40 Toronto Restaurants to Book Now for Summerlicious 2025

Abrielle ($55 dinner)

Step into Abrielle and experience the taste of a sun-soaked summer on the Mediterranean Coast, with a vibrant menu primarily inspired by the bright and zesty flavours of Spain, the South of France, and Italy. This chic and contemporary downtown restaurant is located inside the Sutton Place Hotel on King West, serving up craft cocktails alongside fresh and bold Summerlicious plates like Wagyu Carpaccio and Grilled Sea Bream.

Alder ($75 dinner)

At the heart of the kitchen at Alder is the wood-fired grill and hearth, delivering a unique depth and smokiness to all of their hearty dishes. Their menu pulls inspiration from across the Mediterranean, highlighting prime meats, fresh seafood, and tender vegetables—picture fresh and decadent Summerlicious dishes like Hamachi Crudo and Grilled Short Rib with green peppercorn chimichurri. This Michelin-recognized concept is by the widely acclaimed Chef Patrick Kriss of Alo Food Group, and you can find it tucked inside the stylish Ace Hotel.

Kiin ($75 dinner)

Ever wanted to dine like royalty? Michelin-recommended Kiin is where Chef Nuit Regular delivers her own modern interpretation of Royal Thai cuisine. Colourful and beautifully plated dishes are made using seasonal ingredients from across Thailand and regional Canada, paying homage to tradition while embracing innovation. 

For Summerlicious, start with a plate of the Royal Thai Assorted Dumplings, then enjoy the Khao Soi Pad Haeng, a Northern Thai-style coconut curry noodle with perfectly-seared scallops.

Le Sélect Bistro ($48 lunch/$65dinner)

Le Sélect Bistro is known for its classic French bistro fare, with beloved dishes like Escargots Bourguignons, Tartare de Boeuf, and bavette Steak Frites on offer for Summerlicious. A cherished Toronto institution for over four decades, they reopened under new management a few years ago, offering the same signature charm with a refreshed experience. Dining here truly feels like a little piece of Paris, complete with cozy banquette seating, vintage posters, and a warm and elegant ambiance.

Lee ($75 dinner)

Master Chef Susur Lee combines traditional flavours from across Asia with classical French techniques at his famous namesake restaurant, a long-standing fixture in Toronto for over two decades. 

Summerlicious is a fantastic opportunity to sample popular dishes like the Octopus Carpaccio or exclusive dishes like the Fried Penang Style Yellow Sea Bream. Lee’s flagship restaurant moved to a glitzy new location inside the Waterworks building in 2023, and they’re still offering up the same standout dining experience that made it a local favourite.

Little Sister Portland ($45 dinner) 

Little Sister Portland brings a bold taste of Bali in Toronto, dishing up Dutch-Indonesian fare in a fun, tropical space. Their menu is inspired by the diverse flavours of Indonesia, crafted using house-made spice blends made from fresh and imported Indonesian ingredients. Crispy Balinese Pork Slaw and Indonesian Steak Frites are just a few items you can expect to find on the Summerlicious menu. 

The hidden speakeasy in the basement, XXX Bar, offers an even more inventive cocktail selection and all the cool vibes for the perfect nightcap.

Lulu Bar Toronto ($34 lunch/$45 dinner)

Take a culinary trip across the Pacific with a visit to Lulu Bar. This Calgary import delivers a taste of the Pacific to Toronto, drawing influences from all the regions that touch the Pacific Ocean, from Asia, to Hawaii, to British Columbia. 

The eclectic Summerlicious menu features inventive fusion dishes like Maui-style beef short ribs and Loco Moco paired with Taiwanese fried chicken. Since opening last year, this stylish spot has become a go-to destination at The Well, alongside its sister restaurant, Bridgette Bar (which is also participating in this year’s Summerlicious).

Minami ($48 lunch/$65 dinner) 

Decadent and melt-in-your-mouth Aburi Oshi Sushi, otherwise known as torched and pressed sushi, is the signature offering at this vibrant and buzzy Japanese spot on hip King Street West. Of course, their Aburi Oshi Sushi is a must-try, alongside other fresh Summerlicious fare like Madai Crudo and Saikyo Marinated Sablefish.

Minami serves up contemporary Japanese cuisine in their incredibly stunning space, brought to you by the Aburi Group (also behind the wildly popular Miku).
 

Miss Likklemores ($65 dinner)

Caribbean and Jamaican-inspired dishes and cocktails are at the heart of the vibrant and soulful menu at Miss Likklemores. Inventive takes on island favourites, like Oxtail Patties and Curry Goat Arancini, are the perfect elevated fusion of traditional flavours and global influences. 

Stop into their stylish space on vibey King West for a fresh, contemporary taste of the islands.

Sara ($75 dinner)

Housed in a beautifully restored two-level Victorian home, Sara offers globally inspired dishes in a chic, minimalist setting. The menu offers a diverse range of flavours spanning continents from Mexico to the Middle East to India. This Summerlicious, indulge in creative dishes like Argentinian shrimp paired with tandoori carrot and fried chicken partnered with dill labneh. Well-known hospitality group, Food Dudes, is behind this Michelin-recommended concept.

Tutti Matti ($48 lunch/$65 dinner)

Tutti Matti has been a beloved destination for authentic Tuscan cuisine in Toronto for over two decades, and for good reason. Celebrated Chef Alida Solomon reimagines traditional Tuscan dishes with a local touch, highlighting local Ontario ingredients like slow-roasted pork and fresh strawberries. 

On the Summerlicious menu, opt for the Pizza Margy topped with fresh Ontario basil, or the Spinaci e Ricotta Rotolo, a rolled and stuffed pasta with heirloom Ontario tomato.

Joni Restaurant ($55 lunch/$75 dinner)

Joni Restaurant offers a refined farm-to-table dining experience unlike any other in Toronto. Dishes are crafted using all the best locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, at the helm of Executive Chef Jonathan Williams. 

You can’t go wrong with a Summerlicious menu that features beef tartare atop a crispy einkorn waffle or the halibut paired with an umami dashi butter sauce. Find this sleek and contemporary restaurant located inside the Park Hyatt Toronto in Yorkville.

Reign at Fairmont Royal York ($55 lunch/$75 dinner)

Tucked inside the grand lobby of the iconic Fairmont Royal York, the astounding Reign offers a blend of old world charm with new age elegance. Their seasonally driven menus highlight local and sustainable Canadian ingredients, showcasing the rich and bountiful produce within Canada. 

This Summerlicious, start with the crisp Reign Caesar Salad with boar bacon, then indulge in the arctic char with a fragrant stew of summer vegetables. A tall clock tower adorns the intimate bar seating area, as part of the major renovations the hotel underwent a few years back.

Black & Blue Restaurant ($48 lunch/$65 dinner)

Black & Blue offers up a traditional steakhouse experience with a sophisticated and modern twist. Known for their premium cuts of meat, the Summerlicious menu includes quality cuts like wagyu and New York striploin. Originally from Vancouver, you can find this posh two-story restaurant in the heart of Toronto’s bustling Financial District.

Adega ($48 lunch/$65 dinner) 

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Yonge and Dundas Streets is Adega, a cozy and intimate restaurant serving up Portuguese fare with a focus on seafood. 

Their Summerlicious menu includes gems like Roasted Fresh Cod with a sweet plum chutney or the grilled squid with a tangy lemon, garlic, and olive oil sauce. Traditional recipes and cooking techniques are combined with modern flavours, showcasing the best ingredients from Portugal and the Canadian coasts.

ēst Restaurant ($55 lunch/$75 dinner)

ēst Restaurant brings an elevated and thoughtfully crafted spin on contemporary Italian-French cuisine. Chef Jordan Diniz showcases the best of local and seasonal ingredients, featuring dishes like Dry Aged Duck Breast with duck sourced from Stouffville and Braised Beef Short Rib with beef sourced from Innisfil, Ontario.

Set in a bright and modern space in Toronto’s quietly charming Riverside neighbourhood, it’s truly an east-end gem.

Café ZUZU ($27 lunch/$35 dinner)

Café Zuzu offers authentic Italian cuisine in a bright, airy, and plant-filled space nestled in the heart of Regent Park. 

Must-try dishes on the Summerlicious menu include their famous Brussels Caesar and spicy Rigatoni with vodka sauce. This vibrant café-restaurant-bottle shop combo is the creation of former Top Chef Canada Judge Janet Zucarini, where she pays homage to 1950s Italy by sharing her love of Italian flavours in a warm, nostalgic setting.

Papyrus ($27 lunch/$35 dinner)

Papyrus delivers authentic Egyptian cuisine to Toronto using traditional recipes, all handcrafted in-house with fresh ingredients. The menu features a variety of Egyptian and Middle Eastern dishes, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options to choose from. 

For Summerlicious, opt for Koshari, the national dish of Egypt (and a very popular street food), or the Hawawshi, which is sort of like an Egyptian burger. This quaint gem on the Danforth is the perfect spot to get a little taste of Egypt in Toronto.

Soulas ($27 lunch/$35 dinner)

Authentic Greek comfort food is served at Soulas, a family-owned and operated restaurant located right in the heart of Greektown. They’ve been dishing up Greek favourites like Exohico (a meat pie wrapped in phyllo pastry) and chicken souvlaki for 50 years, using cherished family recipes all prepared with fresh ingredients and hand-selected meats. 

Pure Spirits ($34 lunch/$45 dinner)

Pure Spirits dishes up sustainable seafood and seasonal dishes alongside Ontario wines in their gorgeous, brick-clad space in the historic Distillery District.

Housed in a former distillery warehouse building, this charming sustainable oyster house is a must-visit for lovers of seafood. Of course, you’ll want to start with the East Coast oysters—and other notable dishes are the Rainbow Trout Fillet with brown butter and the Baseball Sirloin Steak with shallot butter.

Auberge Du Pommier ($55 lunch/$75 dinner) 

A short trip north of downtown leads you to the elegant and serene Auberge Du Pommier, a fine dining concept by esteemed restaurant group Oliver & Bonacini. Salmon Tartare, Croque Monsieur, and Steak Frites are just a few offerings on the Summerlicious menu.

This beloved North York spot has been serving upscale French cuisine for almost four decades, and Summerlicious is the perfect opportunity to visit their newly refreshed dining room.

AVIV Immigrant Kitchen ($27 lunch/$35 dinner)

AVIV Immigrant Kitchen brings together globally inspired flavours and fresh, seasonal ingredients to their inventive fusion menu, with influences from the Mediterranean to South America, Asia and beyond. Picture dishes like their Caribbean-spiced Guava BBQ Pork Ribs and Asparagus, Crispy Bacon and Goat Cheese Quiche.

Originally known for their Mediterranean focus at their Annex location, they’ve since expanded to broader global cuisine after relocating to St. Clair West a few years ago. The menu beautifully reflects Toronto’s diverse culinary scene.

Diwan Aga Khan Museum ($41 lunch/$55 dinner)

Located inside the breathtaking Aga Khan Museum, Diwan offers a unique and innovative menu with flavours from across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. 

Picture sampling Cauliflower Bhaji with zaatar aioli and Tandoori-spiced Shrimp Kebab this Summerlicious. Under the direction of renowned Canadian Chef Mark McEwan, all dishes are 100% Halal-certified and inspired by the cultures featured within the museum. 

The restaurant flawlessly blends old and new, with centuries-old artwork adorning a contemporary dining room. Before or after your meal, take some time to explore the museum, which celebrates the artistic, intellectual, and scientific contributions of Muslim civilizations around the world.

Savor Thai ($65 dinner)

Savor Thai brings a standout Thai fine dining experience to Toronto, reimagining traditional Thai flavours with Western and Eastern cooking techniques. Under the guidance of Iron Chef Thailand, Chef Art, the restaurant is known for its inventive tasting menus and use of molecular gastronomy with an Asian twist.

Must-try offerings include their tender Gai Satay, grilled curry chicken skewers, and their signature wok-fired Pad Thai. Summerlicious offers a rare opportunity to get a three-course taste of the full multi-course experience.

Taline ($75 dinner)

Taline delivers an immersive cultural experience to the Rosedale neighbourhood, serving modern and traditional Armenian dishes with strong Lebanese influences. Every dish at this MICHELIN-recommended restaurant is crafted from scratch using timeless family recipes and fresh, locally sourced ingredients like Ontario asparagus and lamb.

Mante (beef dumplings) and Kaghamp (braised cabbage) are both standout dishes on the Summerlicious menu. 

Run by three brothers and named in honour of their late mother, Taline is a heartfelt tribute where you can feel the love and warmth in every single plate.
 

Azhar Kitchen + Bar ($65)

Azhar brings Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine to the vibrant Ossington strip. Fresh ingredients determine the seasonally changing menu, and every dish is handcrafted and fire-cooked on the wood-fired grill. Traditional cooking techniques and recipes are given an innovative and modern twist, with Summerlicious dishes like their Baharat-Crusted Chicken and Halva Tart.

Comma ($45 dinner)

Comma offers a fresh and elevated take on Korean cuisine, with unique fusion dishes like their Soy Garlic Chicken Risotto alongside classics like Spicy Kimchi Jeon (Korean pancakes). Handcrafted cocktails perfectly complement the menu, using unconventional ingredients like kimchi juice and matcha syrup. 

Led by Chef Victoria Kim, this mother-daughter-owned restaurant offers a perfect place to pause (just like their name suggests) in its intimate, brick-lined space on Queen West.

Curryish Tavern ($34 lunch/$45 dinner)

Curryish Tavern impeccably blends bold Indian flavours with local and seasonal Canadian ingredients. Chef Miheer Shete draws on his Mumbai roots to craft creative takes on classic dishes, like Spiced Watermelon Pani Puri and Green Tomato Butter Chicken. 

Pair your meal with one of their Indian-inspired cocktails or mocktails, like the Chai Martini or Coconut Mango Lassi Martini.

DaiLo ($75 dinner)

DaiLo gives a new and refined spin to Asian cuisine with French techniques and local, sustainable ingredients. Chef Nick Liu draws inspiration from his Hakka background, giving traditional Chinese dishes his signature creative flair, like Hainanese Chicken made with foie fat rice and paired with confit garlic sambal (of course, alongside the traditional scallion ginger oil).

Fonda Lola ($34 lunch/$45 dinner)

Authentic Mexican dishes made with love are served at Fonda Lola, named in honour of owner Ernesto Rodriguez’s late grandmother. Their contemporary take on Mexican cuisine features locally sourced ingredients and bold, punchy flavours. Go for the fresh Sayulita Ceviche or the Quesabirrias (cheesy beef tacos) served with a mouthwatering consomé.

Don’t forget to try their made-from-scratch Mexican cocktails, especially their variety of margaritas.

La Palma ($55 dinner)

Chef Craig Harding takes a breezy, California-inspired approach to Mediterranean and Italian cuisine at La Palma. This bright, airy restaurant on Dundas West offers up a cool, laid-back elegance, perfect for visiting during Summerlicious. Take your pick between the Wood-Fired Chicken Fra Diavola, Ricotta Gnocchi Genovese, or White Clam Pizza for your main.

Mannat Indian & Hakka Bar ($27 lunch/$35 dinner)

Mannat serves up authentic Indian and Hakka cuisine—a unique type of cuisine originating from the Hakka people who came from China, sort of like a Chinese-Indian fusion. Chili-spiced dishes are a signature of Hakka cuisine, and a must-try on the menu: go for the Chili Paneer Gravy or Chili Fish Gravy.

Patois ($41/$55)

Chef Craig Wong is the force behind Patois, a well-loved Toronto gem well-known for their inventive Asian-Caribbean soul food. Each dish is a bold fusion of Chinese and Jamaican flavours, with options like their June Plum Smoked Brisket in Oxtail Gravy Cocktail Patty and “Pineapple” Bun Burger served on a Hong Kong-style pineapple bun. 

Find this eclectic spot on Dundas West, and be sure to head upstairs to the newly opened Ayla, a Hong Kong-inspired cocktail and snack bar perfect for post-dinner drinks.

Saku ($45 dinner)

Can’t decide if you want sushi or tacos? This vibey restaurant on Queen West is known for their Japanese-Mexican fusion dishes, where you can enjoy both. 

For the Summerlicious menu, each main course at Saku comes with more than one item, so you’ll get a chance to try a variety of dishes while you’re here. Take your pick from options like the Chirashi Donburi + Chili Shrimp Taco or the Salmon Avocado Donburi + Lobster Taco.

Bar Bacan ($20 lunch/$25 dinner)

Authentic Venezuelan and Argentinian dishes are made with love from scratch using local ingredients at Bar Bacan. From perfectly baked empanadas to stuffed arepas, you can enjoy all the fixings at this cozy, woman-led Latin American restaurant in Roncesvalles.

Be sure to try their variety of Argentinian or Venezuelan empanadas, and for arepas, you can’t go wrong with the Arepa Llanera with Green Salad, loaded with steak strips, plantains, and fresco cheese.

Nuna Kitchen & Bar ($41 lunch/$55 dinner)

Nuna is a must-visit destination for lovers of Peruvian cuisine. Led by Chef Sergio Nazario, the fusion menu combines traditional Peruvian flavours with a creative and modern twist. Yuca Croquettes, Steak Chimichurri, and Shrimp Risotto are just a few of the delicious offerings available on the Summerlicious menu. You’ll find this cozy family-owned restaurant tucked away in Parkdale. Pro tip: book a seat on the charming back patio!

The Ace ($55 dinner)

The Ace is all about showcasing all the best Ontario seasons have to offer, with uniquely creative and seasonal menus that highlight fresh and local ingredients sourced from Canadian farmers. 

Notable dishes on the Summerlicious menu include the steak tartare and Steamed PEI Mussels. Set in a restored vintage diner from the 1950s, The Ace brings together nostalgic charm with a modern twist to the vibrant Roncesvalles neighbourhood.