Itching to try a new restaurant this weekend? OpenTable is celebrating fan favourite dining experiences that will satisfy any foodie.
Thirty-five restaurants in Toronto cracked OpenTable's annual “Top 100 Restaurants” list this year, which highlights exceptional dining experiences across Canada.
From upscale wine bars to fresh takes on classic Italian dishes, the list is curated from over 1 million verified OpenTable reviews provided by diners who visited the featured eateries from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024.
OpenTable based the ratings on several critiques, including diner ratings, reservation rates and the percentage of five-star reviews.
Check out the full list of featured restaurants in Toronto:
Akira Back
Named after chef Akira Back, this Blue Jays Way eatery blends modern Japanese cuisine with dishes inspired by Back’s Korean heritage. From Wagyu tacos to grilled Alaskan king crab, there’s an offering for every diner’s taste.
Alo Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Alo is a contemporary French restaurant located on top of a Victorian-era heritage building on Spadina Avenue. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in Toronto’s inaugural Michelin Guide in 2022 and is located at 163 Spadina Ave.
Alobar Yorkville
Not to be confused with Alo, Alobar Yorkville is a cocktail bar at 162 Cumberland St. that serves à la carte seafood, sides and cuts of charcoal-grilled meat. Here, patrons can dine on foie gras parfait while sipping on curated cocktails.
Amal Toronto
This Toronto eatery, located on Bloor Street West, is a fan favourite among OpenTable diners this year, earning a total 634 4.7 star reviews. The Lebanese restaurant is well loved by locals for serving up a wide variety of mezze, hearty kebabs and contemporary entrees to hungry diners. Amal describes itself as a place where “the Lebanese spirit of joie de vivre comes to life.”
Avelo Restaurant
One of the few completely plant-based restaurants on OpenTable’s list, Avelo sits in a heritage townhouse in Yorkville and offers tasting menus for under $100. This vegan restaurant is found at 51 St. Nicholas St.
Azura
Azura is a tasting menu only establishment that offers modern interpretations of classic Mediterranean dishes paired with local produce and sustainably sourced seafood. This eatery is located in the Riverdale neighbourhood at 162 Danforth Ave.
Bar Isabel
Looking to try grilled octopus, bone marrow and ceviche? Then Bar Isabel is the place to go. The Spanish-inspired eatery is nestled between Little Italy and Little Portugal, located at 797 College St.
Bar Prima
Bar Prima serves cosy Italian dishes like stuffed gnocchi and swordfish piccata, while also offering several signature cocktails like the bergamot and pomegranate based “Uncut Gem.” It’s located at 1136 Queen St. W, next to Toronto’s iconic Drake Hotel.
Bar Vendetta
Despite its name, Bar Vendetta will not be seeking vengeance on its diners. This 1970s inspired wine bar serves pastas, salads and other Italian-inspired dishes. Bar Vendetta is found at 928 Dundas St. W.
Blueblood Steakhouse
Nestled inside one of Toronto’s most famous attractions, the Gothic revival castle Casa Loma, Blueblood Steakhouse offers fine cuts of beef, fresh seafood and an extensive wine selection.
The Butcher Chef
Located right across the street from Scotiabank Arena in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District, The Butcher Chef owners said they set “the ultimate standard for a boutique fine dining steak house.” The restaurant offers both à la carte and tasting menus.
Caffino
Known for its namesake pasta, this classic Italian fare restaurant is located in the Toronto Carpet Factory at 1185 King St W., one of Liberty Village’s most well-known buildings. Diners can expect to choose from a selection of pastas and risottos, pizza, antipasti and mains like chicken parmigiana.
Canoe Restaurant and Bar
Found atop the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower in Toronto’s financial district, Canoe describes itself as being inspired by “Canada’s raw, rich land.” Canoe, which sources ingredients from across the country, was awarded a Michelin Plate, an award given only to restaurants that offer a top quality food and wine experience.
The Chase
Decked out in shades of white and beige, this rooftop establishment serves cuisine best described as contemporary North American, like grilled branzino and prime striploin. Easily accessible by subway, The Chase is located at 10 Temperance St. on the fifth floor.
DaiLo
The brainchild of chef Nick Liu, DaiLo — meaning “big brother” in Cantonese — serves à la carte French-inspired Asian cuisine and multi-course tasting menus. The restaurant shares its space with an upstairs cocktail bar, called Lopan. DaiLo is located at 503 College St.
Don Alfonso 1890
Don Alfonso 1890 has collected numerous awards for its nuanced approach to Mediterranean cuisine. The fine-dining establishment received a Michelin star in Toronto’s inaugural Michelin Guide in 2022 and has managed to retain it in both 2023 and 2024. The restaurant can be found on the 38th floor of the Westin Harbour Castle at 1 Harbour Square.
Enoteca Sociale
Wedged between the city’s Little Portugal and Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhoods, Enoteca Sociale is “built on the philosophy of making simple & honest Roman cuisine that can be shared with friends and family,” owners said. The Italian joint is located at 1288 Dundas St. W.
Epoch Bar & Kitchen Terrace
Wedged between the city’s Little Portugal and Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhoods, Enoteca Sociale is “built on the philosophy of making simple & honest Roman cuisine that can be shared with friends and family,” owners said. The Italian joint is located at 1288 Dundas St. W.
General Public
General Public is what an English gastropub would be if it “had the heart of an American brasserie,” owners said. Decked out with wood-panelled booths and 1970s-style tile flooring, this eatery brands itself as “a little bit of steakhouse, but not too much.” General Public is located at 201 Geary Ave.
George Restaurant
George Restaurant offers up seasonal, natural, local and sustainable food sourced from the city’s many markets. The menu is à la carte or served as a unique tasting experience with fare like scallops, wagyu beef and ribeye on offer. The eatery is featured in the Michelin restaurants guide and is located at 111C Queen St. E.
Giulietta
A collaboration between chef Rob Rossi and restaurateur David Minicucci, Giulietta serves up simple Italian dishes in the Dufferin Grove neighbourhood at 972 College St. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin Plate in 2022.
Grey Gardens
Dishing up a seafood-heavy menu of small plates and mains in a relaxed setting, Grey Gardens is situated around the corner from the city’s beloved Kensington Market, at 199 Augusta Ave. The eatery received a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022, a merit that showcases exceptional food at moderate prices.
Gusto 501
Gusto, which means “tasty” in Italian, is one of the newer restaurants on this list. Since its opening in 2020, Gusto 501 has been serving fresh takes on classic Italian food from Toronto’s Distillery District at 501 King St. E.
Joso’s
Founded by folk musician and restauranteur Joso Spralja, Joso’s, located at 202 Davenport Rd., has been in business for over 47 years. Diners describe the eatery as a “seafood lover’s paradise” with octopus schiavona and shrimp buzara on the menu.
Lee
From celebrity chef Susur Lee, who was a competitor on Top Chef: Masters and Iron Chef America, this namesake restaurant combines Southeast Asian and French cuisines. Diners can chow down on signature cheeseburger spring rolls and Singapore style slaw. Lee is located at 497 Richmond St. W.
Mamakas Taverna
Wedged on the corner of Ossington Avenue and Humbert Street, this Greek taverna serves classical Greek dishes in an open kitchen. The restaurant at 80 Ossington Ave. is best known for fare like spanakopita and lamb chops.
Mother Cocktail Bar
Although Mother Cocktail Bar does have a limited food menu, its main feature is cocktails, which owners said aim to “elevate the Canadian cocktail scene.” Take for instance the “caprese fizz” which includes gin, tomatoes, balsamic and clarified yogurt. The bar is located at 874 Queen St. W., next to Trinity Bellwoods Park.
Osteria Giulia
Osteria Giulia received an inaugural Michelin star in 2022 for its take on Northern Italian cuisine. The eatery is chef Rob Rossi and restaurateur David Minicucci’s followup to Giulietta and can be found at 134 Avenue Rd.
Parallel
Located at 217 Geary Ave., Parallel specialises in just one thing: tahini. The eatery includes tahini, made from hulled sesame seeds and oil, in its salads, bowls, dips and halva.
Prime Seafood Palace
Prime Seafood Palace is yet another one of Canadian celebrity chef Matty Matheson’s creations. Serving up beef, seafood and seasonal vegetables, it can be found in a quiet courtyard at 944 Queen St. W.
Quetzal
Quetzal, which celebrates regional Mexican cuisine, also received an inaugural Michelin star in 2022 and has held onto the award in subsequent years. The restaurant is located on the corner of College and Bathurst streets, at 419 College St.
Rasa
Founded by the Toronto catering group The Food Dudes, Rasa is the most affordable feature on OpenTable’s list for Toronto, serving “global-inspired snacks and entrees in a sleek, dark space.” Ravioli, chickpea fritters and ceviche are all on offer at Rasa’s 196 Robert St restaurant.
Scaramouche
Best known for its coconut cream pie, Scaramouche has been a staple in the Toronto food scene since 1983. The fine dining mainstay offers up modern twists on classic French cuisine. The restaurant is located in the South Hill neighbourhood at 1 Benvenuto Pl.
Sorrel Restaurant and Bar
Serving French-Mediterranean seafood and fresh oysters, Sorrel Restaurant and Bar has been in the Yorkville and Rosedale neighbourhoods, at 1158 Yonge St., for over a decade.
Tutti Matti
According to owners, Tutti Matti dishes up “authentic Tuscan cuisine” with a focus on wood fired pizzas, signature pastas and unusual meats, such as venison and wild boar. Tutti Matti is located at 364 Adelaide St. W., near the TIFF Lightbox.
