Best Restaurants in Toronto

When it comes to the best restaurants in Toronto, we’ve got you covered. After all, It’s no secret that Toronto is one of the world’s most drool-worthy dining destinations. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy café or would want to check out the tasting menu at an upscale restaurant, Canada’s biggest city dishes up delicious discoveries around every corner.

Whether your tastes swing savoury, sweet, local, or international, we do not doubt that you’ll find flavours to feed any food fanatic’s fire. 

Innovative chefs and indie restaurateurs are always taking Toronto’s food scenes to new heights – as evidenced by the many fusion eateries speckled across the city. But don’t just take our word for it: in this guide, we’ll take you through some of the most exciting dining destinations to help you plot your own culinary conquests. 

So, grab your appetite and let’s check out the best restaurants in Toronto!  

Mimi Chinese

If you’re looking for a great place to chow down on classic Asian specialties, then Mimi Chinese certainly has you covered! 

As a huge fan of Chinese noodles, what caught my attention was the Four Foot Belt Noodle, which is exactly as grand as it sounds. Served alongside a pair of scissors, this hearty noodle dish is accompanied by grass-fed beef, pink shrimp and Sichuan sauce. 

The Chef’s Specials is packed with classic dishes, including Scallion & Ginger Sea Bass, made from high-quality fresh fish smothered in aged tangerine peel, scalded scallion, as well as soy broth Guangdong. Chase this down with an aromatic cocktail served in a panda-shaped glass and you’ve got yourself a winning combo right there! When it comes to Chinese food, this is easily one of the best restaurants in Toronto.

• Address: 265 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 1J9, Canada
• Opening hours: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Tuesday to Thursday), 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. (Friday & Saturday)
• Phone number: +1 416-505-0799

Prime Seafood Palace

Premium products meet playful preparations at the Prime Seafood Palace, a luxe surf-and-turf spot nestled in the heart of West Queen West. 

Celebrity chef Matty Matheson brings his innovative takes to this fine dining restaurant which was also featured on the list of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants – so you’re certainly in for a treat! 

Their dishes are sourced from local ingredients and in true Chef Matheson style, they’re always served with flourish. Their stracciatella, for example, is beautifully presented with grilled squid and white asparagus slivers. The fresh fish fillet is smothered in beurre blanc, speckled with roe, and served alongside an insanely generous heaping of caviar. According to the reviews, the dishes taste as good as they look and help this rank this spot as one of the best restaurants in Toronto.

• Address: 944 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G8, Canada
• Opening hours: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Closed on Sundays)
• Phone number: +1 416-551-8038

LOUIX LOUIS

Intricate murals and high ceilings beckon at LOUIX LOUIS, an upscale restaurant that’s found on the 31st floor of the St. Regis Hotel. The dining room is designed to make you feel like you’re inside a whiskey glass – not surprising given that the restaurant boasts an extensive whiskey list with nearly 700 bottles.

The perfect spot for enjoying an indulgent meal, this restaurant specializes in French cuisine, with steak frites, sea bass covered in lashings of butter and Osetra caviar, as well as roast chicken with black truffle. They also have set menus for two such as the 42 oz Wagyu Tomahawk Steak served with two sides. 

We strongly recommend that you save some room for dessert since their 13-layer Chocolate King Cake is to die for! All in all, this is one of the best restaurants in Toronto.

• Address: 325 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5H 4G3, Canada
• Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. 
• Phone number: +1 416-637-5550

Sushi Masaki Saito

It’s no secret that Toronto has an amazing sushi scene. One of the most popular Michelin-starred restaurants in the city is Sushi Masaki Saito, which draws diners from all over the country. 

Now, we do have to point out that this is one of the most expensive restaurants in Canada (think $680 per person). If you don’t mind splurging on special occasions though, your taste buds will thank you! 

Their omakase menu is based on classic Japanese cuisine, with seasonal dishes made from local ingredients, fresh fish, as well as aged fish flown in directly from Japan. Don’t forget to check out their list of sakes, which features rare specialties. 

• Address: 88 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2H2, Canada
• Opening hours: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Closed on the weekends)
• Phone number: +1 416-924-0888

Alder 

A farm-fresh take on Mediterranean cuisine? Uhm, yes, please! 

That’s around the lines of what you can expect from Alder, run by chef Patrick Kriss. This Michelin-star chef serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes in this wood-fired restaurant, complete with aromatic cocktails and an extensive wine list. 

He’s also put together an awesome menu of grilled delicacies, all prepared on Alder’s signature wood-fired grill. In true farm-to-table fashion, you’ll find plenty of tender vegetables, fresh fish, and prime cuts of meats. 

This is a great place for groups since it’s got shareable portions, including the East Coast Oyster Platter with smoked cocktail sauce, lemon, and horseradish as well as the popular Burrata Toast with candied pecans, pear, and apple chutney. Finish strong with a slice of coconut cream pie or sticky toffee pudding!

• Address: 51 Camden St, Toronto, ON M5V 1V2, Canada
• Opening hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Monday to Thursday), 5 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. (Friday), 10.30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Weekends) 
• Phone number: +1 416-637-3737

Curryish Tavern

Curryish Tavern is our go-to spot for Indian-inspired dishes in Toronto, but don’t expect a super traditional menu. While the highly talented Chef Miheer Shete was born in Mumbai, he’s known for his eccentric approach. Fun twists are added to the dishes, combining Canadian and Indian cuisine with a flourish – so if you’re a purist foodie, look away now! 

Think Gnocchi with Curry Leaves, Confit Duck with Foie Gras Curry, Samosa Eggs Benny, and (my personal favourite), the Smoked Salmon Uttapam, which consists of a savoury rice-and-lentil pancake, topped with salmon and served alongside coconut chutney. 

Oh, and did I mention the Screech Rum Soaked Gulab Jamun doused in whipped mascarpone cream?

•  Address: 783 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G1, Canada
• Opening hours: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Monday), 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Tuesday to Friday), 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Saturday), 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Sunday)  
• Phone number: +1 416-392-7837

Gia 

Vegetarians, this one’s for you! 

Not only does Gia offer an extensive plant-based menu, but it’s also among the first restaurants in the country to be recognized by the Michelin Guide. 

First things first though: this is a small restaurant, so you’ll be allocated a dining period of 2 hours per person. We also recommend that you reserve your table in advance. Snagging a table may not be easy, but the good news is that Gia does offer pick-up and delivery. 

Their menu is super creative, and most dishes can be made vegan upon request. People rave about their Tonnarelli Tartufo with black truffle and cashew truffle sauce.

You can always pair it with one of their fine wines, but I’d be ordering their Bramble On cocktail, made with Empress Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, and Blackberry Syrup. 

• Address: 1214 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X5, Canada
• Opening hours: 5.30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Monday to Thursday), 12.30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Friday), 11.30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Weekends)
• Phone number: +1 416-535-8888

Baro 

The lively King West neighbourhood has quite a rowdy nightlife with loads of burger and pizza joints around to soak up the booze after a spirited evening out. But contrary to popular belief, it’s entirely possible to find a high-quality restaurant in this buzzing area – as evidenced by Baro. 

Easily one of the top restaurants in the city (at least according to me!), Baro features Latin cuisine with modern Canadian influences. There’s a rooftop patio, a lively bar, and of course, scrumptious eats.

We’re huge fans of the Blistered Shishito, Grand Mac Empanadas, and the OG Duck Chaufa, which is prepared tableside. Fair warning though, it’s a massive portion – perfect for groups! 

By the way, this place can get noisy and hectic. While it’s all part of the charm, it may not be the ideal spot if you want to enjoy a quiet and intimate dinner. 

• Address: 485 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K4, Canada
• Opening hours: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Monday), 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. (Tuesday & Wednesday), 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Thursday), 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. (Friday), 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. (Weekends)
• Phone number: +1 416-363-8388

Famiglia Baldassarre

As far as Italian restaurants are concerned, it’s pretty hard to beat Famiglia Baldassarre. After all, this place combines a retail fresh pasta shop, a wholesaler, and a dine-in factory!

The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t be surprised to see long lines stretching out of the door. Torontonians will tell you that it’s practically tradition to line up in front of Famiglia Baldessare and after admiring their menu, we get what the hype is about! 

Since the restaurant is basically in a factory, the setting is quite industrial, but we promise the food will make you come back for more. Fresh produce is always used, so the menu rotates seasonally.  

• Address: 122 Geary Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 4H1, Canada
• Opening hours: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed on the weekend and Monday) 
• Phone number: +1 647-293-5395

Giulietta

Another Italian restaurant that never fails to hit the spot, Giulietta is an absolute dream come true for fans of hearty, handcrafted pasta. 

Run by Chef Rob Rossi who’s known for his contemporary technique, this restaurant also specializes in wood-fired pizza. It does get quite busy, and prices run higher than average, but we think it’s worth the splurge.

I did not try their pizza, but I can endlessly rave about their Polpo e Fagioli, a moreish starter that combines crispy octopus, anchovy salmoriglio, whole barlotti beans and barlotti bean puree. 

We also recommend their Scarpinocc, a simple but satisfying pasta stuffed to the brim with cream, gruyere, and taleggio served with wood mushrooms. Of course, it wouldn’t be an Italian meal without the quintessential Tiramisu, so remember to save some stomach space for that! 

• Address: 972 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A5, Canada
• Opening hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (closed on Sundays) 
• Phone number: +1 416-964-0606

Honest Weight 

One of Toronto’s most beloved neighbourhood spots, Honest Weight is both a restaurant and a fishmonger that specializes in creative seafood dishes. One of the best things about this place is that it practices sustainable fishing – a cause that the owners are passionate about. 

Eating there almost feels like dining in a New England seafood shack. In addition to fresh fish, the restaurant also offers rare delicacies like Azorean clams or cockles, steamed right on site. Other popular menu items include the fish sandwich, grilled squid with romesco, and even Japanese specialties like Okonomiyaki.

Of course, you can always order the restaurant’s catch of the day. This is what I opted for when I visited, and I was served this amazing Rainbow Trout on a bed of fluffy mashed potato with plenty of horseradish to balance things out. 

• Address: 2766 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y3, Canada
• Opening hours: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Tuesday & Wednesday), 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Thursday & Friday), 11 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Weekends) 
• Phone number: +1 416-604-9992

Barberian’s Steak House

Okay, we can’t put together a list of the top restaurants in Toronto without mentioning Barberian’s Steak House, which just so happens to be one of my favourite places to eat in the city – not to mention the most famous steakhouse in Canada! 

Dating back to 1959, this restaurant welcomed more than its fair share of sporting legends and politicians over the years. Their top-grade and dry-aged steaks are butchered in-house and there’s even a cellar with an extensive wine list to complement your food. 

Unlike other high-end restaurants, this place tends to be laid-back with a friendly staff. My go-to order is the prime rib – cooked rare as per the server’s recommendation – with a side of baked potato covered in sour cream, real bacon bits, and feta cheese. 

You can even buy their signature steak spice seasoning to replicate those dishes back home.

• Address: 7 Elm St, Toronto, ON M5G 1H1, Canada
• Opening hours: 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. (Monday & Tuesday), 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. (Wednesday to Friday), 4.30 p.m. to midnight. (Weekends)  
• Phone number: +1 416-597-0335

The Lakeview Restaurant

For vintage vibes, there’s no better destination than The Lakeview Restaurant, which is practically an institution in the city! 

An old-school diner layout awaits inside, complete with vinyl seats. Open 24 hours, The Lakeview Restaurant is one of the city’s most popular late-night spots. It offers classic diner fare, including thick milkshakes, buckets of perfectly fried chicken, and gloriously fluffy buttermilk pancakes doused in organic maple syrup, whipped cream, and berry coulis. 

If you go there for breakfast, I’d order their Eggs Lakeview, which consists of medium-poached eggs served over smoked crab cakes, baby spinach, and jerk yogurt. I’m also intrigued by their Captain Canuck Kaiser bun sandwich stuffed to the brim with Peameal bacon, melted cheddar, sweet chilli mayo and maple caramelized onions. 

Looking for something sweet to round off your meal? Then be sure to try a slice of their in-house pie of the day (served a la mode) or the old-fashioned banana split. Try it and then let us know in the comments if you think this is one of the best restaurants in Toronto!

• Address: 1132 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X2, Canada
• Opening hours: Open 24 hours 
• Phone number: +1 416-850-8886

Scaramouche

If you’re looking for a bit more of a neighbourhood feel, head over to Scaramouche, a long-standing Torontonian favourite located in Midtown. 

We were told that the restaurant is firmly committed to civic engagement and ethical sourcing, so everything is made from local ingredients and fresh produce. We’re talking Ontario AAA beef, British Columbian caviar, and organic beets sourced from Canadian farmers…the works! 

They’ve got a surprisingly diverse selection of appetizers. Some of my favourites include Tempura Maitake with Kohlrabi pickles, tamari mayonnaise, gem lettuce, shichimi, Parsnip Ravioli, and fresh oysters on the half shell drizzled with red wine mignonette. 

For mains, you’ll find heaps of options to choose from, like the Quebec Duck confit with foie gras sauce, Butter Poached Lobster with Thermidor sauce and Potato gnocchi, Ontario Lamb Saddle, and East Coast Halibut…among numerous other scrumptious options! 

Be sure to reserve your table because this place is always crowded. After all, it’s one of the best restaurants in Toronto!

• Address: 1 Benvenuto Pl, Toronto, ON M4V 2L1, Canada
• Opening hours: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Closed on Sundays and Mondays) 
• Phone number: +1 416-961-8011

Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen

Craving comfort food? Well, Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen certainly has you covered! 

Their Jamaican jerk chicken is known to be seriously addictive, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself heading back there again. Our server mentioned that they take four days to prepare the chicken, which is brined for 24 hours, flavoured with bonnet peppers, dry-rubbed, and left to rest before being grilled over pure maple wood. No wonder it’s so packed with flavours! 

Along with the chicken, the restaurant is also renowned for its coconut-crushed fresh fish, saltfish fritters, and fried okra, as well as their thick, juicy burgers abound with charred lettuce, mango salsa, and plenty of their signature jerk seasoning. If you’re more of a curry person, you’ll be glad to learn that the restaurant also boasts curried goat and curried chicken, served over jasmine rice with pineapple chutney. 

Here’s a little tip for you: Happy Hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. 

• Address: 104 Portland St, Toronto, ON M5V 2N2, Canada
• Opening hours: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Monday to Thursday), 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday), 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Weekends)  
• Phone number: +1 416-792-8105

Grey Gardens

Tucked away in the trendy Kensington Market neighbourhood, Grey Gardens is something of a hidden gem in Toronto. While it’s heavily patronized by the locals, not a lot of out-of-towners seem to know about this low-key, boho-luxe eatery. 

The restaurant describes itself as a place ‘full of people happily slurping wine and oysters’ – and I totally agree with this statement! The bar has a great selection of cider, not to mention an extensive wine list with rarer finds like Sauternes. 

Patio seating is available during those warmer months, perfect for enjoying popular menu items like sweet shrimp with watermelon radish, duck fried rice, or Peking-style duck with house-made sauerkraut. If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Toronto combined with a local flair, this is it.

• Address: 199 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L4, Canada
• Opening hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Closed on Sundays) 
• Phone number: +1 647-351-1552

Oji Seichi 

We know, we know. You’re probably wondering what a ramen spot (of all the places!) is doing on a list of best restaurants in Toronto. Well, don’t diss Oji Seichi before checking it for yourself because we promise that your taste buds are in for one heck of a treat! 

For starters, this family-run place is helmed by Chef Mitch Bates who previously ran Michelin-starred restaurants like New York’s Momofuku Ko. 

The restaurant offers a surprising variety of ramen noodles, including rye, whole wheat, and even high protein. Their noodles are made in-house on a traditional machine that was imported right from Japan. Along with ramen, Oji Seichi also features different types of ‘Sandys’ (sandwiches named after their Uncle) as well as chicken and pork gyozas.  

• Address: 354 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2G9, Canada
• Opening hours: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. (9.30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays)   
• Phone number: +1 416-519-4356

Looking for more things to do in Toronto?

With innovative chefs and unique dining destinations around every corner, Toronto provides an absolute feast for all preferences and budgets. 

We hope this guide helped you discover some of the best restaurants in Toronto. If you’re looking for more fun stuff to do in Toronto, check out the travel guides below:

• Best Things to Do in Toronto
• Awesome Day Trips from Toronto 
• Fun Things to Do in Toronto in the Winter 
• Date Ideas in Toronto 

PS: What’s your opinion on the best restaurants in Toronto? Let us know in the comments!