The best restaurants in downtown Toronto will serve you amazing meals and great dining experiences every visit! Downtown Toronto is...
Read MoreThe 8 Best French Restaurants in Toronto [2023]
- Last updated: March 29, 2023
Toronto is a food lover’s paradise, with an incredibly diverse culinary scene that encompasses cuisines from all over the world. For those who enjoy the richness and sophistication of French cuisine, Toronto is a great place to be. The city boasts a range of French restaurants, each with its own unique menu, atmosphere, and style. Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic fine dining experience, a cozy bistro meal, or a quick snack, there is a French restaurant in Toronto that will satisfy your cravings. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best French restaurants in the city, showcasing their distinct culinary delights, ambiance, and signature dishes. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey through the best of French cuisine in Toronto.
If you are interested in exploring other types of cuisines in Toronto, be sure to check out these recommended restaurants:
Summary
How We Chose the Best French Restaurants in Toronto?
We chose the best French restaurants in Toronto based on the following criteria:
- Quality: We made sure the French restaurants make top dishes with high quality ingredients with no artificial flavourings.
- Selection: The restaurants should have a wide range of dishes and styles of popular French cuisine that will make you want to visit right away!
- Price: The restaurant selected offers great value when it comes to the price paid.
- Customer Reviews: We made sure that the customers had a great experience so you can get an insight of what these stores are like.
The Best French Restaurants in Toronto
Now that you know our criteria for choosing the best French restaurants in Toronto, it’s time to take a look at this list!
1. Le Sélect Bistro
Le Select Bistro is a classic French restaurant nestled in the bustling entertainment district of Toronto. Upon entering the warm and inviting space, diners are transported to a classic Parisian bistro, complete with bistro chairs and a charming outdoor patio.
The menu at Le Select Bistro is a true reflection of classic French cuisine, prepared with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. To start, the escargot de Bourgogne, French onion soup, and house-smoked salmon are all delightful options. For the main course, classic French dishes such as steak frites, roasted duck breast, and coq au vin are cooked to perfection. Vegetarian options include the wild mushroom risotto and ratatouille, and seafood lovers can indulge in the bouillabaisse, a traditional Provençal fish stew.
The restaurant’s wine list features a fine selection of French wines from different regions, and the full bar offers a range of classic and signature cocktails. On weekends, the restaurant serves up a delectable brunch menu, which includes classic French dishes such as croque-madame, quiche Lorraine, and pain perdu.
Le Select Bistro offers an exceptional dining experience with its delicious cuisine, charming atmosphere, and impeccable service. It’s no surprise that it has become a go-to destination for those seeking a memorable French dining experience in Toronto.
Business Information:
Website: leselectbistro.com
Phone: +14166266262
Address: 432 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1E3
Customer Review Highlights:
“Amazing food! Proper classic French flavours. The steak was perfectly cooked. Everything was delicious.The apple tarttatin was so delicious, I'm looking forward to have it again for breakfast with coffee. The restaurant is kids friendly and very accommodating. There is enough space to park a stroller. Our server was wonderful, very thoughtful and sweet. Will definitely come back.”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Kids friendly | No delivery |
| Authentic French Flavours | |
| Extensive wine list | |
| Online reservation available |
2. Scaramouche Restaurant
Scaramouche Restaurant is a sophisticated French-inspired restaurant in Toronto that has been serving delicious cuisine since 1980. Located on Avenue Road, Scaramouche offers a stunning view of the city’s skyline, making it the perfect setting for a romantic evening or a special occasion.
The menu at Scaramouche features classic French cuisine, such as pan-seared foie gras, escargots, and beef carpaccio. For the main course, diners can indulge in dishes like the duck breast, beef tenderloin, and the famous Scaramouche roasted duck. The restaurant also offers a vegetarian tasting menu for those who prefer plant-based options.
The wine list at Scaramouche is extensive, featuring a wide range of French and international wines, including rare vintages and hard-to-find bottles. The restaurant’s sommeliers are knowledgeable and passionate, and they’re always happy to help diners find the perfect wine pairing for their meal.
Scaramouche Restaurant also features an elegant dessert menu, including the signature coconut cream pie, which has become a beloved staple at the restaurant.
Business Information:
Website: scaramoucherestaurant.com
Phone: +14169618011
Address: 1 Benvenuto Pl, Toronto, ON M4V 2L1
Email: scaramouche@rogers.com
Customer Review Highlights:
“Probably the best French food near the city. We had the cold corn soup appetizer, and it was fantastic. The duck is an excellent main. Good dessert options - they're rightfully known for the coconut cream pie.”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Complimentary valet parking | Closed on Sundays and Mondays |
| Online reservation available | Opens only for dinner |
| Terrific view |
3. Alo
Alo is a contemporary French restaurant that opened its doors in July of 2015. It is located atop a heritage building in downtown Toronto and offers an internationally-inspired cuisine that celebrates the use of seasonal ingredients. Alo takes pride in providing a genuine sense of welcome to its customers.
Alo Restaurant made history on September 13, 2022, when it was awarded One Michelin Star in Toronto’s inaugural Michelin Guide. This prestigious recognition established Alo as one of the first Michelin-starred restaurants in Canada.
The restaurant takes a refined approach to its menu, seeking to improve upon time-honoured comforts and make them ever more delightful with each iteration. The Dining Room at Alo offers blind, multi-course tasting menus that are served at comfortable tables accommodating 2-4 guests. The price per guest for this experience is $225.
In addition to the Dining Room, Alo features a chic Barroom that is situated in an adjacent room. The Barroom offers a succinct à la carte food menu that pairs well with its classically-inspired cocktails. Whether dining in the Dining Room or enjoying the casual atmosphere of the Barroom, guests at Alo can expect an exceptional culinary experience.
Business Information:
Address: 163 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5V 2L6
Phone: (416)-260-2222
Website: alorestaurant.com
Customer Review Highlights:
“Food was just amazing! Now I understand what the hype was about! Go if you can get a reservation!”
“Best food experience I've ever had, no wonder they're in the top 100 restaurants in the world. Staff was amazing as well.”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| One of a kind Michelin star experience | Hard to get reservation |
| Menu changes regularly | Price on the higher end |
| Excellent service |
4. Le Baratin
Le Baratin is proud to serve classic French cuisine by creating authentic fresh dishes. The restaurant is very cozy and feels like a homey ambience with delicious food!
They offer a brunch and dinner menu selection with different food options depending on the time. All their sauces are made in-house with a veal-based stock. Everything comes in great portion sizes. Their dinner menu has a 3 course dinner for ($55), 2 course for $45) and 3 course vegetarian for ($45). Also, their brunch menu is from $10 to $17.
A customer favourite is the Steak frites. This dish comes with a marinated sirloin steak cooked with shallot sauce, mixed green and frites. Finish your meal with a creme brulee dessert. You can enjoy their delicious meals in the comfort of your home.
If you’re looking for a lovely evening dinner with French wine, Le Baratin is definitely the place to go as they open at 5:30 pm to 9pm all week, so you can taste fresh hot dishes!
Business Information:
Address: 1600 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1T8
Phone: (416)-534-8800
Website: lebaratin.ca
Customer Review Highlights:
“We really loved this spot! The food was really good and the tasting menu was reasonably priced for the portions and quantity. The service was wonderful, we were checked on regularly and the staff are approachable. Highly recommend!”
“Beautiful food (especially considering the relatively low price for such high quality dishes). Small, cute and cozy restaurant, which is perfect for a date night. No complaints, highly recommend! The cream brûlée was just perfection, so were appetizers. Can’t wait to be back here again!”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Vegetarian options available | Long wait time, better to reserve a spot online! |
| Brunch menu (weekends from 10am to 4pm no reservations. Walk-in only) |
5. Maison Selby
Maison Selby was established in 1883 and their food is inspired by bistro and cafe menus. The interior of this place will transport you to the 19th century era, enjoying fine dining. Added with an elegant chandelier, candles that look like from the Beauty and the Beast, wooden furniture, sophisticated coloured walls, and low lighting sets a nice ambience.
Their menu includes warm cocktails, unique dishes along with a wide selection of sweet and savoury dishes. Some of these include french onion beef chuck burger and delicious smoked salmon rillettes (pickled radish, lemon aioli, grilled sourdough). The prices range from drinks ($14 to $18), dinner ($8 to $149), desserts ($11 to $22), and brunch ($6 to $32).
A customer favourite is the Coq Au Vin ($34). It comes with mushrooms, bacon, lardons, apple puree and red wine juice. Finish the meal with a lemon tart. This crust is buttery and flakey, the filling is soft and sweet. It is topped with sweet raspberries. The meals here are always delicious and every course is beautifully executed. The cocktail list here is also very extensive.
If you watched the Ratatouille movie, they even make this dish at this restaurant, so try it here in real life!
Business Information:
Address: 592 Sherbourne St, Toronto, ON M4X 1L4
Phone: (647)-943-1676
Website: maisonselby.com
Customer Review Highlights:
“Great service. Lovely patio and the food is always beautiful and delicious. The beef tartare is textbook and the fries here are always thin and crisp. I used to really like the cepes tagliatelle here, but the last time I was there it was way under seasoned.”
“The restaurant design looks nice and comfortable, the patio has a tent and fire column which look nice. The food is delicious and the staff is courteous and professional. Very good menu selection.”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| A beautiful variety of dishes are offered! | Some of the dishes might be too salty, unless you prefer it! |
6. Auberge du Pommier
The Auberge du Pommier features a classic French seasonal food. Customers are often excited to taste the new meals created by the chefs. The interior is built using rustic remnants of two 1860s woodcutter’s cottages and mixes country appeal with a refined aesthetic.
They offer a weekly tasting menu at reasonable prices. Their menu prices usually range from $16 to $58. Just as good as their food is the selection of rare vintage vines available for curbside pickup. Enhance your dining experience with their drinks and sweet desserts.
The service here always exceeds expectations. The staff is friendly and efficient. The favourites are the lemon meringue that is recommended as dessert and the lobster bisque!
Visit this place to enjoy the elegant atmosphere and enjoy delicious French dishes that feel like you’re in a whole new world!
Business Information:
Address: 4150 Yonge St, North York, ON M2P 2C6
Phone: (416)-222-2220
Website: aubergedupommier.com
Customer Review Highlights:
“What else can be really said... The service is absolutely top notch, the food is executed perfect, and the atmosphere lovely. For a celebration there aren't many other places in the city that offers what they do. The summer cocktails were incredible on our last visit! Cheers and looking forward to visiting again.”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Amazing variety of French dishes! | Due to popularity you must book in advance like a month ahead for up guests. |
7. Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie
Cluny Bistro opened in 2014 at the Distillery District, it is a huge modern French bistro that is added with updated classic fare and gallic feel. It has a beautiful marble bar and tiled floors including a nice elegant garden patio that is lighted with twinkle lights.
Their menu has a wide selection of options from small/large plates ($6 to $147), cocktails ($15 to $20), desserts ($9.90 to $14.30), and brunch ($11 to $39).
The favourites are the crispy asparagus, French onion soup, salmon tartare, steak frites, fish and chips. Also, for desserts the le coconut and lemon tart served in a beautiful round dish.
If you want to experience a wonderfully constructed and visually stunning venue in the middle of Toronto’s distillery area, this is a terrific place to go. There is plenty of seating inside and out on their patio, so visit this place today!
Business Information:
Address: 35 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
Phone: (416)-203-2632
Website: clunybistro.com
Customer Review Highlights:
“This was one of the best dining experiences I've ever had ! The food was flavourful! No complaints at all! The staff was very attentive ! Ambience is chic and elegant ! Loved the music and decor !n”
“Yummy food and extremely fast service. From the time you sit down and order until you get your food. Very impressive, only waiting is finding a place to sit as it gets very busy on the weekends.”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Service: Dine in, take out, curbside pick up | Some items on the menu are priced on the higher end due to exotic ingredients used. |
| Great portion size and variety of options! | |
| Kids menu available |
8. Biff’s Bistro
Biff’s Bistro is a laid-back restaurant with a patio providing classic French meals and an extensive wine list, as well as a taste of European glamour. Indulge in their vibrant, seasonal cuisine, which include French bistro classics.
Their menu includes mouth watering dishes from dinner, desserts, brunch and appetizers all priced between ( $7 to $42).
The favourites are duck confit, steak frites, fresh oysters (6 pc for $19 and 12 pc for $35), beef bourguignon, mushroom soup, and steak tartare. The portion of the meal is perfect, used with flavourful sauce and added with vegetables.
If you want to enjoy delicious French cuisine inspired by Parisian patios, you must visit Biff’s Bistro today!
Business Information:
Address: 4 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1G4
Phone: (416)-860-0086
Website: biffsbistro.com
Customer Review Highlights:
“A great experience. All staff are very warm and friendly from the moment you walk in. We had cocktails, apps and entrees, there wasn't any regret in any of them.”
“ I absolutely loved that place. The whole experience was truly amazing. Our server was kind and very patient. The whole staff was very polite and made me feel welcomed. Great atmosphere. Tasty food. Will definitely come back.:
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Delicious variety of options! | Longer wait time |
FAQs About French restaurants
Yes, some French restaurants offer vegan options such as Greta Solomons, and Auberge du Pommier with delicious vegan soups offered.
A bistro is a small restaurant, serving moderately priced simple meals in a modest setting. Bistros are defined mostly by the foods they serve. French home-style cooking, and slow-cooked foods like cassoulet, a bean stew, are common.
French restaurants usually have a dress code that is slightly more formal than casual dining establishments. Dressing up a bit is a safe bet, but it’s always a good idea to check the restaurant’s dress code policy beforehand.
Some French restaurants in Toronto have a corkage fee if you decide to bring your own wine. It’s always best to check with the restaurant beforehand to see if they allow outside wine and what their corkage fee is.
Conclusion
Toronto is home to a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, and the city’s French restaurants are no exception. From traditional bistros to contemporary fine dining establishments, Toronto’s French restaurants offer a range of experiences for diners.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic French dishes or modern interpretations, the city’s French restaurants are sure to impress. From the elegant Scaramouche Restaurant to the Michelin Star Alo and the cozy Le Select Bistro, each restaurant has its own unique style and atmosphere.
No matter which French restaurant you choose, you’re sure to enjoy exceptional cuisine, impeccable service, and a memorable dining experience.
Making plans for the weekend? We’ve compiled a list of fun things to do on the weekend in Toronto.
Moru Li
Meet Moru, a talented marketing manager who has called Toronto home for over a decade and truly adores the city. Learn More About Moru
Share:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
You might also like...
The 6 Best Cafes in Toronto
Toronto has no shortage of cafes, each cafe you visit in the city has their own unique aesthetic interior design...
Read More
The 10 Best Asian Bakeries and Desserts in Toronto
The best Asian bakeries and desserts in Toronto are serving up the most delicious treats in the city!
Read More
The 18 Best Patios in Toronto
There's nothing quite like spending a lazy summer day on a patio.
Read More
The Best Korean Restaurants in Toronto
The best Korean restaurants in Toronto will have you slurping up soondae (blood sausage), digging into dumplings and diving into...
Read More
The 29 Best Halal Restaurants in Toronto
The 29 Best Halal Restaurants in Toronto [2023] Malaak Hamadeh Last updated: August 22, 2023 The best halal restaurants in...
Read More