10+ Best Restaurants You Must Try When Travelling to Toronto 2024
Are you planning a trip to Toronto in 2024? Prepare to dive into the city’s vibrant culinary scene with our curated list of 10+ must-try restaurants to visit when traveling to Toronto. We’ve handpicked a diverse selection of restaurants that offer not only amazing food but also excellent atmospheres. From trendy hotspots to hidden gems, these restaurants are the ones you can’t miss if you’re visiting Toronto. Make your trip unforgettable by exploring the best of what this dynamic and multicultural city has to offer.
1. Paris Paris
Paris Paris, tucked away on the iconic Ossington strip in Toronto’s west end, is the spot to hit for great wine, creative cocktails, and a globally inspired menu. Set in a cool, converted auto garage, the vibe is chic yet cozy, with warm wood accents, raw steel touches, tropical plants, and skylights flooding the space with natural light. The front dining area opens up to a breezy patio overlooking Ossington Avenue, making it an ideal hangout for both indoor and outdoor dining.
Known for its diverse and well-curated wine selection, Paris Paris caters to everyone—from wine connoisseurs to casual sippers. With a focus on fun, offbeat wines, fine spirits, and inventive cocktails, there’s something for every taste. The food menu is just as exciting, offering seasonal, bistro-style dishes that draw from Toronto’s rich mix of cultures.
- Location: 146 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z5
- Website: https://www.parisparis.ca
2. Mamakas Taverna
- Location: 80 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Y7
- Price Range: $$$
- Cuisine: Greek
- Menu: https://mamakas.ca/mamakas/
Another must-try spot on the Ossingotn strip is Mamakas, your go-to spot for a taste of the Mediterranean in Toronto. The vibe here is stylish yet cozy, mixing modern touches with rustic charm to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their outdoor patio, surrounded by lush greenery, is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a meal in the fresh air.
Mamakas is famous for its authentic Greek dishes, from juicy lamb chops and fresh seafood to flavorful mezze and traditional desserts. Everything’s made with top-notch ingredients, bringing you vibrant, true-to-flavor Mediterranean cuisine.
Whether you’re grabbing a casual meal with friends, planning a romantic date night, or celebrating something special, Mamakas is a standout in Toronto’s food scene. With its delicious food, chic setting, and prime location, it’s a must-visit for anyone craving Mediterranean flavors.
3. Kiin
- Location: 326 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1R3
- Price Range: $$$
- Cuisine: Thai
- Menu: https://kiintoronto.com/menus
Kiin Toronto is where you go for an authentic taste of Thailand with a touch of luxury. Tucked away in downtown Toronto, Kiin—which means “eat” in Thai—specializes in Royal Thai cuisine, a rare and refined style that was once reserved for Thai royalty.
Led by Chef Nuit Regular, a star in Toronto’s food scene, Kiin’s menu is all about attention to detail. Each dish, from the fragrant curries to the beautifully crafted appetizers, showcases the rich flavors and heritage of Thailand.
The vibe inside matches the food—elegant yet welcoming, with modern Thai decor that sets the perfect mood. Whether you’re planning a romantic night out or looking for a unique dining experience, Kiin offers something unforgettable that’ll leave you with a deeper appreciation for Thai culture.
4. Pai
- Location: 18 Duncan St, Toronto, ON M5H 3G8
- Price Range: $$
- Cuisine: Thai
- Menu: https://www.paitoronto.com/menu/pai-menu
Pai Toronto is a top spot for authentic Thai food with a laid-back vibe. Named after the Thai village where Chef Nuit Regular and her husband started their first restaurant, Pai is always buzzing with energy. The menu is packed with fresh, flavorful dishes, from Northern Thai specialties like Khao Soi and Kanom Jin Nham Ngeaw to tasty bites like Kung Tawt and Gaeng Panang curry. With multiple locations, including new ones uptown and in Liberty Village, Pai offers a vibrant taste of Thailand across the city. Owned by the same team behind Kiin, it’s a must-visit for Thai food lovers.
5. Ten
- Location: 1132 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1B6
- Price Range: $$$$
- Cuisine: Canadian
- Website: https://www.10restaurant.ca/
Ten Restaurant in Toronto is a cozy, intimate spot with just ten seats, offering a unique, up-close dining experience. Known for its vegetable-forward and sustainable approach, Ten focuses on seasonal ingredients, crafting innovative dishes that are as thoughtful as they are delicious. The vibe is modern and minimalist, letting the food take center stage. With a frequently changing menu that blends various culinary influences, Ten is perfect for foodies and anyone looking to enjoy a refined, yet laid-back meal. It’s a must-visit for those wanting to experience Toronto’s culinary scene in a personal and sustainable way.
6. Sunny’s Chinese
- Location: 60 Kensington Ave Units 6-14, Toronto, ON M5T 2K1
- Price Range: $$
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Menu:https://www.sunnyschinese.com/#menu
Hidden in the heart of Kensington Market, Sunny’s Chinese is a high-energy hotspot that’s well worth the hunt. Tucked down a seemingly inconspicuous hallway, you’ll discover a lively space where the room buzzes with excitement over authentic Chinese homestyle dishes. Inspired by high-energy dining cultures across China—from shaokao spots in Chengdu and Xi’an to dai pai dongs in Hong Kong—Sunny’s captures that vibrant, playful spirit in every dish.
The menu takes you on a flavor-packed journey from Sichuan to Guangdong, featuring spicy, crispy, and smoky creations. Start with the tripe and beef shank drenched in chili oil, then dive into the charred silver needle noodles. The grilled chicken thigh coated in cumin, chili, and pepper is a standout, and don’t miss the crispy Hong Kong French Toast with black sesame jam and oolong condensed milk for a decadent finish. Sunny’s is the spot for bold, unforgettable Chinese flavors in a fun, bustling setting.
7. Alo
- Location: 163 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5V 2L6
- Price Range: $$$$
- Cuisine: European and Asian Fusion
- Website: https://alorestaurant.com/
Alo, a Michelin-starred gem perched atop a heritage building in downtown Toronto, has been a culinary standout since its opening in 2015. This contemporary French restaurant is celebrated for its blind, multi-course tasting menus that highlight the finest seasonal ingredients with a modern twist.
The Dining Room offers an elegant, immersive experience, while the adjacent barroom features classically-inspired cocktails and a shorter tasting menu available à la carte. For special occasions, Alo’s private dining room, located one floor below, provides a unique setting perfect for family celebrations, milestone events, birthdays, and business dinners.
Alo’s blend of sophistication and creativity has made it one of Canada’s most essential dining destinations, offering both a memorable meal and a genuine sense of welcome.
8. Baro
- Location: 485 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K4
- Price Range: $$$
- Cuisine: Latin America
- Menu: https://barotoronto.com/menu/
Top-notch Latin American spot in Toronto? Check out Baro on King West—it’s the go-to place for bold flavors and a lively vibe. The real highlight is Baro’s Rooftop Patio, a cool hangout with half of it open-air and the other half covered with floor-to-ceiling windows. Surrounded by lush greenery and hanging plants, it’s the perfect spot to chill with an ice-cold cocktail on a sunny day.
Craving something delicious? Baro’s got you covered with fresh ceviches, tasty empanadas, and mouth-watering chaufa. Don’t miss their weekend brunch—it’s the only time they serve it, and it’s totally worth it. Plus, with their rotating “Dine Around Latin America” menu, you’ll get to sample flavors from all over the continent, keeping your taste buds on their toes.
9. Sotto Sotto
- Location: 120 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2H4
- Price Range: $$$$
- Cuisine: Italian
- Menu: https://sottosotto.ca/toronto/#menu
Sotto Sotto is a must-visit Italian spot in Toronto, known for its cozy, stylish atmosphere and mouthwatering dishes. Tucked away on a charming street, the restaurant offers a warm, intimate vibe with rustic decor and soft lighting. The menu features classic Italian favorites like rich pasta, creamy risottos, and indulgent desserts, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
It’s also famous as Drake’s favorite restaurant, adding a touch of celebrity charm to your dining experience. Whether you’re on a date or out with friends, Sotto Sotto promises a memorable Italian meal in a relaxed, inviting setting.
10. Chubby’s Jamaican
- Location: 104 Portland St, Toronto, ON M5V 2N2
- Price Range: $$
- Cuisine: Jamaican
- Menu: https://chubbysjamaican.com/menus
Chubby’s Jamaican is the ultimate spot for vibrant, authentic Jamaican flavors in Toronto. This lively eatery serves up mouthwatering jerk chicken, spicy curry goat, and savory plantains, all packed with bold, spicy flavors. Don’t miss their must-try oxtail poutine, a unique twist on classic poutine that combines rich, tender oxtail with delicious fries and gravy.
The casual, welcoming vibe is perfect for enjoying a hearty meal with friends or family. Whether you’re a Caribbean cuisine enthusiast or new to it, Chubby’s offers a delicious and relaxed dining experience that’s guaranteed to spice up your day.
11. BB’s
- Location: 5 Brock Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 2K6
- Price Range: $$
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Menu: https://www.bbs.restaurant/
BB’s Diner is a cozy gem in Toronto, serving up Filipino comfort food with a modern twist. This laid-back spot offers fresh takes on classic dishes like adobo and garlic fried rice, all in a welcoming, casual atmosphere. Whether you’re catching up with friends or enjoying a relaxed meal solo, BB’s Diner delivers delicious, home-style Filipino flavors in a cool, contemporary setting. It’s a must-visit for anyone eager to explore the rich taste of Filipino cuisine and hospitality.
12. Mineral
- Location: 1027 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2K9
- Price Range: $$$
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Menu: https://www.mineralto.com/menu
Mineral in Toronto is a must-visit for anyone craving a fresh, modern take on Filipino-inspired cuisine. This sleek, stylish spot offers a tasting menu that blends traditional Filipino flavors with contemporary flair. From vibrant seafood plates to inventive spins on classic dishes, every course is thoughtfully crafted and full of flavor. The vibe is laid-back yet sophisticated, making it ideal for a casual dinner or a special night out. If you’re looking to explore bold, innovative Filipino cuisine in a trendy setting, Mineral is the place to be.
References
- https://foodism.to/eat-drink/bars-restaurants/best-restaurants-toronto
- https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-toronto-canada
- https://guide.michelin.com/ca/en/ontario/toronto/restaurants
- https://curiocity.com/top-100-canada-toronto-restaurants/