From busy pizzerias to bustling bbq joints to acclaimed award-winning restaurants, it comes as no surprise that Toronto is constantly flocked by foodies!
Walk along the streets of the city’s bustling neighbourhoods and you will find yourself growing an appetite from just smelling everything around you.
With multiple cuisines coexisting with each other, it can be quite daunting to decide where to eat in Toronto. To reduce your burden, here is a list of the best Toronto restaurants that are sure to put your taste buds to good use.
1. Aloette Restaurant
Aloette is your shining star bistro of the city, ever so popular among the locals and visitors since its launch in 2017. The food here is high-quality French cuisine meeting people’s cravings for cheeseburgers, fries, and amazing desserts.
Try the Iceberg Wedge, a crisp blend of lettuce and avocado, or the Beef Tartare Crostini, with fennel, egg yolk, and jalapeno on toasted crostini.
End with their famous Lemon Meringue Pie, featuring a perfect crust and beautifully torched meringue.
What to order: Iceberg Wedge, Beef Tartare Crostini, Lemon Meringue Pie
Address: 163 Spadina Avenue, 1st Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 2L6
2. Richmond Station
Located in Toronto’s downtown core, Richmond Station is known as the stopping place where you can enjoy delectable food and excellent hospitality. This is one of those neighbourhood restaurants where you will see the owners around most of the time, the same staff for years, and more importantly, your favourite items never leave the menu.
The Station Burger, with organic beef, garlic aioli, and beet chutney, is a must.
Also, try their Duck Liver Pate on toasted molasses bread, paired with pear and ice wine gastrique.
What to order: Station Burger, Duck Liver Pate
Address: 1 Richmond Street W, Toronto, ON, M5H 3W4
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3. Canoe
Located on the 54th floor in the Toronto Dominion Centre, Canoe is where the locals head for special occasions.
This restaurant serves innovative Canadian cuisine, celebrating the ingredients and flavours from all over the country, and more importantly, offers phenomenal views of the city’s glittering skyline, and more.
Ingredients are often organic and locally sourced, with global cooking influences. Menu varies, but quality is constant. Remember to mention any allergies to your server.
What to order: Tasting Menu
Address: 66 Wellington Street W, TD Bank Tower, 54th Floor, Toronto, ON M5K 1H6
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4. PAI
Named after Northern Thailand’s village where the owner couple met, PAI is for Thai food aficionados looking for yummy traditional curries, Pad Thai, and other staples from the cuisine.
At PAI, you can indulge in authentic Thai foods in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The Chef Nuit Pad Thai is a standout, offering various proteins including a lobster option on weekends.
Don’t miss the Khao Soi and the Mango Sticky Rice dessert, both full of traditional flavours.
P.S. expect a wait during regular lunch and dinner hours, but it’s well worth it!
What to order: Chef Nuit Pad Thai, Khao Soi, Mango Sticky Rice
Address:
-18 Duncan Street, Downtown, Ontario M5H 3G8
-1121 Castlefield Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M6B 1E8
-2335 Yonge St, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2E6
-1108 King St W, Toronto, Ontario M6K 0C7
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5. Gusto 101
Meaning “tasty” in Italian, Gusto 101 is set up in a former auto body shop, and the place still feels cozy and lively. The restaurant serves Southern Italian classics and displays its modern takes on the same.
The Mafalde Ai Funghi, with a truffle cream sauce, is irresistible. Their Polipo (grilled octopus) and classic Lasagna with fennel sausage ragu are local favourites.
What to order: Mafalde Ai Funghi, Polipo, Lasagna
Address:
-101 Portland Street, Toronto, Ontario M5V 2N3
-1121 Castlefield Ave, Toronto, Ontario M6B 1E8
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6. Alobar
Tucked away in a small courtyard in Yorkville, Alobar is truly an experience you don’t want to miss. Embracing you with that simple “go-to” decorations and comfortable atmosphere, Alobar will serve you the freshest seafood with genuine hospitality.
Start with a complimentary cocktail and try the Hokkaido Sea Scallop, accompanied by grapefruit, mint, and pickled jalapeno. The Braised Short Rib is a must for meat lovers.
What to order: Hokkaido Sea Scallop, Alobar Wedge Salad, Confit Duck Pappardelle, Braised Short Rib
Address: 162 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON M5R 1A8
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7. Grey Gardens
Grey Gardens is an effortlessly cool spot – a part restaurant, part wine bar establishment – that works as your weekly drop-in restaurant, your go-to fancy anniversary dinner place, or the favourite wine bar where you hang out with friends.
Start with the Chips n’ Dip, then move to the Skate with leek and chanterelle. End with the Sea Buckthorn Parfait, a visually stunning dessert.
What to order: Chips n’ Dip, Skate, Sea Buckthorn Parfait
Address: 199 Augusta Avenue, Toronto
8. Scaramouche Restaurant
From upscale dining to a pasta bar to takeout, Scaramouche offers it all! The place serves sophisticated French food that can be enjoyed with great views of the Toronto skyline.
Having served movie stars, politicians, and other popular clientele, Scaramouche is one of the few restaurants in Toronto with longstanding success.
The Foie Gras Terrine is a menu staple. Their Filet Mignon, served with blue cheese butter, whipped potato, and red wine jus, is a classic choice.
What to order: Foie Gras Terrine, Filet Mignon, Coconut Cream Pie
Address: One Benvenuto Place, Toronto, ON M4V 2L1
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9. DaiLo
Known to be one of the sexiest dining spaces in Toronto, DaiLo serves what they call New Asian Cuisine – predominantly Chinese/Cantonese, following the French tradition.
Don’t miss the Fried Watermelon, a unique blend of warm, juicy, and salty flavours. The Crispy Octopus Taco and Sunchoke Dumpling with sea urchin and sunchoke chips are also must-tries.
What to order: Fried Watermelon, Crispy Octopus Taco, Sunchoke Dumpling
Address: 503 College Street, Toronto
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10. Miku Toronto
Miku is the first establishment to introduce Aburi sushi to Canada and made its name known as one of the best restaurants in Vancouver before making its way to the east coast. The restaurant features a raw bar, a sushi bar, and a large patio, serving innovative Japanese cuisine in a contemporary upscale setting.
Their Ebi Oshi Sushi, pressed prawn with ume sauce, is a simple yet flavourful choice. The Red Wave Roll, a gluten-free blend of spicy prawn and avocado wrapped in red tuna with masatake sauce, is a fresh delight.
What to order: Ebi Oshi Sushi, Salmon Oshi Sushi, Red Wave Roll, Green Tea Opera
Address: 105-10 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5J 2R8
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11. Piano Piano
Piano Piano is the friendly, local Italian restaurant that everyone wishes to have just around the corner in their neighbourhood. The place has an informal and cool vibe, with bright colors everywhere, and the menu features traditional Italian food elevated to satisfying goodness.
Try their gluten-free Canestri alla Vodka, spiced just right. The Egg Yolk Ravioli, filled with ricotta and spinach, is a savoury delight. End with their irresistible Nutella Tiramisu.
What to order: Canestri alla Vodka, Egg Yolk Ravioli, Nutella Tiramisu
Address:
-88 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1G5
-623 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4S 2M9
-55 Colborne Street, Toronto, ON, M5E 1E3
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12. Baro
Baro has the right fix for all Torontonians whenever they crave Latin food. Just like its neighbourhood, the restaurant also comes to life at night, serving high-quality food in a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
The OG Duck Chaufa, with confit duck and fried rice, offers great texture. The Chili Broccolini, with spicy chillies and creamy chipotle crema, balances heat with flavour.
What to order: Tiradito Ceviche, OG Duck Chaufa, Chili Broccolini
Address: 485 King Street W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K4
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13. Konjiki Ramen
With its roots in Japan, Konjiki Ramen and its owner/chef Atsushi Yamamoto bring to you one of Japan’s finest food traditions.
They are also one of the few ramen shops to make it as the Michelin Bib Gourmand recommended 2015-2018 and Tokyo Walker Magazine #1 Ramen in Tokyo for multiple years.
So you know this place is good and one of the best ramen in Toronto.
The Original Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen, with creamy pork bone soup and tender chashu, is a must-try. For a special treat, their limited Wagyu Ramen, with black truffle sauce, is exceptional.
What to order: Original Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen, Wagyu Ramen, Vegetarian Ramen
Address:
-41 Elm Street, Toronto, ON M5G 1H1
-5051 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5P2
-3401 Dufferin St, North York, ON M6A 2T9
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14. Dreyfus
Located in a brick row house, Dreyfus is a “French-ish” eatery that serves classic French cuisine made from the exceptional produce from Ontario farms and Canadian fisheries.
Share their Pommes Dauphine, topped with trout roe. The Beef Tenderloin with charred eggplant and mint offers a burst of flavours. Finish with their Blueberry Pie Coupe Glacée, a creamy and sweet dessert.
What to order: Pommes Dauphine, Beef Tenderloin, Blueberry Pie Coupe Glacée
Address: 96 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1G6
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15. Aburi Hana
Brought to you by Aburi Restaurants Canada, the group behind the most popular Miku, Aburi Hana is a posh Japanese restaurant offering a modern Kyō-Kaiseki experience.
At Aburi Hana, you get to experience a refined, multi-course, culinary experience and some of the best sushi in Toronto.
Enjoy their tasting menu, a blend of tradition and innovation, featuring seasonally dynamic offerings and signature Aburi techniques.
What to order: Tasting Menu
Address: 102 Yorkville Avenue, Unit 4 (Lower Level), Toronto, ON M5R 1B9
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16. Ristorante Sotto Sotto
Operating since 1993, Sotto Sotto is a traditional Roman, Italian restaurant serving some great Italian classics in a cozy atmosphere. The place is known for its huge portions, extensive wine list, and quality food.
Their Grilled Tiger Shrimp and Calamari is a delightful starter. Don’t miss the Spaghetti Carbonara, homemade pasta tossed with crispy pork cheek.
What to order: Antipasto Gordonia, La Carbonara
Address: 120 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON
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17. Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen
Known as the best Jamaican restaurant in Toronto, Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen serves traditional Caribbean cuisine with healthy culinary twists.
Established in a refurbished row house, the interior of the place gives you a Caribbean fish shack vibe, which goes hand-in-hand with the menu.
Their Saltfish Fritters with mango-lime-papaya salsa are a must. The Jerk Chicken, brined and barbecued over maple wood, is available in various portions and is a standout dish. Pair it with their ice cream for a perfect finish.
What to order: Jerk Chicken, Saltfish Fritters, Oxtail Stew, Ice Cream
Address:
-104 Portland Street, Toronto, ON
-1121 Castlefield Ave, Toronto, ON
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18. Pukka
If we’re talking about Indian restaurants, you can’t forget Pukka, a forward-thinking take on Indian cuisine in Canada? At Pukka, you will enjoy only the most exquisite and flavourful dishes in an engaging atmosphere.
The Lamb Lollipop, served with a Fenugreek curry, showcases rich, nuanced flavours with a blend of juicy lamb and tangy seasoning.
What to order: Pukka Chaat, Lamb Lollipop, Vegan Tikka Masala, Chilli Chocolate Tart
Address: 778 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 1B6
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19. Shoushin
With “Crafting the Perfect Sushi” as the tagline on their website, Shoushin is North Toronto’s only omakase sushi restaurant. Established in 2015, the restaurant specializes in Edomae style sushi. With original ingredients, and fish imported directly from Japan, Shoushin guarantees superior taste and authenticity.
Guests trust the chef’s selection based on daily seafood availability, with two Omakase choices: Sakura and the chef’s discretion-dependent Obsession Perfection. Each meal promises freshness, authenticity, and rich flavours.
Cap off your experience with a slice of Crown Musk Melon, a sweet treat imported from Japan.
What to order: Sakura Omakase, Crown Musk Melon
Address: 3328 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M4N 2M4
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20. Trattoria Fieramosca
Bringing a special atmosphere of an old-world charm, Trattoria Fieramosca is a traditional Italian restaurant that is uniquely charming for its wooden, quirky interior, a breezy patio that feels like something out of a scene on the Mediterranean, and stunningly good food.
Try their Calamari Alla Griglia Fritti, grilled and served on baby lettuce with balsamic reduction. The Spaghetti di Mare Alla Mario, a seafood and white wine pasta, is a popular choice.
For a hearty dish, go for the Petto di Pollo In Crosta Di Nocciole, hazelnut-breaded chicken breast in rosemary cream sauce, served with seasonal veggies.
What to order: Calamari Alla Griglia Fritti, Spaghetti Di Mare Alla Mario, Petto Di Pollo In Crosta Di Nocciole, Salmone Alla Grigila
Address: 36 A Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1A9
21. Lady Marmalade
Lady Marmalade has been the locals’ favourite brunch spot by serving up the city’s most amazing brunch for more than 10 years. People are lining down the street just to get a chance to try their scrumptious Lady Marmalade Eggs Benny in a homey interior filled with plants and pretty paintings. Drop by and give yourself a treat!
Their renowned Breakfast Sandwich combines scrambled eggs, bacon, avocado, tomato, cheddar, and chipotle mayo, served with home fries or salad.
For a heartier option, the Braised Beef Torta Sandwich, loaded with ancho-braised beef, queso fresco, avocado, and more, is a must-try.
What to order: Cheddar & Spinach Waffle, Breakfast Sandwich, Braised Beef Torta Sandwich, Cochinita Torta
Address: 265 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2G8
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With a diverse array of restaurants to please your taste buds and satisfy your cravings, Toronto is seriously a foodies’ paradise. Can it get any better? It does, with some of the best brunch spots you can find in the country. Check out our Best Brunch in Toronto list for recommendations.
Where do celebrities eat in Toronto?
When celebrities come to Toronto, they eat in the Yorkville neighbourhood. It is the upscale area of the city. Celebrities have been spotted at ONE Restaurant, STK Steakhouse, 119 Corbo.
Is Toronto a foodie city?
Yes, Toronto is a foodie city with more than 7500 restaurants available for people to enjoy. The city boasts many award-winning restaurants and even Michelin Starred spots.
Where do Toronto locals eat?
Toronto locals eat at specific spots depending on what neighbourhood they are at. For instance, PAI is the most popular in entertainment district.
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.