac bao have become cult favorites, and the tasting menu rewards diners who hand the kitchen the reins. The room is stylish and buzzy, with an upstairs bar for a more casual visit. It is a genuinely original table and a highlight of Toronto's modern dining scene.

What to order: Fried watermelon

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Kensington Market

Grey Gardens

Wine bar$$$· Intimate & cool

Jen Agg's Kensington Market wine bar pairs a killer natural wine list with sharp, seasonal cooking and some of the best oysters in the city. The menu shifts constantly, moving from raw bar and seafood to thoughtful vegetable and pasta dishes with real finesse. The narrow, artful room is intimate and cool without a hint of stuffiness. It is a perfect spot for a relaxed but serious dinner in the heart of the market.

What to order: Oysters and natural wine

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Entertainment District

Byblos

Mediterranean$$$· Casual & bustling

A sleek Duncan Street favorite, Byblos serves Eastern Mediterranean small plates spanning Lebanon, Turkey, and beyond in a warm, design-forward room. The shared format encourages grazing through mezze, wood-grilled meats, and standout breads, all with bold, aromatic spicing. Bustling and welcoming, it is one of the best downtown options for a lively group dinner without a tasting-menu commitment. Lean into the spreads, the fried chicken, and the vegetable dishes and share widely.

What to order: Mediterranean mezze

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Downtown

Aloette

Bistro$$· Bright & relaxed

The casual sibling of Alo, Aloette is a bright, retro-tinged diner on Spadina serving refined comfort food at a relaxed price. The double cheeseburger is frequently called one of the best in the city, and the towering lemon meringue pie is a must for dessert. Warm service and an unfussy room make it ideal for a walk-in lunch or an easy dinner. It delivers Alo-caliber polish in a genuinely approachable, joyful package.

What to order: The cheeseburger

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Dovercourt Park

Actinolite

New Canadian$$$· Refined tasting menu

Chef Justin Cournoyer's quietly excellent restaurant offers a seasonal tasting menu rooted almost entirely in Ontario ingredients, including plants from the chef's own family land. Dishes are precise, produce-forward, and deeply connected to the local landscape, moving from delicate to savory with intuitive rhythm. The calm, understated room is a counterpoint to the city's louder tables. For refined, personal fine dining that celebrates the region, it is among Toronto's most rewarding destinations.

What to order: Seasonal Ontario tasting menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Downtown

Lai Wah Heen

Cantonese$$$· Refined & elegant

A longtime standard-bearer for refined Cantonese dining, Lai Wah Heen elevates dim sum to an art form inside a polished downtown hotel setting. Delicate har gow, intricate dumplings shaped like swans and rabbits, and expertly steamed seafood set it apart from the everyday cart experience. Service is gracious and the room is calm and elegant, ideal for a special lunch. It is a rewarding choice for anyone seeking dim sum executed with genuine finesse.

What to order: Artisan dim sum

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

Best Restaurants in Toronto by Cuisine

Toronto's deep immigrant history makes it one of the world's great cuisine cities, where a short streetcar ride can carry you from Vietnamese pho on Spadina to modern Mexican fire cooking on College Street and Pakistani charcoal grills along Gerrard.

The best restaurants in Toronto by cuisine reward exploration beyond the downtown core: neighbourhood specialists in Kensington Market, Koreatown, and Little India often outshine flashier destinations.

Whether you crave Baja fish tacos, doro wat, Cantonese duck, or Polish pierogi, the city delivers depth and authenticity across price points.

This roundup highlights standout picks spanning the culinary map, from long-running institutions to modern reinventions, so you can build a week of eating that circles the globe without leaving the city limits.

  • Quetzal

    Regional Mexican $$$

    This College Street restaurant cooks almost everything over open wood fire, from grilled meats to house-nixtamalized masa. The regional Mexican menu is ambitious and seasonal, pairing serious technique with an excellent mezcal and margarita program. It helped push Toronto to take Mexican cuisine seriously as a fine-dining experience rather than only a casual one.

    What to order: Wood-grilled meats; fresh masa tortillas; mezcal

    Reserve

  • Seven Lives

    Mexican $

    A Kensington Market institution specializing in Baja-style tacos sold from a tiny, always-busy counter. The gobernador with smoked marlin and shrimp is the signature, and the fish tacos are crisp, fresh, and generous. It is unfussy, deeply satisfying, and a must for understanding Toronto's Mexican food scene beyond the sit-down room.

    What to order: Gobernador taco; Baja fish tacos

    Reserve

  • Pho Hung

    Vietnamese $

    A reliable, no-frills stop with locations near Spadina and Bloor for steaming bowls of pho and rice plates. The broth is fragrant and the portions generous, and the surrounding Chinatown blocks offer banh mi, bubble tea, and grocery exploration. It anchors one of the city's best strips for Southeast Asian eating.

    What to order: Pho tai; rice plates

    Reserve

  • Lahore Tikka House

    Pakistani/North Indian $$

    The heart of the Gerrard India Bazaar, this bustling Pakistani and North Indian spot serves charcoal tandoori, biryani, and thali in a lively, canopy-covered setting. Come hungry for spice-forward curries, seekh kebabs, and endless naan. A meal here is the best way to experience the neighbourhood's vibrant, spice-scented energy.

    What to order: Biryani; tandoori; seekh kebab

    Reserve

  • Oddseoul

    Korean-Canadian $$

    This Ossington snack bar reimagines Korean-Canadian cooking with creativity and warmth. The loosie, a griddled beef and cheese sandwich, is a signature, and the menu balances familiar comfort with inventive flourishes. It is a modern neighbourhood standout that showcases Toronto's playful, cross-cultural approach to Korean flavours.

    What to order: The Loosie; Korean fried snacks

    Reserve

  • Mezes

    Greek $$

    A longstanding Greek restaurant on the Danforth serving grilled octopus, saganaki, and a broad spread of hot and cold mezze. Bright, lively, and generous, it brings warm hospitality to the historic Greektown strip. It is a strong pick for group dining and shared plates over a bottle of retsina.

    What to order: Grilled octopus; saganaki; mezze

    Reserve

  • Cafe Polonez

    Polish $

    A beloved Roncesvalles institution serving hearty Polish home cooking to the neighbourhood's historic Polish community. The pierogi are handmade and the schnitzel plates are enormous, rounded out by borscht, cabbage rolls, and hunter's stew. Simple, focused, and comforting, it is destination eating for anyone chasing traditional Central European fare.

    What to order: Pierogi; schnitzel; bigos

    Reserve

  • DaiLo

    Modern Chinese $$$

    A creative modern Chinese restaurant on College Street from chef Nick Liu that fuses Cantonese roots with French technique. The fried watermelon and the big trouble in little china fried chicken are playful signatures, personal and unlike anything else in the city. It reflects Toronto's talent for cross-cultural cooking rooted in genuine skill and heritage.

    What to order: Fried watermelon; big trouble in little china chicken

    Reserve

  • Lee Garden

    Cantonese $$

    A family-run Cantonese favourite on the Spadina Chinatown strip, famous for its Peking duck and generous, convivial spreads. The comforting classics and reliable cooking make it perfect for groups. It is a beloved anchor of Toronto's Chinese dining scene and a dependable celebration spot.

    What to order: Peking duck; subgum wonton

    Reserve

  • Rendez-Vous Ethiopian

    Ethiopian $

    A warm, family-run room in the Danforth's Little Ethiopia serving spongy injera piled with spiced stews. The doro wat and the vegetarian combination platters are made for sharing by hand, communal and deeply satisfying. It anchors one of the city's best pockets for East African cooking and generous hospitality.

    What to order: Doro wat; vegetarian combination platter

    Reserve

Best Fine Dining & Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Toronto

Toronto earned its first Michelin Guide in 2022, and the city's fine-dining scene has matured quickly, anchored by a two-Michelin-star sushi flagship and a growing roster of one-star tables.

The best fine dining restaurants in Toronto range from Edomae omakase counters and Southern Italian grandeur to market-driven Canadian tasting menus and open-fire modern Mexican.

Expect seasonal menus, thoughtful wine, sake, and non-alcoholic pairings, and reservations that vanish weeks ahead. These are the rooms for milestone celebrations and once-in-a-trip splurges.

Book early, arrive curious, and let the kitchen lead; Toronto's top tables reward diners who surrender to the experience.

  • Alo

    Contemporary French $$$$

    Chef Patrick Kriss's refined French tasting menu is Toronto's benchmark fine-dining experience, perched above Queen West with skyline views. Precise, seasonal, and gracefully served, it has earned the city's most consistent Michelin acclaim. It is the definitive Toronto splurge for a milestone dinner.

    What to order: Seasonal tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Sushi Masaki Saito

    Japanese; Sushi $$$$

    Toronto's only two-Michelin-star restaurant, an intimate Yorkville counter serving Edomae omakase from Hokkaido-born chef Masaki Saito. Pristine fish, aged with exacting technique, is shaped course by course before you. It is the city's ultimate sushi pilgrimage and a bucket-list reservation.

    What to order: Edomae omakase

    Reserve

  • Don Alfonso 1890

    Italian $$$$

    A one-star ode to the Amalfi Coast on the waterfront, the North American outpost of the storied Italian original. Luxurious Southern Italian cooking arrives in a grand, romantic room overlooking Lake Ontario. It is a favorite for anniversaries and celebratory occasions.

    What to order: Mediterranean tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Aburi Hana

    Japanese kaiseki $$$$

    A one-star kaiseki experience bringing refined Kyoto tradition to Yorkville. Multi-course seasonal menus move gracefully from delicate to deeply savory, matched with sake and tea. Serene and meticulous, it rewards diners who surrender to the ritual.

    What to order: Seasonal kaiseki menu

    Reserve

  • Edulis

    European $$$

    A one-star husband-and-wife restaurant celebrated for wild mushrooms, seafood, and market-driven European cooking. The warm King West room feels like a farmhouse retreat, and the menu shifts with the seasons and the foragers' finds. Intimate and personal, it is a quiet gem.

    What to order: Mushroom and seafood tasting

    Reserve

  • Enigma

    Contemporary $$$$

    Chef Quang Dang's one-star Yorkville room delivers a polished, contemporary tasting menu built on luxe ingredients and impeccable service. Elegant and understated, it favors refinement over spectacle. It is a top choice for special occasions seeking quiet sophistication.

    What to order: Contemporary tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Frilu

    Modern Canadian $$$$

    A one-star destination in Thornhill where chef Robbie Hojilla cooks a modern, produce-driven tasting menu with global accents. Precise plating and thoughtful pairings define a calm, sophisticated room north of the city core. It is well worth the trip for a considered splurge.

    What to order: Seasonal tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Osteria Giulia

    Italian $$$

    A one-star coastal Italian favorite in Yorkville serving crudo, handmade pasta, and simple, ingredient-led cooking. The elegant yet convivial room is a hard-to-book magnet for a refined Italian dinner. Approachable luxury without a full tasting-menu commitment.

    What to order: Crudo; handmade pasta

    Reserve

  • Quetzal

    Mexican $$$

    A one-star modern Mexican restaurant built around a wall of open fire and house-nixtamalized masa. Wood-smoke, heritage corn, and seasonal Ontario produce drive an inventive, boundary-pushing menu on College Street. Bold and distinctive, it is one of the city's most exciting tables.

    What to order: Wood-fire tasting; fresh masa tortillas

    Reserve

  • Shoushin

    Japanese; Sushi $$$$

    A one-star Edomae sushi counter delivering serious, traditional omakase in a focused, understated setting. Carefully aged fish and warm hospitality make it a refined experience for purists. A quieter alternative for those seeking classic sushi mastery.

    What to order: Edomae omakase

    Reserve

  • Canoe

    Canadian $$$

    A Toronto institution on the 54th floor of the TD tower, pairing elevated Canadian cuisine with sweeping views of the city and lake. Regional ingredients and polished service make it ideal for celebrations and pre-theater dinners. A dependable choice for special-occasion dining without a tasting-menu marathon.

    What to order: Seasonal Canadian tasting; game

    Reserve

Most Romantic Restaurants in Toronto

For date nights, anniversaries, and proposals, the most romantic restaurants in Toronto pair intimate lighting and gracious service with food worth lingering over.

The city offers everything from candlelit French dining rooms and clubby steakhouses to cozy spots with skyline views and hidden courtyards.

Romance here is less about stiff formality and more about atmosphere: a moody bar, a shared bottle of wine, and a room that makes time slow down. Whether you want CN Tower glamour or a tucked-away table in a converted downtown building, these picks set the mood.

Reserve ahead, request a quiet corner if you can, and plan a leisurely, unhurried evening.

  • Alo

    French $$$$

    Perched above Queen West, Alo is Toronto's benchmark for a special-occasion date. A hushed, elegant dining room, faultless service, and a French-leaning tasting menu make every course feel like an event. Book the intimate bar or the chef's counter for a memorable evening.

    What to order: Multi-course tasting menu; wine pairings

    Reserve

  • Canoe

    Canadian $$$$

    On the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower, Canoe pairs sweeping views of Lake Ontario and the skyline with refined Canadian cooking. Floor-to-ceiling windows, warm lighting, and polished service make it a glamorous choice for anniversaries and proposals.

    What to order: Seasonal Canadian tasting; skyline views

    Reserve

  • Scaramouche

    French Continental $$$$

    A longtime romantic institution above the city on Avenue Road, Scaramouche offers city-light views, plush comfort, and gracious old-school service. The refined continental menu and legendary coconut cream pie make it a classic anniversary destination.

    What to order: Continental classics; coconut cream pie

    Reserve

  • Don Alfonso 1890

    Italian $$$$

    This upscale Italian room downtown brings southern Italian elegance to a plush, candlelit setting. Handmade pastas, seafood, and an extensive wine list, delivered with impeccable service, make it a sophisticated, unhurried romantic dinner.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; southern Italian tasting

    Reserve

  • Café Boulud

    French $$$

    Inside the Four Seasons in Yorkville, this polished French dining room is ideal for special occasions. Elegant plating, an excellent wine list, and a sophisticated yet warm setting make it a reliably romantic uptown option.

    What to order: Refined French plates; wine list

    Reserve

  • Byblos

    Eastern Mediterranean $$$

    A warm, softly lit room on the Entertainment District's edge, Byblos serves Eastern Mediterranean sharing plates perfect for a date. Fragrant mezze, wood-fired mains, and a lively-but-intimate mood make it a comfortable, flavour-rich evening for two.

    What to order: Mezze; wood-fired mains

    Reserve

  • Buca

    Italian $$$

    Tucked below street level in King West, Buca's cellar-like room feels moody and intimate. House-made pastas, salumi, and wood-fired plates paired with candlelight and a deep Italian wine list make for a cozy, romantic date-night pick.

    What to order: House-made pasta; salumi

    Reserve

  • Richmond Station

    Canadian $$$

    A warm, welcoming downtown room from a celebrated local chef, Richmond Station offers seasonal Canadian cooking without pretension. Attentive service, a snug dining room, and its famous Station Burger make it a comfortable, low-pressure date.

    What to order: Seasonal plates; Station Burger

    Reserve

  • George Restaurant

    Contemporary $$$

    Set around a leafy courtyard near the Distillery District, George pairs contemporary tasting menus with a serene, elegant setting. Impeccable service and a quiet patio in season make it a graceful choice for a celebratory, intimate dinner.

    What to order: Tasting menu; courtyard setting

    Reserve

  • Barberian's Steak House

    Steakhouse $$$

    A classic Toronto steakhouse with clubby energy, dark wood, and old-school charm since 1959. The lively downtown setting and famous deep wine cellar suit couples who want a celebratory, timeless steak dinner with a great martini.

    What to order: Aged steaks; deep wine cellar

    Reserve

Best Rooftop & View Restaurants in Toronto

Few cities reward dining with a view like Toronto, where the skyline, Lake Ontario, and the CN Tower create dramatic backdrops from spring through fall.

The best rooftop and view restaurants in Toronto range from sky-high cocktail lounges atop downtown towers to waterfront patios and hotel terraces perfect for golden hour.

Warm-weather months are peak season, when rooftops fill quickly and reservations or early arrivals become essential. Many focus as much on the setting and drinks as the food, so calibrate expectations accordingly.

Whether you want a signature cocktail dozens of floors up or a laid-back patio with lake views, these spots deliver Toronto's most photogenic dining.

  • Kost

    Mexican $$$

    Perched on the 44th floor of the Bisha Hotel in the Entertainment District, Kost pairs Baja-inspired cocktails and small plates with sweeping views of the skyline and Lake Ontario. The airy space is a prime golden-hour spot in the heart of downtown.

    What to order: Ceviche; cocktails; skyline views

    Reserve

  • 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower

    Canadian $$$$

    High atop the CN Tower, this revolving dining room offers jaw-dropping panoramas of the city, the lake, and beyond as it slowly turns. Come for the vantage point and Canadian-focused menu; the view over the harbour and downtown is unforgettable.

    What to order: Canadian plates with panoramic views

    Reserve

  • The Roof Restaurant at Park Hyatt Toronto

    Canadian $$$

    A refined Yorkville rooftop lounge with dramatic views over midtown and the downtown skyline. Recently renovated, it is one of the city's most storied spots for cocktails and elegant plates, especially at sunset.

    What to order: Cocktails; refined plates; city views

    Reserve

  • Lavelle

    Mediterranean $$$

    A stylish King West rooftop with a pool, palm-lined terrace, and Mediterranean-California menu high above the neighbourhood. The energetic setting and strong food set it apart from view-only rooftops, making it a top all-around pick.

    What to order: Wood-grilled plates; poolside rooftop

    Reserve

  • The One Eighty

    Canadian $$$

    Set on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre in Bloor-Yorkville, this is one of the highest patios in the city, with floor-to-ceiling skyline views. The lofty perch makes it a scenic spot for cocktails above midtown.

    What to order: Cocktails with panoramic views

    Reserve

  • Baro

    Latin American $$$

    A vibrant King West rooftop serving Latin American small plates and cocktails above the dining room below. Its lush, energetic vibe makes it a solid choice for after-work drinks or a laid-back rooftop evening.

    What to order: Cocktails; Latin small plates; rooftop

    Reserve

  • The Rooftop at Broadview Hotel

    American $$$

    An intimate rooftop atop the historic Broadview Hotel in the east end, with striking views of the downtown skyline across the Don Valley. The setting and retractable roof make it a scenic year-round spot for cocktails and shareable plates.

    What to order: Cocktails; shareable plates; skyline views

    Reserve

  • Canoe

    Canadian $$$$

    High on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower, Canoe pairs elevated Canadian fine dining with commanding views over the harbour and islands. Come for the vantage point and a celebrated tasting menu that showcases regional ingredients.

    What to order: Canadian tasting menu; tower views

    Reserve

  • The Chase

    Seafood $$$$

    A polished rooftop atop a heritage building in the Financial District, serving seafood-forward plates and cocktails. The stylish terrace and downtown views make it a top warm-weather destination for drinks and dinner.

    What to order: Seafood; cocktails; rooftop views

    Reserve

  • Cabana Pool Bar

    American $$$

    A sprawling waterfront pool bar on Polson Pier with panoramic skyline and lake views across the harbour. The setting over the water is dramatic and well suited to groups and celebrations on warm days.

    What to order: Cocktails; poolside bites; skyline views

    Reserve

Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Toronto

Toronto's plant-based scene has grown from a niche into a genuine strength, with dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants alongside omnivore kitchens that treat vegetables as headliners.

The best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Toronto span comfort-food diners, refined seasonal tasting menus, and globally inspired spots serving everything from vegan soul food to plant-based Mexican, Ethiopian, and South Indian.

Many of the city's produce-driven chefs source from Ontario farms and the region's growers, so vegetable dishes here are anything but an afterthought.

Whether you are fully vegan, vegetarian, or simply eating lighter, these picks prove that meat-free dining in Toronto can be creative, satisfying, and celebratory rather than restrictive.

  • Planta

    Plant-based $$$

    A stylish, plant-forward restaurant offering an elevated vegetable-centric menu in a chic Yorkville setting. It demonstrates how far Toronto's meat-free dining has come, with refined plates, plant-based sushi, and a sophisticated bar program that appeal to vegans and omnivores alike.

    What to order: Elevated plant-based plates; vegan sushi

    Reserve

  • Fresh

    Vegetarian $$

    A vegetarian and vegan mainstay serving grain bowls, hearty salads, and cold-pressed juices across several locations. Casual and welcoming, it is a reliable go-to for wholesome, satisfying meat-free meals and smoothies.

    What to order: Buddha bowls; cold-pressed juices

    Reserve

  • Vegetarian Haven

    Vegan Asian $$

    A longtime vegan restaurant near Kensington Market serving wholesome, health-focused Asian-inspired dishes, noodle bowls, and stir-fries. Its dedicated, nourishing approach has earned a loyal following over many years.

    What to order: Asian-inspired vegan bowls; stir-fries

    Reserve

  • Hogtown Vegan

    Vegan Comfort $$

    A pioneering meat-free spot famous for its plant-based comfort-food classics like chick'n and waffles and mac and cheese. A beloved go-to for hearty vegan indulgence, it remains a favourite for those craving satisfying diner-style plates.

    What to order: Vegan chick'n and waffles; mac and cheese

    Reserve

  • Rosalinda

    Vegan Mexican $$

    A vegan Mexican restaurant in the Financial District serving creative plant-based plates, tacos, and standout cocktails. Inventive dishes and a lush, plant-filled room make it a strong choice for a lively meat-free night out.

    What to order: Plant-based tacos; margaritas

    Reserve

  • Cosmic Treats

    Vegan Diner $

    A vegan diner in Kensington Market serving plant-based comfort food, burgers, and thick milkshakes. Casual and fun, it is a reliable stop for satisfying vegan versions of familiar junk-food favourites.

    What to order: Vegan burgers; milkshakes

    Reserve

  • Nunu Ethiopian

    Ethiopian $$

    A Danforth-area Ethiopian restaurant with an excellent range of vegetarian and vegan combination platters served on injera. The spiced lentils, greens, and vegetable stews make it a naturally plant-friendly, communal dining experience.

    What to order: Veggie combo on injera; spiced lentils

    Reserve

  • Kupfert & Kim

    Vegan $

    A plant-based, meatless and wheatless spot serving grain bowls, wraps, and hearty breakfasts across downtown locations. Fast, fresh, and satisfying, it is a dependable choice for a wholesome midday meat-free meal.

    What to order: Plant-based grain bowls; breakfast

    Reserve

  • Udupi Palace

    South Indian Vegetarian $

    A South Indian vegetarian institution in Little India serving crispy dosas, idli, and thali plates. Its long-standing, flavourful cooking makes it a meaningful stop for naturally vegetarian dining beyond the usual neighbourhoods.

    What to order: Masala dosa; South Indian thali

    Reserve

  • Actinolite

    Seasonal Canadian $$$

    While not exclusively vegetarian, Justin Cournoyer's seasonal restaurant offers standout vegetable-forward dishes worth seeking out. Its foraging-minded, produce-driven cooking makes it a great option for flexitarians dining with meat-eaters in the west end.

    What to order: Vegetable-forward tasting plates

    Reserve

Iconic Toronto Eats: Peameal, Patties & Roti

You cannot claim to know the best restaurants in Toronto without tasting the city's signature hometown foods: the peameal bacon sandwich, Jamaican beef patties, Caribbean roti, and street-cart classics.

The peameal bacon sandwich is the headline act, a stack of cornmeal-crusted back bacon on a soft bun that locals happily line up for at St. Lawrence Market.

Beyond that, Toronto's food identity is defined by its immigrant neighbourhoods: flaky patties from Little Jamaica, butter chicken roti wrapped fresh to order, dim sum on Spadina, and Neapolitan pies fired in Ossington.

These dishes are affordable, unpretentious, and deeply tied to the city's multicultural roots. Come hungry, embrace the variety, and taste the foods that define Toronto's culinary identity.

  • Carousel Bakery

    Sandwiches $

    The definitive peameal bacon sandwich, served for decades from a stall inside historic St. Lawrence Market. Cornmeal-crusted back bacon piled on a soft kaiser with a squeeze of mustard, it is the single dish most tied to Toronto and a mandatory first bite for any visitor.

    What to order: Peameal bacon sandwich

    Reserve

  • Gandhi Roti

    Roti $

    A Queen West institution beloved for its enormous, made-to-order roti wraps. The butter chicken roti, packed tight in a soft, freshly griddled skin, is generous, richly spiced, and quintessential Toronto Caribbean-South Asian comfort food.

    What to order: Butter chicken roti

    Reserve

  • Randy's Take-Out

    Jamaican $

    A no-frills Little Jamaica legend on Eglinton West serving classic Jamaican beef patties. Flaky, golden, and peppery, eaten hot from a paper bag or tucked into coco bread, it is an affordable, unpretentious Toronto rite of passage.

    What to order: Jamaican beef patty with coco bread

    Reserve

  • Smoke's Poutinerie

    Poutine $

    Founded in Toronto, this cheerful chain turned poutine into a citywide staple. Crisp fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich gravy come piled with toppings, offering a quick, satisfying, only-in-Canada indulgence any time of day.

    What to order: Classic poutine with curds and gravy

    Reserve

  • Pizzeria Libretto

    Pizza $$

    The Ossington restaurant that helped bring Neapolitan pizza to Toronto, with charred, blistered crusts fired in a wood oven. A local favourite for a lively, casual night out, it delivers consistently excellent pies and Italian classics.

    What to order: Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza

    Reserve

  • Banh Mi Boys

    Vietnamese $

    A wildly popular Queen West counter reinventing the Vietnamese sandwich. Crackly baguettes stuffed with grilled pork or tofu, plus famous kimchi fries and steamed baos, make it a fast, flavourful, only-in-Toronto mash-up worth the queue.

    What to order: Grilled pork banh mi; kimchi fries

    Reserve

  • Rol San

    Cantonese Dim Sum $$

    A bustling Spadina fixture in the heart of Chinatown, serving all-day dim sum from a paper menu you tick off yourself. Steamer baskets of dumplings, rice rolls, and barbecue pork buns arrive cheap, fast, and reliably tasty.

    What to order: All-day dim sum

    Reserve

  • The Real Jerk

    Jamaican $$

    A colourful Queen East institution and a Toronto icon of Caribbean cooking. Smoky, fiery jerk chicken, oxtail, and festival dumplings come with reggae on the speakers, making it a spirited, only-in-Toronto meal with real character.

    What to order: Jerk chicken with rice and peas

    Reserve

  • Seven Lives

    Tacos $

    A tiny Kensington Market taqueria famous for its Baja-style fish and shrimp tacos. The gobernador, smoky with marlin and melted cheese, draws long lines to a cramped counter and rewards the wait with big, messy flavour.

    What to order: Gobernador taco

    Reserve

  • Uncle Tetsu

    Japanese Bakery $

    The Japanese cheesecake shop whose downtown lineups became a Toronto phenomenon. The jiggly, warm, freshly baked cotton cheesecake is light, airy, and faintly sweet, a fun, affordable dessert stop after a day of eating through the city.

    What to order: Japanese cotton cheesecake

    Reserve

Best Restaurants in Toronto by Neighborhood

Toronto is a city of distinct neighborhoods, and the best restaurants in Toronto are scattered across them rather than concentrated in a single dining district.

Queen West and the Entertainment District form the buzziest downtown hub, while Little Italy along College Street, Ossington, and the Danforth reward those who explore the city's independent, chef-driven strips.

Kensington Market and Chinatown offer vibrant, affordable, multicultural eating, and Little India on Gerrard anchors the east end. Using neighborhoods to plan your meals lets you pair dining with sightseeing, walkable strolls, and a genuine sense of local life.

This roundup spotlights a signature restaurant in several key areas to help you eat your way across the city.

  • Queen West, Alo

    French $$$$

    The tasting-menu landmark that defined modern Toronto fine dining, with Patrick Kriss's precise, French-inspired cooking above Spadina Avenue. Queen West is the city's creative core, and this is its most celebrated room. Reservations are tough but worth it.

    What to order: Tasting menu; canapes

    Reserve

  • Little Italy, Bar Isabel

    Spanish $$$

    A dark, convivial Spanish taberna anchoring one of the city's liveliest strips. Grant van Gameren's tapas, whole grilled octopus, and late-night energy make it the ideal introduction to College Street's independent food culture.

    What to order: Octopus a la plancha; tapas

    Reserve

  • Kensington Market, Grey Gardens

    Wine Bar $$$

    A charming, funky wine bar devoted to oysters, natural wine, and seasonal small plates that captures Kensington's bohemian spirit. Communal and easygoing, it is the perfect stop while wandering the market's vintage shops and produce stalls.

    What to order: Oysters; seasonal small plates

    Reserve

  • Chinatown, Mother's Dumplings

    Chinese $

    Handmade dumplings and noodles sold cheap in the heart of the Spadina Avenue Chinatown. Pair a visit with the neighborhood's herbalists and bakeries for a full cultural and culinary afternoon.

    What to order: Handmade dumplings by the dozen

    Reserve

  • The Danforth, Pantheon

    Greek $$

    A warm, family-run taverna that anchors Greektown with grilled meats, mezze, and generous hospitality. It is the essential reason to plan a meal around the Danforth and its summer Taste of the Danforth festival.

    What to order: Grilled octopus; souvlaki; saganaki

    Reserve

  • Little India, Lahore Tikka House

    Pakistani $$

    Charcoal-grilled kebabs and rich curries served in a bustling, colorful room at the heart of the Gerrard Street Little India. Inventive spicing and low prices make it a rewarding, high-energy dining destination in the east end.

    What to order: Charcoal seekh kebab; curries

    Reserve

  • Financial District, Canoe

    Canadian $$$$

    A polished Canadian restaurant on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower, with sweeping skyline views and refined regional cooking. River-to-table game and coast-to-coast produce make it a standout special-occasion anchor downtown.

    What to order: Game; regional tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Leslieville, Lady Marmalade

    Brunch $$

    A beloved, no-reservations brunch spot bringing Mexican-inflected morning cooking to a quiet east-side neighborhood. Cozy and unpretentious, it exemplifies Leslieville's easygoing, independent dining.

    What to order: Huevos rancheros; eggs benedict

    Reserve

  • St. Lawrence Market, Carousel Bakery

    Sandwiches $

    The legendary counter behind Toronto's peameal bacon sandwich, tucked inside the historic St. Lawrence Market. A stroll through the market's cheesemongers and butchers is a rewarding, affordable culinary outing.

    What to order: Peameal bacon sandwich

    Reserve

  • Distillery District, El Catrin

    Mexican $$$

    A vibrant Mexican room with one of the city's largest patios, set among the cobblestones of the historic Distillery District. Tacos, guacamole, and a deep mezcal list make it a compelling reason to explore the area's galleries and boutiques.

    What to order: Tacos; guacamole; mezcal

    Reserve

Best New & Trendy Restaurant Openings in Toronto

Toronto's dining scene never stands still, and the best new and trendy restaurant openings in Toronto keep the city on the national radar year after year.

Recent momentum has centered on the Ossington strip's continued expansion, ambitious neighbourhood debuts, and chefs branching out from acclaimed flagships to launch second and third concepts.

New openings tend to book up fast on buzz alone, so flexibility with dates and early or late seatings helps. Because the freshest spots evolve quickly, it is always worth checking current local coverage before you go.

These picks highlight recently opened and buzzy restaurants that capture where Toronto dining is heading right now.

  • Prime Seafood Palace

    Live-Fire $$$$

    Matty Matheson's live-fire restaurant on the Ossington strip pairs a breathtaking wood-clad interior with seafood and dry-aged beef cooked over open flame. Its striking architecture and cult chef status made it one of the hardest reservations in the city.

    What to order: Live-fire seafood; dry-aged beef

    Reserve

  • Osteria Giulia

    Italian $$$

    A coastal Italian sibling to Giulietta on Avenue Road, focused on handmade pasta, wood-grilled seafood, and a warm, intimate room. Its polished cooking keeps it among the most sought-after Italian tables uptown.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; wood-grilled seafood

    Reserve

  • Quetzal

    Mexican $$$

    A modern Mexican restaurant on College Street built around a wood fire and glowing coals, with whole-animal cooking and house masa tortillas. Its open-hearth theatrics and refined plates keep it firmly in the conversation.

    What to order: Wood-fire and coal-cooked Mexican

    Reserve

  • Cafe Cancan

    French Bistro $$$

    A whimsical, blush-toned French bistro on Harbord Street serving escargot, steak frites, and classic Gallic comfort. Its playful room and reliable cooking make it a see-and-be-seen neighbourhood favourite.

    What to order: Escargot; classic bistro fare

    Reserve

  • Mamakas Taverna

    Greek $$$

    The modern Greek taverna that helped revitalize Hellenic dining on Ossington, with grilled octopus, spreads, and generous shared plates. Its lively energy keeps it popular for groups.

    What to order: Grilled octopus; contemporary mezze

    Reserve

  • Enigma

    New Canadian $$$$

    An intimate Yorkville tasting-menu restaurant delivering an ambitious, multi-course contemporary experience. Its precise, creative cooking made it one of the more distinctive recent fine-dining arrivals.

    What to order: Multi-course contemporary tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Bar Raval

    Spanish $$

    A stunning Gaudi-inspired Spanish bar on College Street pouring vermouth and serving pintxos, jamon, and seafood conservas. Its handcrafted woodwork and all-day energy made it an enduring buzzy destination.

    What to order: Pintxos; jamon and vermouth

    Reserve

  • Sunny's Chinese

    Chinese $$

    A hip Kensington Market spot reinventing Cantonese and Chinese-Canadian classics with a modern, playful touch. Its cool room and craveable plates energized the neighbourhood dining scene.

    What to order: Modern Cantonese plates

    Reserve

  • Kanto / Filipino newcomers

    Filipino $$

    A wave of Filipino restaurants and stalls has energized the scene with everything from casual eateries to ambitious concepts. They reflect one of Toronto's most exciting current culinary movements.

    What to order: Casual to ambitious Filipino plates

    Reserve

  • Assembly Chef's Hall / food halls

    Food Hall $$

    Curated food halls in the downtown core gather standout local vendors under one roof, offering an easy way to sample multiple buzzy chefs and cuisines in a single, casual visit.

    What to order: Multiple local vendors under one roof

    Reserve

Frequently Asked Questions

What food is Toronto most famous for?

Toronto is most famous for the peameal bacon sandwich, cornmeal-crusted back bacon on a soft bun. The city is also known for its multicultural cooking, butter tarts, and Hawaiian pizza, which was invented in Ontario, plus fine dining like two-Michelin-star Sushi Masaki Saito.

Where can I get the best peameal bacon sandwich in Toronto?

The classic spot is Carousel Bakery inside St. Lawrence Market, with Paddington's Pump nearby serving its own version. Uncle Betty's and several diners also do a strong peameal breakfast. Try more than one.

Do I need reservations for top Toronto restaurants?

Yes. Michelin-starred spots like Alo, Sushi Masaki Saito, Edulis, and Enigma need reservations released weeks ahead. Some counters and taverns take walk-ins, but book early or sit at the bar.

Which Toronto neighbourhoods are best for dining?

King West and Ossington are the buzziest hubs for chef-driven restaurants. Kensington Market and Chinatown offer affordable global eats, the Danforth is Greektown, Little Italy and Leslieville have neighbourhood gems, and Yorkville leans upscale.

How expensive is fine dining in Toronto?

Toronto's top tasting menus are a splurge, typically $$$$ per person before pairings. Market stalls, taquerias, and spots like the food courts of Chinatown offer great value. Check current menus.

Are there good vegetarian and vegan options in Toronto?

Yes. Plant-based standouts include Planta, Fresh, Kupfert & Kim, and Rosalinda. Many fine-dining kitchens accommodate vegan menus with notice, and Ethiopian spots offer generous plant-based platters.