Top 10 Restaurants In Toronto, Canada 2024 - Must-Try Food Spots!
Toronto is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, known for its iconic CN Tower and amazingly loud Kensington Market.
This place is simply a paradise for food lovers. Indeed, the City's cuisine is as diverse as its population. You can always find here something that will suit your taste, whether it be traditional comfort food like peameal bacon sandwiches or unique fusion dishes that have managed to adopt some elements from different culinary traditions.
Whether you are local or tourist, Toronto restaurants will not let you be indifferent to taste. Here's the top 10 must-hit food spots in Toronto and what to order from each in 2024:.
1. Sushi Masaki Saito
Situated in Toronto's upscale Yorkville area, Sushi Masaki Saito is one of the few restaurants to boast two stars from the auspicious Michelin guide. This sushi heaven, helmed by the chef himself, Masaki Saito, delivers the tranquil dining experience that comes with seasonally delivered fish, straight from Japan.
A couple of things set it apart from many other entries on this list: fastidiousness and consistency in preserving an age-old way of making sushi. Reservations are required, and you'll want to plan in advance because the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.
2. Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto
Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto is an upscale kaiseki dining experience; their Mount Pleasant Road restaurant is helmed by Chef Naotomo Hashimoto, certified international sake master and sommelier. The seasonal menu will boast tempura, sashimi, sushi, and Wagyu beef, exquisitely paired with traditional Japanese sake. With an intimate setup, it allows for personalized service and creates a memorable experience for dinner-out.
3. Estia
Estia is known for fresh, prime quality seafood selections. From prawns and lobster to cotton bass, the skill of chef Rob Rossi in each dish is very prominent. Their lists of Italian wines, classic cocktails also make this a great place to spend a suave evening. Reservations are highly suggested and can be done as early as two weeks in advance.
4. Edulis
This tiny Niagara Street restaurant is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Tobey Nemeth and Michael Caballo. Specializing in seasonal, Mediterranean-inspired, multi-course menus focused on wild mushrooms, seafood, and vegetables, Edulis secures itself in local and visitor favorites because of a commitment to local ingredients and an intimate dining experience. Call ahead: Edulis only takes cash and reservations.
5. Alo Bar Yorkville
6. Quetzal
Quetzal, located on College Street, boasts a contemporary interior and a very dramatic 28-foot-long wood-burning kitchen grill. This is a Michelin-starred restaurant famous for its tortillas, maitake mushrooms charred, grilled octopus, and lamb barbacoa. Reservations are available Wednesday through Sunday.
7. Enigma Yorkville
Enigma Yorkville, located on St. Thomas Street, is a European restaurant belonging to Chef Quinton Bennett. On the menu are sophisticated dishes such as Australian wagyu with bone marrow and Atlantic halibut with chanterelle mushrooms.
The desserts of Yuzu and raspberry backed by puff pastry are simply stunning. Each meal comes with the choice of six, eight, or ten surprise courses, so every night out is different.
8. Don Alfonso 1890
Don Alfonso 1890, located in One Harbour Square, features a contemporary take on fine Italian dining. On its menu are Michelin-starred creative dishes, along with some more classic food items, such as vermicelli with pine nuts and mackerel or porchetta with a honey glaze. It also offers a beautiful view of the bay and the city of Toronto from every window table. Reservations are a must.
9. Alo
Another brainchild by Chef Patrick Kriss, Alo is located on Spadina Avenue. A single star from Michelin, Alo slides both European and Asian flavors into its multi-course tasting menus. These include standouts like the lamb rack with Thai green curry and creamy Koshihikari risotto with porcini mushrooms. The comfortable atmosphere and creative fare bring Alo to the top of fine dining in Toronto. Reservations are required.
10. Restaurant 20 Victoria
Situated on Victoria Street, Restaurant 20 Victoria is this gastronomic gem run by Chef Julie Hyde. This little restaurant offers up tasting menus that truly showcase the best of fresh seafood and local produce. These include a four-course midweek on Wednesdays and Thursdays and a seven-course at weekends. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list to suit all dishes. Reservations recommended for any special night out.
Final Thoughts
The Toronto food scene mirrors this vibrant, eclectic mix of people. From the elegant, Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants to the small, family-run eateries that have comfort food par excellence, there's a tapestry here woven with flavors and experiences.
Whether you're looking for something sophisticated or just really good to eat, the restaurants in Toronto are ready for their close-up. So here's to getting your chopsticks, forks, or spoons ready and diving into Toronto's colourful food scene! Your taste buds will thank you!