The 8 Best Gastropubs in Toronto [2022]

Best Gastropubs in Toronto

Gastropubs are the perfect combination of the atmosphere and drinks of a pub and the dining experience of a Michelin-starred restaurant. These eateries take classic British comfort foods like fish and chips or shepherd’s pie and take them to a whole other level. Gastropubs are known for taking staple foods but making them gourmet.

In Toronto, there are many gastropubs and it can be hard to limit your search for the perfect one. This list is made up of the very best of Toronto’s gastropubs. Based on the restaurant’s atmosphere, customer service, wide selection, and amazing eats. Whether you’re looking for a place to have dinner with friends or a romantic night out, these restaurants will exceed your expectations.

After your amazing time at these Toronto gastropubs, why not go on a bar crawl? Check out our list of the best bars to get cocktails in Toronto or the best Toronto speakeasies!

Summary

What to Expect at a Toronto Gastropub?

When you’re looking for a gastropub, you should be prepared for an upscale pub dining experience. These restaurants will have all the classic bar food available but with a twist. The menu is usually small but each dish is meant to be savoured and enjoyed. The atmosphere in these pubs is usually casual but can also be slightly refined.
Some popular items that you can expect to see on a gastropub menu are:
  • Fish and Chips: This classic dish is usually made with haddock or cod and is served with French fries.
  • Shepherd’s Pie: A shepherd’s pie is a meat pie that is typically filled with lamb or mutton.
  • Bangers and Mash: This dish is made up of sausages and mashed potatoes.
  • Scotch Eggs: These are boiled eggs that are wrapped in sausage meat and then fried. 
If you’re looking for an upscale pub dining experience, Toronto has many great gastropubs to choose from.

The Best Gastropubs in Toronto

Now that you know what to expect at a gastropub, it’s time to choose the perfect one for your night out. These are the best gastropubs in Toronto.

1. The Oxley

The Oxley offers a great selection of food, representing all different tastes and genres. Whether you’re looking for traditional British dishes or something more innovative – they’ve got it covered! Their kitchen staff are trained under executive chef & owner Andrew Carter who takes his cooking seriously. 

He’s won multiple awards for his dishes and presence in the industry, so you know you’re getting good food here. They have a great selection of gin drinks and the fish n’ chips smell heavenly. You can go for lobster pie to start off with – this dish tastes amazing. The sticky toffee pudding is to die for too! 

So if you’re ever in the mood for some good food, make sure to check out The Oxley. You won’t regret it!

Business Information:

theoxley.com
jenn@theoxley.com
+16473481300
121 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1C4, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“Service was genuinely amazing, super friendly and good recommendations. We had the pigs in a blanket and mentioned they weren’t as good as the other food. Later we talked to more of the staff after and we could tell they really took it to heart and wanted to be better. Highly recommend.”
“I LOVE taking my clients and new tourists to Toronto here. Very classy, old English/Scottish vibes. Their PITHIVIER dish is to die for -- savoury, delicious and keeps you coming back for more. This place is a pub classic for Yorkville-goers with some modern dishes too. Lots of seating outside for patios and positive, fun ambience.”

2. House on Parliament

House on Parliament is a place where you can enjoy delicious food, excellent service, and wonderful drinks. This family-owned Cabbagetown pub has been popular with the locals for over 20 years! Co-owners Tania & Beau look forward to serving all your needs at this Victorian home situated along with one of our city’s most famous streets.  

You can order the smoked duck breast salad as the appetizer which is made with roasted duck breast tossed in their house dressing alongside baby kale; then follow that up with a club sandwich made from the fresh ground beef patty and melty provolone cheese. 

This gastropub is filled with amazing eats, not to mention the excellent beverage options from all around the world. 

Business Information:

houseonparliament.com
+14169254074
454 Parliament St, Toronto, ON M5A 3A2, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“Sunday night roast beef is to die for, with Yorkshire pudding to boot! I haven’t tried anything that I haven’t liked here so I highly recommend this neighborhood place for drinks and delicious food !”

3. Storm Crow Manor

Toronto is home to some of the most innovative culinary minds in Canada and this bar proves it. Storm Crow Manor offers an array of immersive rooms with unique themes, like cyber goth parties, complete with glowing cocktails served up on randomly-generated burgers, you will definitely enjoy your time there. 

The menu has something for everyone, with bruschetta and linguine being some of the favourite picks from the list! You can also really enjoy their vegan pizza options too! Their signature cocktails include the Pi Me To The Moon which has a perfect balance of gin, egg whites and lemon-vanilla syrup. 

All in all, this bar is a great place to unwind, enjoy some good food and cocktails, and have a one-of-a-kind experience.

Business Information:

stormcrow.com 
manor@stormcrow.com
+14163672769
580 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2E5, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“Probably the best nerdy bar I've ever been to! Great options for gluten free food and the cocktails were an experience in itself with chemical magic happening to make everything glow or bubble! So amazing!!”

4. Bar Hop

Bar Hop is a cozy, casual spot where you can enjoy high-quality beverages and mouthwatering food options with your friends. Their focus lies in crafting an escape for beer geeks who want more than just mass-produced lagers or bubbly cider; they have carefully curated lists based on the best of local Ontario craft beers and ciders. 

The highlight of this place is their different themed days like Monday Mussels special. They have various flavours available from Classic Tomato Citrus, Green Curry, Thai Basil and Lager Jerk- all really delicious with a side of fries and bread. 

So next time you’re looking for a fun place to hang out with your friends, be sure to check out Bar Hop!

Business Information:

barhopbar.com
barhopbar@gmail.com
+16473527476
391 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K1, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“A terrific bar in a great location, no wonder it’s almost always full. The beer selection is always fun to taste through even if you’re not a big beer drinker. The staff are very very friendly. The savoury donuts are so good, but I do miss the bone marrow aioli that comes with them.

5. The Caledonian

The Caledonian has an amazing food and whisky selection. You can go for dinner with your friends to sample different types of scotch. They are so helpful in helping you decide on what would be best suited, just based on your preferences! 

If you’re new or haven’t had much experience drinking them before then this place will give your taste buds an awesome introduction. Their Scottish platter with scotch eggs and haggis is delicious. The meat mixture is perfect, not too salty or greasy which is hard to find in some dishes like this one! 

You can also enjoy traditional Scottish fish and chips. The fish is crispy and the chips are fluffy – it’s a winning combination! So if you’re ever in the area, or even if you’re not, come and visit the Caledonian! You won’t be disappointed.

Business Information:

thecaledonian.ca
info@thecaledonian.ca
+14165777472
856 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A1, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“The Caledonian is the brilliantest Scottish pub located in Little Portugal (Toronto)!! The owner Donna is the friendliest host and will help you choose the best meal for you and the appropriate beer to match your menu. Not to mention the finest selection of Whiskies that you might need or desire upon entry (before sitting down), during or after your meal.”

6. The Irv Gastro Pub

The Irv is the perfect place to go for a home-style meal. They are proud members of Cabbagetown and use only fresh ingredients, made from scratch right here in their kitchen! So, if you’re looking for a friendly vibe, cozy place, and delicious homemade food, this is your place! 

The grilled cheese dunkers and tomato bisque soup are a perfect match. Every time you order it from here they never leave you disappointed! You should also try their Signature Caesar Salad with house dressing, smoked bacon, parmesan and brioche croutons. 

Their food is always delicious and made with love. So come to The Irv and enjoy a great meal with great company!

Business Information:

theirvpub.ca
info@theirvpub.ca
+16473504787
195 Carlton St, Toronto, ON M5A 2K7, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“Great neighbourhood gastro pub. Good personal service, good beer, good bar eats. Their burgers are good and they are well known for their grilled cheese sandwiches. Great fries and poutine also!”

7. Whelan's Gate

Whelan’s Gate is the perfect place to go for a bite to eat and a drink with friends. The gastropub has been around since 1992 and offers fresh, homemade comfort food. The cocktails are excellent, and the selection of microbrews from all around the world is amazing. 

Whelan’s Gate is committed to providing the best quality food and service. Their ground meats, sauces, pickles/condiments are all made in-house with fresh ingredients. They also have a vegan option – crispy cauliflower with the perfect bbq spice. 

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, Whelan’s Gate has something for everyone. So next time you’re in the mood for some good food and good times, be sure to head to Whelan’s Gate.

Business Information:

whelansgate.ca
hello@whelansgate.ca
+16474786388
1663 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1A6, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“If you want a good burger and some craft beer you’ve picked the best place in town. The food is always fresh and delicious!! The servers are so pleasant, and the overall vibe of the restaurant is great. The location of Whelan’s Gate is so convenient, right off the subway. Highly recommend checking out this pub.”

8. The Queen & Beaver Public House

Welcome to the Queen & Beaver, your local pub in Downtown Toronto. They are ideally situated on one of its finest squares – just off Dundas Square and the Theatre District where you can find all sorts of entertainment ranging from plays at night time to live music during daybreak! 

They are dedicated to giving you fantastic food, served alongside a good pint, a classic cocktail, or an excellent glass of wine. They make everything from scratch, including bread and ice creams to sausages or pies! Their menu changes with each season so you’ll never get bored of what they have on offer. 

Business Information:

queenandbeaverpub.ca
jamieson@queenandbeaverpub.ca
+16473472712
35 Elm St, Toronto, ON M5G 1H1, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“Great Pub! Love the atmosphere, wonderful space. I had the Steak and onion pie and my wife had the Rib eye steak. Both dishes were extraordinary! Love the staff, they are very friendly!”

FAQs About Gastropubs

Gastropubs are the perfect combination of a pub and a restaurant. They offer the atmosphere of a pub with the dining experience of a Michelin-starred restaurant. These eateries take classic British comfort foods like fish and chips or shepherd’s pie and take them to a whole other level. Gastropubs are known for taking staple foods but making them gourmet.
The main difference between a gastropub and a regular pub is the food. Gastropubs offer a more upscale dining experience with dishes that are meant to be savoured and enjoyed. The atmosphere in these pubs is usually casual but can also be slightly refined.
No, gastropubs typically serve a wide variety of food. While they may have some classic British dishes available, they also offer a more diverse menu. This allows you to find something that you’ll love no matter what your taste buds are craving.
No, there is no formal dress code for gastropubs. However, most people tend to dress casual-smart. This means that you can wear anything from jeans and a t-shirt to a nicer button-down shirt or dress.

Final Thoughts

These Toronto gastropubs are perfect for people looking for high-quality food without the stuffiness of a traditional restaurant. At gastropubs, you can get classic pub grub, but better! At these eateries, you can find staples in British cuisine elevated to the next level or drink out of this world drinks. 

If you’re looking for a guaranteed good time, whatever the occasion, you have to check out these Toronto gastropubs!

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