November 16, 2023

Best Restaurants Toronto Canada

Café Boulud Where: 60 Yorkville Ave., Four Seasons (Yorkville) Type of food: French Type of price: Entrees $28 to $59 Of note: Though the Café has been around since the Four Seasons opened in 2012, an extensive renovation this year has upped the quality and atmosphere. The impeccable ingredients and extensive menu makes for a spectacular high-end meal. Best for: Celebrations, big splashy dinners

Antler Kitchen & Bar Where: 1454 Dundas St. W. (Little Portugal) Type of food: Canadian, with a focus on local and wild (read: foraged) foods Type of price: Entrees $14 to $38 Of note: Post City highlights the spice ash crusted rack of deer from Quebec, served on braised deer shoulder with parsnip puree with swiss chard. We love that amidst all of the game meats, there are a far number of vegetarian options too. Best for: Catching up with a group of friends (shareable plates make that easy)

Alo Restaurant Where: 163 Spadina Ave., 3rd Floor Type of food: Adventurous tasting menu Type of price: $89 per person (wine pairings $65) Of note: Chef and co-owner Patrick Kriss is one of Toronto's favourite chefs, and he was welcome back to the dining scene (he last helmed Acadia) with open arms, including a much-coveted, rarely given four and a half star review in Toronto Life. Reviewer Mark Pupo called the restaurant "the best restaurant to open in the city ... in many years." Best for: A special occasion, or to indulge your curiosity (if you can get a reservation)

Omaw Where: 88 Ossington Ave. (Trinity Bellwoods) Type of food: Southern Type of price: Changing menu, but shareable plates from approximately $6 to $16 Of note: The chef at the restaurant is Matt Blondin, of the beloved Acadia (RIP), and he isn't afraid to delve deep into southern cuisine in the same way here. As Toronto Life showcases, items like chicken liver mousse and dirty-rice crisps are served alongside prawn tartare with anise remoulade, horseradish and a spiced potato chip — serious flavours for a place that wants to be memorable. Best for: Adventurous eaters looking for a Saturday night activity

Rose and Sons Swan Where: 892 Queen St. W. (Trinity Bellwoods) Type of food: Diner food (offering breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner) Type of price: Dinner entrees $18 to $28 Of note: Anthony Rose's fourth restaurant (his fifth, Bar Begonia, is set to open soon) carries on the tradition of fancy homecooked meals you would never make for yourself. At Swan, he incorporates elements of his other spots (like Fat Pasha's hummus), but ups the ante with well-turned out comfort food like lemon roasted chicken and griddle mushroom Caesar salad. Best for: A good night of eating gluttonously

Stelvio Where: 354 Queen St. W. Type of food: Northern Italian Type of price: Entrees $16.95 to $22.95 Of note: This isn't your average Italian meal — the owners behind this spot emphasize cheeses and meats that may be new to many palates, and a slew of buckwheat-based gluten-free options. Best for: A surprisingly great fine dining spot in the Queen and Spadina neighbourhood

Miss Thing's Where: 1279 Queen St. W. Type of food: Pan Asian and Polynesian Type of price: Entrees $15 to $22 Of note: Part of the tiki bar trend that hit Toronto this year, Miss Thing's boasts a tropical feel most spots in (often wintry) Toronto can't, and that's to its advantage. Best for: A fun dinner that can easily turn into lots of drinks

Kanpai Snack Bar Where: 252 Carlton St. Type of food: Taiwanese street food Type of price: Shareable dishes $7.50 to $22 Of note: It's heavy on the fried stuff in here, so dress accordingly — but definitely order the much-renowned chicken. Best for: After-work drinks with former backpackers and intrepid travellers

A3 Napoli Where: 589 College St. Type of food: Italian fried street food Type of price: Snacks and pizzas from $7.50 to $26 Of note: Brought to you by a joint team of the people behind Pizzeria Libretto and Porchetta & Co., this place looks casual but insists on very high standards for its dishes. Best for: Casual, fill-you-up eats before heading to the bar

Rickshaw Bar Where: 685 Queen St. W. Type of food: Inspired by street food of south and southeast Asia Type of price: Shareable "entrees" from $13 to $15 Of note: The Globe and Mail notes the restaurant's sublime ingredients are presented beautifully — and probably at a better value than most equivalent spots. Best for: Dinner with friends who are excited to try out new tastes

Loka Where: 620 Queen St. W. Type of food: Inventive Canadian cuisine Type of price: Dishes approximately $10 to $20, whole menu for $100 each Of note: After a successful pop-up shop, chef Dave Mottershall launched a Kickstarter to create a restaurant — and actually succeeded. Not only that, but it's getting accolades for its fun, delicious menu. Best for: People interested in trying new combinations

Old School Where: 800 Dundas St. W. Type of food: Diner Type of price: Brunch-type dishes $11 to $19 (some pricier options for dinner) Of note: Fans of the brunch at Liberty Village's School will be happy to see this spot serving up massive plates of French toast, waffles or eggs Benny 24/7. Best for: A lazy Sunday brunch (or gluttonous late night snack)

Descendant Detroit Style Pizza Where: 1168 Queen St. E. Type of food: Pizza Type of price: Small pizza $12 to $17 Of note: If you haven't tried Detroit-style pizza yet, be prepared for a deep-dish crust, heaps of toppings, and sauce poured over the cheese. Yes, over the cheese. Best for: An indulgent pizza night (to eat in or take out)

Raca Cafe and Bar Where: 1704 Queen St. W. Type of food: Local ingredients, classic dishes Type of price: Entrees $22 to $38 Of note: Chef and owner Ivana Raca ws trained by Mark McEwan, and was the executive chef at McEwan Foods at 24. The dishes are impeccably executed, and the spot is also becoming very popular (read: expect a lineup) for brunch. Best for: Casual, fun place to meet friends for dinner