City: Toronto
Top Restaurants in Toronto
Toronto Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Toronto
We've heard Toronto described as "New York City run by the Swiss," and it's true—you can find world-class theater, shopping and restaurants here, but the sidewalks are clean and the people are friendly. The best place to start is literally at the top—the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.
Things to do in Toronto
1. Chiado Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Chiado is the creation of Albino Silva one of North America's leading chefs and restaurateurs. Nestled in a sophisticated European designed setting the internationally critically acclaimed Chiado Restaurant is a beautiful blend of old world charm and timeless elegance. Silva and his professional services team's expertise in event planning will enhance all your corporate events and private functions. Unsurpassed personal attention is the hallmark of the dedicated staff that provide the same impeccable service and flair that has made Silva's restaurants world renowned.
Reviewed By Bing M - Cebu City, Philippines
Good seafood is hard to beat. My wife ordered the fresh codfish, while I ordered the Bacalao (dried salted). For next time, I will order the fresh Pacific codfish. The grilled octopus, my ruler for good seafood, came out very good. But if I had my way, I would order ALL the main entrees as a tasting menu, one after another. ALL GREAT!
But then again, leave room for the desserts. In fact, get the dessert menu first, peg your selection, and then get the dinner menu so you know how much room to leave for dessert.
Service was great as well.
2. Jacques Bistro Du Parc
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
Reviewed By beachesToronto - Toronto
We loved our visit to Jaques Bistro! They start you off with delicious, slightly crispy white bread - dangerously enticing, be careful not to eat too much.
Next we had soup, mine being the classic French onion soup. Delicious, but very filling, as melted cheese filled more than half the bowl.
Then supreme de volaille fermier. I was astonished at how much chicken was on the plate and could not finish it all. Unfortunately, they do not provide doggie bags.
I was too full for dessert, but my friends shared an apple tartin, and enjoyed the fact that it was not too sweet.
The ambiance is cozy and pleasant.
Service was good, but just a bit slow on a busy night.
Reservations are essential.
3. Matisse Restaurant and Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
Matisse was named after inspiring murals that envelop the soul the moment you walk in. Our warm and comfortable atmosphere and friendly service sets the evening apart from others. Our menu reflects International influences on Canadian cuisine with fresh local ingredients designed and prepared by our award winning chef. Each plate is presented as a work of art.
Reviewed By PetalCarmiel - Owen Sound, Canada
The food was lovely, the coffee was hot, the server was amazing. His first name was Raj and he accommodated our group to allow us to stay for a few hours. Always patient and attentive - he truly went beyond the call of duty and Matisse should be proud of having such a wonderful employee. We will be back!
4. Scaramouche Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Scaramouche has long been celebrated by customers and critics for its unwavering commitment to making each dining experience a memorable one. Chef/owner Keith Froggett's sophisticated cuisine is presented simply with care and attention to detail. The service underscores that philosophy: unobtrusive and respectful. The restaurant affords a stunning nighttime vista of the downtown Toronto skyline. These components and more make Scaramouche the singular destination it is. And the reason that the restaurant is consistently ranked as one of the city's best for more than three decades.
Reviewed By Helen T - Geneva
Week-ends very busy and noisy, taking away from fine dining experience
...becoming similar to other overpriced restaurants in the city.
General ambience, food quality and presentation good, but slow service
and meal served lukewarm/not hot. It was just another nice dinner outing
with family and not having to deal with downtown city parking issues...
as Valet Parking provided.
5. Cafe Polonez
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 216 reviews
Reviewed By TorontoMusicman - Toronto
This restaurant was quite busy when we visited and it is easy to see why. They serve good Polish food that is reasonably priced. We especially enjoyed the beef Goulash soup and the beef Paprika main. The service was quite good.
6. New Orleans Seafood & Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By Lauren P - Toronto, Canada
I had my birthday dinner here with family this week and it was an INCREDIBLE experience and meal from start to finish. The place itself is very cute and comfortable. The staff were attentive, especially the owner who clearly takes pride in his establishment and cares about his patrons, new and returning alike. The food however was AMAZING. Everything we got was fantastic. My favorites were the mussels, the Chilean sea bass and the sausage. But overall every dish was incredible and we had a wonderful evening there. Will be returning soon for sure.
7. Michael's on Simcoe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
A steakhouse with an Italian twist. Michael's On Simcoe playfully combines the best of contemporary cuisine, featuring USDA prime steak, fresh seafood and authentic homemade pastas. Classic cocktails are re-invented to tantalize your taste buds and our extensive wine list will tempt even those with the most discerning taste. Conveniently located in the heart of the Financial and Entertainment districts, Michael's on Simcoe brings new life to one of the most energetic districts in downtown Toronto. This restaurant breaks down the barriers of a traditional steakhouse by challenging the overly masculine ambience that has long been the trademark of its genre.
Reviewed By Tomchele - Toronto, Canada
My wife and I treated our friend for her milestone birthday earlier this week. We gave her several options, all high-end establishments, and she selected Michael’s. I was pleased that she did, as every meal there has been memorable. This time was certainly no different. From beginning to end, the food, wine, service...amazing. The personal attention from Michael, the sommelier, the executive chef, just perfect. We ordered wines that were a bit higher priced than normal given the occasion, and the sommelier helped choose the perfect wine when given a price point. The food...as good or better than any Michelin starred restaurant we’ve been to. Thank you Michael’s for delivering, again! We will be back soon.
8. Richmond Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Richmond Station is a stopping place, a bustling neighbourhood restaurant in the downtown core. We are committed to delicious food and excellent hospitality.
Reviewed By AKAshon - Oakville, Canada
I came here on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. It was a bit difficult to find as there was just a small sign (it is part of the One Richmond Place Building. I wanted to try the tasting menu they offered & asked for it upfront. I sat at the chef’s bar where I was able to look inside the kitchen and see the chef’s making food, which I love! The interior of the restaurant was very sparse and spare. Not really what I expected from one of the top ranked restaurants in Toronto to be honest. First off, there was beef tartar (good) and oyster (good). Neither dishes were great though. I liked the beef tartar better. Next up is a fried sun choke (stalk of a sunflower) served with green goddess sauce. It was decent. Next is a maple carrot trout served on a bagels and it was good though not great. The next dish had four items: rabbit (good), pate (really good!), carrots (decent) and sourdough bread (good). I’ve a big fan of pate and have had it in the can and rolled up at the bakery. This pate was probably one of the best I’ve ever eaten! It was soft and melted in my mouth! Next is a roasted carrot salad, which was sooooo good! I’m not a big fan of carrots but this salad made me love carrots! It was served with chickpeas and a sweet sauce that elevate the dish! Wow! Next is a curry ravioli, which was good and slightly spicy. Next is cod, which was so good! It was soft and melted in my mouth! It was slightly crispy on the outside too! Next up is a pork dish, which had pork prepared in various forms and it was good! The thin apple crisps that came along with it were divine! Lastly, dessert was a creme brûlée dish with sweet sauces and it was soooooo good! Sweet, crunchy and delectable! I loved the flavored ice and sauces & cream that came with it! My ranking of the dishes: creme brûlée dish > carrot salad > pate on sourdough bread > cod > rabbit > curry ravioli > pork dish > beef tartare > trout > oyster > sun choke > carrot. The entire meal lasted about 2.5 hours. I am thoroughly impressed with the amount of food items that came! A total of 10 dishes with 16 food items came! It was about $90 and worth every penny! The service was attentive and kind! It was pretty cool to have a different person bring out and introduce a new dish. I felt like I met most of the restaurant team. Richmond Station’s tasting menu is the best tasting menu that I’ve ever had! It beats the $180 tasting menu at the Detroit Foundation Hotel’s Apparatus Room, which was my favorite tasting menu up to this point (the ambiance and atmosphere of that experience was better though, but it took place in a private dining room with a Waitstaff on hand to cater to your needs while Richmond Station’s one was a part of their menu)! And that one was double the price! I highly recommend this restaurant if you want to try a great tasting menu at a great price! Amazing!
9. LaVinia Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 347 reviews
Reviewed By must_travel_soon_10 - Toronto, Canada
Recently visited Spain and enjoyed delicious local food from some small non-descript establishments. The food here at LaVinia is very reminiscent of the food we enjoyed in Spain. Stuffed piquillo peppers were flavourful and interesting. The quail appetizer was beautifully grilled and had such a great taste. The seafood paella was excellent, with plentiful seafood and served piping hot from the oven in a paella pan. Rice was slightly more wet than that enjoyed in Costa del Sol, but excellent. Smallish dining room with cosy decor and ambiance, almost like being in Spain. Servers are friendly and knowledgeable. Good selection of wines by the glass, very good Spanish wines.
A little out of the way, but a worthwhile dining experience. More enjoyable than Patria.
10. Seven Lives
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By Sumaiya J - Canada
Great options, we went with the Baja fish and the spicy shrimp. Long wait but worth it. Milder than expected flavour but still enjoyed it. Would definitely go back.
