If you’re staying in downtown Toronto and looking to enjoy some of the best food the city has to offer, look no further! We’ve put together some of our favourite spots to enjoy a world-class meal and dining experience.
Michelin Star Restaurants in Toronto
Alo
Alo is a contemporary, French-inspired restaurant serving incredible seasonal cuisine. Their Dining Room serves blind, multi-course tasting menus (with a wine pairing option) in an intimate setting, with a recommended party size of 2-4 people.
Photo credit: @alorestaurant on Instagram
As self-described ‘refiners’, they constantly strive to improve existing flavours and traditions, which recently earned them the title of the 14th best restaurant in North America 2024 according to Opinionated About Dining. They are constantly receiving accolades from dining organizations all over the world, which is truly a testament to the skill and craft reflected in their exceptional cuisine.
Photo credit: @alorestaurant on Instagram
Edulis
Canada’s Best Restaurants ranks Edulis as #2 overall and highlights the Mediterranean bistro as being able to bend time with rich menus and complex, lasting flavours. They source fresh ingredients from all over Canada, with dishes inspired by the best ingredients of each season. Spring and early Summer are especially great times to visit, with local mushrooms, fresh fish, and early vegetables from nearby farms making their flavours known.
Photo credit: @edulisrestaurant on Instagram
With a relaxed, casual atmosphere and incredibly warm staff, you’ll indeed find that time seems to slow down as you move through delectable courses and unparalleled flavours.
Photo credit: @edulisrestaurant on Instagram
Sushi Masaki Saito
As Canada’s only restaurant operated by a chef with two Michelin Stars, Sushi Masaki Saito offers a spectacular omakase dining experience. Omakase, meaning ‘chef’s choice’, is a traditional dining style made famous by the finest sushi restaurants in Japan. Chef Saito regularly collaborates with other world-class chefs to create stunning new dishes to incorporate into his delicately crafted menus.
Photo credit: @sushimasakisaito on Instagram
With unparalleled freshness and the master hand of Chef Saito, this promises to be one of the best dining experiences you’ll have in Toronto, if not in your life!
Photo credit: @sushimasakisaito on Instagram
Fine Dining in Downtown Toronto
Aloette Restaurant
Created by the same restaurant group as Alo (and conveniently located in the same building), Aloette Restaurant is a Michelin-recommended neighbourhood spot with approachable dishes that cater to all palettes. They whimsically describe their unique approach as “where our taste for haute cuisine meets cravings for cheeseburgers and lemon meringue pie.”
Photo credit: @aloette_restaurant on Instagram
The restaurant itself is designed to look like a classic train car, with vintage elements and comfortable, booth-style tables. The bar offers exceptional wines, while its mixologists craft the perfect cocktail. They’re open for brunch, lunch and dinner, with approachable pricing that bridges the gap between refined dining and affordability.
Photo credit: @aloette_restaurant on Instagram
Cafe Boulud
Chef Daniel Boulud dazzles diners with luxurious dishes rooted in the French tradition, which delight and transcend the boundaries of fine dining and draw inspiration from the meals he’d eat with his family in Lyon, France. Borrowing from other classic preparation methods, Cafe Boulud excels at creating exquisite feature menus, designed to transport you to their countries of origin.
Photo credit: @cafebouludto on Instagram
Their menu also features house-infused cocktails, all set within a vintage-styled dining room created by Martin Brudnizki – a world-renowned interior designer. Cafe Boulud serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and while reservations are highly recommended, they reserve some dinner seating for walk-in guests each night.
Photo credit: @cafebouludto on Instagram
Sofia Yorkville
Sofia Yorkville prides itself on nostalgic Italian dishes, prepared with the finest ingredients and the utmost care. Portions are hearty and the flavours are complex-yet-approachable, with a Master Mixologist ready to create a unique cocktail just for you.
Photo credit: @sofiayorkville on Instagram
The environment is lively and upbeat, with an in-house art gallery featuring works from local artists and craftspeople. They also host a weekly live music series, and ‘Carb Night’ where selected pastas and features are half-off – and don’t skip them for brunch! Sofia is a favourite of locals and visitors alike and promises an exciting, lively evening filled with delicious food, hearty laughs, and irreplaceable memories.
Photo credit: @sofiayorkville on Instagram
There are so many fabulous places to dine in Toronto that this post feels like it barely scratches the surface! If you’re curious about other highly rated cuisines and establishments, click here for a full list of Michelin Star and recommended restaurants in Toronto and the surrounding area.