The best restaurants Ontario

This tapas bar is a little wooden gem on College Street. Its bar seems to have been carved out of the side of a huge tree, just like its rounded ceiling, where round bottles are enthroned. If he hadn't been dead for almost a century, one would think that Antoni Gaudi had been in charge of the design of the place. So there's no doubt about the atmosphere: we're in Barcelona! As for food, we're in paradise, with all sorts of little dishes, from tapas to pintxos. But the place lends itself just as well, if not better, to outings with friends for a drink.

The concept? For a fixed price, you will be able to try a variety of dishes inspired by Canadian cuisine, using fresh local products. For a little more, you'll also be treated to a wine tasting chosen to match the flavors of each dish. Allow about four hours for this true culinary workshop, which lives up to its name. The restaurant is frequently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Ottawa, and indeed in Canada. Needless to say, reservations are a must at this culinary temple.

In the world of foodies, the famous fried chicken sandwich is a trend that is not about to fade away. The particularity of this address is its mix of influences from Japan and Nashville, Tennessee (USA) and the result is definitely tasty. In addition to its popular sandwiches, its fried chicken wings are also popular with foodies. And since the restaurant operates in pop-up mode, it shares its space with a bar, Come See Me, which offers a completely different atmosphere in the evening from 9pm. To be discovered!

While walking along Gerrard Street, we stumbled upon this little gourmet gem that serves as a bakery in the morning and a snack bar with small dishes, wines by the glass and craft beers in the afternoon. Note that the place only serves take-out during the winter season, but organizes tasting events at the Redwood Theatre located next door. The owners also have a^second address on Berkeley Street, Le Conciliabule Lab, which allows you to eat and drink on the spot and/or make gourmet purchases for the house.

Wynona, it is a trendy Italian restaurant a little in the east of East Chinatown. During our visit, we heard about it more than once! This restaurant of chef-owner Jeffrey Bovis highlights seasonal and Canadian products such as smoked swordfish from Nova Scotia and wood duck from Ontario. Virtually everything is made in-house, such as fresh pasta, sauces, etc. The selection of wines, some of which are organic and natural, will make many smile. Mention should be made of the beautiful interior design, designed by the chef himself.

For an extraordinary gourmet experience, this is the place to come! Located in the Marriott Hotel, a full side of the restaurant is fully glazed and overlooks the interior of the Rogers Centre, home of the Blues Jays baseball team, among others. The view is unbelievable, so no need to mention that reservations are essential for matches and other events. On the plate, pub-style cooking with generous portions and succulent grilled meats. Weekend brunch is also worth it.

This bakery is a true icon of the market and is ultra famous - many chefs have been here - and for good reason. This is where you can try two of the city's great culinary specialties: peameal bacon (a bacon sandwich wrapped in cornmeal - add one of their mustards) and butter tarts (butter tarts). There's no better meal on the go! The place also prepares other delicious sandwiches, empanadas, authentic Montreal-style bagels, all sorts of baked goods... To be discovered!

The owner and chef Genna Steckel of XO Bisous trained in France at the École nationale supérieure de la pâtisserie. After working in famous restaurants in Paris and Toronto, she finally realized her lifelong dream of having her own culinary kingdom. Inspired by French pastries, Genna also offers a fine selection of salads, "health bowls" and sandwiches made from fresh local produce. For a good start to the day, we recommend the Breakfast Sandwich, available in a vegetative or non-vegetable version.

A contemporary cuisine that revisits South Asian-inspired dishes, this results in strikingly tasty shrimp dumplings, a refreshing papaya salad and a must-try braised beef. At lunchtime, businessmen and ambassadors (the American embassy is just a stone's throw away) frequent this bright establishment; in the evening, the place is taken over by groups and the atmosphere becomes noisier. In short, not the ideal address for a romantic dinner, but if you like good food, the choice is difficult.

Located in Kirkendall North, this restaurant offers plant-based and gluten-free cuisine. In bowls, sandwiches or main courses, vegan food is the master of the place. On Sundays, a delicious brunch is offered with, among others, the green lentil and brown rice burger or the omelette made with eggs, chickpeas and vegan cheddar. Planted in Hamilton also serves as a bakery and lovingly concocts vegan cookies, brownies, doughnuts, cakes and other sweet treats.

Ranked as one of enRoute's 2022 Best New Canadian Restaurants finalists, Perch is in a league of its own. Not only is it a high-flying dining experience without the attitude that usually goes with it, but it also relies on ethical and sustainable practices to showcase Canada's tasty gourmet products and avoid food waste. The open kitchen allows you to see Chef Justin Champagne and his brigade at work. A great experience!

Voted one of the best new restaurants in the country by En Route magazine shortly after it opened a decade ago, The Chase offers a high-flying dining experience. On the slate are dishes to share, meat, fish and seafood, as well as large gourmet plates for two. Not surprisingly, a superb wine list accompanies it all. Nestled in the heart of the downtown skyline, its superb rooftop offers a more peaceful perspective on the urban frenzy.

The first Buca opened in 2009 on King West Street. Critically acclaimed since its opening, especially for its house-made charcuterie, its little brother in Yorkville is in the same vein but with a penchant for seafood. In fact, you should definitely try their seafood charcuterie, all made on site. The great classics like pasta and pizza are still very popular, not to mention the tasty grilled meats. Buca has a^3rd location in Toronto, which is more of a coffee bar (temporarily closed at the time of writing).

Messini has been open for over 20 years and is a true institution in the Greektown area. Its reputation is based first and foremost on its gyros, which many consider to be the best in Toronto and beyond. While the original recipe is made with pork, Messini also offers versions with chicken, lamb or beef. Perfect for a craving at any time of the day! The restaurant also offers other specialties, such as the must-try souvlaki, grilled octopus or the Greek land and sea plate.

It's impossible to have a more beautiful view of the city and Lake Ontario! Perched in the observatory of the CN Tower, about 350 meters above the ground, it offers fine market cuisine based on Canadian products. Vegetarian or not, you can choose between fixed price or a la carte menus, not to mention the seafood bar. For a highly Canadian experience, try the "Aboriginal Experience" menu. There is also an incredible wine cellar with over 500 wines from Canada and around the world. Note that you have access to the tower's lookout.

Coming straight from New York where Raku has two branches, the Toronto facility slowly opened its doors in the winter of 2019. The front end is in Japanese style, as is the interior and its very clean design. The place is small and there is no way to book, so avoid peak hours. The speciality here is the famous udon noodles, which are served in a fish stock (dried kelp, different types of smoked fish such as herring or sardines). Gyozas, a kind of Japanese dumplings, are also recommended.

La Banane is a restaurant of fine French cuisine with some borrowings from the world. From the outset, we would like to emphasize the originality and beauty of the decor, with its huge "raw bar" (oysters, scallops, etc.) overhung by Art Deco lamps, its large leather benches in a semi-circle, and its vintage-looking space at the front. On the plate, oysters, Nova Scotia lobster, seared foie gras, aged steak grills, etc. To top off the meal, how about a slice of salted caramel banana cake?

This is the very first food hall in the Canadian capital. There are six local restaurants that will appeal to all tastes: Mexican street food, Southeast Asian cuisine, vegetarian dishes, gourmet burgers, thin-crust pizzas... the choice is yours! Note that the place opens at 8am on weekdays for coffee and breakfast (try the famous Bar Robo sandwiches). As for the Q Bar, renowned for its house cocktails and craft beers, it's the place to be for an aperitif or a digestif.

It is in an old bank that Riviera has installed its penates. The room is beautifully decorated in a neoclassical style with a very well preserved cachet. In this superb decor, the kitchen team prepares what is called "nouvelle cuisine canadienne". Just like the name of the establishment, which is inspired by the French Riviera, the dishes also make reference to the Mediterranean basin. The raw sea bass with its caviar, oysters and seafood tower is a dream come true, as is the tasty homemade fresh pasta. Nice cocktail menu.

Chef Briana Kim opened her vegetable and vegetarian-focused restaurant in a house on a quiet street in Little Italy. She is the former owner of Café My House in the Hintonburg neighborhood and also represented the capital at the Canadian Culinary Championships in 2018. In her small restaurant (about 20 seats), you can see jars containing various fermentations that are used in the composition of her menus. To accompany everything, natural wines and non-alcoholic house beverages are offered.

One would rather think that one has stepped into a small neighborhood bistro. However, this gourmet address, opened by the couple Michael Caballo and Tobey Nemeth, thinks big. The menus are constantly changing, depending on the season and what's available, and are always offered in a fixed price formula. During truffle season, needless to say, the menu is worth its weight in gold. And everything is prepared on the spot, using products from the region or elsewhere in the country. Good deal: bottles at half price on Sunday lunch.

Located in a pretty little house near the center of Huntsville, 3 Guys and a Stove offers a quality setting and service. Grilled meats, fish and seafood, pasta and rice dishes in all their variations: the menu offers a beautiful gourmet cuisine inspired by the flavors of the world. In addition, there is a seasonal menu that varies according to harvests and arrivals, as the place buys from local producers and artisans. Bonus: a terrace at the back that is very pleasant on nice days.

Established in its new location since September 2022, BB's is a trendy address in the Parkadale neighborhood. It is highly regarded for its weekend brunches featuring the tasty cuisine of the Philippines, all under the guidance of Chef Robbie Hojilla who has been working in the BB's kitchen for a while. In addition to brunch, the place is also open in the evening for cocktails and good food, always in the same spirit. And as Asia loves karaoke, parties are organized there.

First of all, Aria Ristorante is a breathtaking decor where white dominates, with two huge walls entirely made of glass and a ceiling that reaches more than 10 meters high. Then comes the plate in which is presented an authentic Italian cuisine with a beautiful contemporary touch. The glass follows the same logic with several vintages imported from Italy. Located a stone's throw from Scotiabank Arena and Maple Leaf Square, it's a great place for an aperitif with a dish to share or a meal before a show.

Located on the first floor of the SunLife Tower, Earls is one of the hottest spots in the neighborhood. With a West Coast-inspired decor, it offers world-flavored cuisine as well as a superb grill and seafood menu (with a few options for vegetarians and vegans as well). On weekends and holidays, the place also offers a great brunch that draws a crowd. Mention should be made of the superb outdoor terrace with a bar. Several other locations in Canada and the United States.

Located in Liberty Village, this eatery is a creation of the Mildred Pierce Group. The place looks like a large trendy cafeteria with an open kitchen. The dishes perfectly reflect the seasons with a clear preference for local products, without forgetting the flavors of the world. The place specializes in b'lunch during the week and brunch on the weekend (the pancakes are a must). To finish the meal in beauty, try the profiteroles that make the reputation of the house. Good food, good taste, all at an affordable price!

With four gourmet locations in Ottawa, oyster and seafood lovers are in for a treat. While oysters are the star of the show (on special for $2 CAN each on Sundays all evening), they don't have to overshadow the rest of the menu, including generous platters of hot and cold seafood and dry-aged steaks. Also worth mentioning are the selection of wines by the glass, cocktails (try the barrel-aged Negroni or the Oyster House Caesar) and craft beers, including the Oyster Stout.

First of all, what a beautiful place: beautiful stone walls, a huge fireplace, the tables with their white tablecloths and a small bouquet of flowers placed on each one, the artworks, the subdued light... It's chic and classic. The chef and his brigade prepare a high-class cuisine that includes oysters, foie gras, lobster and AAA Angus Reserve beef. For a treat, the tasting menu is a must, varying according to the seasons and the arrivals. It goes without saying that the accompanying wine list is a pure gem.

Little brother of the Fraser Cafe (located in New Edinburgh), The Rowan plays the neighborhood gastro-pub card. Small and large dishes to share, world flavors and veggie options on the slate, with something for everyone. On weekends, the place is very popular for its gourmet lunch/brunch. We recommend the smoked trout, the frittata with green onions and goat cheese, or the Breakfast BLT sandwich with fried egg, cheese and mayo. There is also a nice selection of cocktails, not to mention the local craft beers.

Opened in a building dating from the late ^19th century, it is the oldest restaurant in Toronto still in operation. It is one of those addresses that everyone in the city knows, without ever having set foot there. A sort of forgotten legend. The atmosphere is nevertheless quite particular and deserves a stopover. The menu has been completely redesigned and now offers bistro-style dishes such as ratatouille, butcher's cut, fish of the day and blue cheese burger. On weekends, its succulent brunch attracts crowds.

The fine Indian cuisine is honored here, just like in London or New York, for example. The decor alone is worth the trip, which is inspired by the Mughal Empire, and both the furniture and the wallpaper are handmade in India. On the plate, as everything looks absolutely delicious, we recommend the tasting platters offered in vegetarian or not. Note that Adrak has another branch in Richmond Hill, a little less upscale than this one.

The Twisted Apron is a small, friendly café-bistro that offers comfort food with a focus on local products. Its big specialty: brunch. And the menu offers a wide range of choices, from the classic breakfast to the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, to the fried chicken and waffles plate. For lunch, salads, sandwiches, burgers, mac & cheese and other delights are on the menu. So whether it's for a gourmet brunch in the morning or a coffee on a beautiful afternoon, this place is a must-see.

A lounge bar, three outdoor pools, small cabanas, a superb restaurant, all surrounded by a 360° view of Toronto, here is a quick tour of the owner that says it all: you come here to live a true " rooftop experience". And we are not disappointed! On the plate, Chef German Bermudez's cuisine is inspired by the flavors of the world, especially Asian and Latin. The wine and cocktail list offers an equally good choice. All in all, a pleasant outing to the chic heights of the city.

More French than that, you die! Already, the front with its Eiffel towers sets the tone: a great restaurant with a Parisian bistro feel, with music and decoration that go hand in hand. Two menus are available: one bistro-style with the essentials of French cuisine (foie gras with tea towel, Nice salad, Provençal ratatouille, parmentier of duck confit, etc.), and the other entirely dedicated to Breton pancakes and pancakes. As Thierry, the owner, is French, you can easily order your dishes in the language of Molière

Housed in the heart of the chic, award-winning Fairmont Château Laurier, this restaurant is renowned for its fascinating culinary creations. The chef and his team are famous for the excellence of the regional products used in the preparation of their tasty dishes. To enjoy it at lower prices, go there at lunchtime. The beautiful dining room offers a wonderful view of Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal. An experience that is certainly worth the detour and good value for money for a 5-star hotel restaurant.