Downtown Restaurants in Toronto
Searching for a delectable dining spot amidst the bustling landscape of downtown Toronto can be daunting, given the many enticing options available. We’ve curated a selection of prime choices with distinctive attributes such as seasonal menus, signature dishes, and unforgettable ambiance. And while none of these downtown restaurants in Toronto are new, they have certainly earned their badges for being some of the best restaurants in downtown Toronto.
Canoe
Located 54 floors high atop TD Bank Tower, Canoe Toronto is where you want to be for a romantic night of breathtaking cityscape views and elegant contemporary Canadian cuisine. Select from Canoe’s à la carte or seasonal nine-course tasting menu; both options provide a beautiful combination of presentation and taste. But whatever you do, book your time at dusk to catch the sun setting, leaving you with an unforgettable dining experience.
Amal
A delightful atmosphere of old-world Mediterranean charm revived to lift your spirits in a bright current way. Serving modern halal Lebanese cuisine, you’ll find succulent, juicy kebabs, truffle Rakakat–crispy cheese rolls accented by sweet honey and emerald pistachios–and delectable dips with pita that create a symphony of flavours. The wrap patio and indoor dining options provide an elegant yet laid-back experience.
Alo
Situated in a charming Victorian building, this contemporary Michelin-star restaurant offers a distinctive experience. Guests can enjoy blind, multi-course tasting menus while observing the lively open kitchen. Alo provides fusion cuisine with a French flair that’s consistently delightful. The restaurant also features a bar serving classic cocktails and various à la carte items.
Richmond Station
Where can you enjoy fine seasonal cuisine from Top Chef Canada winner Carl Heinrich? Richmond Station. While favourites include a delectable charcuterie board of in-house preserves and locally sourced meats and the mouth-watering pasture-raised beef burgers, many return for the evergreen daily chalkboard menu. Named after a local station stop, Richmond Station should be your next downtown restaurant stop.
GEORGE Restaurant
The GEORGE Restaurant elevates any dinner outing with its signature, blind-tasting menu of five, seven and 10 courses. Even at the smallest option, each dish is wonderfully unique and covers an amuse-bouche, a chilled seafood dish and foie gras, followed by meat, cheese and a delectable dessert. Customizable to suit vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free diets, it’s a fine dining experience that’s warm and inviting.
Leña
South American cooking with Argentinian flare, thanks mainly to Chef Anthony Walsh’s mother-in-law, the namesake of this downtown restaurant in Toronto. You’ll instantly become captivated by the retro-modern interior that’s nothing short of enchanting. Culinary delights include the light but filling empanadas with flavours that'll linger on the taste buds and memory. Complete your meal with light and crispy churros conveniently paired with dulce de leche and chocolate dipping sauces.
Bymark
Home of the renowned most expensive burger in Toronto, thanks mainly to the shaved truffle, Bymark is located in the bustling Toronto Financial District. While the menu does vary seasonally, you’ll find dramatically plated favourite dishes, including the melt-in-your-mouth butter-braised lobster poutine, the steak tartare and the sweet salted caramel cheesecake with caramelised popcorn perched on top.
Donatello Restaurant
Welcoming hungry guests in the downtown core for over 30 years, Donatello is a family-run restaurant serving authentic, time-honoured Italian recipes. Favourite dishes include gnocchi, veal marsala and charcoal-broiled lamb chops. With seating available indoors, on the front terrace or the romantic rooftop patio, combined with impeccable service and delicious cuisine, Donatello makes for a memorable dining experience.
PAI
Noteworthy as the only downtown restaurant in Toronto on our list with a female executive chef, Chef Nuit focuses on cooking Northern Thai masterpieces she learned from humble beginnings in her mother’s kitchen. Her famous Tom Yum soup is everything you’d expect it to be, a seamless balance of sweet, salty, sour, savoury and just the right amount of heat. Cool off with the heavenly coconut sorbet served in a young coconut shell.
This list only scratches the surface of the downtown restaurants in Toronto that add to the city’s dynamic culinary scene. Be sure to check out these and other restaurants during your next visit.
