15 Best Restaurants in Old Town and the Distillery District, Toronto

Opened in July 2024, this vibrant new restaurant has quickly established itself as a neighborhood hot spot, serving elevated Mediterranean and international fare alongside a curated, Italian-centric selection of wines and inventive cocktails. The spacious dining room has soaring ceilings, original exposed brick, and 1800s wood beams, creating a warm, inviting space for couples and groups. A sleek white baby grand anchors the piano bar up front, where live music plays nightly. The seasonal menu showcases expertly grilled meats, seafood, and housemade pasta. Many ingredients come from nearby St. Lawrence Market, adding a fresh, local touch to every dish.

Having been delighting locals with authentic Italian fare since 2018, this cozy, laid-back spot offers a taste of Naples, serving up classic dishes like freshly made pizzas and hand-crafted pastas. The star of the kitchen is its striking red Stefano Ferraro Forni pizza oven, which can reach a blistering 900ºC, baking pizzas to perfection in just 90 seconds. Standouts on the menu include the rich pappardelle osso buco, earthy rigatoni al fungi, and a crowd-pleasing pepperoni pizza that keeps guests coming back for more.

Since 2002, the popular bakery has taken pride in making its products from scratch, using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients and no added preservatives. If the smell of freshly baked bread and buttery croissants doesn’t lure you into this charming spot, the decadent sweets on display—such as cinnamon buns, butter tarts, or scones—certainly will. For heartier appetites, options include pulled pork and vegetarian sandwiches, as well as steak-and-stout pie.

With a 5,000-square-foot, year-round patio and striking floor-to-ceiling murals, this is one of the most popular spots in the Distillery District. Highlights include traditional tacos al pastor with shaved pork and pineapple salsa, ceviche, a 24-hour-braised short rib in mole sauce, and guacamole prepared tableside. End the evening on a sweet note with churros rolled in sugar and served with a trio of chocolate, strawberry, and dulce de leche dipping sauces.

This Michelin-starred restaurant serves refined European classics with a focus on seafood and vegetables, prepared with painstaking care and designed to delight the palate. Thoughtful staff greet guests inside the intimate space, which exudes old-world charm. The pace is relaxed, and the restaurant’s minimalist kitchen is on full display. Advanced reservations are required for the dining room, where guests enjoy a seasonal tasting menu that can be paired with carefully selected wines. Alternatively, you can dine in the small bar area at the front, which offers an à la carte menu—reservations are also required here. Reservations are released mid-month for the following month.

Indulge your dessert cravings at one of Toronto’s finest dessert shops. Founded in 2015 by Stephanie Duong and Bruce Lee, it has delighted locals with playful takes on classic flavors, all crafted using French techniques. While the shop offers take-out only, its focus on seasonality sets it apart and helps maintain its lasting popularity. Pavlova toppings change several times a year; the summer soft-serve ice cream is creamy and refreshing; and the rotating cake cup flavors are perfectly portioned treats. Year-round staples include the banana éclair and Earl Grey cake slices, along with a selection of cookies and caramels.

Taste bold ice cream and vegan sorbetto flavors like mango–passion fruit, cajeta-swirled goat cheese, and roses of paradise at this beloved Toronto standby. Dessert brand Demetres owns and operates this shop and has been crafting artisanal ice creams by hand here for more than 30 years. The team uses top-quality ingredients from around the world—including Belgian chocolate and Indonesian vanilla—to create a rotating menu of 20 rich, unforgettable flavors. Don’t miss your scoop (or two) in their signature waffle cone, made fresh in-store.

Bindia serves mouthwatering North Indian cuisine that will delight your taste buds from the first bite of juicy meats and freshly baked naan straight from the tandoor oven. A beloved neighborhood staple, it’s conveniently located in the heart of St. Lawrence Market, offering casual, warm, and friendly service. Whether you choose to dine inside or enjoy a table on the patio during the warmer months, you’ll be able to people-watch and soak in the vibrant sights and sounds of the local community.

The irresistible scent of smoky Texas-style barbecue from Carbon Bar’s wood firepit hits your nose the moment you walk in, instantly sparking your appetite. The spacious yet sophisticated and laid-back atmosphere sets the stage for a memorable meal. Ordering the Pitmaster barbecue platter is a must—it features five types of meat and is perfect for sharing with a group, or daring to tackle on your own. The friendly waitstaff are quick to recite the restaurant’s drinks menu, and they're proud to mention that Carbon Bar boasts one of the largest bourbon selections in Toronto, including a selection of Canadian whiskies. No wonder it's a popular hangout for after-work crowds and weekend diners alike.

Enjoy classic and modern Catalan tapas at this lively restaurant, where guests are taken on a tasting journey by executive chef Ramon Simarro. Shareable plates make it easy to sample a wide range of dishes from the menu, paired with an extensive selection of Spanish wines and gins—more than 70 in total. Order à la carte to try items like the Iberico ham croquettes or whole fried sea bass, or opt for the 10-course chef’s tasting menu.

Founded in 1984, Nami is one of Toronto’s first authentic Japanese restaurants, continuing to serve fresh sushi sourced both locally and from Japan to a dedicated clientele. The kimono-clad servers and cozy wood booths evoke the charm of an older Kyoto. Along with its regular menu, Nami features daily specials and seasonal promotions, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to try.

Located on a quiet side street, the beloved café is known for its quality coffees, teas, and seasonal, Japanese-inspired fusion pastries. Since opening in 2015, the shop’s beautiful space has seamlessly blended Japanese and Scandinavian design, featuring warm wood finishes, concrete surfaces, and minimalist furniture, earning it design accolades. Beyond its aesthetics, it serves as a cozy, hip community hub with a loyal clientele, thanks to its friendly service and commitment to using high-quality, organic ingredients. Popular menu items include the matcha latte, roll cakes, and a rotating selection of seasonal drinks and pastries. There are several other locations across Toronto.

This beloved neighborhood staple has been serving fresh and delectable seafood dishes since its opening in 2015. Oysters take center stage on the menu, alongside crowd-pleasers like pan-seared steelhead trout, the signature PD burger, and the irresistible seafood tower, piled with oysters, pickled mussels, crab legs, and more. Be sure to try the black walnut old-fashioned and the lychee lime margarita—both crafted to evoke the elegance of a pearl in the water.

This traditional pub will transport you straight to Dublin the moment you step inside. The lively, friendly atmosphere is a favorite among longtime customers who come to enjoy a pint or an authentic Irish meal, such as Kilkenny Ale-battered fish-and-chips, hearty beef-and-Guinness stew, or rich bread pudding soaked in whiskey and custard—just like gran used to make. Behind the first-floor bar, the Pat Quinn Lounge features a large projection TV, making it an ideal spot to watch sports or enjoy live music on weekends. The Fireplace Lounge, located on the second floor, offers a cozy and intimate space, perfect for unwinding with friends.

One of the best spots to try bier schnapps (a traditional German-style spirit that is akin to tequila), this gastropub features classics with a twist such as crispy cornish hen with Sriracha maple glaze, or ultrameaty chicken wings. Even salads are anything but boring, like the red quinoa salad with sweet and tangy sherry vinaigrette. Fondue is served up with a duo of Oka and aged cheddar with roasted beets, house-made bratwurst, apples, and mini potatoes. For dessert, opt for Nonna's sugar donuts; they're melt-in-your-mouth and pillowy soft.