Quick answers — eating in Toronto
- Best restaurant overall
- Alo
- Best value
- Rasta Pasta (CAD $15-25 / USD $11-18 (main dish))
- Strongest cuisines
- Japanese, French, Mediterranean, Modern European, Steak & grill
- Dishes to try
- Poutine, Peameal Bacon Sandwich, Jamaican Patty, Ramen
- Booking window
- For two- and three-star MICHELIN restaurants like Alo or Sushi Masaki Saito, book 2-3 months in advance directly through their websites or Tock. Deposits or full pre-payments are often required.
Booking well in advance, especially for starred restaurants, is essential; 2-3 months is often required. Dress codes typically lean towards smart casual to formal. Tipping standards are 18-20%, and dinner hours generally run from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
Japanese
Best Japanese restaurants in Toronto
Japanese rooms range from counter omakase, where you eat whatever the chef cut that morning, to kaiseki menus built around the season. Counters are small — book early and arrive on time.
Sushi Masaki Saito
Two MICHELIN StarsEdomae Sushi · Yorkville · CAD $680 / USD $500 (omakase)
Masaki Saito
Chef Masaki Saito presents an extraordinary Edomae-style omakase, flown daily from Tokyo's Toyosu Market. This intimate counter experience is a masterclass in traditional sushi, offering pristine seafood and perfectly seasoned rice. It's a profound, meditative exploration of Japanese culinary artistry, unmatched in its purist approach.
Order: Akami Nigiri; Toro Nigiri
Aburi Hana
One MICHELIN StarKyoto-style Kyo-Kaiseki · Yorkville · CAD $400 / USD $295 (omakase)
Ryusuke Nakagawa
Aburi Hana delivers an exquisite Kyo-Kaiseki experience, blending seasonal Canadian ingredients with traditional Japanese techniques. The presentation is artful, emphasizing delicate flavours and textures. Diners are immersed in a serene, modern Japanese aesthetic, enjoying a multi-course culinary journey that engages all senses with grace and precision.
Order: Wagyu with Uni; Seasonal Hassun Platter
Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto
One MICHELIN StarKaiseki · North York · CAD $300 / USD $220 (omakase)
Keiji Hashimoto
This hidden gem offers an authentic, traditional Kaiseki experience, meticulously prepared by Chef Keiji Hashimoto. The multi-course meal emphasizes seasonal ingredients, artistic presentation, and delicate flavours, served in a serene, private setting. It’s an immersive cultural and culinary journey, focusing on balance and harmony in every dish.
Order: Seasonal Sashimi Platter; Grilled Black Cod
Yukiguni
Bib GourmandJapanese · North York · CAD $50-80 / USD $37-60 (à la carte)
Yukiguni offers excellent value with its authentic and generous Japanese izakaya-style dishes. From crispy tempura to comforting ramen and fresh sushi, the menu is diverse and reliably delicious. It’s a bustling, unpretentious spot popular with locals for its quality and affordability, a true neighbourhood favourite.
Order: Chirashi Bowl; Assorted Tempura
French
Best French restaurants in Toronto
French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
Alo
Two MICHELIN StarsContemporary French · Queen West · CAD $185-230 / USD $135-170 (tasting menu)
Patrick Kriss
Alo delivers a refined contemporary French tasting menu experience from its discreet second-floor perch. Chef Patrick Kriss's meticulously crafted dishes showcase technical brilliance and exceptional ingredients, presented with precision in an elegant, minimalist setting. It remains a pinnacle of Toronto's culinary landscape.
Order: Japanese Sea Bream with Uni; Foie Gras with seasonal fruit
Alobar Yorkville
One MICHELIN StarContemporary French Bistro · Yorkville · CAD $120-180 / USD $90-135 (à la carte)
Patrick Kriss
Alobar Yorkville, the more casual sibling to Alo, offers a sophisticated à la carte menu with contemporary French influences. The raw bar is a highlight, and dishes are executed with the same precision and quality ingredients expected from the Alo group. The ambiance is chic and vibrant, perfect for a lively evening.
Order: Beef Tartare; Roasted Lobster
Mediterranean
Best Mediterranean restaurants in Toronto
Mediterranean menus borrow freely across the sea — olive oil, fish, vegetables, citrus — and tend to be the easiest choice for a mixed table.
Edulis
One MICHELIN StarMediterranean · King West · CAD $120-160 / USD $90-120 (tasting menu)
Tobey Nemeth & Michael Caballo
Edulis offers a set, ingredient-driven tasting menu focused on hyper-seasonal seafood, vegetables, and wild mushrooms. Chefs Tobey Nemeth and Michael Caballo run a charming, intimate space with a focus on unfussy yet deeply flavorful Mediterranean-inspired cooking. It feels like a dinner party hosted by incredibly talented friends.
Order: Seasonal Mushroom Dishes; Local Seafood Preparations
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Toronto
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Enigma Yorkville
One MICHELIN StarModern European · Yorkville · CAD $260-320 / USD $190-235 (tasting menu)
Quang Dang
Enigma Yorkville presents a dazzling, multi-course modern European tasting menu in a dramatic, luxurious setting. Chef Quang Dang’s innovative dishes are visually stunning and technically complex, often incorporating molecular gastronomy elements. It's a high-concept culinary journey designed for spectacle and flavour, providing a grand dining experience.
Order: Scallop with Truffle; Foie Gras Terrine
Steak & grill
Best steak and grill restaurants in Toronto
Grill rooms are about sourcing and fire: ask where the beef comes from, how long it was aged, and order one cut to share rather than two on separate plates.
SumiLicious Smoked Meat & Deli
Bib GourmandDeli / Smoked Meat · Scarborough · CAD $20-30 / USD $15-22 (sandwich meal)
SumiLicious is a no-frills deli celebrated for its outstanding Montreal-style smoked meat sandwiches. The meat is tender, flavourful, and piled high, served simply on rye bread with mustard. It's a testament to quality ingredients and traditional preparation, offering a taste of Quebec's deli heritage in Toronto.
Order: Smoked Meat Sandwich; Latkes
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Toronto
Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos
This Kensington Market gem serves some of the city's best Baja-style tacos. Expect fresh, vibrant ingredients and bold flavours like the Gobernador (smoked marlin) or Carnitas. It’s a bustling, standing-room-only spot, with tacos ranging from CAD $5-7 each.
Khao San Road
An iconic Toronto spot for authentic Thai street food. Their Pad Thai, rich curries, and spicy noodle dishes like Khao Soi are consistently excellent and full of flavour. The atmosphere is energetic and casual, with most mains priced around CAD $18-25.
Pai Northern Thai Kitchen
Known for its vibrant, home-style Northern Thai cuisine, Pai offers generous portions of flavourful dishes in a lively, often bustling setting. Highlights include their famous Khao Soi and Pad Gra Prow. Entrées typically range from CAD $20-30, perfect for sharing.
Juicy Dumpling
Famous for its incredibly affordable and delicious soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) and pan-fried dumplings. Located in Chinatown, it's a quick-service, cash-only spot ideal for a satisfying snack or light meal. Six soup dumplings are often under CAD $10.
Pho Hung
A long-standing Toronto institution for classic Vietnamese pho. This reliable spot serves steaming bowls of aromatic broth with various cuts of beef and fresh herbs. It's consistently good, fast, and comforting, with large bowls typically costing CAD $15-20.
Local dishes
What to eat in Toronto
Poutine
A quintessential Canadian dish, poutine consists of crispy french fries topped with fresh cheese curds and smothered in hot gravy. The cheese curds should squeak when bitten into. While available city-wide, try it at Poutini's House of Poutine for a classic experience with gourmet variations.
Peameal Bacon Sandwich
A Toronto original, this sandwich features thick-cut, lean pork loin rolled in cornmeal, grilled, and served on a fresh bun, often with mustard. It's a savoury, satisfying breakfast or lunch item. The Carousel Bakery at St. Lawrence Market is legendary for their version.
Jamaican Patty
A flaky, golden pastry filled with spiced ground beef, chicken, or vegetables, the Jamaican patty is a popular, affordable snack in Toronto. Its vibrant Caribbean community ensures authentic flavours abound. Patty King is a local favorite, known for its perfectly spiced fillings.
Ramen
Toronto boasts an impressive ramen scene, with numerous restaurants offering authentic Japanese noodle soups. From rich tonkotsu broths to lighter shio varieties, you'll find diverse options. Kinton Ramen is a popular chain known for its consistent quality and flavorful bowls, often with a lively atmosphere.
Sushi
With a large and diverse Asian population, Toronto offers exceptional sushi, ranging from traditional nigiri to creative rolls. You can find everything from casual takeout spots to upscale omakase experiences. Miku Toronto stands out for its Aburi (flame-seared) sushi, offering a unique texture and flavour profile.
Portuguese Custard Tart (Pastel de Nata)
These delightful tarts feature a crisp, flaky pastry crust filled with a rich, creamy egg custard, often caramelized on top. A legacy of Portuguese immigration, they are a beloved sweet treat. Nova Era Bakery is renowned for its authentic pastel de nata, perfect with a strong coffee.
Dim Sum
A Cantonese culinary tradition of small, bite-sized portions of food served in steamer baskets or on small plates. Options range from delicate shrimp dumplings (har gow) to fluffy BBQ pork buns (char siu bao). Rol San Restaurant in Chinatown is a bustling, reliable spot for classic dim sum.
Butter Tart
A classic Canadian dessert, the butter tart is a small pastry tart with a sweet, gooey filling made from butter, sugar, syrup, and egg. Variations include plain, pecan, or raisin. Many local bakeries offer their take on this beloved treat. Try it from SanRemo Bakery for a delightful version.
How to book a table in Toronto
- · For two- and three-star MICHELIN restaurants like Alo or Sushi Masaki Saito, book 2-3 months in advance directly through their websites or Tock. Deposits or full pre-payments are often required.
- · Many one-star and Bib Gourmand restaurants allow reservations 1-2 months out, particularly for weekend evenings. Utilize online platforms like Resy or OpenTable for convenience, and consider weekday dining for easier access.
- · Lunch menus at high-end establishments can offer a more accessible price point and easier reservation availability than dinner. This provides an excellent opportunity to experience the restaurant's cuisine without the full evening commitment.
- · Be aware of strict cancellation policies; many fine dining restaurants charge a significant fee for no-shows or cancellations within 72 hours. Confirm all details at the time of booking to avoid unexpected charges.
FAQ
Toronto restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Toronto?
Alo in Queen West is the benchmark table — Contemporary French, led by Patrick Kriss, two michelin stars, around CAD $185-230 / USD $135-170 (tasting menu) per person. Order the Japanese Sea Bream with Uni; Foie Gras with seasonal fruit
Where is the best Japanese restaurant in Toronto?
Sushi Masaki Saito in Yorkville is the Japanese table to book in Toronto (CAD $680 / USD $500 (omakase) per person). Other strong options: Aburi Hana, Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto, Yukiguni.
Where is the best French restaurant in Toronto?
Alo in Queen West is the French table to book in Toronto (CAD $185-230 / USD $135-170 (tasting menu) per person). Other strong options: Alobar Yorkville.
Where is the best Mediterranean restaurant in Toronto?
Edulis in King West is the Mediterranean table to book in Toronto (CAD $120-160 / USD $90-120 (tasting menu) per person).
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Toronto?
Enigma Yorkville in Yorkville is the modern European table to book in Toronto (CAD $260-320 / USD $190-235 (tasting menu) per person).
Where is the best steak and grill restaurant in Toronto?
SumiLicious Smoked Meat & Deli in Scarborough is the steak and grill table to book in Toronto (CAD $20-30 / USD $15-22 (sandwich meal) per person).
Where can I eat well in Toronto without spending a fortune?
Rasta Pasta is the best-value table on this list at roughly CAD $15-25 / USD $11-18 (main dish) per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos, Khao San Road, Pai Northern Thai Kitchen.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Toronto?
For two- and three-star MICHELIN restaurants like Alo or Sushi Masaki Saito, book 2-3 months in advance directly through their websites or Tock. Deposits or full pre-payments are often required. Many one-star and Bib Gourmand restaurants allow reservations 1-2 months out, particularly for weekend evenings. Utilize online platforms like Resy or OpenTable for convenience, and consider weekday dining for easier access.
What food is Toronto famous for?
Poutine, Peameal Bacon Sandwich, Jamaican Patty, Ramen, Sushi — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. A quintessential Canadian dish, poutine consists of crispy french fries topped with fresh cheese curds and smothered in hot gravy. The cheese curds should squeak when bitten into. While available city-wide, try it at Poutini's House of Poutine for a classic experience with gourmet variations.
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