Toronto’s Top Chef-Approved Restaurants for Every Occasion

It’s no secret that Toronto is a top foodie city. But what do professional foodies hunger for on their nights off?  

We asked 10 of Toronto’s top chefs which restaurants were on their radar right now. Here for a weekend getaway or extended trip? Indulge your palate at these top chef-approved picks.
 

For a celebratory dinner: Yasu or Sushi Kaji

There’s no better way to say “congrats!” than with a fancy omakase sushi dinner that feels like an event. 

For Victor Barry, chef of PIANO PIANO the Restaurant, a multi-course, chef-driven sushi flight is always the right choice. 

“I’d pick a restaurant like Yasu on Harbord Street or Sushi Kaji on the Queensway. These spots are so special, and I think they may feel a little out of reach to a lot of people—even though it’s totally worth it because they’re amazing!”

For date night: The Wood Owl

MICHELIN Selected Restaurant

An intimate venue on The Danforth, The Wood Owl serves up an eclectic menu in a candle-lit, wood-panelled space that offers bar and banquette seating.

Local fans include Eva Chin, former chef of Avling, chef and co-founder of The Soy Luck Club: “I visit The Wood Owl all summer long! Great small share plates and a beautiful wine list, and the menu is very affordable and approachable. Very fresh, seasonal food done right!” 

For reconnecting with your bestie: Thai Nyyom

With only three dishes per day (chicken rice, khao soi and a daily special), you can streamline ordering and get right to catching up in this west-end neighbourhood fave.

According to Conor Joerin, co-owner and cook of Sugo and Bar Sugo: “Thai Nyyom is an owner-operated neighbourhood spot and offers great value. 

You can feel the love in the room and taste it in the food—it’s the type of place I like to support. Thai Nyyom is not just nourishing on a nutritional level, it nourishes your soul a little bit.” 

For feeding a crowd: Patois

With its good-times vibe and Asian Caribbean soul food menu, Kensington Market-adjacent Patois is the place to chill with your crew. Dishes are served family style to encourage sampling.

That’s ideal, since, according to Lonie Murdock, Head Chef of Miss Likklemore’s, there’s a lot to savour. 

“Being a Caribbean chef of Jamaican heritage, experiencing our food, our hospitality and ultimately our culture in totally different and innovative expressions is so refreshing and inspiring.

I’d order the doubles at Patois—there is nothing better than fried bara dripping with chana and hot sauce. Trini Mac pie because… mac pie always! Then it’s a tossup between the Jerk Pork Belly Yakisoba and The Honey & Maggi Short Ribs. 

And, of course, a side of coleslaw because is it even a West Indian meal if you don’t get a side of coleslaw? Clearly, I would need to bring some friends!”  

For a casual work lunch: Cà Phê Rang

MICHELIN Selected Restaurant

Introduce your colleagues to Cà Phê Rang, a collaboration between chefs Matty Matheson and Rang Nguyen. Watch the pair visit the South Vietnamese town where Nguyen grew up in Season 2, Episode 1 of Vice TV’s Dead Set on Life and wow your workmates with your #IYKYK energy.

It’s top on the list for Nuit Regular, Executive Chef and Co-owner of Kiin, Pai and Sukhothai. 

“I would go to Cà Phê Rang. I love Vietnamese food—it is one of my go-to foods when I dine out—and I haven’t had a chance to go there yet, so I would love to check out Cà Phê Rang.” 

For impressing the in-laws: Batifole

This Gerrard East French bistro has a welcoming vibe that eastenders love. Visit in summer to grab a table on their charming patio.

Olivier Le Calvez, Executive Chef at Casa Madera, says Batifole is the real deal. 

“It’s an intimate French bistro that serves authentic yet refined French cuisine. Batifole reminds me of my youth spent in France. 

Chef Pascal Geffroy spent many years working in top culinary destinations such as Lyons and Rhone and is known to have a great relationship with his guests. He brings passion every night, and his dedication to savoir-faire is reflected in his dishes.”

For a sophisticated brunch date: Kiin

MICHELIN Selected Restaurant

With its Royal Thai-inspired menu and focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, the Entertainment District’s Kiin has earned a recommendation from the MICHELIN guide—and plenty of happy locals, including Trevor Lui, co-founder of Fat Bao and principal of Highbell Hospitality Group. 

Says Lui: “I just love everything Chef Nuit and Jeff Regular do, like their reimagination and reopening of Kiin, with a café-style Thai brunch menu with beautiful dishes and coffee-based beverages that look absolutely stunning. With their Boat Noodles, Jhok and fresh mini donuts, I think everyone should put Kiin on their list of must-go places.”

For picnic takeout: Famiglia Baldassarre

MICHELIN Selected Restaurant

Limited seating, no reservations, a minimalist menu… Westside’s Famiglia Baldassarre isn’t for everyone. But this MICHELIN-recommended west-end eatery (primarily a pasta retailer and wholesaler) is worth a pilgrimage if you love Italian.

Massimo Capra, Chef and Owner of Boccone and Capra’s Kitchen considers it a must: “I would never miss a chance to have some pasta from Famiglia Baldassarre: it’s simply amazing.” 

For popping the question: Auberge du Pommier

Country charm meets contemporary sophistication uptown at Auberge du Pommier. The fine-dining restaurant is built within the rustic vestiges of a pair of circa-1860s woodcutters’ cottages and offers refined French cuisine with an international edge. 

Cozy, luxe and romantic all at once, this is the place to seal the deal. But you don’t need a special occasion to splurge, says Tre Sanderson, Top Chef Canada Season 10 winner. 

“Auberge du Pommier has been on my list for a while! The atmosphere and vibes I’ve always heard to be amazing, but of course, the food: I can’t wait to try it.” 

For late-night eats: Hanmoto

This Little Portugal-adjacent garage turned restaurant is the place to go with buddies for bar snacks like katsu buns and torched salmon with Kewpie honey, plus creative cocktails that hit just right. 

It’s a regular stop for Betty Chia, chef and owner of Eats by Betty at Simpl Things. 

“Hanmoto serves flavour-packed Japanese izakaya; there is nothing better than getting off work at midnight and scarfing down one of their ever-so-delicious handrolls! Truthfully, there’s nothing on this menu that doesn’t make you want to come back for more.”

Also for date night: Imanishi Japanese Kitchen

This Little Portugal gem is intimate, cool and hard to get into (booking ahead is a must!). But if you snag a table at Imanishi Japanese Kitchen you’ll be rewarded with mouthwatering small plates in an unpretentious woodsy space that passes the vibe check, says Chia.

“Imanashi is a cute and cozy spot that serves flavourful Japanese snacks. The portions are perfectly sized, which will make you want to order one of everything,” she says.

Follow the restaurant’s Instagram for kitchen takeovers and collabs with restaurants from across Canada.

For a blowout birthday: MIMI Chinese

Celebrate a milestone birthday at Midtown’s MIMI, which draws inspiration from the diverse regions of China. 

Their sleek and chic private dining room accommodates seven to 12 guests. Guests can choose from sharing plates or a multi-course tasting menu with optional wine, sake or baijiu pairings.

Chia says she loves MIMI’s energy and menu: “It has a black-tie feel that is divine. And their shrimp toast should be the only shrimp toast allowed in the city: it has been perfected!”