The Best Restaurant 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.

Planta

$$ | Yorkville

The upscale-yet-whimsical take on vegan food caused quite a stir when it opened in 2016, and the restaurant (now one of two in the city) is still a favorite of the Yorkville crowd. Menu standouts include satisfying thin-crust pizzas with plant-based mozzarella, an excellent veggie burger, and a spinach and artichoke dip that will fool even the pickiest cheese lover.

1221 Bay St., Toronto, ON, M5R 3P5, Canada
647-812--1221
Known For
  • Bold, trendy decor
  • Fun cocktails and local beer
  • Plant-based sushi

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