15+ Upscale Restaurants in Downtown Toronto For Tourists
Downtown Toronto boasts a culinary scene that caters to every palate, making it a hub for food lovers. For tourists and locals alike, dining at the city’s best restaurants offers an opportunity to enjoy exceptional dishes while experiencing Toronto’s diverse food culture. This guide highlights over 15 of the best restaurant spots, each offering a unique menu and atmosphere that guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Top Fine Dining Spots in Toronto
1. Canoe
Located on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower, Canoe delivers an elevated dining experience with panoramic views of Toronto’s skyline. This iconic restaurant specializes in Canadian-inspired cuisine, showcasing a seasonal menu that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include signature dishes like bison tartare and fresh seafood, offering a taste of Canada from coast to coast.
- Cuisine: Contemporary Canadian
- Location: 66 Wellington St W, 54th Floor, Toronto, ON
- Price Range: $$$$
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 11:45 AM–9 PM; closed weekends
- Menu Highlights: Alberta bison tartare, butter-poached lobster, and Ontario lamb loin.
2. Alo Restaurant
Alo is a fine-dining establishment known for its multi-course tasting menu. The restaurant focuses on French-inspired cuisine with modern touches. Each course is thoughtfully presented, showcasing the skill and creativity of the kitchen team.
- Cuisine: Contemporary French
- Location: 163 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON
- Price Range: $$$$
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 5 PM–9:30 PM; closed Sunday and Monday
- Menu Highlights: Multi-course tasting menu with seasonal ingredients.
3. Scaramouche Restaurant
Scaramouche offers one of the best fine dining experiences in Toronto, complete with stunning city views. Known as a romantic dining spot, this iconic restaurant features an elegant main dining room and one of the best pasta bars in Toronto. Highlights include must-try lobster ravioli and the famous coconut cream pie, making it a top choice for upscale dining enthusiasts.
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Location: 1 Benvenuto Pl, Toronto, ON
- Price Range: $$$$
- Hours: Monday–Saturday, 5 PM–10 PM; closed Sunday
- Menu Highlights: Lobster ravioli, rack of lamb, and their famous coconut cream pie.
4. Richmond Station
Richmond Station, founded by a Top Chef Canada winner, stands out as one of the top farm-to-table restaurants in Toronto. Celebrated for its seasonal menus crafted from locally sourced ingredients, it’s a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts. The Station Burger, featuring house-ground beef, is a must-try and has earned its reputation as one of the best burgers in Toronto.
Advertisement
- Cuisine: Farm-to-table Canadian
- Location: 1 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON
- Price Range: $$$
- Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Menu Highlights: Stn. burger, homemade charcuterie, and sustainable seafood options.
5. George Restaurant
Housed in a historic Victorian-era building, George Restaurant is a leading destination for fine dining in Toronto. Known for its innovative seasonal tasting menus, the restaurant highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients in every dish. Guests can enjoy a dining experience that artfully combines creativity and exceptional flavors.
- Cuisine: Innovative Canadian
- Location: 111C Queen St E, Toronto, ON
- Price Range: $$$$
- Hours: Monday–Saturday, 5 PM–10 PM; closed Sunday
- Menu Highlights: Chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings, emphasizing local and seasonal produce.
6. Buca Yorkville
Buca Yorkville is a standout destination for Italian seafood dining in Toronto, celebrated for its handmade pastas and expertly prepared crudo dishes. The menu shines with raw fish and shellfish options, offering a refined take on Italian coastal cuisine.
- Cuisine: Italian
- Location: 604 King St W, Toronto, ON
- Price Range: $$$$
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 5 PM–10 PM; closed Sunday and Monday
- Menu Highlights: House-made pasta, cured meats, and seafood dishes.
7. Chiado Restaurant
Chiado stands out as a top choice for Portuguese fine dining in Toronto, specializing in fresh seafood dishes. Menu highlights include expertly prepared grilled octopus and traditional salt cod, showcasing authentic flavors of Portugal.
- Cuisine: Portuguese
- Location: 864 College St, Toronto, ON
- Price Range: $$$$
- Hours: Monday–Saturday, 12 PM–10 PM; closed Sunday
- Menu Highlights: Grilled octopus, salt cod dishes, and premium Portuguese wines.
8. Lee Restaurant
Helmed by renowned chef Susur Lee, this Toronto hotspot reimagines Asian fusion cuisine with modern techniques. Known for its sharing plates, the menu features standout dishes like the signature Singaporean-style slaw, a favorite among diners.
Advertisement
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Location: 601 King St W, Toronto, ON
- Price Range: $$$
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 5 PM–10 PM; closed Monday
- Menu Highlights: Singaporean slaw, tuna tartare, and slow-cooked beef.
9. Blu Ristorante
Blu Ristorante, located in Yorkville, is a destination for Italian fine dining with a warm, romantic ambiance. Signature dishes such as the creamy mushroom risotto and tender veal scaloppine showcase expertly crafted flavors, making it a standout among Toronto’s Italian restaurants.
- Cuisine: Italian
- Location: 17 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON
- Price Range: $$$$
- Hours: Daily, 5 PM–10 PM
- Menu Highlights: Truffle gnocchi, lamb shank, and seafood risotto.
10. Byblos
Byblos is one of the top must-try dining spots in Toronto, offering a standout Eastern Mediterranean cuisine experience. The small plates menu features flavorful dishes like lamb ribs and roasted cauliflower, perfect for sharing. The trendy, stylish interior adds to the unique dining experience, making it a standout choice among the best places to eat in Toronto.
- Cuisine: Eastern Mediterranean
- Location: 11 Duncan St, Toronto, ON
- Price Range: $$$
- Hours: Daily, 5 PM–11 PM
- Menu Highlights: Black truffle pide, lamb ribs, and Middle Eastern-inspired cocktails.
11. Alobar Yorkville
An extension of the renowned Alo family, Alobar offers a more casual yet equally high-quality dining experience. With a diverse menu that spans from fresh raw bar options to expertly grilled meats, Alobar is a must-try among the best places to eat in Toronto, perfect for those seeking upscale casual dining.
- Cuisine: Contemporary
- Location: 162 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON
- Price Range: $$$$
- Hours: Monday–Saturday, 12 PM–10 PM; Sunday, 12 PM–9 PM
- Menu Highlights: Grilled seafood, fresh oysters, and a curated cocktail menu.
12. The Chase
The Chase is a rooftop restaurant in Toronto that specializes in seafood-focused dishes while offering stunning city views. Guests can indulge in fresh oysters, succulent lobster, and seasonal salads, making it one of the top dining spots in Toronto. A must-try for anyone seeking the best seafood in the city.
- Cuisine: Seafood-focused
- Location: 10 Temperance St, Toronto, ON
- Price Range: $$$$
- Hours: Monday–Saturday, 5 PM–10 PM; closed Sunday
- Menu Highlights: Lobster ravioli, whole branzino, and indulgent desserts.
13. Sotto Sotto
A long-standing favorite in Toronto, Sotto Sotto serves classic Italian cuisine in a cozy, inviting setting. The menu features signature dishes like homemade gnocchi and rich tiramisu, making it a must-try among the best Italian restaurants in Toronto and one of the top dining spots in the city.
- Cuisine: Italian
- Location: 120 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON
- Price Range: $$$$
- Hours: Daily, 5 PM–11 PM
- Menu Highlights: Veal Milanese, house-made pastas, and tiramisu
14. Maison Selby
Located in a charming heritage building, Maison Selby is celebrated for its classic French bistro fare. A popular brunch spot, it offers delicious options like croque monsieur and buttery pastries, making it a must-try for anyone looking for the best brunch in Toronto and top dining spots in the city.
- Cuisine: French Bistro
- Location: 592 Sherbourne St, Toronto, ON
- Price Range: $$$
- Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10 AM–9 PM; closed Monday and Tuesday
- Menu Highlights: Duck confit, steak frites, and French pastries.
15. Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse
Renowned for its exceptional steak selection, Jacobs & Co. is a top choice for meat lovers and one of the best steakhouses in Toronto. Diners can savor a variety of premium cuts, including expertly dry-aged options, perfectly paired with a selection of fine wines, making it a must-try dining experience in the city..
- Cuisine: Steakhouse
- Location: 12 Brant St, Toronto, ON
- Price Range: $$$$
- Hours: Daily, 5 PM–11 PM
- Menu Highlights: Wagyu beef, tableside Caesar salad, and lobster tails.
References:
- https://www.destinationtoronto.com/leisure-blog/post/exclusive-dining-experiences-toronto/
- https://torontoforyou.com/fine-dining-restaurants-toronto-upscale-dining/
- https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurants-g155019-zfp10954-Toronto_Ontario.html
Follow us on Instagram for more!
Advertisement
