Categories > Guides and Tips

Top 10 Restaurants in Downtown Toronto
Ah, the culinary wonders of downtown Toronto! A gold mine for food enthusiasts, daring taste adventurers, and everyone in between
Here, you will find a marvellous mix of exotic treats and classic favourites that whisper sweet symphonies to your taste buds.
Take this alluring journey through our list of the top restaurants in downtown Toronto—a guide to ignite your passion for taste, for experience, and for the moments we treasure around a lavishly set table.
So read on, my dear epicureans, and let the bon appétit commence!
1 Kitchen Toronto
Website: https://www.1hotels.com/toronto/taste/1-kitchen
Address: 550 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2V5, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-601-3533
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday – 7 AM to 9 PM
- Friday – 7 AM to 10 PM
1 Kitchen Toronto—is it too forward of me to call this place an absolute gem in the heart of Toronto’s lively downtown? I don’t think so, and you won’t either once you step foot in this culinary wonderland.
This restaurant amazingly showcases the vast spectrum of Canadian cuisines, prepared with ethically sourced, fresh ingredients from local suppliers.
The “Farm-to-Fork” philosophy is not just a trend here; it’s a commitment illustrated vibrantly in their dishes, like the beef tartare with charcoal mayo, my favourite. Oh, and I cannot fail to mention the ambiance this eatery exudes.
With an impressive view of Toronto’s bustling cityscape, 1 Kitchen Toronto perfectly combines urban sophistication with an intimate dining atmosphere.
You can bask in the beautiful waterfront scene while savouring the exquisite culinary creations as the city twinkles and hums with energy below.
Local tip: Be sure to book in advance; you’ll thank me later when you snag that perfect table with skyline views! |
Richmond Station
Website: http://richmondstation.ca/
Address: 1 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5H 3W4, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-748-1444
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 3:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Richmond Station is a place that beckons your taste buds with an irresistible charm. Nestled in the heart of downtown, it’s a mecca for food lovers, boasting a vibrant ecosystem where the finest farm produce meets innovative culinary magic.
Authentic Canadian food takes centre stage here, where locally sourced ingredients bloom into extraordinary dishes. Take their delectable Station Burger, for instance—soft brioche, succulent meat, and a house-made cheese brigade.
It encapsulates the traditional essence with a gourmet touch, and that’s what Richmond Station is about: revolutionising the familiar. The view adds to the entire dining experience by rolling out a captivating street scene.
The rhythmic hustle and bustle of Toronto stretching beyond the expansive glass windows is a spectacle in itself, immersing diners in the pulse of the city.
Local tip: Don’t miss their daily chalkboard specials; it’s where the chefs let their creative genius run wild! |
Moxies Toronto Downtown Restaurant
Website: https://moxies.com/restaurants/toronto-downtown
Address: 70 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5J 2M4, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-748-7172
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Moxies Toronto Downtown Restaurant, a name synonymous with culinary brilliance, is an edifice of gastronomic indulgence. Moxies makes a head-turning statement in Toronto downtown with its avant-garde architecture and contemporary, chic interiors.
Crooning about the menu brings you a step closer to the heart of Canadian delicacies, as the restaurant offers an astonishingly diverse array of Canadian-inspired cuisine.
The herb-roasted chicken, the honey garlic sirloin—each dish prepared with care reflects the unique flavour palette that characterises Canadian food. But wait until you’re seated by their terrace—boasting views that can rival a postcard frame!
The sweeping cityscape view, the skyscrapers you can see as you enjoy your meal—it’s a symphony of sights and tastes that render dining at Moxies an experience you won’t forget.
Local tip: The late-night cocktail menu is an absolute must-try, especially when enjoyed with their terrace view. |
The Rec Room
Website: http://www.therecroom.com/
Address: 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3M9, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-815-0086
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Thursday – 11 AM to 1 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Ah, the rec room! A veritable cornucopia of culinary delights and vibrant entertainment is tucked into the heart of downtown Toronto. Now, let’s talk cuisine: authentic Canadian flavours are beautifully represented in The Rec Room’s menu.
Go on and try to feast on the quintessential poutine here, which is hard to resist, or dive into the magnificent Bison Burger, a testament to the country’s vast, boundless spirit. Make no mistake; gastronomic patriotism thrives here.
As for the views, my friend, you’re in for a visual treat! You can gaze upon Toronto’s skyline as it glows with twinkling lights or take in the buzz of the city streets.
With surroundings like these, dining at The Rec Room is hardly a passive activity.
Local tip: Make sure to check their ever-changing calendar of special events for an enhanced experience! |
Canoe
Website: http://www.canoerestaurant.com/
Address: 66 Wellington St W 54th floor, Toronto, ON M5K 1H6, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-364-0054
Operating hours: Tuesday to Friday – 11:45 AM to 11:30 PM
Canoe, you ask? Ah, an establishment that is equal parts adventure, celebration, and pure joy! Located high above the bustling downtown core, this restaurant offers diners an epicurean voyage that knows no bounds.
They say that food can awaken the soul, and Canoe’s menu is living proof. Their delectable Roasted Atlantic Cod and the Clarence River Smoked Sturgeon, reveal the blend of Canoe’s commitment to showcasing locally sourced ingredients.
But what of the spectacle beyond the plate? While you immerse yourself in the rich flavours of the Great White North, take a moment to steal a glimpse of the panoramic views of Toronto’s skyline.
Local tip: Plan your visit around sunset to get the most out of the awe-inspiring views while dining! |
Byblos Downtown
Website: https://byblosdowntown.com/
Address: 11 Duncan St, Toronto, ON M5V 3M2, Canada
Contact details: +1 647-660-0909
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 5 PM to 11 PM
Now, let’s talk about another superb gem of Toronto: Byblos Downtown. This mesmerising spot boasts a rich, enchanting atmosphere that whisks you away to an ancient world, surrounded by delicate hanging lanterns reminiscent of a far-off bazaar.
Now, let us focus on the true stars of Byblos—the dishes themselves. Inspired by the Mediterranean and Middle East, this delectable cuisine reinterprets traditional recipes with a Canadian flair—a culinary marriage that will simply make your taste buds dance in delight!
You can indulge in their fabulous offerings, such as juicy jumbo prawns with dawood basha or succulent lamb ribs with carob molasses. A fusion of flavours so fine, they’ll leave you breathless.
But that’s not all, my friends. You can also gaze out here at the stunning views of Toronto’s iconic skyline, which will make your heart skip a beat.
Local tip: Stop by during the summer and request a table on their gorgeous patio for an added touch of magic. |
Rodney’s Oyster House
Website: http://rodneysoysterhouse.com/
Address: 469 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K4, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-363-8105
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday, Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Oh, how I long to share with you the hidden treasure that is Rodney’s Oyster House! Tucked away down a charming cobblestone alley, you’ll scarcely believe you’re still in the heart of Toronto.
Go on and enter this haven and be embraced by the warm, rustic atmosphere and the walls adorned with stunning nautical décor. It’s time we dove into the sumptuous seafood that puts Rodney’s name on every adventurous diner’s lips.
Their seafood offerings are beyond phenomenal—the freshest of the fresh. You must indulge in their sweet, plump oysters flown in daily from Nova Scotia.
You can also taste ocean-cradled lobster from the ever-fascinating Bay of Fundy, or treat yourself to the delectable Arctic char. Friends, be prepared for a sight that is as stunning as the cuisine: the awe-inspiring Oyster Bar.
A display that rivals a work of art, the Oyster Bar takes centre stage, showcasing the very essence of Canada’s bountiful oceans.
Now, if you consider yourself a seafood aficionado (or perhaps one whose passion has just been ignited), their extensive, carefully curated wine list is bound to make your heart sing.
Local tip: Time your visit during “Low Tide” (Happy Hour) to immerse yourself in a true seafood feast at a fabulous price. |
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar
Website: http://www.thekeg.com/en/locations/mansion
Address: 515 Jarvis St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2H7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-964-6609
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 4 PM to 12 PM
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar has this chic, sophisticated atmosphere and dark, sultry lighting; one cannot help but feel an undeniable allure. Now, let’s delve into their pièce de résistance, the mouth-watering, unforgettable Canadian steaks.
From the tender fillet mignon to the bold and delectable rib-eye, every cut of meat is expertly chosen, aged, and cooked to sheer perfection.
Combined with their homemade sauces like béarnaise or whiskey peppercorn, these exquisite steaks will leave you breathless in their unadulterated decadence. Ah, but we cannot forget the glorious partners that accompany our stars in the show.
In true Canadian fashion, The Keg delivers a cast of divine offerings, such as the maple-glazed Atlantic salmon or the slow-roasted prime rib—a rare creation not to be missed.
Imagine yourself seated on The Keg’s stunning rooftop patio, a glass of velvety, rich red wine in hand, as you take in this otherworldly view. It’s truly an experience to live and relive in your heart if you’re a lover of the finer things in life.
Local tip: Discreetly inquire about the off-menu “Keg Mansion Cut”, a bone-in strip steak that is nothing short of legendary. |
Leña Restaurante
Website: http://www.lenarestaurante.com/
Address: 176 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5C 2L7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-507-3378
Operating hours:
- Tuesday – 11:45 AM to10 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 11:45 AM to 11 PM
- Friday – 11:45 AM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Nestled amidst the grandeur of the historic Saks Fifth Avenue building, Leña Restaurante tirelessly upholds the tradition of bold and flavourful South American cuisine with a delightfully Canadian twist. It’s simply impeccable, friends!
I mean, just picture yourself gazing upon those walls adorned with vintage portraits; you can almost sense the rich history and culture seeping into your soul. Isn’t this what dining out should truly feel like?
Now, let’s get into the heart of the matter—the food. Leña boasts a menu that’s a potpourri of bold flavours.
Imagine biting into the Chorizo Verde—green chorizo that pops with exciting, robust flavours—or the Fire-Roasted Chicken that would make anyone’s taste buds dance with joy.
As you savour every bite, you’ll be caught in a captivating tableau—the stunning view of downtown Toronto.
Local tip: Definitely try the Smoked Iberico Pork, a captivating, melt-in-your-mouth delicacy that speaks volumes of the culinary expertise they have to offer. |
PAI
Website: http://www.paitoronto.com/
Address: 18 Duncan St, Toronto, ON M5H 3G8, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-901-4724
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Nestled amidst the dazzling lights of downtown Toronto, PAI is named after a beautiful district in North Thailand, and, oh boy, does it live up to the beauty of its namesake?
The ambiance is as friendly and inviting as it gets, with vibrant traditional Thai decorations that offer a taste of exotic travel in the heart of the city.
On to the food, shall we? The chefs at PAI don’t just cook; they weave magic. They’ve perfected the art of balancing the authentic flavours of traditional Thai cuisine with the Canadian palate’s preferences.
You can’t miss the chance to try their Thai-style Basil Chicken or the enticing Massaman Curry, and you’ll experience a flavorful joyride that tantalises your senses. Instagram-worthy and delicious—what else do we need?
Local tip: Locals swear by the Green Curry, a dish so finger-licking good, you’ll be planning your next visit before the meal is even over. |