The 12 Best Restaurants in Downtown Toronto [2022]

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The best restaurants in downtown Toronto will serve you amazing meals and great dining experiences every visit! Downtown Toronto is one of the most vibrant, diverse, and exciting areas in all of Toronto and its restaurants reflect that.

Ranging from high-class eateries to relaxed casual-dining spots, and lively bars, there’s a restaurant in downtown Toronto for everybody. We chose these restaurants based on atmosphere, excellent customer service, and of course, their delicious menu offerings!

If you’re craving Chinese food or you’re in the Yorkville neighbourhood, we got you covered. Check out our list of the best Chinese restaurants in downtown Toronto and the best restaurants in Yorkville!

Summary

1) Richmond Station
2) PAI
3) Miku Toronto
4) Canoe
5) Byblos Downtown
6) Rodney’s Oyster House
7) The Keg Steakhouse + Bar – York Street
8) The Carbon Bar
9) Khao San Road
10) Aloette Restaurant
11) Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse
12) Gusto 101
FAQs About Downtown Toronto
Final Thoughts

1. Richmond Station

If you’re looking for a neighbourhood restaurant with a menu that has something for everyone, look no further than Richmond Station. With main course options like Butter Poached Pacific Halibut for meat-eaters and vegetarians, there’s something for everyone.

And if you’ve got kids, they’ll love the unique kids’ menu, which features an extravagant take on the classic Cheeseburger & Fries, made with organic, grass-fed beef, milk bun, and aged cheddar. Plus, there’s an extensive alcohol list ranging from scotch/cocktails to wine/beer.

So come on down to Richmond Station and see what all the fuss is about!

Business Information:

richmondstation.ca
reservations@richmondstation.ca
+16477481444
1 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5H 3W4, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“Finally made it here after it being on my list forever. The meal was fantastic and a must try restaurant. We started with the duck liver pate (surprisingly the highlight of the meal) the sweet flavour of the maple compliments the pate so nicely. The second appetizer was the halibut croquettes which were also very good. For mains we had the station burger and the short rib. Both mains were excellent. A great experience and would recommend it to others for a special evening dinner.”

“Very nice place, very different menu appetizers/main/dessert/cocktail with beautiful Garnish - which changes every month - one of the best burgers in the town! The staff are so friendly and cool- we had a great time there- definitely repeat it! Strongly recommend it!!!”

Pros

Cons

2. PAI

Nuit and Jeff Regular are the masterminds behind PAI, a small restaurant that packs a big flavour punch by exclusively serving Northern Thai cuisine. Dishes such as yellow curry (khao soi), ground meat (pad gra prow), and papaya salad (with tomato, green beans, chillies, tamarind juice, fish sauce, and dried shrimp) are just a few of the delicious offerings on their extensive menu.

In addition to the great food, PAI also offers an authentic Thai experience with their 20-seat snack bar/overflow area known as Be-bop (named after a legendary bar in Pai) and their private dining area. So if you’re looking for a taste of Thailand, PAI is the place to go!

Business Information:

paitoronto.com
+14169014724
18 Duncan St, Toronto, ON M5H 3G8, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“It was full when we came but the waiting line was super easy. The bartender just attached our drinks while we were waiting and the crew was super friendly. If you want to eat Thai food and enjoy a nice atmosphere then this is the place.”

“I wish I had tried this place years ago! The food was soooo good 🤤 the Pad Thai had this smoky taste from the beef and that green curry was like a blessing for my allergy symptoms. Oh and the chicken wings were superb! Would definitely visit again! It was super busy on a Tuesday and I was surprised at first but now I understand why! Oh and the guava juice was delicious~”

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3. Miku Toronto

Miku is known for its inventive take on traditional Japanese cuisine. The restaurant’s menu is a blend of modern West Coast culinary techniques and traditional Japanese multicourse dining, using only the freshest ingredients. Dishes are carefully curated and presented with an eye for detail, making Miku a truly sophisticated gastronomical experience.

The restaurant offers a large selection of different drinks and dishes, as well as additional tasty features like their famous aburi sushi. If you wish to dine at Miku, you will need to make a reservation by calling them or reserving a spot online through their website. Trust us, it’s worth the effort – your taste buds will thank you!

Business Information:

mikutoronto.com
mikutoronto@aburirestaurants.com
+16473477347
10 Bay St. #105, Toronto, ON M5J 2R8, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“One if not the best sushi places in the city. We tried the Chef's selection option for lunch and were not disappointed. The torched flavouring is unreal! Everything was super fresh and delicious. I would highly recommend trying”

“One of my first true experiences of Sushi in Toronto and couldn't be much happier. Service was exceptional as well as the Sushi. I ordered two of these Aburi Sushi platters for three adults and the Green Tea Opera, highly recommended! Definitley coming back in the near future 🥂”

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4. Canoe

Located in the heart of Toronto, Canoe restaurant offers a unique dining experience that celebrates the best of Canadian cuisine. The chefs work closely with farmers and suppliers across the country to source the freshest and finest ingredients, which they use to create a menu of contemporary Canadian dishes with a canoe-inspired twist.

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a sumptuous dinner, you’ll find something to suit your taste on the Canoe menu. And be sure to try their signature surf + turf dish, which features a 35-day aged Guelph Cali strip loin, Atlantic half-lobster, sea lettuce + ramp butter, and lobster jus boulangère.

For dessert, you can indulge in one of their mouth-watering sweets, or enjoy a glass of wine or bar drink to complete your meal. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Canoe is the perfect place to enjoy a tasteful celebration of Canada’s diverse culinary heritage.

Business Information:

canoerestaurant.com
donations@oliverbonacini.com
+14163640054
66 Wellington St W 54th floor, Toronto, ON M5K 1H6, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“Very good. Amazing service, great selection of quality meat and poultry. Canadian spin on different types of food. Overall the food was good, but the view. The view was amazing and I’m unsure of a better place to get such a good look at the cn tower than at Canoe”

“Great food. Amazing views. Amazing service. Super great experience! Can't wait to come back. I wish I had 10 of those oysters. The mushroom ice cream was weird..the onion soup was great..just wish it wasn't served in an actual onion.”

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5. Byblos Downtown

Byblos is a top-rated restaurant that provides an unforgettable culinary experience. The skilled chefs use time-tested techniques and recent innovations to create dishes that reflect the distinctive elements of the region.

The menus feature a variety of Turkish and Middle Eastern dishes, as well as other delicious options. The desserts are mouth-watering, and the cocktails are perfectly mixed. With an extensive wine list, Byblos has something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for an intimate dining experience or a night out with friends, Byblos is a perfect choice. Thanks to the outstanding food and service, Byblos is sure to make your next dining experience one to remember.

Business Information:

byblosdowntown.com
reservations@byblosdowntown.com
+16476600909
11 Duncan St, Toronto, ON M5V 3M2, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“Perfect experience! The atmosphere is great, love the deco. Amazing service! The sesame lamb rib is a must. The short rib is great but not as special. As for desert, the one in my photo is a pleasant surprise. It's unique and I love the pistachio flavor”

“The most amazing dining experience in Toronto I’ve had so far. The food was incredible and the service impeccable. The lamb ribs were so good we wish we had ordered more. The branzino was perfectly seared and the truffle pilau was so unique and so good! The chocolate olive oil cake was divine and I’d go back to have that with the Turkish coffee. Our server was so amazing— wish we had gotten his name. He guessed it was my birthday and had sorbet sent to our table. Can’t wait to go again!”

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Cons

6. Rodney’s Oyster House

If you’re looking for a seafood restaurant that goes above and beyond, look no further than Rodney’s Oyster House. They’re passionate about providing customers with a top-notch seafood dining experience, even going above and beyond to independently source their raw ingredients.

They even have a federal import permit which allows them to offer oysters, lobsters, king crab, halibut, salmon, haddock, Arctic char, walleye, and many other special catches for your palate. In addition to their amazing seafood selection, they also have a full bar with an impressive wine list.

Whether you’re in the mood for fresh oysters or a nice glass of wine, Rodney’s Oyster House is sure to please.

Business Information:

rodneysoysterhouse.com
+14163638105
469 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K4, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“Came here for dinner last night with my fiancé and had an amazing experience. We had the clam chowder, oysters, lobster roll, scallops, and key lime pie, and everything was fresh and delicious. Our server was very nice too, and explained all the different oyster varieties and flavours. Will definitely be back!”

“The food was incredible for someone who never had much seafood before. Now of course, the venue was very large and spacious and had a great vibe. The service was wonderful and I believe our server was named Blake(apologies if I misremembered). He was polite and gave us a bunch of suggestions to try. We had the oysters, lobster roll and the seafood platter and all were delicious. My issue with the lobster roll was that it was relatively small for its price but overall the taste is amazing.”

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7. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - York Street

The Keg is a classy steakhouse that offers a casual atmosphere with a wide range of delectable food options. Their Peppercorn New York Steak is a rusted striploin served with whisky sauce that is absolutely mouthwatering.

In addition to their excellent steak choices, they also have several delicious appetizers. The Keg is the perfect place to spend quality time with friends and loved ones. Their spacious bar and stylish dining areas make it an extremely enjoyable experience. You can’t go wrong with The Keg!

If you are celebrating your birthday at the Keg, they have got great birthday freebies too, a complimentary Billy Miner Pie for free!

Business Information:

kegsteakhouse.com
+14167031773
165 York St, Toronto, ON M5H 3R8, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“This location is fantastic. Modern interior with a casual feel. The staff is accomodating, kind and professional. There are plenty of menu items and a variety of different drinks. I personally had a medium "Prime Rib" and the "Billy Miner Pie". Both of which were very delicious and fresh. Portions were surprisingly large which is nothing to complain about. Highly Recommend.”

“Great restaurant, the food was amazing and complimented by excellent service, the price was great and a great atmosphere inside. I would highly recommend eating here if you like steak and sea food (although the veggie meatloaf was amazing too).”

Pros

Cons

8. The Carbon Bar

The Carbon Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious Texas-style BBQ. The restaurant uses only the finest meats for their BBQ grill, and the meats are marinated with custom signature spices and sauces. The ‘Pitmaster chef’ at The Carbon Bar exclusively uses white oak, and all meats are smoked ‘low and slow’, creating a unique flavour that can’t be replicated anywhere else.

The atmosphere at The Carbon Bar is excellent, and the service is outstanding. If you’re looking for a fantastic BBQ experience, look no further than The Carbon Bar! Thanks to their commitment to quality ingredients and excellent service, The Carbon Bar is the perfect spot for an unforgettable BBQ feast.

Business Information:

thecarbonbar.ca
info@thecarbonbar.ca
+14169477000
99 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1S1, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“First time going and it was amazing! Everything was delicious and the quality of food was amazing! Everything was seasoned well. Tried the Chef's tasting menu and was 100% worth it, super filling. Definitely coming back! Service was impeccable as well, kudos team!”

“Fantastic place for casual dining or a date. As someone who has never been to this place before, we tried the Experience and loved it! A great way to taste test the menu and leave absolutely stuffed. Service was great as well and the cocktails are formulated to go with the BBQ scene.”

Pros

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9. Khao San Road

Khao San Road is a restaurant specializing in authentic Thai dishes, emphasizing Bangkok-specific flavours. Every single dish is made according to your preferences. They are also made from the best ingredients imported from Thailand, creating a delicious meal for the customers.

Their Panang curry is a must as it comes with panang curry, red bell pepper, hot green pepper, fresh matruk lime leaf, thai basil, and coconut milk. There are so many kinds of customization; you can choose to make your dish: mild, medium, spicy, no spice, Thai spice, extreme Thai spice, or chef top spice. The options are really limitless at Khao San Road!

You could go there every day and never get bored of the food because you could create a new dish each time. The best thing about this restaurant is that they use authentic ingredients to give you an authentic experience!

Business Information:

khaosanroad.ca
info@khaosanroad.ca
+16473525773
11 Charlotte St, Toronto, ON M5V 2H5, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“Came here for dinner before attending a play. Service was quite efficient. The papaya salad was quite spicy. Green curry and pad thai were decent and quite tasty. I enjoyed the Thai iced tea as it was quite strong with nice sweetness to it but it was filled with too much nice.”

“Came back here after 3 years. The food is still good and servers are nice. Just a small suggestion that they should make the Tom Yum soup less sweet a little bit. I love the spcicy and sour taste than sweet Tom Yum. Didn't expect they serve it that sweet though.”

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10. Aloette Restaurant

Aloette is the perfect restaurant for those who want to enjoy exquisite French cuisine without spending a fortune or getting all dressed up. The menu is highly detailed, so you can be sure to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Their Charred Octopus is one of the most popular dishes, and the customer service is impeccable- the staff are friendly and outgoing, making sure you have a wonderful dining experience. So if you’re ever in the mood for some delicious haute cuisine but don’t want to break the bank or dress to the nines, Aloette should definitely be your go-to spot. You won’t be disappointed!

Business Information:

aloetterestaurant.com
info@aloetterestaurant.com
+14162603444
163 Spadina Ave. 1st Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 2A5, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“Had a super delicious dinner yesterday with my family. All the dishes we ordered were so unique. There was a variety of different textures and flavours in each dish. The service was also amazing. I would highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely come back again!”

“While eating here you’re really taken to a place you can’t be too sure of, are you in Toronto or are you in a European city somewhere waiting to take a flight somewhere fancy? Either way, my wife and I really enjoyed eating here. It’s a cosy seating arrangement, which adds to the experience. The food and service make you feel very special - like you’ve been here many times before. The menu is always changing we were told, but the burger and wedge salad is a constant. Foie gras was a winner for sure. We sat at the bar and got to see Chef work his magic, which is always fun to see and hear.”

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10. Aloette Restaurant

Business Information:

aloetterestaurant.com
info@aloetterestaurant.com
+14162603444
163 Spadina Ave. 1st Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 2A5, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

Pros

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11. Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse

Jacobs & Company Steakhouse is a brand-new steakhouse that reinvents the classic steakhouse experience with exciting contemporary enhancements. The owners are very dedicated to the quality of their meat, so they source select cuts from the best ranches in America, Australia, and Japan.

They adjust their menu every night to offer guests an ever-changing culinary experience. This place offers customers the choice of selecting their own cut by region, age, and ranch. Meals are also complete with classic tableside Caesar salads, a raw bar of oysters, and chilled seafood options.

By flawlessly executing both traditional and cutting-edge steakhouse cuisine, Jacobs & Company offers an unforgettable dining experience for meat lovers and foodies alike.

Business Information:

jacobssteakhouse.com
info@jacobssteakhouse.com
+14163660200
12 Brant St, Toronto, ON M5V 2M1, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“By far the best cut of steak you will ever have! The wagyu selections can look intimidatingly pricey but they are truly, pun intended, a cut above the rest. If you're celebrating any kind of special occasion, Jacob's will will make it a meal to remember. The steak portion in my photo was a 7oz serving, which was *more* than enough given all the sides and appetizers we also shared.”

“If you want upscale service and great food, then Jacob's Steakhouse is the place to be. Attention to detail is paramount, and you don't have to worry about anything else. The ceasar salad is made table side and it's absolutely delicious, shrimp cocktail is amazing!! Oysters are fresh with all the condiments. For my mains, the rib eye steak is the way to go!! Accompanied by duck fat fries, sautéed mushrooms, and broccoli. Looking forward to my next visit.”

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12. Gusto 101

If you’re looking for a truly unique culinary experience, look no further than Gusto 101. This one-of-a-kind restaurant fuses modern approaches to Southern Italian cuisine with a commitment to quality and soulful dining.

Restaurateur Janet Zuccarini’s love for creating memorable food is embodied in the restaurant’s ethos, which is reflected in its downtown Toronto location, repurposed South Side property, and eclectic glassware.

When you’re here, you won’t want to miss their malfalde ai funghi – it comes with three kinds of mushrooms (portobello, porcini, and oyster) and the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection in a truffle cream sauce.

Also, the wood-fired grill on the rooftop deck provides the perfect setting for enjoying a glass of wine, and the bistro’s attentive staff strives to provide the very best dining experience. Whether you’re a foodie or wine enthusiast, Gusto 101 is a must-try destination.

Business Information:

gusto101.com
eat@gusto101.com
+14165049669
101 Portland St, Toronto, ON M5V 2N3, Canada

Customer Review Highlight:

“Gusto has delicious pizzas and pastas. The pasta portions are a little small compared to other places but every one we ordered (we got all except the lasagna) was really yummy. The upstairs patio space is nicely laid out too. Be prepared to wait though as they do not take reservations.”

“I’ve been wanting to come to Gusto for the longest time and never got around to it. How have I put it off so long. The atmosphere and space is great for an intimate dinner to catching up with a group of friends. The drinks were on point and the food… AMAZING rich flavour.”

Pros

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FAQs About Downtown Toronto

What is the history of downtown Toronto?

Originally a town named York, Toronto was later renamed and gained city status in 1850. With 5 other municipalities, downtown Toronto amalgamated into the city of Toronto in 1998.

What are the demographics of downtown Toronto?

Downtown Toronto is very diverse as about half of its population is made up of visible minorities. A huge portion of the population is made up of immigrants. This diversity is reflected in the area’s wide variety of cuisines.

What are some of the major attractions of downtown Toronto?

You can go to the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Nathan Phillips Square, and the Royal Ontario Museum in downtown Toronto. Downtown Toronto is the very heart of the city, so there are endless things you can check out.

What are the best places to shop in downtown Toronto?

The premier place to shop in downtown Toronto is the Toronto Eaton Centre. In the huge mall, there are hundreds of stores like Uniqlo, the Apple Store, and Nordstrom. There are entire neighbourhoods like Yorkville, Kensington Market, and Chinatown that all have unique stores and shopping experiences.

Final Thoughts

In downtown Toronto, there’s no shortage of fantastic restaurants. Whatever international cuisine you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it here. Whether you’re looking for an upscale eatery to celebrate or a relaxed place to eat a simple, delicious meal, there’s a restaurant on this list for you.

If you’re in the area looking for a delicious meal and great ambience, you can’t go wrong with any of the best downtown Toronto restaurants!

The 12 Best Restaurants in Downtown Toronto [2022]

Summary

1. Richmond Station

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Customer Review Highlight:

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2. PAI

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Customer Review Highlight:

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3. Miku Toronto

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Customer Review Highlight:

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4. Canoe

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5. Byblos Downtown

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6. Rodney’s Oyster House

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7. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - York Street

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8. The Carbon Bar

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9. Khao San Road

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10. Aloette Restaurant

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10. Aloette Restaurant

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11. Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse

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12. Gusto 101

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FAQs About Downtown Toronto

Final Thoughts

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