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The 18 Greatest Restaurants Around Toronto

A photo of Red logo
by Marion Brewer and Jessica Huras
Updated November 03, 2023

Toronto’s distinctive neighbourhoods and multicultural history make the city one of the most exciting places to eat in the country. Many of the city’s greatest restaurants merge Canadian food traditions with those from other parts of the world, showcasing what happens when the country’s ingredients meet those from Korea, China, Pakistan, and beyond.

And when the past several years pushed the city’s entire hospitality industry to the brink, restaurants in The 6 rose to the occasion, keeping Torontonians fed and their pantries full. There’s no better time to acknowledge and support the restaurants that have had an immeasurable influence on modern dining in Toronto: meet The Greats, the 18 restaurants that breathe life into the city.

A photo of Steam Whistle Kitchen restaurant
Steam Whistle Kitchen
4.5
4.5 (424)
CAN$30 and under
Beer Garden
Entertainment District
About the restaurant
Toronto’s stalwart brewery has grown by leaps and bounds since its founding in 2000, evolving from the passion project of three laid-off brewery workers to a Downtown destination. The space now includes its own biergärten and restaurant along with a working brewery. Sitting in the shadow of the CN Tower, the biergärten patio has become a landmark in its own right: a place to try the brewery’s iconic pilsner alongside a menu of European and Canadian-inspired drinking foods, such as pork hock with mustard made from the brewery’s beer and house-made Nuremberg sausage served in a sandwich layered with crispy onions and Dijon mayo.
Top review
jeffk
Dined on Nov 27, 2023
We had a nice quiet catch-up with friends. The beer supply is limited, as expected, but was nice and cold. Not sure why they didn't have Beau's Lug Tread in tap, only the light, which was very good. We had a pretzel, excellent; hummus, very good. I had a burger as my main and it was just okay - I found the meat very salty and too much bun. The fries were good. Overall it was a wonderful evening to get caught up. The place is a little out of the way, especially having to walk in the brisk cold air.
A photo of Chiado restaurant
Chiado
5.0
5 (1137)
CAN$51 and over
Portuguese
Little Italy / College St.
About the restaurant
While some restaurants rely on high-wire techniques and trendy ingredients for their success, Albino Silva’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and consistently good cooking nabbed Chiado a spot on Toronto Life’s 100 best restaurants list. It’s also one of the city’s best spots for seafood, offering grilled tiger shrimp lathered in piri piri hot sauce, and grouper carpaccio studded with pine nuts, asparagus, and citrus preserves. Wash it all down with a bottle from the restaurant’s large collection of Portuguese wines or sample from the massive selection of port.
Top review
Arthurvip
Dined 7 days ago
Party of four Great service Fabulous food Excellent wine list Memorable
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A photo of Grilled Octopus of a restaurant
Popular dish
Grilled Octopus
A photo of Giulietta restaurant
Giulietta
4.8
4.8 (1776)
CAN$51 and over
Italian
Little Portugal / Dundas West
About the restaurant
Though Giulietta’s menu is Italian, the restaurant is a far cry from a rustic trattoria, serving refined food in a chic setting: a combination that drove Canada’s 100 Best to anoint it the country’s best new restaurant in 2019. Top Chef Canada star chef Rob Rossi borrows ingredients and techniques from all over Italy, adding his own flair without sacrificing the tradition behind the dish. For instance, the restaurant’s beloved cacio e pepe is the sauce for housemade tonnarelli (a noodle akin to thick, square spaghetti) while grilled octopus is poached and cooked in a wood oven to achieve the perfect tender texture.
Top review
LeahR
Dined 2 days ago
Thomas was an excellent server! He was attentive, helpful and made our night!! Starting with the wine, the recommendation from Thomas was perfect. One of the best medium bodied red we’ve had in a while. We ordered a pizza and the broccolini to split to start and this was one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had (our fave dish of the night)!! Followed but the cacio e pepe and the ragu to share - both phenomenal. We finished it off with the tiramisu which was out of this world. They brought it out with a candle to celebrate my partners birthday. What a perfect night! We’ve been singing Giulietta’s paise to our friends ever since :)
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A photo of Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe of a restaurant
Popular dish
Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe
A photo of Burrata Pugliese of a restaurant
Popular dish
Burrata Pugliese
A photo of Calamari Fritti of a restaurant
Popular dish
Calamari Fritti
A photo of Canoe Restaurant and Bar restaurant
Canoe Restaurant and Bar
4.6
4.6 (5696)
CAN$51 and over
Contemporary Canadian
Financial District
About the restaurant
Situated on the 54th floor of a downtown office building, a dinner at Canoe comes with a side of panoramic views — this top special occasion destination is one of the most dramatic dining rooms in the entire city. But it’s the restaurant’s inventive menu of contemporary Canadian cuisine that landed it a place on Canada’s Top 100 restaurant list. The menu sources the majority of its ingredients from provinces across the country, using foie gras from Quebec, Ontario pheasant, local vegetables, and foraged goods as a way to capture a portrait of Canada’s bounty during any given season. A recent refresh to mark the restaurant’s 25th anniversary in 2020 pays homage to its Canadian menu with flourishes including a braided ceiling installation inspired by the weaving techniques used to make snowshoes. Strategically placed mirrors enhance the restaurant’s naturally beautiful sunset lighting.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
Really good for my son’s birthday, I will recommend my friends!
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A photo of Venison Tartare of a restaurant
Popular dish
Venison Tartare
A photo of Northern Woods Mushroom Soup of a restaurant
Popular dish
Northern Woods Mushroom Soup
A photo of S'mores Foie Gras of a restaurant
Popular dish
S'mores Foie Gras
A photo of KŌST restaurant
KŌST
4.5
4.5 (4290)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Californian
Entertainment District
About the restaurant
From the Baja-inspired cuisine to the sun-soaked dining room, everything about Kōst (pronounced “coast”) is fresh and bright. Perched on the rooftop of the Bisha Hotel—which garnered attention for suites designed by rocker Lenny Kravitz—Kōst offers striking views over the city and waterfront. Pop art photographs add bursts of colour to a dining room decorated with clean lines, white banquettes, and blond wood. Light, prettily plated dishes such as tuna tartare with yuzu dressing and lamb barbacoa with radish slaw are influenced by varied Mexican, Asian, and seasonal flavours. The drinks menu is anchored by a lengthy list of sparkling wines by the glass and bottle—fitting for toasting Toronto from above.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Jan 1, 2023
It was my moms 50th birthday and wanted the evening to be special. When we got there our seat wasn’t ideal.. so I had asked the hostess if it was possible to have a table with a view seeing as it was my mom’s special day! After two attempts she got us an amazing table with the view of the CN Tower. Couldn’t have been any happier with her willingness to help. The waitress we had was equally amazing; friendly, informative and even gave my mom a birthday dessert! The price was pretty decent considering we dined with 4 people and spent close to $300 including tip. Honestly thought I’d be spending more. Overall, I’ll be back :)
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A photo of Fried Calamari of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fried Calamari
A photo of Eggs Benedict of a restaurant
Popular dish
Eggs Benedict
A photo of Kōst Burger of a restaurant
Popular dish
Kōst Burger
A photo of Grey Gardens restaurant
Grey Gardens
4.8
4.8 (1029)
CAN$51 and over
Contemporary American
Chinatown / Kensington Market
About the restaurant
Grey Gardens is an understated wine bar from one of Toronto’s most well-known restaurateurs, Jen Agg. However, it only takes a quick scan of the menu to see that unlike many wine bars, food isn’t an afterthought here—this is one of the city’s most ambitious operations. It skips the typical meat and cheese boards, instead giving diners options such as smoked fish dip or canestri pasta with kale and chicken skin gremolata. The sprawling wine list offers a pairing for everything on the menu, covering both old world and emerging regions, such as the restaurant’s own orange wine that’s made in partnership with a producer in Niagara.
Top review
JoshB
Dined on Nov 28, 2023
Great spot. Good food and wine. Good ambience & good service.
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A photo of New Year's Eve at Grey Gardens! of a restaurant
Experience
New Year's Eve at Grey Gardens!
A photo of Joso's restaurant
Joso's
4.7
4.7 (828)
CAN$51 and over
Seafood
Yorkville
About the restaurant
As one of Yorkville’s longest-running restaurants, Joso's is known for its exceptional seafood and quirky atmosphere. The deliciously simple seafood preparation here is a contrast to the over-the-top decor, which includes a variety of nude artwork—much of which was created by the restaurant’s late founder Joso Spralja, a folk musician and artist who opened Joso’s as a bohemian cafe in the 1960s. While one might assume the restaurant’s notorious nude sculptures and paintings would be the showiest element of Joso’s interior, deep red tablecloths, red carpeting, and eclectic curio collections give the titillating artwork a run for its money. Drake, featured in Joso’s interior on the cover of his Take Care album, is just one of the celebrities who’s dined here over the decades. The restaurant is still in the family, now run by Spralja’s son and daughter-in-law. The fried calamari, which Spralja is said to have been the first to serve in Toronto, is a must-order.
Top review
Grizskiervip
Dined 1 day ago
Joso's was an enjoyable experience. An intimate yet eclectic setting and wonderful dishes. My wife especially enjoyed the dover sole. Rather than ordering separate side dishes we would have preferred sides included with out mains. As example the only way to order spaghetti as a side is to order it as another main. The cost gets up there.
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A photo of Fish Soup of a restaurant
Popular dish
Fish Soup
A photo of Risotto Nero of a restaurant
Popular dish
Risotto Nero
A photo of Risotto Pescatora of a restaurant
Popular dish
Risotto Pescatora
A photo of Scaramouche Restaurant restaurant
Scaramouche Restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2725)
CAN$51 and over
French
Midtown / Uptown
About the restaurant
Scaramouche opened its doors in 1980, making the restaurant older than many of the people that flock to the dining room to this day to celebrate special occasions at one of Toronto’s most storied fine dining destinations. The restaurant’s timeless menu and commitment to excellent service have kept Torontonians coming back for decades, and its continued appearances on best-of lists have introduced new generations of fans. Though the dining room is closed, in normal times, diners are treated to European dishes with creative flourishes, such as steak tartare served with a soft boiled quail egg, spicy caper dijon dressing, and paprika sourdough toasts.
Top review
letseat
Dined 2 days ago
Great food, great service - Kevin was excellent, wonderful environment and ambiance. We choose Scaramouche for birthdays every year. Never disappoints.
A photo of George Restaurant restaurant
George Restaurant
4.8
4.8 (3211)
CAN$51 and over
Contemporary Canadian
Financial District
About the restaurant
When Toronto residents really want to go all out, they head downtown to George for one of chef Lorenzo Loseto’s five-, seven-, or ten-course tasting menus. The menus feature ingredients from around the globe — on the same night, diners could find a dish of scallops with yuzu white soya co-existing on the menu with a plate of beef ribeye, shallot confit, and mango — both packing depth of flavour that belies the short ingredient list. Impeccable service and beautiful plating make the multi-course tasting menus an immersive experience. The restaurant’s industrial-chic decor also makes it a popular spot for local weddings.
Top review
TonyCvip
Dined 1 day ago
Arguably the best meal I’ve ever had. So creative and delicious. Service was also tremendous.
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A photo of Add Foie Gras of a restaurant
Popular dish
Add Foie Gras
A photo of Lobster of a restaurant
Popular dish
Lobster
A photo of Pork Tenderloin of a restaurant
Popular dish
Pork Tenderloin
A photo of Terroni Queen restaurant
Terroni Queen
4.3
4.3 (2402)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Italian
Queen West
About the restaurant
When the Terroni team opened their flagship Queen West market back in 1992, the neighborhood wasn’t a food destination. Fast-forward to the present day and that specialty Italian market has grown into a full-service restaurant that launched a Toronto empire for all things Italian, including several locations around the city, a bakery on Queen West, a wine importing business, and even a magazine. But the original location is still one of the city’s best places for a classic Italian meal, such as a rigatoni all’amatriciana and a glass of Montepulciano.
Top review
coco57vip
Dined on Jan 1, 2023
Another outstanding meal at Terroni Queen Street! I had the spaghettini with lobster which was a special New Year offering. We all shared the Focu Meu pizza with eggplant and spicy ‘nduja sausage. The wine list is extensive even for wines by the glass. Everything was perfect including the service. And I love the new layout since the renovations.
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A photo of Puzza of a restaurant
Popular dish
Puzza
A photo of Frittura di Calamari of a restaurant
Popular dish
Frittura di Calamari
A photo of Calamari alla Griglia of a restaurant
Popular dish
Calamari alla Griglia
A photo of Yasu Toronto restaurant
Yasu Toronto
4.7
4.7 (523)
CAN$51 and over
Japanese
Harbord Village
About the restaurant
Toronto’s first omakase sushi restaurant is also one of its finest Japanese spots and at one point, was the 35th best restaurant in Canada, according to Canada’s 100 Best. Trained in Osaka, chef and owner Yasuhisa Ouchi wanted to introduce Canadians to the simple joys of well-crafted sushi. There is one menu, available at two or three nightly seatings depending on the day: a CA$175 procession of pristine cuts of fish. The minimalist interior and almost hushed ambiance keep the focus on revelling in the layered flavours of every bite.
Top review
OpenTable Dinervip
Dined 5 days ago
Amazing food and service. Probably our favorite omakase we’ve tried in the GTA thus far. We’ll be back for sure!
A photo of Té restaurant
Té
4.7
4.7 (367)
CAN$30 and under
Korean
Ossington
About the restaurant
At Té, Korean cooking meets Canadian food traditions, creating a destination for modern East Asian cooking that represents the city’s culinary crossroads through dishes such as poutine topped with Korean brisket, cheese curds, sriracha mayo, and a sunny side-up egg. As the name suggests, tea also plays a large role here, making it into dishes such as the egg crate-shaped green tea egg waffle with bacon and eggs at the popular brunch, or the jasmine tea-infused gin that creates a base for the restaurant’s unique spin on a martini.
Top review
george38
Dined 5 days ago
Beautiful place - delicious dishes - extraordinary service and kind people - very pleasant dinner experience.
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A photo of Braised Pork Crostini of a restaurant
Popular dish
Braised Pork Crostini
A photo of Deep Fried Dumplings of a restaurant
Popular dish
Deep Fried Dumplings
A photo of Bulgogi Mac & Cheese of a restaurant
Popular dish
Bulgogi Mac & Cheese
A photo of El Catrin restaurant
El Catrin
4.5
4.5 (5203)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Mexican
Distillery District
About the restaurant
Boasting a sprawling, year-round patio, a custom mural that took three Mexican artists nearly 100 days to complete, and the city’s best margaritas, El Catrin is one of the city’s most impressive Mexican restaurants. The menu is a mix of crowd-pleasers such as Baja fish tacos and more original creations, such as braised short ribs with mole negro, corn puree, and wild mushrooms. Give yourself extra time to browse the restaurant’s menu of agave spirits — featuring more than 120 different producers, it’s one of Toronto’s most diverse collections of mezcal and tequila.
Top review
Shiv
Dined on Jan 2, 2023
El Catrin aced it again. The drinks and food was great as always. The server was very helpful and offered great advice on the food portions and what would be ideal for us to order.
A photo of Parallel restaurant
Parallel
4.8
4.8 (825)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Middle Eastern
The Junction
About the restaurant
The Ozery brothers set a new standard for Middle Eastern food in Toronto with Parallel, their modern Israeli restaurant in The Junction. The three grew up eating tahini on almost everything and decided to translate their love of sesame butter into both a packaged product and the basis for a menu of cheffed-up classics. While many dishes on the restaurant’s menu seem familiar in name, almost all of them contain an unexpected twist, such as the gluten-free riff on tabbouleh that swaps cauliflower rice for the traditional bulgur wheat, or the addition of truffle oil to the fluffy homemade hummus. Given that two of the brothers also run the nationally distributed Ozery Bakery, it’s never a bad idea to order a few extra pitas with your meal. The restaurant’s lofty, factory-influenced interior channels the commercial heritage of its location on Geary Avenue – a strip that Parallel helped establish as a destination for innovative food ventures.
Top review
Diane
Dined on Nov 28, 2023
This is our fourth time at Parallel - we have made it a habit to go when we come visit Toronto. The food is excellent, with big portions. Highly recommend!
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A photo of Falafel of a restaurant
Popular dish
Falafel
A photo of Mushroom Mix on Crispy Za'atar Pita of a restaurant
Popular dish
Mushroom Mix on Crispy Za'atar Pita
A photo of Hummus of a restaurant
Popular dish
Hummus
A photo of Fresh on Crawford restaurant
Fresh on Crawford
4.4
4.4 (380)
CAN$30 and under
Vegetarian / Vegan
Queen West
About the restaurant
Way before plant-based dining was the rage, there was Fresh on Crawford. Since 1999, the now mini-chain of restaurants has been a Toronto destination for vegetarian and vegan dishes, along with cold-pressed juices. The restaurant’s cult-following is based on its ability to make plant-based food fun, a philosophy on full display through dishes such as the crispy buffalo cauliflower with ranch, or the nine-layer burrito, packed with mushroom and artichoke “chorizo,” marinated black beans, cashew queso, avocado, brown rice, pickled jalapeños, and more.
Top review
TrishaK
Dined on Nov 19, 2023
First visit there. Food was delicious, service was excellent. We sat in the patio area. Airy and bright. Would definitely recommend to friends.
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A photo of Happy Hour of a restaurant
Experience
Happy Hour
A photo of Bar Isabel restaurant
Bar Isabel
4.8
4.8 (1612)
CAN$51 and over
Spanish
Little Italy / College St.
About the restaurant
Bar Isabel, a cozy room with plastered, curving walls, richly colored tiles, and warm lighting that encourages diners to linger for hours, is one of the city’s most romantic pockets. It also happens to serve some of the best Spanish food in town. Run by well-known Toronto chef and restaurateur Grant van Gameren, the menu sticks to tapas bar classics and executes them perfectly. The sharing-style menu lends itself well to snacks and drinks or a full dinner. Think crispy patatas bravas, tender grilled octopus, and olive oil-drenched pan con tomate that complement the extensive list of Spanish wines and vermouths.
Top review
PhilC
Dined 3 days ago
Wonderful! Our first experience in a “proper” Spanish joint. Wonderful and knowledgeable staff, great food and no patronizing bs.
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A photo of Roast Veal Bone Marrow of a restaurant
Popular dish
Roast Veal Bone Marrow
A photo of Shishito Peppers of a restaurant
Popular dish
Shishito Peppers
A photo of Grilled Mushrooms of a restaurant
Popular dish
Grilled Mushrooms
A photo of BlueBlood Steakhouse restaurant
BlueBlood Steakhouse
4.7
4.7 (3843)
CAN$51 and over
Steakhouse
Midtown / Uptown
About the restaurant
When you want to dine like royalty, head to BlueBlood Steakhouse — one of Toronto’s most luxurious steakhouses, located in the city’s historic castle, Casa Loma. The interior is part modern hunting lodge, with leather banquettes and antler chandeliers, and part art museum, with works by Dali, Warhol, and street artist Mr. Brainwash lining the walls. Against this backdrop, dishes such as a dry-aged striploin or a rare bottle from the restaurant’s wine cellar (built by the original owner of the castle to house over a thousand bottles) don’t feel extravagant — instead they’re right in line with the surroundings.The surf is as good as the turf, including a seafood tower piled high with king crab, jumbo prawns, lobster, oysters, and salmon crudo.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Jan 2, 2023
Amazing experience
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A photo of Caprese Salad of a restaurant
Popular dish
Caprese Salad
A photo of Grilled Octopus of a restaurant
Popular dish
Grilled Octopus
A photo of Big Eye Tuna Tartare of a restaurant
Popular dish
Big Eye Tuna Tartare

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