Winterlicious 2026 Toronto: Complete Guide to Dates, Menus & Restaurants
If you love food as much as I do, then Winterlicious is the perfect event to mark on your calendar. I’m excited to share everything about Winterlicious 2026, Toronto’s two-week dining festival where you can enjoy three-course prix fixe meals at some of the city’s best restaurants. Whether you’re looking to try something new or revisit a favorite spot, I’ll guide you through the dates, menus, participating restaurants, and tips so you can make the most of it.
What Is Winterlicious?
I always get asked what makes Winterlicious so special. Basically, it’s a biannual program by the City of Toronto that helps local restaurants during slower months while giving you a chance to explore Toronto’s amazing food scene
Here’s what you need to know:
- Every participating restaurant must offer a three-course prix fixe menu (starter, main, dessert) with at least three choices per course.
- Since 2003, Winterlicious has served over 8 million meals and generated more than $353 million in economic activity. I love that it combines great food with a real impact on the city.
Winterlicious 2026 Dates & Schedule
If you want to join me in this culinary adventure, mark your calendar: January 30 – February 12, 2026.
You have a full two weeks to plan your visits, so you don’t have to rush. I always recommend booking your table early because popular spots fill up fast.
Menus & Pricing
Here’s where it gets exciting: you’ll be choosing from curated three-course menus at fixed prices. I love that it lets me try new dishes without worrying about the bill.
- Lunch Prices: $20, $27, $34, $41, $48, $55
- Dinner Prices: $25, $35, $45, $55, $65, $75.
Just a heads-up: these prices are for food only, so taxes, tip, and drinks are extra.
Participating Restaurants
I know you’re curious about where to eat, right? There are over 200 restaurants across Toronto joining this year.
Here’s how restaurants qualify:
- They must be a table-service restaurant in Toronto.
- They need a Toronto Public Health Green DineSafe pass.
- A valid City of Toronto Eating Establishment Licence.
- Their regular three-course menu meets the minimum required price.
If you’re a chain restaurant, only one location per brand can participate.
Notte Ristorante — Italian Comfort With a Fresh Twist
I’ll be honest: when Amano Trattoria turned into Notte Ristorante, I was curious. But Chef Michael Angeloni and his team totally delivered. Notte balances elegant Italian fare with a relaxed vibe — it’s fancy without being stuffy.
Their $55 Winterlicious dinner menu hits all the notes:
- Appetizers like Truffle Salad, Tuna Tonnato, or Beef Carpaccio
- Mains including Squash & Mushroom Risotto, Grilled Branzino, Cornish Hen, or Roasted Porchetta
- Sweet endings like Nonna’s Tiramisu or Pistachio Cannoli
This is the kind of spot where I’d happily spend a long dinner, laughing over wine and lingering past dessert.
Deauville Club — Rooftop Romance With a Global French Flair
Hidden upstairs at the Revery Hotel on Peter Street, Deauville Club feels like a secret you actually love telling people about. Stylish and intimate, it’s perfect for date nights or small group dinners.
Winterlicious menus let you choose:
$48 Lunch
- Starters like Hail Caesar or Tomato Salad
- Mains such as Brie & Mushroom Burger or Seared Cajun Chicken Piccola
- Desserts like Crème Brûlée
$65 Dinner
- Elegant starters like Mediterranean Kale Salad
- Mains including Pernod Flambéed Salmon or Harissa Winter Curry
- Same dessert lineup for a sweet finish
If you want a Winterlicious meal with ambiance and a view, this should be on your list.
Cluny Bistro — Classic French Comfort
Located in the Distillery Historic District, Cluny Bistro is like a cozy French hug — rich, satisfying, and stylish without being intimidating. Executive Chef Taylor McMeekin brings modern French comfort to life with Winterlicious menus at:
- $41 Lunch
- $55 Dinner
You’ve got crowd favorites like French Onion Soup and Cluny Caesar, plus standouts like Beef Bourguignon, Skate St. Jacques, and pillowy Gnocchi.
Desserts like Crème Brûlée or Berry Cheesecake Éclair are exactly the kind of indulgence I lean into in January.
Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill — Seafood Done Right
If seafood makes you happy (it makes me very happy), Pure Spirits is where you want to be. Also nestled in the Distillery District, Chef Jason McLaren’s Winterlicious menus are thoughtful and seasonal.
Highlights from the $34 lunch / $45 dinner menus include:
- Plump East Coast Oysters
- Beautifully cooked Sea Bass
- Seared Salmon
- Sweet endings like Maple Crème Brûlée and Opera Cake
This is the perfect mix of refined yet totally approachable dining.
Gusto 101 — Italian Vibes on King Street
Okay so Gusto 101 is one of my personal favorites any time of year, but the Winterlicious menu really calls for a reservation. It’s lively, stylish, and Italian in that eat-everything with abandon kind of way.
While they haven’t released the official fixed price yet, you can almost guarantee:
- Warm focaccia and antipasti that make your table instantly feel like home
- Rich pastas with bold sauces
- Italian mains that hit just the right comfort level
- Desserts like ricotta cheesecake or gelato
This is one of those places I always tell people to book early — Gusto 101 fills up fast.
Nuna — Elevated Global in Yorkville
Nuna Toronto has been on my radar for a while, and its Winterlicious menu doesn’t disappoint. This place does elevated global cuisine with lots of heart and personality — think bold flavors, modern plating, and seasonal ingredients that feel just right for winter.
Their Winterlicious offerings showcase:
- Creative salads + small plates to start
- Innovative mains that combine global techniques
- Desserts that balance sweetness without feeling heavy
If you’re feeling adventurous (and hungry), Nuna turns dinner into a whole experience.
Tips for a Great Winterlicious Experience
I want you to get the absolute most out of Winterlicious 2026, so here’s everything I do (and what I suggest you do) to make your experience enjoyable:
- Reserve Early – Some of the most popular restaurants get fully booked quickly. I like to check the official restaurant list as soon as it’s released and secure my table early.
- Plan Your Menu Choices – Before you go, I usually look at the menus online so I can decide what I want. This saves time, avoids decision fatigue, and ensures you get to try the dishes you’re most excited about.
- Mind the Extras – Remember, the listed prices cover food only, so add tax, tip, and beverages to your budget. I usually plan for around 15–20% tip on top, so I’m never surprised at the end of the meal.
- Dietary Needs & Preferences – Many restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly options. I always call ahead if I have dietary restrictions to make sure my choices are available.
- Take Advantage of Exploring New Neighbourhoods – I like to combine Winterlicious dining with exploring Toronto’s neighbourhoods. Some of my favorite experiences were trying a hidden gem in Little Italy or a trendy bistro in King West.
- Share the Experience – Going with a friend or loved one makes it even more fun. You can order different dishes and share bites, giving you a taste of more options without overordering.
- Take Notes & Photos – I often keep a small note or take photos of my favorite dishes. This way, I can remember which restaurants to visit again outside of Winterlicious.
Don’t Miss These Top Restaurants
If you’re anything like me, the highlight of Winterlicious is knowing which restaurants to try. This year, some of Toronto’s top culinary spots are joining, including Alo Restaurant, Richmond Station, and Canoe.
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