Toronto is one of those cities that seems to have a bit of everything. From amazing neighbourhoods, districts and history, it’s got a little something for everyone. In fact, that’s what attracted me to Toronto in the first place. Now, one thing that did surprise me whilst I was there was how many delicious food spots and some of the best restaurants in Toronto, I literally had no clue that the food scene was that big.
Anyway, without rambling on, I wanted to share some of the very best restaurants in Toronto that you have to try. There’s a whole diversity of restaurants in Toronto, which is a great thing for us visitors. It literally means that there’s something for everyone, every budget and every taste. Just make sure to visit hungry… trust me on this!
Take a look at some of the best restaurants in Toronto that you have to try.
1.) Prime Seafood Palace
Created by the mastermind that is celebrity chef Matty Matheson. You might remember him from his role in the TV series, The Bear? He’s actually the only ‘real’ chef on the series. Anyway, Prime Seafood Palace is one of the best restaurants in Toronto to visit for steaks and, of course, seafood. Oh, and don’t be fooled, this intimate design-led restaurant isn’t style-over-substance. Yes, the restaurant is beautifully designed in a Nordic-style venue, but it’s the food that’s the true winner.
We absolutely love dining at Prime Seafood Palace, and they have the most amazing seasonal menu. We had the seared scallops and the daily special, wagyu steak, which was mind-blowingly good. Plus, don’t forget to try their famous crudo and the absolutely yummy Yorkshire pudding. It’s huge, crusipy and perfect with a steak.
Oh, and don’t forget they have a sommelier who can guide you through some of the best of Ontario’s wines. They’re incredible.
2.) Chubby’s
Chubby’s might just be one of Ontario’s best Jamaican foodie joints. Nestled just off Adelaide Street West, Chubby’s is one of the best restaurants in Toronto for the tastiest lunch. Their jerk pit grill is always flamin’, and their shrimp and chicken are so flavourful. Plus, their fried plantains are as fresh as they come. So good, with a touch of salt.
If you’re not feeling Jamaican food, head to the nearby Oretta King (King West), which is a few minutes’ walk away. They serve some of the best pasta dishes in Toronto, and their brisket stufato paccheri is so good.
3.) La Palma
Based on Dundas Street West, La Palma is one stunning (and totally delicious) Spanish-fusion restaurant that serves up some of the tastiest dishes this side of Toronto.
They make the tastiest braised lamb spaghetti and the lobster rolls at brunch, which are so tasty. Oh, and don’t forget about their cocktail menu, too. These guys know their thing about mixology.
Looking for one of the best rooftop bars in Toronto? Make sure to head to this amazing rooftop bar at the 1 Hotel. Not only are the views incredible, but this place is such a vibe. Plus, they make one of the best Negronis in all of Canada.
Read more: Best things to do in Toronto
4.) Waterworks Food Hall
Less of a restaurant in Toronto, and more of a collection of vendors, the Waterworks Food Hall is one yummy spot to visit for lunch when in Toronto. With around 30 vendors, serving everything from ramen, bespoke coffees, local wines, poutine, and so much more, it’s the perfect place to go with a group of friends or family who all like different things.
Not only that, the food hall is all inside, so there’s no chance you’ll freeze, even in the height of winter in Ontario. Oh, and don’t forget to stop off at Grape Witches within the Waterworks Food Hall itself. This cosy spot has some of the best Canadian wines, and they’re so knowledgeable and passionate about what they serve. It’s the perfect place to visit for a lazy evening tipple, or even a drink before dinner.
Still got room for one last drink or nibble? Head on over to nearby Alder. It’s just across the road from the Waterworks Food Hall, and the design is beautiful, especially in the Lobby Bar. It’s part of the Ace Hotel and is so great for a tipple. Though their dishes are just as good, too. We had some tender steaks and smashed burgers here!
5.) Bar Ravel
Bar Ravel is a pintxos-filled bar, and the eatery is easily one of the best restaurants in Toronto for pintxos and a huge array of wines. Their smoked mackerel in oil and their tomato bread are so delicious. It’s the perfect place to go for a bottle of wine and lots of finger foods to share with friends. We loved it here, and it’s such a vibe, especially on the weekend.
6.) Grey Gardens
Grey Gardens might just be one of our favourite restaurants in Toronto for dinner! Not too far from Kensington Market, Grey Gardens focuses on seasonal and local produce that’s all homemade by the team in-house. Their spaghetti and duck sausage noodles are so good and a must-try when you visit. Oh, and try their sea bream, too!
Now, be aware, Grey Gardens is only open 5-10 pm each night. It’s also closed on Sunday.
7.) Campechano (Mexican taqueria)
Hand’s down, Campechano is one of the best restaurants in Toronto to visit if you love Mexican food. You see, this spot is some of a local haunt when it comes to Mexican food. Locals love it and it’s the go-to spot for Toronto that we totally fell in love with.
Best of all, it’s a really chilled out resutrant in Toronto. There’s nothing fussy, Campechano is friendly and the food is totally delcious. Once here, make sure to order their fresh-to-order tacos and their yummy cocktails. In fact, they focus on Agave cocktails – so, think lots of Mezcal and Tequila. Yum!
Now, it Campechano can get busy on weekends, so if you want to avoid the crowds, head here mid week or on Monday.
8.) Le Swan
Not too far from Prime Seafood Palace is another one of the best resturtants in Toronto to try. It’s called Le Swan and I promise you that there are no ugly ducklings here. This intimate French diner is perfect for dinner and they have a seasonal menu that is so tasty.
We absolutely loved their jambon and raclette, plus their crab hush puppies are so yummy. Why has no one ever told us about these before. Plus, they serve something of a classic for dessert. Worms and dirt. Yup, you read that right! Thankfully, there’s no soil or legless invertebrates in sight. It’s a mix of crushed Oreo cookies, layered chocolate and candy worms. Give it a try!
Afterwards, take a short stroll to nearby Mother for their incredible cocktails. It’s less than a 30 second walk from Le Swan and it’s an amazing spot to visit for a nightcap in Toronto.
9.) A French place: Alo
Perched at the top of a heritage building within the centre, Alo is often talked about as one of the best restaurants in Toronto for French food. Now, there are two different ways to eat at Alo, one being through a reservation to eat within Alo’s Dining Room. Though be prepared, this books up super-fast.
Alternatively, rock up at Alo’s Cocktail Bar, which only accepts walk-ins. They serve truly classic cocktails and a tasty á la carte menu with dishes like Ora King Salmon and their Sea Urchin with Black Truffle.
Top tip: If you can get a reservation, go with Alo’s Dining Room, especially for a special occasion.
Read more: Best things to do in Toronto
10.) A Neighbourhood place: Richmond Station
Richmond Station is a neighbourhood eatery and one of the best restaurants in Toronto that focuses on good quality food in an unstuffy and community-focused spot. It really is lovely.
For some of their tastiest dishes, make sure to try the epic charcuterie boards (with added cheese)… life never has enough cheese! Alternatively, try their maple-cured Trout that’s outta this world.
Top tip: If you’re arriving on the weekend, make sure to book a table in advance, and particularly at peak times.
Read more: Best things to do on a trip to Toronto
11.) Henry’s
Another gem close to Mother (the cocktail bar), Henry’s is the perfect spot to chill for dinner and wine within a relaxed but cool resturant. Once you’re seated, make sure to order up a feast. We totally love their Steak tartare. It’s paired with a creamy cashew sauce and it’s rich, tasty and totally fresh. Also, for a main dish, be sure to try the Grilled branzino and beurre blanc. It comes with the freshest trout roe, which gives the branzino a salty burst of ocean freshness that is so yummy.
12.) A Dumpling place: Dumpling House
So this was a total surprise for me. After strolling around Chinatown, I’d worked up a pretty hefty appetite and ran right into a place I’d heard was good. I wasn’t disappointed at all! Dumpling House is one of the best restaurants in Toronto if you’re struggling to choose a good eating spot in Chinatown.
From the outside, Dumpling House (at 328 Spadina Avenue) looks pretty ‘run-of-the-mill’ and almost like a cafe. Don’t let that bother you; the food is everything here. Totally unpretentious and unassuming, this place is all about the amazing (and relatively cheap) food. Their fried and steamed dumplings are everything.
Top tip: Make sure to take cash with you, as they don’t accept card payments.
13.) A Mexican place: Seven Lives
Perched on Kensington Avenue, Seven Lives is a rock-up restaurant and takeaway joint that is always busy (so expect a line). Totally chilled and unpretentious, Seven Lives is easily one of the best restaurants in Toronto if you’re looking for Mexican food.
Personally, I think these guys serve up some of the best fish tacos I’ve ever tasted and cost around $10 for a taco. Yes, it’s a few dollars more than some other spots, but it’s quality over quantity. Their house-smoked tuna tacos are so good. Oh, and be sure to grab a side of their homemade guacamole. You won’t regret it.
Top tip: Arrive for an early lunch or mid-week if you want to queue less.
14.) A seafood place: Joso’s
So, Joso’s is a pretty established spot and one of the best restaurants in Toronto for good seafood. Opened about 50 years ago, Joso’s is still going strong! It’s an institution in Yorkville that serves the best spaghetti this side of Ontario. Make sure
Top tip: Make sure to try their delicious Octopus Salad or Alla Leonardo spaghetti. So tasty.
15.) A Shellfish place: Rodney’s Oyster House
Rodney’s Oyster House has been going for over 20 years and is possibly one of the best restaurants in Toronto for shellfish. Plus, it’s one of my favourite places for New England Clam Chowder and seasonal and completely fresh oysters.
As you’re in Canada, make sure to try Rodney’s Caesar, too. It’s amazing and comes with shrimp. Also, the Pickerel Club Sandwich is so divine. You’ll leave stuffed.
16.) A Japanese place: Miku
Perched down by the harbourfront, Miku is one of the best restaurants in Toronto for totally fresh and tasty Japanese cuisine. Although prices can be a little steeper than some other spots in the city, it’s well worth it for the quality of the food.
Top tip: Make sure to try their sushi and sashimi selection. We totally loved it, the Hamachi Crudo is delicious.
Read more: Best things to do in Toronto
17.) A Sweet place: Bang Bang Ice Cream
Nestled on Ossington Ave, Bang Bang is most definitely the best restaurant in Toronto for ice-cream sandwiches. Having much more of a cafe and takeout vibe, Bang Bang is the type of place you grab something and go. Honestly, run to these places, it’s amazing.
Top tip: Bang Bang have Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan ice cream, too. Meaning, there’s something for everyone.
Read more: Best things to do in Toronto
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