12 Toronto Restaurants Perfect for Group Travel

As a culinary city known for global tastes, Toronto boasts endless dining options, as well as one-of-a-kind foodie experiences. From MICHELIN-starred eateries to historic brewpubs to rooftop restaurants, there is a smorgasbord of eating options—with many well-suited for larger groups.

Old Town Toronto

Hot House Restaurant and Bar

Located in the historic St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood, this colourful, family-owned restaurant attracts hungry hordes for its delicious pizza, pasta, and assorted multicultural dishes. The Sunday buffet brunch with live jazz has been voted one of the best in Toronto for five years in a row. The dining area is roomy and versatile, with multiple venue spaces that can accommodate between 36 to 250 seated guests. Close to Toronto’s iconic landmarks and entertainment hotspots, such as the Hockey Hall of Fame, Distillery District, Elgin and Winter Theatre, and more.

The Old Spaghetti Factory

A family-friendly eatery on the Esplanade that features traditional, scratch-made Italian entrees accompanied by bread, soup or salad, and dessert. As a nostalgic nod, the restaurant is outfitted with turn-of-the-century décors, such as stained-glass windows, antique light fixtures, vintage artifacts, and an old-fashioned trolley-turned-dining car. Located just a few blocks from the Scotiabank Arena, Meridian Hall, St. Lawrence Market, Hockey Hall of Fame, Canadian Stage, and more.

Distillery District

Mill Street Brew Pub

This eatery and beer hall serves pub grub and award-winning craft ale in what is the original 19th-century Gooderham & Worts tank house. The space consists of two large adjacent venues with a total indoor capacity of 500 guests, as well as a new small-batch nano-brewery, retail store, and sample bar. Communal seating and menus designed for sharing are available. The brewpub has become a Canadian classic since opening its doors in 2002 and a popular dining spot for all.

El Catrin Destileria

Dine on traditional and modern Mexican tapas-style dishes, scratch-made by one of Mexico City’s top chefs, while seated inside surrounded by brick walls adorned with bright Mexican graffiti murals. Large groups can be booked exclusively or non-exclusively in semi-private dining spaces. The Catwalk, overlooking the restaurant, accommodates up to 16 guests, and The Bodega, at the far end of the main dining room, accommodates up to 36 guests. There’s also a spacious heated patio.

El Catrin Destileria's beverage menu boasts “off the hook” craft cocktails and the largest tequila and mezcal collection in the country.

Cluny

Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, this mammoth Parisian bistro serves classic French fare, like steak frites and bouillabaisse, as well as more modern dishes, like seared foie poutine. The dining space is elegantly decorated with Aztec tiled floors, intricate mosaics, antiques, and a marble bar. A private dining room can accommodate up to 64 guests for a seated dinner or be divided with a retractable wall for smaller gatherings of up to 24 or 40 guests in the East and West rooms respectively.

Harbourfront, Scotiabank Arena, and the CN Tower

360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower

Located atop the CN Tower, take in spectacular views and dine on award-winning, Canadian-inspired culinary creations at over 1,000 feet above the ground. The restaurant completes one rotation every 72 minutes, giving a panoramic view of the city and Lake Ontario. Dining also includes complimentary access to the Main Observation Level afterward. The restaurant can host up to 400 seated guests and group rates are available for approved tour operators for both dining and observation.

Amsterdam Brewhouse

Amsterdam Brewhouse is voted one of Toronto’s best lakefront patios, this historic shipping warehouse has been beautifully restored into a 14,000-square-foot brewpub that serves craft beer and artisan food.

With 500 seats inside and 480 outside, the restaurant’s four large patios overlook Harbourfront and offer sweeping views of the Toronto Islands. Free brewery tours are offered daily. Walking distance to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, Rogers Centre, Scotiabank Arena, and Union Station.

RS The Real Sports

Located beside the Scotiabank Arena, this lively, sprawling sports bar is split into two spaces, each with a unique dining and entertainment experience. ARENA is set up as a thrilling sports-viewing den that features a DJ booth, a 100-foot bar, and a supersized screen for broadcasting sports events. On the RESTO side, there’s an upscale lounge with a 30-foot bar, a stage for live music, a VIP room, and private suites. Ideal for dining before or after a sporting event at the Scotiabank Arena or the Rogers Centre.

As Canada’s largest city, there are far more dining options in Toronto ideally suited for groups, including in the vibrant surrounding neighbourhoods.

Entertainment District

Shopsy’s Deli, Restaurant, and Catering

A Toronto favourite since 1921, this delicatessen’s claim to fame is its smoked meat sandwiches, three- and six-foot-long specialty subs, and all-beef hotdog. At 2,000 square feet, the restaurant has three distinct venue spaces that can accommodate groups of 20 to 360 guests. Connected to the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel and steps from Nathan Phillips Square, the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, and the Entertainment District. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Quinn’s Steakhouse and Irish Bar

An Irish-themed eatery in the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel with lunch and dinner menus featuring AAA steaks and prime rib aged in-house, seafood, and over 200 brands of the world’s finest whiskeys. At 3,500 square feet, Quinn’s can accommodate groups from 10 to 300 guests in its spacious booths, private meeting rooms and cocktail reception areas or Quinn’s copper-topped bar and upscale lounge. Close to Nathan Phillips Square, the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, and the Entertainment District.

Ricarda’s

Situated in the heart of the Entertainment District, Ricarda’s is one of the top event venues in the city, with an Atrium that can host up to 1,200 guests. Lunch and dinner menus feature modern French-inspired cuisine, with an emphasis on local seasonal ingredients. A prix fixe weekend brunch menu is available for larger parties of nine or more guests, which must be selected and confirmed at the time of booking in advance of the dining date. For quick bites, Ricarda's Café offers sweet treats, breakfast and lunch options, and beverages to go.

Yonge-Dundas Square

Bangkok Garden

For over three decades, Bangkok Garden has delighted dinners with its award-winning, authentic Thai dishes. From fiery stir fries to tasty soups and curries to gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options, Bangkok Garden is a glimpse of Thailand while also accommodating to various dietary needs. Located in a heritage building that also houses the Elmwood Spa, the restaurant can host up to 200 guests, with group menus starting at $40 per person. Walking distance to Yonge-Dundas Square, CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Massey Hall, and CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre.