If you’re dreaming of fresh catches without having to drive to the coast, then you’ll definitely enjoy this list of the best seafood restaurants in Toronto.
Home to a busy harbour that’s continuously delivering incredible aquatic offerings, Toronto has quietly become one of Canada’s hottest seafood spots in recent years. From casual shacks serving up fish and chips straight from the fryer to more refined restaurants overlooking that distinctive Toronto skyline, there’s no shortage of enticing seafood joints around the city.
Whether you’re in the mood for wonderfully boozy oysters, lobster rolls, fish tacos, or Michelin-starred sushi, we’ll guide you through the best seafood in the city. Be sure to bring your appetite – these are some of the best seafood restaurants in Toronto!
Please note: Prices, restaurants, menu items, and opening times are subject to change.
Pure Spirits
Is there anything better than sitting down to a heaped plate of Surf and Turf on a balmy summer’s evening? We think not!
Well, that’s along the lines of what you can expect from Pure Spirits, a great seafood place housed in a former distillery. In addition to a super friendly service, this restaurant is known for its aromatic cocktails and Ontario wines.
During those warmer months, you can always take advantage of their patio seating as well.
The raw bar has quite an impressive selection, with favourites like seafood towers and heaping platters of oysters. Speaking of, we highly recommend the El Diablo oysters, served with tequila, serrano lime hot sauce, and cilantro. Yum!
- Address: 17 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada
- Phone number: +1 416-361-5859
- Opening Hours as of 2024: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday), 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
New Orleans Seafood & Steakhouse
Next up on our list of the best seafood restaurants in Toronto is New Orleans Seafood & Steakhouse, which is known for its seafood-heavy Cajun eats.
Now, the menu is quite varied but I’m a fan of their Seafood Gumbo and their New Orleans Shrimp Cocktail sauteed in white wine, Cajun spice, and roasted garlic. Portions are on the larger side, making it the perfect place for a large group of friends!
True to its name, the restaurant also offers an excellent selection of AAA Canadian beef cuts.
- Address: 267 Scarlett Rd, Toronto, ON M6N 4K9, Canada
- Phone number: +1 416-766-7001
- Opening Hours as of 2024: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Tuesday to Thursday), 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), closed on Sundays and Mondays
Honest Weight
Fresh fish and classic shrimp cocktails beckon at Honest Weight, one of the best seafood restaurants in Toronto that also doubles as a fish market- so don’t be surprised to see large cases filled with their daily catches!
Okay, we’ll admit that this is not a fine dining place but believe me when we say you’ll want to return many times. Open for both lunch and dinner, the restaurant practices sustainable fishing and, as such, their menu changes seasonally.
Here’s an insider tip: nothing accompanies their seafood platter better than one of their homemade sodas!
- Address: 2766 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y3, Canada
- Phone number: +1 416-604-9992
- Opening Hours as of 2024: Noon to 9 p.m. (Tuesday-Wednesday), noon to 10 p.m. (Thursday-Friday), 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (weekend), closed on Mondays
Chiado
If you’re a seafood lover, you really can’t miss a visit to Chiado, an upscale Portuguese restaurant founded by Chef Silva, one of the leading restaurateurs in North America.
With a romantic atmosphere and a great selection of Portuguese wine, this fine dining restaurant lends itself really well to date night. We’ll admit that the price point is higher than many other Toronto restaurants but I think it’s worth the splurge. After all, their seafood is imported straight from the coast of Portugal!
Favourites include the Grilled Octopus Roasted Sweet Pepper Salsa, Slow Roast Salted Cod, and Lobster & Shrimp Bisque with saffron and aguardente.
This place fills up quickly, however, so be sure to call ahead for your reservation!
- Address: 864 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A3, Canada
- Phone number: +1 416-538-1910
- Opening Hours as of 2024: Noon to 10 p.m. (Weekdays), 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Weekends)
Zee Grill Seafood & Oyster Bar
Another great place for seafood lovers, Zee Grill Seafood & Oyster Bar has previously drawn the likes of Eugene Levy and John Goodman – and for good reason!
After all, this place is a local favourite in Toronto, so be sure to reserve your table ahead of time. This place has an extensive oyster selection and an eclectic dinner menu but also serves classics like Fish and Chips, crab cakes, shrimp cocktails, and lobster rolls.
You’ll also find specials like the Sudado de Pescado, which is a spicy Peruvian fish stew served alongside ciabatta toast.
- Address: 641 Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4S 2M9, Canada
- Phone number: +1 416-484-6428
- Opening Hours of 2024: 4.30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays)
Adega Restaurant
Nestled in the Yonge and Dundas area, Adega is another great Portuguese restaurant specializing in fresh seafood.
This is the kind of place that’ll remind you of those bygone days, especially since it’s housed in a reconverted house with an intimate dining room.
Our bucket list includes their Saffron Seafood Risotto and Grilled Portuguese Sardines! They’re also known for their seafood platter packed with grilled sardines, grilled shrimp, goat cheese, Chourico, Gravlax, and Piri-Piri shrimp.
Because the platter easily serves five, it’s ideal for a large group. Pair it with a glass of white Portuguese wine and you’ve got a winning combo!
- Address: 33 Elm St, Toronto, ON M5G 1H1, Canada
- Phone number: +1 416-977-4338
- Opening Hours of 2024: 11.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. (closed on the weekend)
Buster’s Sea Cove
For a laidback vibe, head over to Buster’s Sea Cove, a seafood joint featuring fish tacos, grilled fare, classic fish and chips, lobster rolls and soups. Dating back to 1992, this spot is a local favourite in the St. Lawrence Market area.
Personally, I’m a massive fan of their lobster poutine and their seared Ahi-Tuna salad, which is served with pecans and avocados. Other fan favourites include their lobster grilled cheese and the New England Chowder that’ll no doubt have you come back for more!
- Address: 93 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C3, Canada
- Phone number: +1 416-369-9048
- Opening Hours as of 2024: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Weekend), 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Weekdays), closed on Mondays
Oyster Boy
Chow down on fresh oysters and shellfish at Oyster Boy, a wholesale fish market that’s said to be one of the best seafood restaurants in Toronto!
Seafood lovers can always check out their Shuck U Class, which includes a 2-hour oyster master class, an oyster shucking lesson, and (the best part!), a 12-piece oyster tasting session.
As far as their menu is concerned, this place boasts an amazing selection of fresh seafood, complete with grilled squid, lobster bisque, albacore tuna, and black tiger prawn tacos.
- Address: 872 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G3, Canada
- Phone number: +1 416-534-3432
- Opening Hours as of 2024: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday), 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), closed on Tuesdays
Pearl Diver
With a trendy maritime décor, the Pearl Diver commands a great location just outside Downtown Toronto, Ontario.
Hailed as a seafood gem by the locals, this spot has quite an impressive menu. One of the menu items that stood out to me was its P.E.I. lobster sliders and grilled whole fish.
If you’re in the mood for a fusion dish, you can always try the Atlantic Steelhead Trout served on kimchi fried rice with fried egg, toasted seaweed, broccolini and sesame. Don’t forget to wash everything down with an ice-cold pint of their crisp Wellington Helles Lager. Yum!
- Address: 100 Adelaide St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1K9, Canada
- Phone number: +1 416-366-7827
- Opening Hours for 2024: 4.30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (Thursday, Friday, Saturday), 4.30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Tuesday and Wednesday), closed on Sundays and Tuesdays.
Fishman Lobster Clubhouse
Here’s a real doozy as far as the best seafood restaurants in Toronto are concerned!
With massive portions that perfectly lend themselves to larger groups, the Fisherman Lobster Clubhouse is something of a neighbourhood hotspot – so reservations are strongly recommended.
Whether you’re in the mood for some King Crab or want to enjoy some lobster (baked, boiled, steamed or even deep-fried), this restaurant has a staggering variety of Chinese seafood dishes to choose from.
The restaurant is especially known for its Three Flavours Lobster Dinner for 4 to 6. This set menu offers a soup course, lobster with salted egg yolk, Hong Kong style lobster, steamed bass, lobster in Maggi sauce, Poached snow peas with goji berry, lobster roe fried rice, and dessert. Yes, you’ll need to loosen your pants after dinner!
- Address: 4020 Finch Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1S 3T6, Canada
- Phone number: +1 416-321-0250
- Opening Hours as of 2024: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Looking for things to do after enjoying some of the best seafood restaurants in Toronto?
Cozy crab shacks invite leisurely lunches while elegant fusion restaurants offer their masterful twists on classics. The options are pretty much endless and believe us when we say that the sheer quality and variety of seafood in Toronto will win over even the fussiest of foodies!
Now that you’ve sampled some of the best seafood restaurants in Toronto though, you’ll no doubt be on the lookout for exciting things to do in the city. After all, it is the largest city in Canada! For more things to do in Toronto, check out our travel guides below:
- Fun Things to Do in Toronto in the Winter
- Food Tours in Toronto
- Best Ice Cream Toronto
- Date Ideas in Toronto
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