I’m Clara Maple, a passionate food lover and travel writer based in Toronto, Canada. I’ve spent years exploring local cuisines across the country, visiting hidden gems, and connecting with chefs who pour their heart into every dish. Through my writing, I aim to share my experiences of discovering the best regional dishes, showcasing unique dining spots, and supporting local restaurants that make Canada’s food scene so special. When I’m not writing or tasting new foods, you’ll find me traveling and discovering exciting flavors from around the world.

Toronto’s 12 Best Restaurants to Try

Don Alfonso 1890 – Italian Fine Dining

Top 12 Restaurants to Try in Toronto (2025 Dining Guide)

Don Alfonso 1890 brings the elegance of Southern Italy to Toronto’s waterfront, offering an opulent dining experience inside the Westin Harbour Castle. The restaurant is led by Executive Chef Saverio Macri and features a modern Mediterranean tasting menu rooted in the traditions of the Amalfi Coast. Signature dishes include butter-poached lobster with Amalfi lemon foam and truffle risotto. With sleek interiors and floor-to-ceiling views of Lake Ontario, it’s perfect for special occasions. The restaurant has received accolades from Forbes Travel Guide and is consistently listed among Canada’s best.

Must-Try: Butter-poached lobster.

Location: 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, ON M5J 1A6

Quetzal – High-End Mexican

Quetzal brings a bold and refined interpretation of Mexican cuisine to downtown Toronto. Designed around an open wood-fire kitchen, this sleek and modern restaurant highlights regional flavors from Oaxaca, Baja, and Yucatán. Signature dishes include tamarind-glazed short ribs, octopus al pastor, and house-made heirloom tortillas. The interior blends high design with earthy tones, creating a warm yet upscale atmosphere perfect for date nights or group dinners. Often featured in Toronto Life’s best-of lists, Quetzal offers a contemporary take on tradition.

Must-Try: Tamarind-glazed short ribs, Octopus al pastor.

Location: 419 College St., Toronto, ON, M5T 1T1

Famiglia Baldassarre – Authentic Italian Pasta Bar

Famiglia Baldassarre is Toronto’s worst-kept secret for pasta lovers. This daytime-only pasta bar on Geary Avenue crafts traditional Italian pasta by hand, using old-world techniques. Expect perfectly al dente tagliatelle al ragù, delicate ravioli, and rotating specials that celebrate seasonal ingredients. The industrial yet homey space has an open kitchen where you can watch the pasta being made fresh. Famiglia operates on a first-come, first-served basis—come early to secure a seat, as lines form quickly.

Must-Try: Tagliatelle al ragù, Ricotta-stuffed ravioli.

Location: 122 Geary Ave., Toronto, ON, M6H 2B7

Bar Raval – Spanish Pintxos & Cocktails

Bar Raval, inspired by Barcelona’s bar culture, is a visually stunning tapas bar nestled near College and Bathurst. With its Gaudí-style woodwork, intimate standing-room setup, and glowing red interiors, it’s a favorite late-night destination. The menu features classic Spanish pintxos like jamón ibérico, sea urchin, and conservas, alongside a curated cocktail list and Spanish wines. Perfect for an after-hours bite or weekend brunch, Bar Raval is walk-in only—come early for elbow room at the bar.

Must-Try: Negroni, Sea urchin pintxo.

Location: Toronto, ON, M6G 1A5

Favorites Thai – Modern Thai Comfort Food

Favorites Thai is a fusion of Thai street food and Ontario seasonal ingredients. The menu includes charcoal-grilled pork neck and duck laab. The restaurant is casual and trendy. Make reservations during busy hours.

Must-Try: Charcoal-grilled Pork Neck, Duck laab

Location: 141 Ossington Ave., Toronto, ON, M6J 2Z6

Som Tum Jinda – Northern Thai Street Food

Som Tum Jinda specializes in Northern Thai fare with a focus on authenticity and bold flavors. Papaya salads, grilled meats, and sticky rice dominate the menu. The atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming—perfect for a casual weekday lunch or quick dinner. No reservations needed.

Must-Try: Som Tum with sticky rice and salted crab.

Location: 2050 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M4S 1Z9.

Parquet – French Elegance

Parquet is a modern French bistro where simplicity meets sophistication. The elegant yet minimalist space features a wine-forward menu and rich dishes like duck confit with lentils. Parquet excels at intimate dining experiences and is popular among couples. Booking ahead is strongly advised.

Must-Try: Duck confit with lentils and jus

Location: 97 Harbord St., Toronto, ON, M5S 1G4

Sunnys Chinese – Spicy & Bold Chinese Fusion

Sunny’s Chinese celebrates bold flavors with an unapologetically spicy menu that showcases Sichuan and Xi’an influences. Known for chili oil noodles and Chongqing chicken wings, this spot offers communal dining in a high-energy space. Best visited with friends and a hearty appetite.

Must-Try: Chongqing Chicken Wings, Chili Oil Noodles

Location: 60 Kensington Ave., Toronto, ON, M5T 2K1

Dil Se – Modern Indian Flavors

Dil Se offers a modern take on Indian classics in a warmly lit, contemporary setting. The menu features biryanis, tandoori lamb, and regional curries with a refined touch. Great for both casual dining and special occasions, reservations are recommended.

Must-Try: Lamb rogan josh, Saffron rice

Location: 277 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A4

Madrina Bar y Tapas – Spanish Tapas with Flair

Located in the Distillery District, Madrina offers modern Catalan tapas in a bright and colorful space filled with art. Menu highlights include smoked paprika octopus and Iberian pork. A great place for groups and celebrations, Madrina has earned praise for its inventive presentation and lively setting.

Must-Try: Octopus smoked with paprika

Location: Toronto, ON, M5A 3C4

Enoteca Sociale – Italian Wine & Comfort Food

Enoteca Sociale is a rustic, charming wine bar known for soulful Roman cuisine. It specializes in handmade pastas like tonnarelli cacio e pepe, alongside an impressive wine list. Perfect for romantic dinners or cozy evenings, reservations are a must.

Must-Try: Tonnarelli with Cacio e Pepe

Location: 1288 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X7

Sushi Yūgen – Elegant Omakase Experience

Sushi Yūgen is Toronto’s rising star in the omakase scene. Offering a luxurious tasting experience, the restaurant sources rare and seasonal ingredients from Japan. The minimalist interior enhances focus on each dish, from toro with gold leaf to uni and wagyu. Booking in advance is essential for this exclusive experience.

Must-Try: Toro served with gold leaf on ice

Location: 50 Scollard St, Toronto, ON M5R 0A1

Fine the locations here:

#	Restaurant Name	Cuisine	Location
1	Don Alfonso 1890	Italian Fine Dining	1 Harbour Sq, Toronto
2	Quetzal	Mexican	419 College St, Toronto
3	Famiglia Baldassarre	Pasta Bar	122 Geary Ave, Toronto
4	Bar Raval	Spanish Tapas	505 College St, Toronto
5	Favorites Thai	Thai	141 Ossington Ave, Toronto
6	Som Tum Jinda	Northern Thai	2050 Yonge St, Toronto
7	Parquet	French Bistro	97 Harbord St, Toronto
8	Sunnys Chinese	Chinese Fusion	60 Kensington Ave, Toronto
9	Dil Se	Modern Indian	277 Queen St W, Toronto
10	Madrina Bar y Tapas	Spanish Catalan	2 Trinity St, Toronto
11	Enoteca Sociale	Italian	1288 Dundas St W, Toronto
12	Sushi Yūgen	Japanese Omakase	50 Scollard St, Toronto

FAQs

Q. When is the best time to make reservations for fine dining in Toronto, particularly on weekends?

The best time to make reservations for fine dining in Toronto—especially on weekends—is at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Popular upscale spots like Don Alfonso 1890, Quetzal, and Sushi Yūgen often book out for weekend evenings. For special events, holidays, or tasting menu experiences, booking a month ahead is recommended to secure your preferred time.

Q. Are these restaurants vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! The majority of restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options, including Bar Raval, Sunnys Chinese and Favorites Thai.

Q. Do these places offer tasting menus
Yes. Don Alfonso’s, Sushi Yugen’s, and Quetzal offer curated tastings.

Q: What are the must-try foods in Toronto in 2025?
A: Toronto’s 2025 food scene is a fusion of global influences. Must-try dishes include handcrafted pasta from Famiglia Baldassarre, innovative Mexican fare at Quetzal, and sushi omakase at Sushi Yūgen. The city also shines in tapas, modern Thai, and upscale Indian cuisine.

Q: Which Toronto restaurants offer vegetarian or vegan options?
A: Many restaurants on this list offer plant-based options. Favorites Thai, Sunnys Chinese, and Bar Raval are known for vegetarian-friendly menus. Don Alfonso 1890 and Parquet can accommodate special dietary requests with advance notice.

Q: What’s the average cost of dining at these top restaurants?
A: Prices vary widely. Casual spots like Som Tum Jinda or Famiglia Baldassarre range from $15–$30 per person. Upscale venues like Don Alfonso 1890 or Sushi Yūgen can cost $150–$300+ for tasting menus or wine pairings.

Q: Do I need reservations to dine at these Toronto restaurants?
A: Yes — for most of these restaurants, especially the fine-dining ones like Quetzal, Don Alfonso 1890, and Sushi Yūgen, reservations are highly recommended. Some popular casual spots may also have long waits without bookings.

Q: Are any of these restaurants located in tourist-friendly areas?
A: Absolutely. Madrina Bar y Tapas is in the Distillery District, perfect for pairing with a sightseeing day. Bar Raval and Sunnys Chinese are near Kensington Market and Queen Street West — ideal foodie stops while exploring Toronto’s trendiest areas.

Q: What’s the best time of year to explore Toronto’s dining scene?
A: Spring to fall (May–October) is peak for patio dining and local produce. However, winter brings cozy menus and fewer crowds — perfect for foodies seeking off-season charm and availability.

Q: Do any of these restaurants offer tasting menus?
A: Yes! Sushi Yūgen, Don Alfonso 1890, and Quetzal are known for their curated multi-course tasting menus that change seasonally.

Q: Is tipping mandatory in Toronto restaurants?
A: Tipping is customary in Toronto. A standard tip is 15–20% of the bill before tax. Many restaurants add gratuity automatically for large groups.

Top 12 Restaurants to Try in Toronto (2025 Dining Guide)