Best restaurants in Stratford

Restaurant Pearl Morissette

★★ Michelin$$$$Contemporary

This 42-acre destination in the picturesque Niagara region is the full experience. A restaurant, winery, orchard, farm and bakery, Restaurant Pearl Morissette is a powerhouse. With great pride for Canadian ingredients and respect for the seasons, Chefs Daniel Hadida and Eric Robertson make the most of their surroundings to enhance their spontaneous tasting menu's dishes, as in roasted guinea hen with chanterelles, mokum carrot and fig. Yes, there is plenty of wine available, but don’t miss the accomplished juice pairing either. The meal may conclude sweetly with a deliciously creamy hogweed ic

Edulis

★ Michelin$$$$Mediterranean Cuisine

"Sweet" can carry a slightly disparaging edge, but there’s something quite endearing about this quaint little house, with its warm, yellow-toned interior brimming with assorted bric-a-brac. The dedication of the husband-and-wife chef-owners and their staff is unmistakable, fostering a pervading atmosphere of warm, easygoing hospitality. The set multicourse menu (paid for in full at the time of booking) is largely inspired by the Mediterranean, and in particular Spain, focusing on excellent seafood complemented by seasonal flavors and indulgent sauces. Take, for example, Québec snow crab with f

Alo

★ Michelin$$$Contemporary

Everyone has a good time at Chef Patrick Kriss’s beloved Alo. You can sense this much at the lively bar, where walk-ins are treated like VIPs by personable servers. The dimly lit tables in the dining room are cozy, but for the best experience, book seats at the marble-topped chefs counter with a ringside seat of the lively kitchen. The kitchen team seamlessly merges European and Asian sensibilities onto a single surprise tasting menu with dishes like creamy Koshihikari risotto boosted with dashi, lobster and shiitake mushrooms or Hudson Valley duck with foie gras, plum, turnip and red curry. T

DaNico

★ Michelin$$$$Italian, Contemporary

Wondering if DaNico is worth a stop? You can take it to the bank—quite literally, as the restaurant is nestled inside a former bank building. Inside, dark colors, linen tablecloths, and plush seating set a sophisticated tone, but the irreverent artwork proves they don't take themselves too seriously. Chef/partner Daniele Corona cooks Italian food with a global influence. Choose from a multicourse prix-fixe or a chef's tasting menu to enjoy items such as wild Pacific crab served over thin, noodle-like vegetables, garnished with trout roe, and finished tableside with a Sicilian green olive couli

Quetzal

★ MichelinWorld's 50 Best #11$$$$Mexican

This boisterous hotspot offers up no shortage of personality. Almost everything on this distinctive menu passes through a battery of roaring wood-burning grills and hearths, lending a primal smokiness that pervades the food and room alike. At the end of the line is a single cook at an earthenware comal, preparing tortillas from heirloom corn nixtmalized and ground in-house. Masa-based items like memela filled with melty quesillo, smoky preserved shiitakes and crunchy chicharron show off the kitchen’s creativity. Grilled meats, like a meltingly tender secreto "al pastor" with charred pineapple,

Don Alfonso 1890

★ Michelin$$$$Italian, Contemporary

Every city needs a Don Alfonso. Whether impressing dates, in-laws or business clients, there has to be somewhere you can rely on to offer an unforgettable experience. Of course, there are the views, of the water or of the city, from its perch atop The Westin hotel, but there is so much more to this restaurant than its vistas.The Italian menu offers sophistication at every turn; choose from the prix fixe or go for the tasting menu to sample more of the dishes on offer. It's all delicious, as in cannelloni tucked with marjoram-infused ricotta, smoked provolone and spinach, or the lamb chop with

Restaurant 20 Victoria

★ Michelin$$$$Contemporary, Seafood

Located on a quiet stretch of downtown Toronto, this tiny-but-mighty restaurant enters a new era under Chef Rafa Covarrubias. Ideal for intimate dates and built around a carefully run open kitchen, the dimly-lit restaurant offers a refined, contemporary tasting menu flecked with Mexican influences. A custardy tamale with salsa roja and snow crab has few equals, but the scallop with mole verde is excellent as well. The main event is a dry-aged roasted duck, first presented with a bit of tableside flair and later served with a glossy jus and chimole negro. Service is warm and personable, and tho

aKin

★ Michelin$$$$Asian, Contemporary

Chef Eric Chong has set out to do what few others in the region dare to. Drawing inspiration from across Asia, he taps into his own heritage and delivers a modern tasting menu that reimagines what is possible using top-shelf ingredients sourced from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. Tables run down the length of a stylish room framed with gold-leaf finishes, and an intimate, four-seat chef’s counter offers an even closer look at the refined excellence coming out of this kitchen. Past highlights include a single raw PEI oyster with rice wine vinegar foam; jellyfish complemented by a tableside po

Enigma Yorkville

★ Michelin$$$$Contemporary

With influences and techniques ranging from the Nordics to Nihon, Enigma certainly lives up to its name. Dishes are delicate, poised and detailed creations. Fortunately, the flavors are always complementary, as seen in dishes like Atlantic halibut with sunchoke cream and PEI mussels, and 24-day-cured trout with a delicate citrus beurre blanc. Desserts, like raspberry and yuzu with puff pastry, are often the highlight. The wine pairings are also thoughtfully composed.

Sushi Masaki Saito

★ Michelin$$$$Japanese

Even if you lived next door, omakase with Chef Masaki Saito would still feel like a faraway adventure. The foyer's marble staircase, a 200-year-old hinoki counter and traditional Japanese paneling and woodwork set the stage as he slices, scores and sauces the great treasures of the sea. For a serious sum, you will find Botan shrimp with uni sauce and hanaho, and eat melting slices of toro burried under a blizzard of white truffles. Fish comes exclusively from Japan, and for the nigiri, he uses a prized varietal from Niigata prefecture, warm and tinged with his special blend of aged vinegars. L

Aburi Hana

★ Michelin$$$$Japanese

Note: Temporarily closedThe air is charged, and as you descend underneath Yorkville, you sense that your evening is headed somewhere interesting. Minimalist in design, Aburi Hana saves the drama for the plates, using handmade Arita pottery that has a history tracing back to the 1600s.Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa presents a modern take on the history-steeped Kyō-Kaiseki menu. His cooking is personal and intricate, weaving multiple techniques and colors into every dish. The signature maguro flower, a rose made from pieces of akami and chutoro, is stunning, as is the duck breast meatball with foie gras,

Osteria Giulia

★ Michelin$$$$italian

It seems nearly impossible to have a bad time at Chef Rob Rossi’s Italian stunner. Flickering candlelight bounces off cream-colored walls and blond-oak tables running down the length of this restaurant that feels, at all times, totally under control thanks to a suave staff. And whereas many Italian menus can look the same, Rossi narrows in on the seafood-rich traditions of Liguria. A superbly light vitello tonnato and a piping hot Ligurian flatbread stuffed with stracchino offer promising starts. There must be pasta, like wild snow crab tagliolini with smoked bottarga, and there must be tirami

Kappo Sato

★ Michelin$$$$Japanese, Contemporary

Unlike the quiet ceremony of a sushi omakase or the formal structure of a kaiseki, this freewheeling tasting is driven solely by Chef Takeshi Sato, who swims in familiar culinary waters on his own terms. To be clear, this counter situated along the entire open kitchen is no Zen temple. The room is a constant blur of motion thanks to a young team that hurries about preparing multiple courses at once. Sato is their seasoned guide, as he moves with intention, ever masterful with a knife, and works with an impressive bounty of ingredients, most of which are flown in from Japan. Soulful dashi broth

Shoushin

★ Michelin$$$$japanese, sushi

Sit at the beautiful hinoki counter opposite the personable Chef/owner Jackie Lin and you can expect a masterclass in Edomae sushi. He and his team offer an introduction omakase for first timers and, for those with bigger appetites and bigger budgets, a longer, more personalized menu. The results are impressive either way and feature seasonal treasures like firefly squid and murasaki uni. The nigiri is a well-judged array of progressively stronger toppings, from silvery kohada to mouth-filling anago. Rice is a blend of two types and retains its natural color, with the acidity judged perfectly

🕐 Tu-Su 17:00-22:00; Mo closed

Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto

★ Michelin$$$$Japanese

It may be connected to the Canadian Japanese Cultural Center, but it’s not until you walk through the labyrinthine passages of this restaurant that you feel you’ve been transported to Japan. This is the opposite of see-and-be-seen culture, as guests dine in fully private rooms for maximum intimacy. The serene setting matches Chef Masaki Hashimoto's traditional kaiseki, which celebrates the seasons with subtlety and refinement. From beautiful soups with kinmedai and sweet rice to simmered bamboo shoots with shima-aji, expect balance, purity and reward. Dinner often concludes with grilled Miyaza

Hexagon

★ Michelin$$$Contemporary

Note: Temporarily closedThis stylish restaurant in downtown Oakville could get by on looks alone with its sliding patio doors, wrap-around terrace, and an interior that is at once cool and casual. The menu reads familiar – beef tartare, oysters, fish – but what emerges from the kitchen are beautiful, soigné works that are refined, original, and substantial. Potato foam, brown butter, and roe are clever pairings with Hokkaido scallop. Pasta is a highlight, like corn agnolotti with Manchego, but so too is the short rib. And for dessert, cheesecake is surprisingly light and savory thanks to straw

BB's

Bib Gourmand$$brunch

Start your morning or fire up your evening at this groovy Filipino diner bursting with color and coolness. Sea foam green tile, pink booths and turquoise stools set the stage for a hangout that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Brunch is a treat, featuring Adobo fried chicken paired with pineapple habanero hot sauce, while dinner is a different speed. The cocktail bar comes alive, and the kitchen trades in Carol's pancakes with butter and maple syrup for classic pancit with chili oil, chicken liver mousse, and calamansi pie with orange blossom meringue. With a come-as-you-are vibe, this charm

The Ace

Bib Gourmand$$Gastropub

Set your alarm. This is cooking worth waking up for. Indeed, brunch usually isn’t a kitchen’s brightest moment, but that is far from true at The Ace, a slim vintage diner that first opened in the 1950s. Husband-and-wife team Rafael Badell and Maggie Stackpole are the latest to hold the keys to this historic haunt, and it’s during the day when the cooking really sings. What’s that smell? It’s probably expert wedges of house-made sourdough sizzling away on the griddle. Start with the duck confit and wild mushroom toast crowned with softly poached eggs. Whatever you do, save room for, what is lik

Favorites Thai

Bib Gourmand$$Thai

This vibrant Thai hot spot hides in plain sight along Ossington Avenue. A quick walk through a tiny coffee shop to the very back leads to the actual dining room, anchored by a small kitchen fitted with binchotan charcoal grills. Sunlight bathes the airy, narrow dining room. All the while, guests dig into electric, vibrant Thai cooking that makes the most out of fresh herbs and fiery chilis. You could fill up just on appetizers, like sticky rice spring rolls, fried chicken wings and beef tenderloin tartare enlivened with fish sauce and fried shallots. A particularly clever fried calamari salad

Enoteca Sociale

Bib Gourmand$$Italian, Roman

A home away from home, this venerable Roman favorite recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a quick renovation that has paid off handsomely. The restaurant is as inviting as they come, radiating comfort and anchored by a marble bar that welcomes solo diners like long- lost friends. From bread to charcuterie, practically everything is made in-house here, down to the fantastic pastas that make up the very heart of this menu. There isn’t a table in sight that hasn’t ordered either the signature cacio e pepe or the bucatini all’Amatriciana. Comforting starters like golden-fried arancini

Conejo Negro

Bib Gourmand$$Caribbean, Latin American

When the menu packs in Creole, Caribbean, and Latin influences, you can be sure that nothing will want for flavor. That’s especially true at this cozy nook on busy College Street, where three friends have joined forces to open this “black rabbit.” Delicately fried and warmly spiced firecracker shrimp is a fiery way to start the meal. The hits keep coming with fried chicken with smoked hot honey, tender braised beef with cheddar grits, and collards with ham hocks. Generously portioned, the food is designed for sharing. Better yet, assemble a crew and ask about the breezy backyard patio that is

Campechano

Bib Gourmand$$mexican

If you’re here for anything but tacos, you’ve come to the wrong place. Time flies at this cozy hotspot that sources heirloom corn from Mexico and presses and griddles tortillas every day. The menu is short and sweet, but still, how does one pick between the smoky barbacoa with jalapeño salsa and the flaky, beer-battered haddock with red cabbage? Sautéed mushrooms with double-smoked bacon and chili oil are a sleeper favorite too. The sounds and smells of the kitchen fill the boxy room that’s little more than white kitchen tile and worn wood. Everything arrives fast and hot, and then, in a blink

Alma

Bib Gourmand$$$Asian

Chef Anna Chen dazzles in Bloordale Village from this minimally adorned shoebox of a restaurant. Scallion bao with stracciatella cheese. Parmesan tapioca fritters. Is this Chinese or fusion? Red lanterns dangling from the ceiling and a ceramic lucky cat waving from the corner hint at the menu's intentions but the chef needn’t be bothered with labels.The menu is at once comforting and imaginative. Start with pan-fried radish cakes dotted with an assertive garlic-chive paste. A wide bowl of addictively chewy noodles with pork wontons is pure comfort. Miso cheesecake with graham cracker crust mak

Mhel

Bib Gourmand$$$Korean Contemporary, Japanese Contemporary

Partners in both life and business, Young Hoon Ji and Seung-Min Yi are the brains behind Mhel, where a daily changing menu features around a dozen dishes blending Korean and Japanese influences. It's the kind of place that's just right for a midweek meal, either catching up with friends at a table or dining solo at the counter, and while the space is simple, it's cozy. While the dishes shift, the attention to detail never sways, as in a dish of cucumbers pickled in a mix of dashi, yuzu and sudachi for a savory-sweet mix or a plate of charcoal-grilled chicken with morels in a rich sauce. A nice

Bar Raval

Bib Gourmand$$Spanish

Are we in San Sebastian or Toronto? Open day and night since 2015, Grant van Gameren’s ode to Spain continues to be just the kind of place to get lost in and lose track of time. The cozy room is a vision, a stunning cocoon of curved, South African mahogany that wraps around every surface. The menu is equally small but offers a striking roster of conservas and pinxtos. Briny boquerones laid over stracciatella are a must, as are the plucky shrimp a la planxa coated in a riot of smoked paprika, cumin and garlic. Indeed, guests will graze and graze until they’ve run out of things to order. There’s

🕐 Mo-Su 11:00-01:00

Grey Gardens

Bib Gourmand$$$Contemporary, Seafood

Everyone is drawn to restaurateur Jen Agg's hip, boisterous venue, which manages both style and substance with confident charm. An excellent wine list is paired with a small, mercurial menu that punches above its weight class, where ostensibly simple, unassuming dishes turn out to be heavy hitters. Raw items like oysters and crudos are commendably fresh, and the house-made pastas are real showstoppers. Take as an example the cavatelli, resting in a chili oil along with braised oxtail and crispy fried tripe. The menu might only offer a duo of desserts, but they’re just as inspired as the rest—i

R&D

Bib Gourmand$$$Fusion, Chinese

In a match made on primetime, Chef Alvin Leung was one of the judges who declared Eric Chong the winner of "MasterChef Canada’s" first season, before taking on the younger chef as his protégé. Smack dab in the middle of Chinatown, this hip, unconventional eatery is the product of their partnership, serving up just the sort of freewheeling fusion cuisine that made Chong a TV hit. The assortment of decidedly untraditional dim sum serves as a prime example, drawing upon a grab bag of international flavors, including French, Chinese and Korean, as in flaky sou filled with foie gras parfait, or bao

Sunnys Chinese

Bib Gourmand$$Chinese

In the belly of Kensington Market, down a hallway that nearly looks like a dead-end, you will find the door to this high-energy hotspot. There’s no turning back, as the packed-out room is constantly buzzing with groups huddled around Chinese homestyle dishes pulled from Sichuan to Guangdong. Spicy, fiery, crispy, smoky – the high-wattage cooking is a total delight, as the kitchen pulls no punches at every possible junction. Tripe and beef shank coated in chili oil is a good start before launching into the charred silver needle noodles. Best of all might be the grilled chicken thigh coated in c

The Cottage Cheese

Bib Gourmand$$Indian

In the heart of Kensington Market stands this cheery little dining room wrapped in large windows and flush with sunlight. Named after the owner’s favorite food (paneer), the restaurant takes its sunny disposition to heart and offers refreshing takes on an extensive range of familiar Indian classics and flavors. Prepared with finesse and refinement and seasoned to exacting standards, chaats, claypots, and curries are designed for sharing. Recent highlights include a strikingly vibrant butter chicken as well as a deep-toned coastal fish curry. Naan arrives crisp and garlic-flecked, but you’ll ne

Chica's Chicken

Bib Gourmand$$chicken

This humble corner in the Junction is a faithful tribute to "hot chicken," a fiery, eye-watering style popularized in the American South. Chickens are dry brined for two days and seasoned with a dark, brooding mix of spices. Diners in a hurry can grab a boneless sandwich and be on their way, but true fans know that excellence takes time and are content to wait the full half hour as bone-in birds are fried to order. Medium heat is an approachable entry into this genre, but daredevils can swing for spicier tiers turbocharged with ghost peppers. To cool off from the spice, grab an order of colesl

Rasa

Bib Gourmand$$Contemporary

Weekly visits to this gastropub might not be enough. Truly, few restaurants feel this relaxed and cook with so much gusto. Are you curious about those chickpea fritters with lemon mascarpone and wasabi or the truffle gnudi with pesto? You should be. Sea bream ceviche with chili oil is as bold as lamb vindaloo dumplings. In the end, no one cuisine can claim this endlessly tempting menu that delivers hearty, unfussy flavors in abundance. And yes, the burger is as good as it looks, the tender patty made with beef cheek, grilled, and served on house made brioche smeared in gochujang mayo. In total

Cherry Street Bar-B-Que

Bib Gourmand$$Barbecue

Its red neon sign shines like a beacon, as this 1920 building – which was once a bank – now sits proudly isolated in the middle of a massive waterfront construction project, but step inside and you immediately feel cocooned in its warm-heartedness. It was pitmaster Lawrence La Pianta who brought the barbecue traditions of the American South to Hogtown; after years of competing and judging with the Kansas City Barbeque Society circuit, he knows his way around a broad range of tastes ranging from Texas-style brisket to St. Louis-style ribs. Lightly charred wings and snappy, finely spiced sausage

White Lily Diner

Bib Gourmand$Creative, Bakery

Old school diners are rare creatures these days, but ones that smoke their own bacon, make their own biscuits and donuts, bottle their own hot sauce and grow their own vegetables? Even rarer. A culinary unicorn, this bright yellow nook sets the standard not just for diners but for any restaurant that aspires to serve both people and planet. Breakfast is the main draw, but guests will be happy at any hour of the day. Verdant green salads, fantastic sandwiches on homemade bread, and a stunningly light hash brown make for a grand meal that gets all the details just right.

Ricky + Olivia

Bib Gourmand$$Creative

If you had to describe Ricky + Olivia in one word, it would undoubtedly be "fun." From the look (think eclectic, with distinct areas and whimsical touches) to the menu (with nods to nostalgic childhood favorites and playful dishes subtly referencing other restaurants), Chefs Ricky Casipe and Olivia Simpson have fashioned a decidedly clever spot. Take the carrot and ice cream, a savory plate of roasted carrot tucked with chickpeas and topped with bay leaf ice cream over a bed of melted brie. It doesn't need to make sense—it's delicious. Whether you tuck into the shareable appetizers like tartar

Puerto Bravo

Bib Gourmand$$Mexican, Seafood

Blink and you'll miss this quaint little spot on bustling Gerrard. Drawing inspiration from Mexico, the menu is equally compact and leans heavily on seafood in the form of crisp tostadas and generously built tacos. Indeed, this little kitchen doles out bold flavors like the wera tostada, a riot of colors and textures featuring octopus, shrimp and spicy macha mayo. The tuna tostada, meanwhile, leans Asian with soy sauce and sesame oil. For tacos, consider sautéed shrimp jolted with salsa brava or charbroiled octopus tossed with onions and poblanos. Finish with something sweet, like the classic

Indian Street Food Company

Bib Gourmand$$Indian

Found in Leaside along a packed row of shops on Bayview Avenue, this neighborhood stalwart delivers a tight menu of street food favorites and regional curries from various corners of India. The dining room is wrapped in reclaimed wood panels and colorful murals, and cushy tables with white cloth invite further lingering. Over-ordering is easy, but friendly servers are quick to offer guidance. Deep-fried cauliflower finished in a sweet chili glaze is a kitchen specialty, but savory chaats, arriving lashed in refreshing chutneys, are worth an order. Order the thalis to see the breadth of this ki

Tiflisi

Bib Gourmand$$georgian

East of downtown Toronto in Beaches, the Pkhakadze family delivers some of the city’s best and brightest Georgian cooking. Portions are built to share so bring a friend or two. The cold leek pkhali salad bound in a light walnut sauce is a vibrantly green beginning and especially essential before the Acharuli khachapuri arrives. A celebration of carbs and dairy, this stretch of fluffy bread cradles a pool of melted cheese topped with butter and an egg yolk. There’s more on the way: Large lamb khinkali with warm broth and long skewers of juicy kebabs topped with fried potatoes. Without question,

Guru Lukshmi

Bib Gourmand$$Indian, South Indian

It’s a good thing this South Indian restaurant takes up multiple bays in a sprawling Mississauga shopping center. If the dining room were any smaller, the wait to get in would be endless. Reservations are recommended for this landmark that is the undisputed champion of dosas, offered in dazzling variety like nowhere else in the region. The signature Mysore Bhaji Dosa packed with fantastic aloo masala is a good place to start for first timers, who will question whether they can finish the whole thing before doing just that. But there’s more: Idlys, vadas, and uttapam are made fresh, served hot,

7 Enoteca

Bib Gourmand$$Italian, Pizza

A neighborhood essential through and through, this slick pizzeria in downtown Oakville cooks as good as it looks. Handsome banquettes snake through a dining room where every table feels like its own corner. Here, find a cool warren where pasta and pizza feature top-quality ingredients prepared with precision. A verdant salad or a bright tuna crudo with capers and gnocco fritto is a lovely start before moving into the likes of trecce pasta with crab. Cooked in wood-burning ovens, pizzas arrive with blistered, puffy edges and crisp bottoms. Winning combinations include ‘nduja with heirloom tomat

SumiLicious Smoked Meat & Deli

Bib Gourmand$Deli

In a non-descript Scarborough shopping center, Sumith Fernando’s smoked meat is something of a rite of passage. Fernando spent nearly two decades learning his craft at Schwartz's in Montreal before settling on his own recipe. His halal brisket is marinated in a secret spice blend for days, smoked for hours until tender and finally finished in a steamer. He opened in 2018 and has been behind the counter ever since, building sandwiches out of thinly sliced, peppery brisket piled high on soft, spongy rye smeared with yellow mustard. Against the advice of any physician, complete your order at this

Barrel Heart Brewing

Bib Gourmand$$Contemporary

Located in the heart of downtown Dundas in what once was a post office, a chef and a brewmaster join forces to create the perfect pairings. Weekly pop-ups and special tasting menus might mean tacos for one month and Korean barbecue the next. Indeed, this team is full of ideas – and has the skills to pull them off. Think snap peas glossed in a gochujang vinaigrette with house-made kimchi and pickled pears or spaghettini tossed in a corn and tamarind sauce. Dessert is a must, as the dulce de leche banana pudding makes for a righteous finale. On tap, find thoughtful beers made with locally grown

Arbequina

$$$regional

Chef Moeen Abuzaid brings a thoughtful and personal touch to Arbequina, where the menu is rooted in Palestinian and Jordanian cuisine. Offering both à la carte and prix fixe options, the dishes blend familiar flavors with a refined technique, featuring dishes like manti filled with flavorful ground meat over jameed yogurt, muhammara with flatbread, sea bass wrapped in grilled grape leaves and brined lamb chops. Angus short rib is sided by condiments and flatbread for building handhelds in a particularly comforting dish, and for dessert, sticky date sukka with cinnamon ice cream and coffee crea

🕐 We-Su 17:00-21:00; Fr,Sa 17:00-22:00

Dil Se

$$indian

Dil Se is set along the village's main thoroughfare in Toronto's "Roncy" neighborhood. Effort has gone into the decor here, with linen-draped tables and walls accented by colorful fabrics.Chef/owner Mani Panwar offers highly enjoyable, well-prepared northern Indian cuisine.Paneer lababdar, a "Chef's special," is a Mughlai-style specialty featuring soft cubes of fresh cow's milk cheese simmered in a creamy, highly flavorful, orange-hued sauce enriched with cashews. Neatly presented in a metal bowl, vegetable biryani is fluffy and hot with a bright flavor courtesy of chilies, herbs and dried spi

Pho Tien Thanh

$vietnamese

This spot set off busy Queen Street may not bother with frills or fuss but this place fills early with patrons willing to wait in line. They're here for the food—classic Vietnamese dishes including pho and other specialties—that is delivered from stove to tabletop in no time. Attractive presentations and a clear attention to detail with quality ingredients make the experience all the more pleasing. Hearty bowls of Pho are the way to go; the rare beef variations are especially impressive. Big steaming bowls may be the signature, but the menu does offer many other dishes that are worth exploring

🕐 Mo-Su 11:00-22:00

Union

$$$French

Butchers, artisan bakers, antique shops and coffee shops define this stretch of Ossington Avenue where the appealingly worn Union awaits. There is a horseshoe-shaped bar at the entrance, but head back to the rustic brick-faced dining room. If you're up for a bit of theater, nab a seat at the counter to catch the action.Chef/owner Teo Paul once worked on a farm and his menu is a love letter to the region's seasons and its local suppliers. Lunch is perfect for a quick bite, while dinner is more of an event. Dishes are rustic with a refined edge and pack a flavorful punch.. The same effort and ca

Viaggio

$$Italian

You might consider dropping by even if it means you can only order dessert. A novel effort that feels part soufflé, part pancake, the signature tiramisu finished with espresso maple syrup and whipped mascarpone may very well be one of the best desserts in the city. Many dishes, in fact, feel unique to this neighborhood charmer, which could have very easily played it safe with standard Italian dishes. However, this is a kitchen that chooses to top pizzas with smoked pastrami and sauerkraut and chooses to toss tagliolini with charred octopus glossed in smoked dashi butter. Refreshingly creative,

Prime Seafood Palace

$$$$Steakhouse, Seafood

To find the front door, you’ll have to follow your nose. The scent of barbecue wafts down an alleyway fitted with stacks of firewood. Inside, find a dazzling space lined with maple slats, a domed ceiling and salmon-pink booths and walls. There is nothing like it around, and no surprise that Chef Matty Matheson is the mastermind here behind the city’s newest and most ambitious steakhouse. The menu is tightly curated balancing fantastic seafood, big meats cooked on the grill and serious vegetable preparations. Sicilian crudo and delicate ricotta dumplings are proper preludes to a bone-in dry-age

Antler

$$$canadian, wild, seasonal

This small chef-run restaurant in quaint Little Portugal is cozy and rustic with a welcoming bar, walls of exposed brick and forest scenes and, yes, a mounted deer with antlers (naturally). Chef/co-owner Michael Hunter lives and breathes by the locally sourced and grown ethos, and takes it up a notch by focusing on game. First up, a carrot and smoked ricotta salad. Sound boring? It's anything but, with roasted heirloom carrots and ribbons of yellow and red raw carrots over a pool of creamy, smoked ricotta. Then, pan-seared and roasted Ontario venison, bathed in a green peppercorn sauce and ser

🕐 Mo closed; Tu-Fr 17:00-22:00; Sa-Su 12:00-15:00,17:00-22:00

Henry's

$$$Contemporary

Of the city’s many, many wine bars, Henry’s is both the newest and one of the most accomplished. Globe lighting, forest green cushions and gold-trim tables lend a certain mid-century modern sleekness to this inviting, airy space, which includes a backyard patio and a retail wine shop just next door.The menu makes no commitments to any one cuisine, beyond working exceptionally well with the wines on hand. You could assemble dinner solely out of appetizers like beef tartare with smoked crème fraiche, shrimp toast and fried zucchini blossoms. But then you’d miss that superb skate wing set in a fi

Linny's

$$$$Steakhouse, American Contemporary

Linny's is the latest addition to David Schwartz's growing collection of popular spots (which also includes Sunnys Chinese and Mimi Chinese). Named after his mom, Linda, and designed with Jack Lipson, this restaurant blends old-school steakhouse energy with subtle deli touches. Prices skew high but the atmosphere is perfect for special occasions.The menu is a hit list of comfort classics with a twist like the challah service sided by bowls of pickles, house-made sauerkraut and whipped cheese with berry jam or a Caesar salad that substitutes crispy chicken skin for the typical crouton. Steaks,

Gia

$$$Italian, Vegetarian

You could have a full dinner at this narrow hotspot in Trinity Bellwoods and not even realize that everything is meatless. Such is the charm of Jenny Coburn’s plant-forward favorite, which acknowledges a range of dietary considerations without ever sacrificing taste or quality. High ceilings, exposed white brick, herringbone floors and a busy dining room make for a stylish night out. House-made pasta is the main event: Think risotto, gnocchi or the signature mushroom agnolotti glossed in a sauce of butter and Parmigiano Reggiano. A plant-based affogato ends the night on a lovely, sweet note. U

La Banane

$$$$french

It may have something to do with the crowd of artists, movie stars and sophisticates who have made this their perch. Or, it could be the ambience defined by rich, seductive colors and loud, high-energy music. Either way, it's all very hip and very cool at La Banane. The cooking is equally lavish, featuring a well-stocked raw bar, wagyu steaks and plenty of truffle and foie gras in between. Start your evening at the elegant bar with a perfectly chilled shrimp cocktail before digging into Salt Spring mussels with Normandy cider and crème fraiche. Beef flatiron set in a delicious sauce au poivre

Musoshin Ramen

$noodle, ramen, japanese

Hiding just off the main drag in Roncesvalles, this restaurant is not like other ramen-yas. For starters, none of them can bake like Chef Aoi Yoshida, who turns out trays of perfectly formed Japanese milk bread and other sweet treats. Her house-made noodles, bundled into every bowl, are also a cut above most. But perhaps the most fascinating part of this restaurant hides in the broths. Whereas a typical tonkotsu ramen favors heart-stopping, porky richness, the style here is a vegetable base that is both lighter and leaner and yet equally savory. In a testament to both her own talents and to mo

Giulietta

$$$Italian, Pizza

Every neighborhood deserves a reliable hotspot that cooks, pours and serves with remarkable ease. Dufferin Grove has this in Giulietta, a stylish (but not too stylish) Italian looker by Chef Rob Rossi. Even if you don’t live nearby, this talented team treats every guest like a long-time VIP. And the food? This is cooking that comforts, thanks to a kitchen that makes the most out of every dish on the menu. Yellowfin tuna crudo with bergamot marmalade is a vibrant way to begin before moving into heartier dishes. A diner might attempt ordering both the ricotta agnolotti with morels as well as the

Bar Vendetta

$$Italian

Anyone with a kitchen no bigger than a hotel closet should look to this narrow nook for inspiration. Truly, it is a wonder how restaurateur Jen Agg and her team manage to turn out so many from-scratch breads and pastas. Rosemary focaccia, tagliatelle alfredo and pappardelle twirled around oxtail ragu are just some of the hearty offerings at this favored wine bar in Dundas West. The signature dish is a cacio e pepe-inspired coil of ricotta-stuffed pasta. White-and-orange tile flooring, vintage posters and wood tones, along with welcoming servers, create a come-as-you-are, retro vibe. Some guest

Bar Isabel

$$$Spanish

Right on bustling College Street, Bar Isabel charms diners with its old-world tavern vibe and broad appeal. Perfect for groups, it's also just right for solo diners, as some some dishes may be prepared in half portions, inviting exploration. Chef Grant van Gameren's cooking is heartfelt and there is never anything frilly or overwrought on his Spanish tapas menu. Dishes are rustic and straightforward and there is a clear focus on quality flavors married with strong product. Case in point? The pork secreto, which takes a flavorful grilled pork cheek and ratchets it up a notch with a honey and ap

SARA

$$$$Contemporary

Sara, with its cool, almost monastic modernity, is a place to keep the outside world at bay—the tables are even designed with center compartments for storing phones. Reconnection and shared experiences seem to be the theme here, where a globally inspired, contemporary shared plates menu takes center stage. Fret not if you've arrived solo, as many dishes are available in half-portions for a deeper survey of the kitchen's ability. And able they are. Standouts include ikura latkes, featuring two butternut squash latkes topped with a lemon chive crème fraîche, smoked ikura and finished with a mapl

Chubby's Jamaican Kitchen

$$$Jamaican

The warm breezes of the Caribbean might be far away, but even in the dead of winter, stepping into this lively haven will bring a bit of island sunshine. Warm, easygoing hospitality is matched by homey, unpretentious cooking, with traditional dishes whose humble appearances belie surprising depth of flavor. "Likkle bites" like saltfish fritters are a fine starter, but don't let them distract you from exemplary versions of comforting classics like curry goat or oxtail stew (and take urgent note that the gravy from either can be ordered as a side). Perhaps best of all is the succulent jerk chick

Alder

$$$Mediterranean Cuisine

The stylish Ace hotel scored big when the industrious Chef Patrick Kriss moved into the ground level. The restaurant is a cool mix of dark brick floors, sleek wood finishes and large windows that usher in radiant beams of sunlight. And true to everything that the Alo Food Group does, expect a serious kitchen brigade and equally serious cooking. There’s a lot to like on this Mediterranean menu. Beef carpaccio is a crowd-pleaser, while the cucumber salad is a sleeper hit festooned with shaved fennel, dukkah, and hazelnuts. Stacks of firewood in the dining room is a clue to hone-in on proteins li

Aanch

$$$Indian

With a decade of history behind it, this restaurant in downtown Toronto quietly but confidently continues to impress. The modest, sleepy dining room stands in stark contrast to a sharp kitchen that prepares a wide swath of familiar, regional dishes, from the famous deep-fried chicken 65 of Chennai to the sharp, fiery vindaloos of Goa. Efforts to gussy up the plating with swirls and dots of sauce may seem superfluous, but the end result is still a delicious one. Past highlights include butter-rich dal bukhari, fiery dhaba chicken curry, comforting aloo gobi and crisp, fragrant garlic naan.

Kiin

$$$Thai

Chef Nuit Regular impresses with her elaborate, one-of-a-kind vision of royal Thai cuisine. The elegant space is a prime setting for equally elegant dishes, which are presented with flair. Colorful mounds of rice, pineapple and dumplings shaped like flowers, and so much more arrive in petite forms in small bowls and on large platters. The dishes themselves will ring familiar, from Isan-style sausage and larb, to hot and sour beef soup and the famed khao soi, all of it seasoned and spiced in a measured manner. The tender Boombai short rib glossed in a dark curry is a particular standout. First-

PAI

$$thai

Named for the Thai village where Nuit Regular and her husband opened their first restaurant, PAI is perpetually busy. A former nurse, Nuit now soothes by cooking her family recipes and street food favorites for hungry patrons. The mod bohemian look is appealing, but it's the extensive menu that you'll spend all of your time admiring. It's full of fresh, tasty dishes sized for sharing and with varying spice levels. While they traipse across Thailand for inspiration, zero in on the North Thai plates and chef favorites, including khao soi, a noodle and coconut milk dish, or kanom jin nham ngeaw,

🕐 Mo-Th 11:30-22:00; Fr-Sa 11:30-22:30; Su 15:00-22:00

Mother's Dumplings

$$Chinese, Dumplings

Chef-owner Zhen Feng has folded so many dumplings for Toronto that she might as well be the city’s honorary mother. In 2005 she opened a small, eight-table nook on Huron Street. Five years later, she relocated to a much larger space and by then had boiled, steamed and pan-fried her way to becoming a city institution in the heart of Chinatown. The menu boasts all manner of Chinese dishes, but stick to the namesake specialty, which are rolled out and folded at all hours by a dedicated team in the back. One could make a meal out of just the boiled pork and dill dumplings, but other types are also

🕐 Mo-Fr 11:30-21:30; Sa,Su 11:15-21:30

Actinolite

$$$$Contemporary

This warm and welcoming restaurant on a residential stretch of Ossington Avenue takes its name from Chef Justin Cournoyer’s hometown, where he grew up hunting and foraging – an influence evident in his cooking. The unscripted, ever-evolving seven-course tasting menu is dictated by close relationships with local purveyors, who supply peak seasonal organic produce, wild-caught seafood and responsibly raised animals. The dishes, some of which are delivered and explained by the chefs themselves, display a sense of Nordic understatement; the homemade sourdough, served with yeast butter and accompan

🕐 Tu-Sa 18:00-23:00

Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen

$$thai

Koh Lipe stands out among its Chinatown neighbors for its lively atmosphere and its authentic southern Thai cooking. Set over two floors and boasting a popular terrace, this place just feels fun, a mood buoyed by the friendly young staff.The kitchen dishes out regional specialties that deliver heat and flavor in spades. Coconut green curry beef with plantain and stink bean is a classic bowl of piping hot, delicious comfort. The chef's specials are always a sure bet, but for those diners who may be less familiar with Thai food, the noodle dishes are a perfect introduction. Don’t worry if there

Canoe

$$$$Contemporary, Regional Cuisine

In 2025 this iconic restaurant will celebrate its 30th anniversary. The views from its position on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower are unmatched in the city and service is as efficient as you’d expect from such a well-oiled machine. Lunchtime is largely the reserve of Bay Street brokers and bankers; the menu is an easily navigable document for those whose business is business and who don’t want to hang around too long. At dinner, the pace slows and the menu expands to reveal the full extent of the kitchen’s capabilities. Wild Pacific halibut is paired with Savoy cabbage and champagne cream

Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse

$$$$Steakhouse, Contemporary

Jacobs & Co., now located in CIBC Square, is a smart, sleek and airy space with a contemporary design, a place where bookmatched veneer-paneled walls blend with banquette seating and a marble-topped cocktail bar grooves to the tunes of a live pianist. Special touches abound; aged white cheddar popovers with roasted garlic and oregano butter arrive shortly after arrival, and they'll send you home with coffee cake muffins. With a range of fish and seafood from the raw bar and an unrivaled selection of steaks, there's plenty to like here. Don't know what to order? Opt for the chefs tasting with a

Parquet

$$$French

French bistros can be predictable, but this neighborhood corner in Harbord Village takes a wonderfully refreshing approach. One could spend all day taking in the design: The marble bar is a worthy perch for admiring the gorgeous, patterned floors, forest-green ceiling and stylish, wood-paneled walls. And that patio – it’s a summer oasis. The cooking, meanwhile, hits all the right marks, and feels unquestionably French in its richness and satisfaction. Who knew that mushroom beignets could be so light and pair so well with lime and pepper sauce? One could make a meal out of the roasted cauliflo

Famiglia Baldassarre

$$Italian

If you want pasta for lunch, you’ll have to plan accordingly. Chef Leandro Baldassarre started out as an underground pasta maven and quickly matured into a bona fide, city-wide wholesaler and retailer. He opens his doors for lunch for just a few hours each day, and on an industrial strip of Dovercourt Village, diners line the sidewalk waiting to get in. Be advised: Tables are in scarce supply, as most of the space is an industrial kitchen busy filling orders for other restaurants and grocers. The menu is even more limited, confined to two or so pastas that change daily, plus prosciutto and moz

Dreyfus

$$$French

No obvious signage, curtains drawn and the front door frosted top to bottom. What could this cozy French bistro be hiding? The answer is indulgence. Situated on the first floor of a narrow townhouse, Dreyfus is the kind of dinner you have before hibernation and after an annual physical. Rare (and sadly empty) trophy wines line the room’s perimeter, while servers explain that the fries are for the pâté and that the doughnuts are for the smoked trout dip garnished with roe. That Zach Kolomeir cooks with maximum impact shouldn’t be a shock given his tenure at Montreal’s famed Joe Beef. Sitting el

Sammarco

$$$$Steakhouse, Italian Contemporary

Gold accents, marble finishes and a dining room that is at once luxurious and welcoming—this sleek spot in St. Lawrence has all of the polish one would expect of a modern Italian steakhouse (with prices to match). Just like the setting, which marries traditional inspiration with contemporary flair, the dishes reflect a blend of old and new. Grilled calamari with burnt orange and pangrattato is at once simple and refined. Main dishes, whether the 24-ounce contrafiletto or the Nova Scotia lobster finished with a vermouth and tarragon butter, are impressive. Finally, torta di cioccolato with dark

Lucie

$$$French

Owner Yannick Bigourdan named his French restaurant after his grandmother who clearly inspired his journey into the world of hospitality. No doubt she would approve of the warm, inclusive atmosphere and the attentive service. It’s a sizeable space, whose quasi-industrial looks are tempered with an abundance of hanging pendant lights, while shaded glass in front of the kitchen allows hints of the activity within. While the food is recognizably Gallic, there’s a discernible contemporary edge to the dishes. Even the cocktails have something of a French accent.

🕐 Mo-Wed 05:00-21:00; Th-Su 05:00-21:30

Bar Goa

$$Indian

Bar Goa – New Age India to give it its full title comes with a pleasing helping of authenticity and earnestness. The focus is ostensibly on the food of Goa – the classic, creamy Goan prawn curry is particularly good – but there are plenty of dishes from other Indian states, such as Punjabi goat shank and keema pao, that also demonstrate the care, attention and understanding of this kitchen; there’s even the occasional whimsical presentation. A great dish to kick things off is the appam, which comes generously loaded with fresh white crab meat – it’s delicious. If you have time on your hands an

George

$$$$Contemporary

George is set in a red brick building that echoes the historic vibe of its surroundings. Inside, the room exudes charm with its industrial bones mixed with an upscale bistro look and feel (the patio is a draw in warmer months). A display kitchen turning out enjoyable cooking for the amiable crowd. Diners keep returning for always pleasing cuisine that features the likes of seared high-quality halibut nestled in potato puree dressed with finely diced, crispy lardons and sweet peas. In addition to à la carte, there is the choice of a 5-, 7- or 10-course tasting which the chef composes spontaneou

Ardo

$$$italian

Inspiration comes from the sunny flavors of Southern Italy in this easygoing Old Town favorite that cooks with a calm, confident style. The classics are accounted for with airy chickpea fritters, golden-fried arancini and pasta with sardines. Beyond Sicily, find an indulgent orecchiette with sausage and rapini, as well as a rich ragu made with dry-aged beef. Scrupulously fresh seafood is a highlight, whether it be a tuna carpaccio with celery and capers, or tender grilled octopus with marinated artichoke. It’s only fitting to end a meal with a spot-on rendition of cannoli with creamy ricotta f

Amal

$$$lebanese

Looking for a bite to eat in between shopping and sightseeing? Amal, with a sexy, sleek, mod Middle Eastern look and ambient vibe, is just the place. Tables are always in demand here, but the smartly dressed service team handles it all seamlessly. Weekends are especially buzzy thanks to entertainment ranging from belly dancers to DJs spinning tunes. Expect modern presentations of classic Lebanese and Middle Eastern dishes on this halal menu, all prepared with authenticity, heart and refinement. Order a few mezze to start - perhaps the seared halloumi or the spinach fatayer. Then, opt for one o

🕐 Tu-We 11:30-22:00; Th-Fr 11:30-23:00; Sa 10:30-23:00; Su 10:30-22:00; Mo 17:00-22:00

Som Tum Jinda

$thai

As the name suggests, somtum is the specialty here and it’s made Isan-style with fermented fish paste for that extra tang. Tom Puu Nam Pla is classic Isan somtum, with the addition of salted crab along with the papaya, garlic, chili and tomato. You can stipulate your desired heat, but be aware that the scale here goes up to 11. Kor Moo Yang – grilled, succulent pork jowl – is another house specialty that’s fast become one of its biggest sellers and is well worth ordering. What this simple basement restaurant may lack in comfort, it more than makes up for in color. There’s a family connection t

Alobar Yorkville

$$$$French, Seafood

The warm and flattering lighting, the low ceiling, and the curved banquettes all make you think you’ve walked into a cocktail bar rather than a destination restaurant. But that noisy buzz of contentment you hear on arrival is a testament to the food, which hits the spot just as well as the skillfully made cocktails. Seafood is a big deal here, whether scallops or bream, but meats too, such as Creekstone striploin and Iberico pork chop, demonstrate that the kitchen knows its way around a charcoal grill. Those familiar with the Alo Food Group’s other restaurants will recognize classics like the

FK

$$$Contemporary

In a sun-drenched space that could pass for a precious tearoom, this neighborhood gem is a reliable crowd-pleaser. Colorful, market-driven cooking starts with excellent, crusty house bread made with garlic scapes, sundried tomatoes, olives or whatever else the chef has in mind. Are soft shell crabs in season? Is it time for morels? Such questions are front of mind for this honest kitchen, which doesn’t get too fussy with the cooking. Familiar flavors ring true in hearty entrees like the meltingly tender Cornish hen brushed in a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce. Fresh pasta, like the braised oxtail t

Okeya Kyujiro Toronto

$$$$Japanese, Sushi

Even for the most seasoned sushi aficionados, this counter offers a playful, high-energy experience that’s bound to surprise. With branches in Vancouver and Montreal, the restaurant delivers nigiri, tempura, and broths in rollercoaster fashion. Drums playing overhead raise the temperature of the room, just as chefs show off whole cuts of fish, some of which are broken down and sliced right at the counter for all to see. The room is a constant swirl of motion, everyone busy grilling, frying, and slicing, as courses arrive at a steady pace. Recent highlights include kelp-cured botan ebi with cav

Mimi Chinese

$$$chinese

Armed with lipstick red banquettes, white tablecloths and dim lighting, this Yorkville looker has swagger and style in spades. Unlike the homestyle comforts and flavors of its sibling Sunnys, this local favorite takes a more exacting approach to regional Chinese classics using high-quality ingredients and refined techniques. Superb efforts like shrimp toast with hot mustard or four-foot belt noodles with chili crisp are still on the menu alongside marinated scallop crudo, steamed black tiger prawns and typhoon shelter sunchokes. Portions are generous and designed for groups; couples should con

Adrak Yorkville

$$$Indian, Regional Cuisine

How many dining rooms could you describe as regal? This is surely one of them. No expense was spared in the design, with hand-carved furniture, cushy, turmeric-colored booths lining the walls and striking archways all basking in a golden aura. But good looks can only take you so far, and this kitchen rises to the occasion with precisely seasoned, carefully cooked dishes inspired from regions all across India. One very fragrant chicken biryani baked under puff pastry and served with a sauce of peanuts, chilies and yogurt stands as a refreshing change of pace from the standard preparation. Meanw

Madrina Bar y Tapas

$$Spanish

Located in the center of the historic Distillery District in a space that seamlessly blends old and new, this lively spot impresses with its style and swagger. Madrina translates to godmother, though their interpretation has a whimsical bent.The menu is a tribute to the Catalan region with a lengthy tapas menu balancing classic and modern bites for a dynamic experience. Classics like pan con tomate hold their own, while the creative, modern twists are bold yet grounded by solid techniques and quality ingredients. Sweet tapas, such as rice pudding croquetas, round out the meal.From a Spanish-fo

Scaramouche

$$$$French

Set in the affluent northern suburb of South Hill, Scaramouche has been a Toronto mainstay for decades, with Chef Keith Froggett at the helm since 1983. Don’t be alarmed when you arrive and head downstairs to the restaurant thinking you are off to a basement—you're not, as the superb city skyline view soon proves.Guests come for the views and stay for the traditional French cuisine. Don't expect modern twists, as dishes such as foie gras terrine with a sour cherry reduction and rabbit loin wrapped with bacon sided by a fricassee of sweet peas and fava beans, are as classic as they come. Savor

Taline

$$Armenian

Named after Chef-Owner Seb Yacoubian’s late mother, Taline is a true family affair as he runs it with his two brothers. You can sense the pride they feel in bringing the Armenian cuisine of their childhood to a wider audience. That’s not to say everything’s wholly traditional, as Seb makes clever use of his classical culinary background to ensure each dish – whether that’s octopus with green harissa, or Ontario lamb with eetch – has an elegant edge to go with the perky freshness. There’s something joyful and wholesome about the food here that makes you instinctively want to share it. The resta

Azura

$$$$Mediterranean Cuisine, Contemporary

This ambitious Danforth Avenue restaurant brings a new standard of hospitality to the neighborhood. Just across from the favored music hall, enjoy a generous, leisurely tasting menu that plays with Mediterranean flavors and rolls with the seasons. Start to finish, Chef Adam Ryan displays his creativity and eye for presentation. From the striking assortment of canapés to an inventive short rib tagine, ingredients are often locally foraged and always arranged with style. The space itself is one of ease, featuring a busy bar anchoring the center, warm honeyed lighting, and a comfy tufted banquett

Yukashi

$$$$Japanese

Chef Daisuke Izutsu is the quiet force behind this highly personal, kaiseki-style experience. While the room verges on cluttered, the menu takes seasonal ingredients and turns them into ornate works of art. The otsukuri is a colorful signature, featuring cuts of toro and hay-smoked hamachi stylishly arranged on a white marble base with the likes of pickled turnips, radishes, and daikon. Another signature combines wagyu beef, Hokkaido uni, and foie gras – all blowtorched and wrapped with shiso leaf. Dinner ends with simple, unadorned slices of Japanese crown melon from the chef’s hometown. Thes

Maha's

$$Egyptian, Regional Cuisine

Homesick for Egypt, Maha Barsoom opened her eponymous restaurant in 2014, and it's been a good thing for Leslieville residents ever since. Climb the steps to land in the coffee bar, then immediately order the epic honey-cardamom latte.This homey spot serves breakfast and lunch only, and there are no reservations. Lentil soup is an absolute must. Local lore says it's what sparked her to open Maha's, and after one spoonful you'll see why. The warm bowl delivers sharp tartness courtesy of vinegar-soaked Vidalia onions; charred mini pita adds a creamy body and garlic tomatoes share a sweet acidity

🕐 Th-Tu 08:00-16:30

The Wood Owl

$$$Contemporary

This quaint, wooden shoebox is a welcome retreat in Danforth. Wine bottles line the perimeter of a room that has a pleasant sepia tint. In fact, there’s no pretense at all here, which in part is what makes this restaurant so appealing. The menu is small, nothing extravagant or overly complicated, and offers far more vegetables than one might expect from a wine bar (adobo- roasted carrots with green goddess, anyone?). Beef, though, is still very much welcome at the table, highlighted as a weekly special, usually paired with a superb tangle of shoestring French fries. With or without a reservati

Tamarind Modern Indian Bistro

$$Indian

There’s a lot to take in at this colorful Indian restaurant, located in the frenzy of a Mississauga shopping district. For one, the menu covers extensive ground and features the familiar dishes you’d expect to see, alongside more curious creations like Chettinad chicken tacos and panipuri shots. Special weekend events get rowdy with live music and dancing. But for all the flash and the noise, there’s substance here too. Curries like the lamb Roganjosh are rich and hearty, and vegetable specialties like paneer cooked in a serious onion and tomato sauce pack volumes of flavor. Even those Chetinn

Mama Fatma

$$Turkish

On name alone, you can bet that nobody leaves this colorful restaurant hungry. Kebabs charred over glowing coals, meats spinning on a spit and fluffy, dome-like rounds of pita cooked in a wood-burning oven are served here in abundance. Such is the appeal of this local favorite that has fed families well for years. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see large groups huddled around a feast that covers every corner of the table. The menu is expansive but consider starting with a mixed platter of dips like baba ghanoush, pembe sultan and ezme. Tiny poached beef dumplings coated in a garlicky yogurt sau

Zen

$$$$Japanese, Sushi

Value is something of a tricky term when it comes to sushi, which can cost almost as much as a ticket to Japan these days. But in an unassuming Markham strip center dominated by an auto repair shop, those looking to scratch the omakase itch without breaking the bank are in for a treat. The space is true to its name, a calming, tasteful blend of wood slats and attractive lighting with a chef’s counter as well as tables further back. Fish from Japan arrives multiple times a week; the rice is warm and finely vinegared; and chefs work with precision and diligence. They keep the toppings fairly tra

Northern Smokes

$$Barbecue, American

It's a ride from downtown to get to this spot in Scarborough tucked inside a simple strip mall, but the smoky aroma will beckon you inside. Imran Ali opened Northern Smokes in 2019 with the simple promise of traditional barbecued meats and sides. A custom reverse-flow wood stick-burning smoker and seasoned split hard wood infuse the fully halal meat with delicious flavor. Order as a multi-meat plate, as a sandwich, or by the pound, and with everything from tender, Montreal-style brisket and Korean-style short ribs in a sweet marinade to chicken, there's plenty to be had. Sides are a terrific c

Trius Winery & Restaurant

$$$Contemporary

You could spend the afternoon at this expansive winery in Niagara wandering the vineyards and hanging by the outdoor sparkling bar. Or, you could make a beeline for a table with Chef Frank Dodd. Since 2006, he has spearheaded the property’s culinary arm, sourcing from nearby farms and paying close attention to the seasons. The menu offers a two and three course prix-fixe and has wide appeal: Gin-cured smoked salmon with warm potato pancakes is an elegant start before digging into heartier entrees like maple-brined grilled pork chops, corn and chorizo stuffed quail, and scallops with sweet pea

Fat Rabbit

$$$Steakhouse

Every city needs a restaurant that’s easy for walk-ins, doesn’t take itself too seriously, and cooks with gusto. Focusing on house-made charcuterie and excellent steaks grilled over charcoal, this casual butcher delivers flavors in spades. One could make a meal out of superb slices of bresaola tinged with warm Christmas spices, melting sheets of mortadella studded with pistachios, and spicy salami lifted with orange zest. Steaks are sizeable, best shared with friends, and thrive with sauces like au poivre and piri piri. There are vegetables, too, like a cold green bean salad dressed with ancho

Quatrefoil

$$$$Contemporary

This Victorian house in charming Dundas has been a fixture of the city’s dining scene since 2010. No doubt, countless birthdays and anniversaries have been celebrated under the talented wings of chef-owner Fraser Macfarlane, who offers a short but poignant menu that stays well within the boundaries of familiar, upscale dining. Beautifully seared sea scallops arrive in a pool of corn puree with bacon butter sauce. There’s duck breast from Quebec, glazed in lavender and thoughtfully paired with kale, pear chutney, and scallion pancakes. There’s also grilled tenderloin, halibut with tarragon vin