Did you know Toronto is a hub for Michelin-starred restaurants and famous chefs1? It’s a place where you can find everything from Japanese snack bars to vegan Italian spots. This city’s top eateries showcase a wide variety of tastes and dining experiences. If you love food or just want to try something new, this list of 15 must-try restaurants in Toronto will amaze you.
Toronto’s food scene has grown a lot lately. It caught the eye of the Michelin Guide and became known as a top spot for food lovers1. You’ll find both classic places that have been around for years and new spots that are all the rage. This guide covers everything from fancy restaurants to trendy spots and Michelin-starred places.
Key Takeaways
- Toronto’s culinary scene is home to a diverse array of top-rated restaurants, spanning various cuisines and dining experiences.
- The city’s best eateries include a mix of long-standing classics, buzzy downtown hotspots, and new establishments making waves in the gourmet scene.
- Many of Toronto’s finest dining destinations have earned recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide, solidifying the city’s reputation as a culinary hotspot.
- From innovative cuisine to romantic dining experiences, this list covers the full spectrum of finest dining in Toronto.
- Whether you’re a foodie or simply seeking a gourmet dining experience, these 15 must-try restaurants are sure to impress.
Toronto’s Culinary Gem: Hanmoto
In the heart of Toronto’s food scene, Hanmoto is a hidden treasure. It’s a place you won’t find on main streets, but it’s a favorite for many. Known for its Japanese snacks and cozy vibe, it’s a spot for food lovers2.
Walking into Hanmoto is like stepping into a lively spot in Japan. The warm lights and close setting make it great for trying new foods. Their menu is full of creative snacks that stand out in top-rated restaurants toronto and trendy toronto hotspots1.
No reservations, no signage, no phone – pure culinary bliss
Hanmoto is hard to find, which is part of its charm. You can’t book ahead, and there’s no sign or phone number. It’s all about word-of-mouth, making it special for those who find it2.
Unique Japanese-style snacks in a cozy, divey atmosphere
The menu at Hanmoto shows their love for new flavors. Try their famous Dyno Wings, which are chicken wings filled with tasty gyoza. Or, enjoy other snacks inspired by Japan. Add a unique cocktail or sake, and you’re in for a treat1.
Whether you’re a food expert or new to Toronto’s food scene, Hanmoto is a place you must visit. Its cozy feel and amazing food make it a top spot for dining in Toronto. It’s a gem that shows off the best of finest dining toronto and gourmet scene toronto21.
Short Turn: A Polished Streetcar-Inspired Snack Bar
In Toronto’s lively food scene, Short Turn stands out as a stylish offshoot of the well-loved1 416 Snack Bar. It looks like a classic Toronto streetcar but feels more upscale. This place offers a nice change from the cozy feel of its original spot1.
Elevated Cocktails and Familiar Asian-Fusion Bites
Short Turn keeps the snacks from 416 Snack Bar but also has a new cocktail list. These drinks are creative takes on classic cocktails1. It’s a mix of old favorites and new drinks that appeals to many people.
The menu at Short Turn has many must-try restaurants toronto dishes. You’ll find crispy Korean fried chicken, tender pork belly bao buns, and spicy ahi tuna handrolls. These dishes are a hit in the toronto culinary scene for their great taste and texture.
Short Turn offers a stylish setting and a fancy cocktail list. It’s perfect for those wanting a new gastronomic adventures toronto experience but still want the comfort of a favorite spot. This culinary hotspots toronto spot is a top choice for food lovers exploring top eateries toronto and gourmet scene toronto341.
Akira Back: Upscale Japanese Dining with Korean Flair
In the luxurious Bisha Hotel in Toronto, Chef Akira Back’s restaurant offers a special dining experience5. The place has a charcoal black interior with black marble columns and gold details under a blue graphic ceiling. It’s a design that’s over the top in a good way5.
The menu at Akira Back combines Japanese and Korean flavors for a unique taste6. You’ll find more than just sushi and sashimi, like the 48-hour wagyu short rib. It’s so tender, it almost falls apart easily5.
| Dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuna Tataki | $26 |
| A5 Wagyu Tataki | $58 |
| Galbi Lamb Chop | $46 |
| Signature Sushi Rolls | $19 – $38 |
| Grilled Alaskan King Crab | $68 |
| Yuzu Citrus Curd Dessert | $16 |
Akira Back has 25 restaurants worldwide, with one getting a Michelin Star in 20185. The Toronto spot has been open for seven years, drawing new and returning customers5. Chef Back visits his restaurants often to ensure top quality and customer happiness5.
Akira Back in Toronto is a top choice for must-try restaurants toronto, upscale eateries toronto, and gourmet restaurants toronto6. It’s part of the city’s exciting toronto culinary scene and gastronomic adventures toronto6.
“Genuine good food is the reason behind the restaurant’s success, and once customers try the food, they keep coming back.” – Akira Back5
Gia: A Plant-Forward Pasta Paradise
Gia is a cozy yet stylish spot on Dundas West. It’s a plant-forward restaurant that has made it onto Toronto’s Michelin Guide7. Jenny Coburn and Stacey Patterson, the loving owners, serve up fresh, handmade pasta with sauces that are irresistible8.
Michelin-Starred Vegan Italian Cuisine by a Powerhouse Couple
The menu at Gia features a must-try dish: tonnarelli tartufo. It’s noodles smothered in a creamy cashew butter sauce and topped with shaved truffles7. Don’t miss the olive oil cake, so fluffy it feels like a cloud7. Gia is a trailblazer in Canada, being the first to earn Michelin recognition, thanks to Coburn and Patterson’s skill8.
Handmade Pasta and Decadent Desserts in a Cozy Setting
Walking into Gia feels like finding a cozy haven. It’s all about celebrating the simple, rich tastes of plant-based Italian food. Every dish, from the pasta to the desserts, shows the owners’ dedication to a gourmet dining experience toronto that’s both new and fulfilling7. For vegans or anyone who loves great Italian food, Gia is a top choice for a michelin-starred restaurants toronto experience that’s a true delight.
DaNico: Opulent Italian Dining in a Heritage Bank
DaNico is hidden in a beautiful heritage bank building in Toronto’s vibrant food scene. It’s a 60-seat restaurant that’s part of the famous Liberty Entertainment Group. Guests feel like they’re in the sunny Amalfi coast with its refined dining experience9.
A Michelin-Starred Chef’s Culinary Masterpiece
Executive Chef Daniele Corona leads the kitchen at DaNico. He used to run the Michelin-starred Don Alfonso 18909. His eight-course tasting menu and à la carte dishes blend Italian flavors with modern Asian touches9.
The inside of DaNico is fancy, with Italian mohair velvet and marble counters. There are also Versace ceramics and a big wine cellar with over 3,000 bottles9.
DaNico won the Award of Excellence from The Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRōNA)9. This shows the restaurant’s commitment to top-notch dining. It’s up there with the best michelin star restaurants in Toronto9.
Liberty Entertainment Group, behind DaNico, has changed the Toronto food scene for 30 years9. They serve over 1.75 million people a year, including stars and leaders9. They’ve won many awards, like being in the 2023 Michelin Guide and “Best Italian Restaurant in the World (outside Italy)” by 50 Top Italy9.
“A reservation at DaNico is something to sculpt your entire month around. This is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Toronto, and the dining experience is simply exquisite.”
If you love food or want a special dining experience in Toronto, DaNico is a top choice9.
La Bartola: Vegan Mexican Flavors to Savor
In Toronto’s lively food scene10, La Bartola stands out. It’s the only vegan spot in Toronto on the Michelin Guide11. Chef Iván Castro, from Mexico City, brings new life to traditional Mexican food with plant-based dishes.
Michelin-Approved, Authentic Plant-Based Mexican Cuisine
La Bartola’s menu mixes true Mexican flavors with new ideas. Chef Castro’s dishes, like masa cakes with black aguachile and mushrooms, show his skill11. The peanut sauce, made with Oaxacan pasillo pepper, highlights their focus on great taste11.
Vibrant Decor Celebrating Mexico’s Culinary Matriarchs
La Bartola welcomes you with a bright, eye-catching space. It honors the women who shaped Mexican cooking. Portraits of Frida Kahlo and a Judy Garland art piece add to the charm11.
This space celebrates Mexico’s food heritage. La Bartola is a top spot for michelin star restaurants toronto, toronto culinary scene, and gourmet dining experience toronto11.
“La Bartola is a shining example of how plant-based cuisine can be both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. It’s a culinary adventure that celebrates the vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage of Mexico, all while catering to the growing demand for sustainable, gourmet restaurants toronto.”
Best Restaurants Toronto Canada: Lake Inez and Its Craft Brews
Toronto’s food scene is a mix of many flavors. Chefs mix different cultures to make dining unforgettable12. Lake Inez is a must-see spot in Toronto’s Little India, known for its charm12.
Cozy Hangout with Asian-Inspired Snacks and Local Beers
Lake Inez is a cozy spot that pairs local craft beers with Asian-inspired snacks12. You’ll find dishes like kimchi beef tartare and pitas with tasty schmear12. The place has a quirky wine list, making it a hidden gem in Toronto’s food scene12.
Romantic Ambiance in Toronto’s Little India Neighborhood
Lake Inez has a romantic feel and thoughtful design, perfect for a date night in Toronto’s Little India12. It focuses on local ingredients and craft beers, offering a unique dining experience12.
If you love food or are looking for a romantic spot, Lake Inez is a top choice12. It’s a place that highlights Toronto’s diverse food culture and best restaurants toronto canada12.
“Lake Inez offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that seamlessly blends Asian flavors with a cozy, romantic ambiance – a true hidden gem in the heart of Toronto’s diverse culinary landscape.”
Conclusion
Toronto’s food scene is a dream for food lovers, with a wide variety of must-try spots. You can find everything from upscale Japanese to plant-forward Italian and vegan Mexican cuisine13. Whether you want a cozy snack bar, a stylish bar, or an elegant Italian dining room, there’s something for everyone13. These 15 top restaurants show off Toronto’s creative and lively food scene, making it a top spot for dining14.
Places like DaNico, with its art and 3,000-bottle wine cellar, and Gia, with its Michelin-starred vegan Italian food, offer unique experiences13. They impress with great service, new menus, and beautiful settings. This guide is perfect for locals and visitors, inspiring your next food adventure and showing the city’s diverse food scene.
Toronto keeps growing, drawing in chefs and restaurateurs from all over the world14. With its deep culture, lively areas, and focus on quality and new ideas, Toronto is a true paradise for food lovers. It offers an unmatched dining experience that will impress everyone who tries it.
FAQ
What are the best restaurants in Toronto, Canada?
The top spots in Toronto include Hanmoto, Short Turn, Akira Back, Gia, DaNico, La Bartola, and Lake Inez.
What types of cuisine can be found at the top restaurants in Toronto?
You’ll find a mix of flavors, from Japanese and Korean dishes to Italian, vegan Mexican, and Asian snacks with craft beer.
Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants in Toronto?
Yes, Gia, La Bartola, and DaNico, led by a Michelin-starred chef, have earned Michelin stars.
What are some of the unique dining experiences offered by the top Toronto restaurants?
Expect everything from cozy spots like Hanmoto to the stylish Short Turn and the luxurious DaNico, known for its art.
Are there any restaurants on this list that specialize in plant-based or vegan cuisine?
La Bartola is a fully vegan spot in Toronto’s Michelin Guide, offering vegan takes on Mexican dishes.
Where can I find more information about Toronto’s culinary scene and the restaurants featured in this list?
Check out the Toronto restaurant guide to learn more about the city’s top dining spots and culinary hotspots.
Source Links
- The 23 best restaurants in Toronto, hands down
- Discover the Best Dining Spots in Toronto
- Where to Eat, Shop & Play in Toronto’s Roncesvalles Village | Destination Toronto
- This is the celebrity chef behind one of Toronto’s most famous destination restaurants
- The 10 Best Asian Restaurants In Toronto You Have To Try
- Best Italian Restaurants in Toronto 2024
- The Best Vegan Restaurants in Toronto: The Ultimate Guide
- Liberty Group and DaNico Toronto honoured with DiRōNa Award of Excellence
- A guide to visiting Toronto as a vegan
- La Bartola Gluten-Free – Toronto – 2024
- Toronto’s Top Restaurants Dedicated to Fusion Cuisine
- Rediscovering My Home City of Toronto Through Its Ever-Changing Food Scene
- The 38 Best Toronto Restaurants