4 Best Restaurants in Toronto, Ontario

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Toronto’s calling card—its ethnic diversity—offers up a potent mix of cuisines. But with that base, the city’s chefs are now pushing into new territory. Gone are the days of chefs gunning for white linen tablecloths; now pop-up vendors such as Fidel Gastro’s Lisa Marie and Seven Lives Tacos Y Mariscos draw a cult following big enough to open up brick-and-mortar locations.

And it’s not enough to have consistently good food: kitchens are pushed to be creative and embrace food trends. Spanish tapas and Korean fusion have replaced French and Thai as the newest crazes in the city and izakayas are out while ramen is in. Farm-to-table shows no sign of slowing down, with many menus citing the source of their meats and produce. While Toronto is still young as a foodie travel destination, it’s drawing in the crowds, or at a minimum world-famous chefs such as Daniel Boulud and David Chang, who have landed in Toronto with Café Boulud and Momofuku. And as locals will tell you, first come the chefs, then come the savvy foodie travelers, always posting a tweet or photo to Instagram at the city’s newest hot spots.

The Berczy Tavern

$$ | Old Town Fodor's choice

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.

69 Front St. E, Toronto, ON, M5E 1B5, Canada
647-479--0279
Known For
  • Live music nightly
  • Expertly grilled meat and seafood
  • Seasonal menu sourced from St. Lawrence Market
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.--Fri.

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Azura

$$$$ | Greektown

The most ambitious restaurant to call this part of town home is a warmly modern tasting-menu spot that draws from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, Canadian ingredients, and fine-dining techniques. Plan for a couple of leisurely hours to experience the menu, which marries dukkah spice, za'atar, and pomegranate with foie mousse, Arctic char, and Iberico ham over a dozen well-considered, painstakingly plated small courses.

162 Danforth Ave., Toronto, ON, Canada
416-792--8088
Known For
  • Unusual and delicious wine, cocktail, and even non-alcoholic pairings
  • Impeccably choreographed service
  • Chef’s signature “chocolate mortadella” dessert
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch

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Constantine

$$ | Church–Wellesley

On the ground floor of the renovated Anndore House hotel, this sprawling spot's open kitchen turns out varied fare like Middle Eastern mezes, pastas, and gorgeously plated desserts. Grilled meats are great here---especially the lamb burger---but vegetarian options abound.

15 Charles St. E, Toronto, ON, M4Y 1S1, Canada
647-475--4436
Known For
  • Buzzy, loungelike atmosphere
  • Grilled Mediterranean specialties
  • Daily afternoon happy hour specials
Restaurant Details
No lunch weekdays

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Manita Rosedale

$$ | Rosedale

This Ossington staple brings its sunny, cozy vibes uptown, landing in Rosedale with the same easygoing charm and seriously good food. The all-day café serves up bright, tasty dishes like soft scrambled eggs on fresh bread, hearty salads, and roast chicken that’s anything but basic. Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, it’s the perfect spot to linger over a latte, split a bottle of orange wine, or settle in for a relaxed meal that delivers on flavor. 

1164 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M4W 2L9, Canada
647-398--9270
Known For
  • Signature Manita burger (with bacon, American cheese, and remoulade on a sesame-seed bun)
  • Relaxed neighborhood vibes
  • Thoughtful, curated wine list

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