The best restaurants Toronto & Area

The famous diners are these small unpretentious restaurants that can be found all over North America. We love them for their comfort food. Mira Mira has understood this, while updating the formula with a slate that, for lunch and dinner, oscillates between great classics (roast chicken, steak and eggs, hot chicken, etc.) and bistro dishes (yellowfin tuna, tagliatelle with mushrooms, etc.). However, the way everything is prepared stands out, the creativity is there. Also check out the weekend brunch menu, one of the best in town.

Occupying the former premises of the Siddhartha, Lake Inez is a good restaurant in the Little India district specialized in international inspired dishes, supported by a very nice wine list. We already love the interior with its eclectic and vintage style (mention to the old wooden cabinets at the bar). Each dish conceived by the chef and his brigade is a gourmet invitation to discover the different flavors of the world, without falling into traditional cuisine. The menu offers small and large dishes, to share or not.

Perched on the ^38th floor of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel, this high-flying restaurant is the first and only North American address of Michelin-starred chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino. This fine Italian cuisine restaurant was awarded a Michelin star for the first ever edition in Toronto in 2022. Needless to say, the experience here is impeccable and decidedly gourmet, not to mention a breathtaking view of the city skyline , harbour and Lake Ontario. If you want to treat yourself, this is the place to come!

A relatively new addition to Toronto's food scene (late 2021), it is the brainchild of popular chef Rob Rossi, who also owns the renowned Giulietta on College Street. This osteria concocts typical northern Italian cuisine and was awarded a Michelin star in 2022, a testament to the quality of the ingredients and dishes on the menu. The menu features seafood, a tradition rooted in the Liguria region. Mention should also be made of the superb minimalist design of the premises, a creation by Guido Costantino.

Opened by the team behind The Wren, a gourmet address next door, The Wood Owl is more of a wine bar, supported by a cuisine that perfectly matches the wines offered. You can enjoy a pan-fried entrecote with romesco sauce and salsa verde of charred shallots accompanied by pommes allumettes and a good glass of Malbec. That said, the menu does not only offer French-inspired dishes, but also Spanish, Korean and South American. Mention should also be made of the home-made charcuterie.

If you're craving a Texas-style barbecue, this is the place to go! Considered the best of its kind in the city, this restaurant offers all the smoked meats typical of the American South( beefbrisket, ribs, sausages, etc.), not to mention side dishes like mac & cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, etc. For many, we recommend the Southern Comforts combo menus that could feed an army. Beach Hill also has two other locations, one in Greektown and one in the Upper Beaches.

If you've heard of the now defunct Grand Electric Taqueria, you'll know that Manita is run by the same owners but offers a totally different experience. This trendy new address in the Trinity-Bellwoods area serves as a neighborhood café, bar and deli. And the place is bustling with people, whether it's for brunch, drinks or Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Mention should also be made of the wine list (half price on bottles on Wednesdays). A little gem of a gourmet address, mostly frequented by locals.

Welcome to the table of renowned chef David Adjey, in his new location in Little Portugal. As the name suggests, French cuisine is in the spotlight here, including bistro classics such as oysters, beef tartar, snails with cream and Armagnac, a cheese and charcuterie board, bouillabaisse marseillaise and the famous steak and French fries. The desserts are in the same line, going from the crème brûlée to the tarte Tatin. In short, you will not be disoriented, all in an atmosphere that smells good home.

To put a little sunshine in your day (and in your plate at the same time!), Miss Likklemore's is the perfect address. The first upscale Caribbean-inspired restaurant in the city, it serves specialties from the various Caribbean islands: plantains, okra tempura, Jamaican oxtail and spicy beef pies, grilled fish, jerk chicken, etc. Some dishes are offered in family size to share with your table. Bonus: delicious cocktails, just as sunny.

The careful decoration of a top-of-the-range trattoria, flawless Italian cuisine, and a location in the heart of life in the Queen West district (or West Queen West, depending on where you draw the line). The regulars meet there for an aperitif, around a pizza or fried squid. In the summer, the terrace is one of the most pleasant green spaces in Toronto. The Terroni Group owns several restaurants in town, as well as bakeries, a delicatessen, a bar, a wine agency, an online terroir shop, etc.

Opened some 20 years ago by chef/owner Alida Solomon, who has received numerous awards over the years, Tutti Matti offers tasty Tuscan cuisine based on fresh products and homemade recipes. Pasta and bread are made on site daily and the team also makes its own cold cuts. We like to be able to assist in the preparation of our dishes, the kitchen occupying a part of the room. A beautiful address to plunge in the heart of the Tuscan family cooking.

Toronto is the Mecca of world flavors in this country and Tinuno is a proud representative of this gourmet diversity. Cathy Ortega and Gerald Aquintey, the duo behind the restaurant, offer you the typical cuisine of the Philippines without having to pay the price of a flight to this Pacific country. To live the full experience, we strongly suggest to take the kamayan, a feast served on banana leaves and which is eaten with bare hands. And for late risers, Filipino breakfasts are served all day long.

Grand finalist in enRoute's Best New Restaurants 2022, Fonda Balam is the brainchild of chefs Kate Chomyshyn, Julio Guajardo and Matty Matheson. The trio offers authentic Mexican cuisine, inspired by their roots and/or travels in that country, where the great classics rub shoulders with street food. Tacos are very popular here, as well as the birria, a typical stew from the state of Jalisco prepared here with beef. A small list of interesting cocktails and a few craft beers (some from Mexico) complete the menu.

Paris Paris holds its reputation as a wine bar. As soon as you step in, you can't miss the displays of bottles prominently placed behind the bar. That said, to accompany your glass of wine, you need some specialties to nibble on. Not surprisingly, there is a nice selection of cheeses (many imported from Europe) and homemade charcuterie. Oysters are also on the menu, as well as beef tartar, dry-aged beef sirloin and lobster spaghetti. To be discovered!

Opened by the team behind the now-defunct Brothers Food & Wine, 20 Victoria offers a gastronomic experience in an intimate setting of about 20 seats. Chef Julie Hyde is at the helm of the kitchen, highlighting regional products from Ontario and the rest of the country, which vary according to season and arrival, with a clear preference for fish and seafood. The open kitchen allows you to see the team at work, all in a chic but no-frills setting. Reservations are required.

Toronto's renowned chef Lorenzo Loseto serves up a cuisine of unprecedented richness. The dishes are delicate and the food literally melts in your mouth. The explosion of flavours reaches its peak with the five, seven or ten course gourmet menu (vegetarian versions also available), which can be enhanced with a wine pairing for an experience that lives up to the reputation of the establishment. We have no hesitation in recommending this restaurant for a truly memorable dining experience.

Reopened in a new space in the heart of Kensington Market, Crumbs is a small counter that specializes in one thing: the famous Jamaican patties. While you can opt for the standard Caribbean version, they make gourmet patties here. The most popular? Without a doubt, the Remixed with beef or chicken curry and melted cheddar cheese. There are other delicious versions on the menu and veggie or breakfast options are also available. Perfect for a quick bite to eat!

This is one of the most popular brunch spots in Little Portugal. If you plan to come on the weekend, however, expect a bit of a wait. The food is fresh, the setting is warm and the location is ideal for exploring the trendy stores along Dundas West. In the evening, the food is just as affordable and the atmosphere is always casual. The gourmet menu is simple but tasty, as evidenced by the Cuban sandwich or the mac & cheese (three cheeses) with bacon and shallots.

If you're a (very) big meat lover and don't mind spending (a lot) on a nice prime rib, this is one of Toronto's best restaurants. The meat menu changes daily, offering an incredible selection, and you can pair your steak with half lobster, foie gras or king crab. As for the sides, refinement is unsurprisingly the order of the day. Expect to run into a few celebrities as the place attracts the wealthy. Very nice wine list, including several Canadian vintages.

Did you know that the first steam ravioli (dumplings) were made over 1,300 years ago? This is, among other original information, what the menu of this small restaurant teaches us. Zhen, the owner and chef of Mother's Dumplings, was inspired by her mother's recipes to make mouth-watering ravioli that melt in your mouth, at equally sweet prices. The selection is vast, in boiled, steamed or pan-fried versions. The small restaurant also offers noodle or rice dishes, stews, soups, etc.

Located in the Distillery Historic District, Pure Spirits is first and foremost an oyster bar, which offers an impressive variety of oysters, depending on the availability (specials on oysters during the week, between 3 and 6 pm). But the other dishes on the menu are very good, and you won't feel any frustration when you have lunch with a yellowfin tuna poke bowl or dinner with a grilled octopus. If you are more "land" than "sea", they also offer succulent grilled meats, pasta, etc. Bonus: a large terrace to enjoy the beautiful days.

Sud Forno is part of the famous Terroni chain of Italian restaurants, which has several locations in Toronto and California. In a historic building, the space here is split in two. Downstairs, there are several "Italian-style" counters selling small dishes to nibble on or take away. In the back, a bakery offers bread and pastries. Upstairs, a superb restaurant welcomes customers who want to take their time. A beautiful address that won't break the bank!

The concept of this trendy address? To elevate the pizza to the rank of queen. Large and hearty, it's served on a pedestal, literally on a raised platter, and topped with wild mushrooms, local wildflower honey, fig compote, prosciutto, house-smoked bacon and other delights. The gourmet appetizers are also worth a visit, including the cheese and charcuterie board. Typical of the growing number of restaurants in this part of Burlington, the price is a bit high but the dining experience is worth it.

At about $100 CDN per steak ($275 CDN for the 44-ounce Tomahawk), you'd expect to see some serious gourmet action. And you'll find it! Meat lovers will be pleased here: the cooking is perfect, prepared according to your tastes. Other dishes are on the menu, including a nice selection of fish and seafood, as evidenced by the huge seafood platter with lobster, crab legs, oysters and tutti quanti. But honestly, it would be a shame not to enjoy THE specialty of the place. We also recommend the cocktails.

Opened in 2022 in the lobby of the recently renovated Sheraton Hotel, 43 Down is the new trendy place to have a drink and enjoy cuisine inspired by Canadian products such as Bay of Fundy salmon and Atlantic cod. Many suggest sharing the famous Tomahawk beef from an Ontario farm. In the glass, absinthe, cocktails, craft beers, sparkling wines and, above all, a superb selection of single malt scotches that will please the amateurs.

Another address of the famous Terroni Group, Spaccio West occupies a large space in the heart of one of the city's oldest factories (where Drake Commissary used to be before it closed). It's a market full of prepared foods and gourmet products, a wine store with a private import service, and a restaurant where you can enjoy homemade Italian specialties, especially the fresh pizzas and pastas that draw crowds. Another branch in the Corktown area.

If you want to satisfy a Mexican craving, this is definitely the place to come! Established in the Leslieville neighborhood since 2016, this cute and highly colorful eatery serves the whole gamut of Mexican food: shrimp ceviche, black bean soup, street tacos, cheese empanadas, pollo relleno (stuffed chicken), chicken with mole poblano sauce, etc. The weekend brunch is in the same vein. But its greatest asset is its terrace lounge with couches, fireplace, bar and an entire wall covered with street art. However, the music is a bit intense...

One of the Financial District's hottest spots, Jump offers a decidedly urban atmosphere with a lovely New York-style bar. Chef de cuisine Matthew Cooper and his brigade concoct tasty dishes with a clear preference for fresh meats and pastas. The winning combination: North American cuisine with Italian influences. The wine cellar also has some nice surprises in store, not to mention a vast selection of whiskies, bourbons and scotches. Bonus: an interior courtyard to enjoy the sunny days.

The sleek lines of this restaurant are neat and creative, as are the plates of Chef Michael Wilson. A host of details make all the difference here. First, the location, on the second floor of Toronto's iconic Bell Lightbox. Then there's the delicious cuisine, which is almost entirely dedicated to fish and seafood. The atmosphere, finally, which is festive during special events, or after a few drinks at the "Magic Hour", which offers cocktails at low prices. A nice address to treat yourself.

Those who are fluent in the language of Shakespeare will have no trouble discovering the great specialties of the house. Indeed, meat, fish and seafood are at the heart of the concept of this new restaurant founded by Matty Matheson, under the leadership of Chef Coulson Armstrong. For those who can afford it, Krystal caviar is available here, a favorite of the world's top chefs. Mention should be made of the superb design of the place, signed by the firm Omar Gandhi Architect. It's super soothing while having a Mid-Century look.

The place to go for a sandwich on the go that's just right for you. Roasted brisket, pulled pork, pan-fried beef, BLT and other sandwiches are available, and all you have to do is choose from a dozen sauces and just as many toppings. Their homemade chili is also to be discovered. In short, it's dirty and really good, especially since the prices won't empty your wallet. Black Camel also prepares a range of homemade products for sale on site, including a tasty BBQ sauce.

A member in good standing of Toronto's trendy culinary destinations, this gourmet address is run by none other than renowned chef Susur Lee, the same chef who opened the now defunct Susur and Madeline's. Inspired by his many travels, he offers a multi-flavoured cuisine with Asian and French influences. The concept revolves around dishes to share, exotic cocktails and a lounge atmosphere. Nice selection of wines by the glass or by the bottle as well. Reservation highly recommended on weekends.

A member of Relais & Châteaux and awarded a Michelin star, the table of Ontario chef Patrick Kriss will delight the most gourmet among you. Among other things, he trained with starred chef Daniel Boulud in New York and in France with Régis Marcon and Troisgros. The cuisine is impeccable French gastronomy based on regional products. No à la carte menu, here you get the total gourmet experience with a tasting menu that is constantly renewed. Other establishments to discover: Alobar Yorkville and Aloette.

Chadwick's Craft Kitchen & Bar is a popular address in The Annex. Long known for its brunch, the restaurant has since diversified and offers a nice selection of à la carte dishes. We come here to taste a fusion cuisine, between American classics (burgers) and Latin notes (Mexican eggs "ranch" style) or Asian (beef curry Kuala Lumpur). There is also a nice selection of craft beers, cocktails and mocktails. As soon as the weather is nice, the wooden terrace is completely taken over.

In the lobby, the women are dressed in fur and the doormen stand straight in front of the huge one. Inside the restaurant, it's like being in Mad Men. No doubt about it, you are in one of the most chic restaurants in Toronto. You can have lunch here without breaking the bank, and some of the brunch dishes are also affordable, so why deprive yourself? Come and enjoy a little luxury. This is the place to be. For an aperitif, we suggest the d|Bar next door, which is also run by Chef Boulud.

Having received many awards, Monsoon offers a unique experience in Toronto. Asian fusion cuisine is delicious, and the frame simply amazing. This exceptional interior has earned him the James Beard Award for the best interior design in North America's restaurant category. The map is a succession of very refined Asian dishes. In the evening we invite you to choose one of the menus suggested by the chef.

Located on the corner of Front Street East, legendary chef Jamie Kennedy is served in a bistro beautifully decorated with refined tapas cuisine and very affordable. Choose your place at one of the two bars and accompany your glass of these delicious and generous portions of tapas. You can even taste a Putin Putin in the tender pieces of lamb made in Jamie Kennedy. Don't forget to arrive early to be sure to have a place.

Open for over 40 years, Rivoli continues to attract Toronto's younger generation. It's more than just a place to grab a bite to eat, it's a Queen West classic. The atmosphere is casual and the bistro-style kitchen serves cosmopolitan dishes that reflect the city. On weekends, the place serves a tasty brunch until 3pm. In addition to the restaurant, Rivoli presents concerts, comedy shows and dance parties in its Back Room, not to mention its pool room. Entertainment here is plentiful and renowned in the city.

This tea salon also serves sandwiches, soups and bento lunch box. Teas are delicious and original desserts. We love chocolate cake and lavender. A place where you will get a good tea and nibble. The shop on the floor offers products from Asia, don't forget to take a tour.

Chef Rob Rossi's table has distinguished itself since its opening by ranking 5th among the best new restaurants in 2018 according to Air Canada enRoute. A hot start! Together with his partner David Minicucci, the chef has created a simple yet effective menu, highlighting the sweet flavours of Italy. Everyone agrees that pasta is a must, just like pizza with its tasty homemade dough. In a group (8-10 people), we suggest the chef's menu, which comes in 5 courses. Bonus: an exhaustive wine list.

A late afternoon breakfast? It's possible at Flo's Diner, a worthy representative of the "All Day Breakfast", the breakfast served at any time of the day. The 1950's atmosphere is a touch of simplicity in the Yorkville area. Here the cuisine is not refined, it is family style. The ingredients are not rare and expensive, they are natural and cheap. Perfect for a long and hearty weekend brunch or a meal on the go that won't drain your wallet.

Italian cuisine revisited, and especially a terrace overlooking the Yorkville neighborhood and its small Victorian houses. At night, the illuminated street is a pleasure to watch. But Trattoria Nervosa is also a place recommended for a good pasta lunch on a shopping day (gluten-free option available on request) or to enjoy a pizza prepared according to the rules of art. Don't leave without trying one of the delicious desserts, such as panna cotta, cannoli or homemade gelato.

The Cibo Wine Bar in the upscale Yorkville district blends the atmosphere of a wine bar and a traditional Italian restaurant. The different levels combine modern design with a chic industrial style and a rustic ambience, and the whole is magnificent. The basement is a cellar with a decoration resolutely turned towards wine, while the mezzanine offers a warmer atmosphere. Speaking of wines, you should know that there are some 2,500 bottles of wine in the cellar. Enough to delight amateurs! On the plate, all the great classics of Italian cuisine.

With a name like that, there is no doubt about the house specialty. A traditional Polish dish, pierogi resembles our ravioli and is boldly reinvented here. Indeed, it is covered with Buffalo chicken and cheddar cheese, beef brisket and smoked BBQ sauce, pulled pork with bacon and chorizo, vegetables for the herbivores... You can also replace the pierogi with a poutine or mac & cheese base. There are also some snacks and sweets. Several other locations in the Greater Toronto Area, as well as in Edmonton and Montreal.