40 Toronto Restaurants to Book Now for Summerlicious 2026

Abrielle ($65 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 Burrata Salad and Whole 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 Ontario corn and béarnaise sauce. 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 Dumpling Trio, 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 8 oz. flatiron 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 inventive dishes like Spicy Thai Style Fried Wild Cod or plant-based dishes like the Slow-Cooked Lima Bean Succotash & Parmesan Polenta Croquette. 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 ($41 lunch/$55 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 Yuzu Burrata Caprese and Saikyo Marinated Salmon.

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 Doubles with masala chickpeas and tamarind glaze, and Slow Braised Oxtail 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.

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 watercress and Salt Spring mussels.  Find this sleek and contemporary restaurant located inside the Park Hyatt Toronto in Yorkville.

Clay Restaurant ($48 lunch)

Seasonal, globally inspired dishes are on the menu at Clay Restaurant, housed inside the renowned Gardiner Museum.

Summerlicious offerings include the Corn Fritters with nori and mala sauce, Chicken BBQ with banana ketchup, and Mango Bingsu (a Korean shaved ice dessert). After lunch, take a wander through the Gardiner Museum, which is completely dedicated to ceramics and clay artistry.

Louf ($48 lunch/$65 dinner)

Modern Palestinian flavours are paired with local and seasonal ingredients at Louf, a cozy spot that feels like you’re dining in someone’s home.

Try the Markouk bil Qishta, crepes stuffed with ashta cheese and honey, or the Hummus bil Lahma, hummus generously topped with beef, spices, and herbs. Louf is located in the Annex neighbourhood, right around the corner from Casa Loma.

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 Ontario 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 Australian wagyu and New York prime 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 Grilled Sardines with salsa verde and Duck Risotto with chorizo. Traditional recipes and cooking techniques are combined with modern flavours, showcasing the best ingredients from Portugal and the Canadian coasts.

LOUIX LOUIS ($55 lunch/$75 dinner)

Dine in elegance at LOUIX LOUIS, located on the 31st floor of The St. Regis Hotel. The grand interior mimics the inside of a crystal whisky glass, and it’s home to one of the largest collections of dark spirits in North America—over 500, to be exact.

French- and American-inspired cuisine and cocktails are served at LOUIX LOUIS, and you can expect dishes like the Chilled Crab Vichyssoise and Tartare de Boeuf and Caviar (featuring hand-chopped filet mignon) on the Summerlicious menu. 

Lucie ($75 dinner)

Parisian sophistication meets modern culinary innovation at Lucie, a beautiful restaurant located right by downtown Yonge and King Streets. Headed by Chef Michael Angeloni, Lucie offers a Carte Blanche seasonal tasting menu, where the menu depends on what arrived at the restaurant that morning and what’s at its peak.

On the Summerlicious menu, indulge in the Scallops Crudo with a creamy green apple sauce or try the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Venison Carpaccio.

 Le Lert ($34 lunch, $45 dinner)

This contemporary Thai restaurant offers up unique fusion dishes you wouldn’t expect from your typical Thai spot. Located just steps from College Station, Le Lert serves bold and vibrant Thai flavours with a creative twist. Try the Spiced Thai Beef Tartare, Crispy Shrimp Toast, or Roasted Chili Prawn Benedict—all fun and modern takes on Thai cuisine.

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 Newfoundland Scallop with brown butter hollandaise, and local Rainbow Trout, gently poached and plated with fingerling potatoes and sunchoke.

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.

Oji Seichi ($20 lunch/$25 dinner)

This cozy family-owned ramen shop has become a beloved neighbourhood staple in East Chinatown. Celebrating their Japanese-Canadian roots, Oji Seichi pairs traditional Japanese culinary techniques with local ingredients.

Take your pick between the Chicken Shio Ramen, Curry Mazemen, or Spicy Tomato Mazemen on the Summerlicious menu, available for both lunch and dinner. For dessert, try their unique Soft Serve with Karinto and Miso Caramel—it's topped with fried ramen noodles!

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. 

Bar Goa ($48 lunch/$65 dinner)

Modern Indian tapas are the specialty at Bar Goa, with inventive dishes inspired by the flavours of Goa and beyond. From the Berry Katori Chaat made with fresh berries and served in an edible bowl, to the Prawn Balchao Slider, to the Gulab Jamun Cheesecake, it’s no wonder this vibrant Indian fusion restaurant appears in the MICHELIN Guide.

Gusto 501 ($34 lunch/$45 dinner)

Located on the outskirts of the Distillery District is the quiet neighbourhood of Corktown, where you’ll find Gusto 501, a sister restaurant to the well-loved Gusto 101. Serving up contemporary Southern Italian fare, the Summerlicious menu includes dishes like the French Toast made with focaccia and cannoli cream and the Pepperoni Pizza with an authentic Italian flair. Housed in a vibey, multi-level space with floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s the type of spot you’ll want to linger in to enjoy the atmosphere.

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. Tomato Gazpacho, Grilled Sea Bream, and Chicken Fricassée 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.

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 Fried Lemongrass Chicken, vegan Vegetable Curry, or Drunken Stir Fried Duck. Summerlicious offers a rare opportunity to get a three-course taste of the full multi-course experience.

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 Lemon Pickle Salad, Wood-Fired Half Chicken with pine nut amlou, and Pistachio Torta.

Comma ($45 dinner)

Comma offers a fresh and elevated take on Korean cuisine, with unique fusion dishes like their Grilled Almond Shrimp Burrata alongside classics like Braised Galbi with Rice. 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 Chaat 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.

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).

Fallen Feather ($34 lunch/$45 dinner)

Creative Japanese-French fusion dishes are on the menu at Fallen Feather, a luxe destination on the trendy Ossington strip. Summerlicious offerings include the refreshing Cold Soba & Salmon Tataki and the creamy Men Taiko Pasta topped with tobiko (flying fish roe). From the same team behind The Haam and Saku, Fallen Feather is a must-visit if you find yourself in this hip part of town.

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 pan-Asian and Jamaican flavours, with options like their Furikake Popcorn Chicken (served with Japanese potato salad), and Crispy Pork Chops with Orange Fanta Sweet & Sour Sauce.

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, Saku kicks things off with an amuse bouche (Yuzu Cucumber, Seaweed & Mung Bean Jelly Chilled Soup), followed by apps such as Arugula Ceviche (despite the name, salmon and BC tuna are the stars), and main course options including Nori Taco, Hard Shell Black Tiger Taco & Signature Pressed Sushi.

Bar Bacan ($27 lunch/$35 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, Lomo Saltado, 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 Stuffed Zucchini Blossom 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.