Maybe you landed your dream job, you’re celebrating a friend’s birthday, you picked up your paycheque a day early, or maybe you just want to treat yo’ self. Whatever the reason, you want to celebrate over an incredible meal. It should come as no secret that Toronto is home to some of the country’s most lavish restaurant hot spots, but sometimes it can be hard to navigate exactly where to go.
This is where we come in. Whether your heart is set on dining at an upscale spot with gorgeous white table cloths and bottles of wine that cost more than your rent, or a slightly more casual spot with food you’ll dream about, you’ll find the perfect option in this guide.
So, the next time you’re looking to have a memorable dinner, go to any one of these 8 spots!
MARBL
If the aesthetically pleasing interior and decor at MARBL doesn’t make you come back time and time again, the exquisite cocktails and cuisine most certainly will. Led by Executive Chef Ryan Morrison, who has been the mastermind behind menus all over the globe, diners can look forward to elevated American comfort dishes, including veal parm, grilled steaks, Caesar salad, and freshly made pasta. Plus, you can cap your night off with a glass of bubbly from Mademoiselle, the in-house champagne bar.
Bootleg Smokehouse
Housed in the Bay and Gable House on Spadina that dates back to 1888, Bootleg Smokehouse has Toronto history housed within its walls. Here, diners can enjoy recreated BBQ-fare cooked with the classic smoke process, making for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. But vegetarians need not worry, Bootleg also has an impressive vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menu available, so every diner can be accommodated.
Sotto Sotto
Yorkville’s upscale Italian spot Sotto Sotto keeps regulars, first-timers, and Hollywood’s elite coming back year after year. The menu features breathtakingly delicious pastas and risottos, not to mention some of the most mouthwatering seafood dishes in town. You definitely won’t want to sleep on the dessert menu either!
Buca King West
Located in a laneway tucked off of King Street away from the bustle of the city, Buca offers no shortage of comforting, Italian fare. Here you’ll find a locally sourced, constantly changing menu, as ingredients are seasonal and sourced specifically. Plus, if you let your server know you’re there for a special occasion, they might just send you home with a take-home celebratory gift!
Bar Isabel
Book a reservation for your special occasion at Little Italy’s cozy Bar Isabel early because you can’t count on walk-ins. However, once you get a table, the dim and intimate atmosphere, loud conversations and tapas dishes intended for sharing set the mood for an impeccable night. If you’re feeling adventurous, the whole grilled octopus is a popular choice.
Blue Blood Steakhouse
View this post on Instagram
The restaurant inside Casa Loma, Blue Blood Steakhouse, offers patrons a refined dining experience in an upscale environment. For starters, the walls are decked out with modern art pieces by Andy Warhol, Mr. Brainwash, and Salvador Dali and there’s a floor-to-ceiling Veuve Clicquot display case. The main attraction, of course, is the food, which is as beautiful as the decor. The menu highlights various cuts of the finest beef from around the world including Japanese waygu, as well as an impressive seafood tower that could feed a small village.
Alo
Located above the vibrancy that is Queen Street you’ll find Alo, which is home to one of the most singular dining experiences in the city. Here, patrons will be greeted by the warm and knowledgable servers, who will take them on a culinary journey, featuring multi-course tasting menus that the in-house sommeliers complement with distinctive wines. But trust us, after dining here you’ll quickly be planning your return.
Canoe
While this isn’t a new spot on the dining scene, Canoe is one of the city’s long-standing faves among fine dining spots — and for good reason. It sits atop the TD Tower in the heart of the Financial District, offering unparalleled views of the city skyline. Look forward to elaborately plated dishes paired with wines from Canadian winemakers, followed by decadent desserts such as the Chocolate Forest Stout Cake, which features roasted marshmallow, birch glazed chestnut, and gingerbread ice cream.
Featured Image: Instagram/@simplylacephoto
Articles You May Be Interested In:
6 Notable Toronto Restaurant & Store Openings To Have On Your Radar
6 Of The Trendiest Toronto Restaurants To Visit This Month
These New Restaurants In Toronto Are Really Trendy Right Now
These Are The Best Of Toronto’s Hotel Restaurants
18 Of the Best Restaurants To Get Over-the-top Burgers in Toronto