Canadian Restaurants in Toronto, ON

“Came for Sunday brunch with an impressive menu. I ordered the breakfast sandwich and added frites, very authentic/French feel to everything. It's quite small inside with tables close to one another (typical Toronto dining) but we were lucky to be sat in a booth as a party of 3 which was spacious. Our server was friendly and attentive, orders came in smoothly and in a timely manner.“

“Dining at Actinolite Restaurant this past Friday was an experience that transcended expectation — an evening defined by artistry, intention, and heartfelt hospitality. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were embraced by a calm, welcoming atmosphere filled with genuine warmth. The space radiates quiet confidence, setting the perfect tone for what unfolded as an exquisite culinary journey.

Under the masterful direction of Chef de Cuisine Jeremy, alongside Sous Chef Kieran and Pastry Chef Jahlea, each course unfolded like a poetic expression of flavour and creativity. Every dish told a story rooted in respect for local ingredients and a deep commitment to seasonality. The flavours were bold yet balanced, the textures refined, and the presentation elegant in its simplicity. Each plate reflected intention, artistry, and a profound reverence for the craft.

The service, led by Miguel and Krista, was exceptional — warm yet unobtrusive, informed yet effortless. Their attentiveness and expertise elevated the entire experience, creating a seamless bridge between the kitchen’s artistry and the guest’s delight.

What stood out most was the intentionality behind every detail — from the sourcing of ingredients to the pacing of each course. Actinolite doesn’t rely on theatrics; instead, it offers a deeply personal culinary narrative defined by purity, precision, and emotion.

In a city rich with culinary talent, Actinolite stands apart as a sanctuary of authenticity and grace. Every bite, every gesture, and every moment felt like a love letter to the art of fine dining.

Actinolite is far more than a restaurant; it is an experience of connection, creativity, and care. It unquestionably merits Michelin consideration, standing as a benchmark of culinary excellence where artistry meets heart.“

“What a fantastic restaurant. Atmosphere and service were both on point. Dishes & cutlery changed before every new dish, water always filled, and all the items were described in wonderful detail. They even gave us an extra shrimp for the shrimp cocktail! For the stripped bass dish, they also gave us 2 separate portions of fish, which I noticed wasn’t how they served the dish to other patrons. I’m not sure if this was because they noticed we were sharing all the dishes, but it’s a really nice touch that’s easy to miss if that was the case. This is how you make an extraordinary experience. Grey Gardens does it almost on the level of Alo.

The menu is small but all the dishes are very creative and offer good variety. It’s underrated but the bread here is delicious. The red tail grain they use to make their bread is really delicious and the bread comes out so soft in the center but crispy and chewy on the outside.

Another highlight was the maitake dish. The barely they use at the bottom resembles a chewier risotto and the mushroom itself comes out so smokey. Not sure if this was from the cooking or from the addition of the black garlic in the sauce.

Striped bass was also cooked exceptionally well. I’ve never had fish skin that wasn’t battered and fried come out so crispy like I had here before. I just wished there was more of it. The hand torn lamb noodle dish was also very flavourful and the lamb essentially fell apart within the dish.“

“It tastes good, I will come again next time 😘“

“Accommodated allergies and dietary restrictions without compromising flavour. Really inventive and delicious menu -- every dish was a standout. One of the best meals I've had in Toronto in a long time.“

“We had a wonderful time at Antler this past Saturday while celebrating a milestone birthday. From the very beginning, the staff was incredibly accommodating, handling all the logistics seamlessly and making the planning process easy and stress-free. The food was outstanding—creative, flavorful, and beautifully plated. Service was prompt, attentive, and warm, which added a special touch to the evening.

Our only minor wish was that our two tables had been placed closer together, or that we had a clearer idea of the distance between them beforehand, as it left the group feeling slightly divided.

Even so, we couldn’t be more pleased with our decision to celebrate at Antler and are already looking forward to our next visit.“

“We dined at SARA last week, and were extremely impressed with the amazing service, food, and atmosphere. The chopped salad was one of the best salads I've ever had!“

“The food and service was excellent. I would recommend this restaurant for a large intimate event, such as a graduation.“

“A little pricey, but would rather go here than some of the trendier diners in downtown Toronto. Quality and portion sizes were great, and our server was amazing. Would order everything again except the chick & waffle eggs benny

Ordered:
- Quesadilla special
- Chicken & waffle eggs Benny (+ side of tater tots)
- mini pancakes
- Vanilla Coke float
- chocolate cake milkshake“

“Unfortunately they ran out of the food I really wanted to try (the achiote chicken quesadilla), but the rancheros were really good anyways. Loved the homemade hot sauce and ketchup as well. My partner and friend thought their iced coffee was a little watered down tasting/not strong enough, but even for them the food made up for it. They had the brisket hash. Really cute place, the patio looked like a nice set up as well. Good options for people who eat vegetarian and gluten free. Service was friendly and attentive as well!“

“Loved the burger here! We had a great time dining here. The seats were really comfy. Would go again!“

“Food was delic! Service impeccable. Staff (esp. Esther and Michael) we’re both nothing short of perfect! Patio was warm and inviting. (PS watermelon cocktail 🍸- divine!)“

“We thoroughly enjoyed the special tasting menu curated by chefs Cassese and Williams. The sauces accompanying the dishes were excellent and the use of unusual ingredients, especially the shaved matsutake mushroom served with the sausage and the wonderful flavours in the red prawn mixture were quite satisfying. The paired wines were all chosen well. Looking forward to enjoying more special tastings like this one.“

“My husband and I came in for our anniversary, and the team truly made it a memorable evening. Our server, Jessica, was warm and attentive, and recommended a beautiful German Riesling that I thoroughly enjoyed throughout the evening. We also appreciated that both the chefs and the owner took the time to come by, serve some of the dishes, and describe them in detail. You could feel the love they put into their cooking as they explained the ingredients' producers, the inspiration for each dish, and how each component of a dish complemented the others.

I loved the small details in the preparation, like the carefully trimmed carrots and gently hulled strawberries. Considering the number of components and the level of precision involved in each dish - all executed by a small, tight-knit team - it’s commendable what they deliver night after night. One thing I especially enjoyed were the many sauces and jus, they were all so deep and balanced in flavour. My husband really loved the milk bun, he asked for a second and if we weren't so full at that point, he would've asked for a third.

One thing to note: I initially had overlooked that they offer only one dinner seating for their multi-course menu so there is seemingly no time limit on the table. So for us, we started dining at 6:30 p.m. and we finished our courses around 11:30 p.m., so this kind of pace might be worth noting when booking your table.“

“There is a reason this restaurant has been open for over 30 years. Located on the 54th floor the views were spectacular. No matter where you sit you will able to take in the beautiful city lights. The food was exceptional. Flavorful and tasty. I recommend an appetizer as one of the dishes we ordered, the portion was a touch too small. The steak was plentiful and delicious. The fries as a side with truffle dip...amazing! Dessert was yummy as well. The service impeccable. It is pricey but worth it. I can't believe it took me so long to go.“

“A TEN course tasting menu in intimate surrounding with the chef preparing your food directly in front of you. Largely vegetarian with 2 fishs dishes...a scrumptious ceviche and a seared cod. A fantastic experience for all your senses ...and educational too!“

“This is our local eatery in Roncy and we love it! Save the Ace!“

“Jonathan was amazing! He made me the cocktail, “between you and me” it was amazing and his hospitality was amazing !! We discovered this place by accident! And it did not disappoint. Jonathan was so fun watching him makes drinks was so fun“

“Staying in Fairmont was such a fairy tale. We got a beautiful room with amazing view. Library bar food was delicious. Overall, hospitality was awesome. Only thing that was disappointed that was parking, it should be a part of stay at no additional cost. Also, there was no instructions mentioned if a person is parking his/her own car, not by valet.“

“I live up north and few times a year I have to drive my son to Scotia arena’s different events, and every time I’m waiting for him in this bar for few hours. It’s a pure pleasure. It’s one of my favorite spots for relaxing in downtown. Ambience, music and service, food and specifically drinks, cocktails are top notch. I simply love being there, it’s so welcoming and I repeat that ambience is exquisite. Bartender Bary is Simply The Best“

“This is my favourite place in the village. From the fun cocktails, to amazing food and amazing drag shows this place really has something for everyone. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you’re missing out. The staff is so friendly and accommodating. I highly recommend a visit. It will probably become your favourite hang out spot too.“

“This location never disappoints! From the moment you walk in the hostesses are always very friendly and welcoming. Our server yesterday, Sam was also amazing 🤩 provided honest recommendations and was very on top of things. Food was amazing (just as good next day too! Lol). We also ordered some take out as well, Sam understood exactly what we needed - no misunderstandings or issues at all! Thanks Sam!!“

“Speedy, friendly service and tasty drinks.“

“They are the best. Love all of them 😊☺️“

“We had such a lovely dining experience at Pickle Barrel!.. The food was absolutely delicious!!! .. our steak was cooked perfectly, tender, and full of flavor. A special shoutout to “LENY”our server, who made the evening even more enjoyable. She was attentive, friendly, and made sure everything was just right from start to finish.

The atmosphere was comfortable and welcoming, and the service truly exceeded our expectations. We’ll definitely be coming back soon ❤️❤️🥰🥰 thank you, Leny and the Pickle Barrel team, for a wonderful meal and great service!“

“I had such a wonderful experience!!! Food was so good. The pecan pie, forget about it 😍 But what stood out the most was the EXCEPTIONAL service we had at our table. Our fabulous server, Izzy, was incredibly kind, thoughtful, efficient, friendly (the list goes on). She even upsold us on a couple of things and I was very impressed how she actually provided value and expertise! Our glasses of water were never empty, dishes were always taken at exactly the right time, and I never once felt like she forgot about us. We were asked how our food was every time a new dish hit the table. Her positivity, enthusiasm, and kindness really made our experience unforgettable. Thanks Izzy. You’re exceptional! Earls is lucky to have you!“

“Fantastic food. Stephen was our server and was amazing. Don’t live in Toronto but will definitely eat here again next visit.“

“This was my 5th time eating at The Chef's House. Overall, it was a pleasant experience except for the following: Although the bread was good it was served cold, it seems like it was just taken out of the fridge. The black forest cake tasted a bit stale and was very dry. The lamb dish was very good and well plated.“

“Fantastic good - great team.“

“Walked into this place today... not the greatest Shawrma I have had but definitely not the worst... great selections of fresh added ingredients... chicken looked tasty on the spin but lacked flavour. People were plesent ans the food came fast. I ordered a mango drink and the bottle was warm..must me something wrong with tge fridge. overall the price is great $16 bucks taxes in for a wrap and drink....fairly good deal!

The wrap they are using is too thin its more like a crepe. Honestly I have the sandwich 6.5 out of ten ingredients selection is 10 out of 10!

Lots of sitting room I imagine at night this place is rocking....a little tweak here and there and this place would he a higher rating from me.

Respect! I will be back to try again!“

“Burgers were good, the French fries serving was pretty dismal, only half of the “large” size box was full.“

“An amazing experience every visit! Consistently excellent food and outstanding service.“

“i think this might just be one of the best restaurants i have ever went to. great service and delitictable food. defitnatly try this place out.“

“Me & my partner have been going to this restaurant for brunch lately and we absolutely love the place!
The food and drinks have been so great every time & the atmosphere is warm, welcoming & cozy. I also love the unique choice of rugs on the walls for decoration. This place gets very busy on weekends so there might be a wait list but it usually doesn't take that long to seat. Also shoutout to our server Kelly for being super nice & helpful & making us feel welcomed:)
Overall experience was great and i'd totally recommend.“

“Delicious every time! The seasonal menu is always a delight for the senses. I live two provinces away and we happened upon this gem of a place a couple of years ago. Yesterday, I had a layover in Toronto of around 12 hours. Took a terminal train, the up train, the subway and my feet all the way from Winnipeg to dine here. Scrumptious. Healthy. Leaves you feeling full without guilt! Two thumbs way up!“

“The best restaurant so peaceful & quiet place.All the staffs are so awesome.The foods are very good❤️❤️“

“Excellent lunch in a lovely space with lovely staff. Wins the overall best meal in our stay so far!!“

“Everyone in our party of 8 thought the food and service here was amazing! Thank you so much for a wonderful dinner. We all thought it was delicious, and our server was fantastic. Would definitely recommend!“

“The experience is out of this world amazing for those like myself, who have the capability of seeing the world every single day! At this restaurant, you end up eating an entire meal, in nothing but COMPLETE DARKNESS! It’s absolutely AMAZING at how our bodies start to accommodate to our surroundings, once one of our normal senses, like seeing, is “cut off.” To be forced to speak to your partner, or friend, or family member without the distractions of every day things like other people, or traffic driving by, music in the background, or most importantly, ELECTRONICS, with how our world has become way to dependent on, was absolutely amazing! The whole experience took about two and a half hours, and it was AMAZING! I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend eating here, just for the experience alone! But in case you’re curious about the food, that too, was also AMAZING! When people usually can see the foods they’re about to eat, or are around, sometimes just the look of something might turn our minds off of the idea of eating something. This place, making you eat in complete darkness, also has “surprise” food options as well! My husband and I chose the “surprise” starters and deserts, but we chose our actual meal options, out of fear due to my picky eating. I was absolutely blown away at how delicious both of our meals tasted! 🤤 Definitely check them out if you ever get the chance! The whole experience, including the food and amazing staff, is beyond AMAZING! 🩵“

“Wow! Wood was one of the best restaurant experiences we have ever had. The service was exquisite and the food was fabulous. The staff went out of their way to create a special and magical night. Thank you!“

“Very good service and good!“

“Excellent breakfast!“

“We had the pleasure of dining at Local 1794 last night with friends. We got seats st the bar table, alot was reserved and got packed closer to dinner time 630-7. So recommend to call ahead. We got Heineken beers, smoked chicken wings, Ibirico pork oven wood pizza, battered calamari and Poutine that was shared amongst us. Food was amazing! Staff are friendly, interior is beautiful and restaurant is clean. Definitely recommend this place.“

“Great atmosphere, fun music and fantastic food and drinks. We shared the Alpine Board for Two, which probably could have fed three. Delicious. Oh... fantastic service to top it off.“

“Stop there for a drink before going out to dinner for our anniversary.
The guy serving ( Ralph ) was fantastic. He helped us out getting reservations for dinner and recommended a few places to go for entertainment.
One of my best interactions with a server
In my life honestly he knows what he’s doing
Thanks again, Ralph“

“The restaurant is big, always clean and gives the vibe that it is a family restaurant.

They take your order very quickly, and they also serve you the food quickly, the portion is good, and honestly the taste is good.

The pho has good flavor, the broth is very fragrant and they serve you a good proportion of noodles . ❤️

It is a quiet and family atmosphere, it is a good place to dine.“

“Amazing! The food was incredible and the server was delightful!“

“fresh and delicious. best dressings and sauces...“

“This meal was absolutely satisfying! The pulled pork sandwich was packed with flavor—juicy, smoky, and perfectly paired with caramelized onions that melt in your mouth. The bun was soft and fresh, and the fries were crispy and golden. Pairing it with a cold can of Somersby apple cider made everything even better. The ambiance of the place is cozy and relaxing—perfect for a chill lunch or hangout. Highly recommended!“

“Enjoy a refined beverage experience with expertly crafted drinks made from high-quality ingredients. Whether it’s a refreshing mocktail, a smooth cold coffee, a freshly squeezed juice, or a signature blend — every sip is balanced, rich, and made to perfection. Our drinks are chilled to the ideal temperature and presented with a premium finish for a truly elevated experience“