Guide to Toronto’s top 22 restaurants, according to the 2022 Canada’s 100 Best list

The list is back… some love it, some dread it, other’s don’t pay attention to it, while many fantasize about getting listed on it. But for those of you not so in-tune with the restaurant landscape in Toronto, Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants List is the perfect way to discover new additions to your restaurant bucket list in the Toronto area, let alone across Canada.

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Here are the 22 top restaurants in Toronto, ranked in the 2022 Canada’s 100 Best restaurants list

If you haven’t been to any of them, don’t walk… run because they’re about to get a hell of a lot harder to get into, especially once Michelin sets their eyes on any of them come this fall.

Considering a third of them (7) also are on the list for best new restaurants, we now know why Michelin made the choice to delay the release of their Michelin Guide for Toronto.

22. Joso’s

Yorkville, off Davenport

Despite being where Drake shot his Take Care album cover, and being star-frequented, Joso’s is definitely a Toronto landmark. Reservations available on OpenTable.

21. Aburi Hana (new)

Yorkville, tucked away off of Yorkville Ave.

Despite the less than favourable location/entrance, into what appears to be, at first glance, a condo basement (which seems to be quite common amongst the Japanese–much like the train station Michelin Star sushi restaurant), it was a little shocking to see Aburi Hana further down the charts… but there nonetheless, and much deserved. They don’t just serve dinner…it’s an experience. Reservations available on tock.

20. Alma

Bloordale, off of Bloor St. W.

Although somewhat surprised to see Alma on the list, we must admit we too have yet to visit. Alma is said to push the boundaries of traditional with their fusion Chinese fare. Sadly, we haven’t had the opportunity to visit Alma just yet, but you better believe it’s now on our #bucketlist. Ranking in 94th place on Canada’s 100 Best restaurant list. Reservations available on OpenTable.

19. Alobar

Bloor-Yorkville, tucked away off Cumberland between Yorkville Ave.

The chart topping Alo, by chef Patrick Kris’, bougie little sister restaurant in the heart of Yorkville, raved for their chilled lobster, delicious cocktails and impeccable wine list. Not nearly as challenging to get a table at, but just as good as the big sister, in our books. Reservations available on tock.

18. Enigma (new)

Bloor-Yorkville, on St. Thomas St. (across from the Windsor Arms Hotel)

Both the food and the atmosphere are equally as ornate. This new addition to Yorkville, is quite the stunner. Led by the chef and owner, Quinton Bennett, Enigma is a reservation only restaurant that does not accept walk-ins and after taking a peek at the menu, we can see why. Taking the 80th place in Canada’s 100 Best restaurants and 15th place in Canada’s 20 Best New Restaurants. Reservations available on OpenTable.

17. Quetzal

Little Italy, on College St.

Mexican cuisine on a whole new level… known for their roasted bone marrow, charred Kanpachi Tiradito, duck breast and mole, and more. Coming in at 76, on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list. Reservations available on OpenTable.

16. 20 Victoria (new)

Old Toronto, at Victoria St. & Adelaide

Truly a hidden gem, where you least expect it, tucked away on Victoria St. 20 Victoria is one of Toronto’s newest additions, and their food does NOT disappoint. But if I may, don’t go terribly hungry. 🙈 Reservations available on tock.

15. Bar Isabel

West in the Bickford Park Area

Their continuously-evolving menu features smaller tapas dishes, with big Spanish flavour, and balanced larger plates too. Featured in 38th place on the Canada’s 100 Best restaurants list. Known for the eccentric décor and their must-try Grilled Spanish Octopus, as seen below. Reservations available on OpenTable.

14. Est

Corktown, off Queen St. E.

In the Queen St. E area just past the DVP, this modern little hidden gem, founded by the TikTok viral chef, Sean MacDonald, serves up meals that are almost too pretty to eat. Coming up in 35 on Canada’s 100 Best. Reservations available on tock.

13. Scaramouche

Rathnelly, off Avenue Rd North of Dupont St.

Home of the raved coconut cram pie, Scaramouche serves up bougie “French haute cuisine,” as their Google maps profile describes it. Ranking in 34th place on the list, and well deserved. Reservations available on OpenTable.

12. Mimi Chinese (new)

Yorkville, off Davenport Rd.

A vibe like no other in the city, towering 4-foot belt noodles all around, with the backdrop of their vibrant red velvet booths and neon lit bar… Mimi has been quite the spectacle since opening in the midst of the pandemic in October of 2021. Ranking in 33rd on the C100B restaurants list and coming in at 6th place on the Canada’s 20 Best New Restaurants list too. Reservations available on Resy.

11. Pompette (new)

Palmerston area, off College St.

Not to be confused with the one in Paris, but this Palmerston area French hotspot does not disappoint. With a complex, yet balanced approach to their dishes. The beef wellington is definitely a must try. Ranking in 30th on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list, and 5th on the C20BN restaurants list, previously being named Canada’s Best New Fine Dining Restaurant, by Air Canada’s in their Canada’s 20 Best New Restaurants list in 2021. Reservations available on Resy.

10. Don Alfonso

Currently inside Casa Loma, set to move inside the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel

Dubbed by many as the best Italian they have ever had outside of Italy, which is quite the statement, but we don’t think they’re wrong in saying that… having had the opportunity to dine with Don Alfonso several times now, they never cease to amaze us. That said, we kind of miss their old diggs on Ontario Street, but curious to experience their new home once they’re settled inside the Westin Harbour Castle on the Waterfront. Reservations available on OpenTable.

9. Bernhardts (new)

West of Trinity Bellwoods off Dovercourt Rd.

An amazing French bistro masquerading as a corner shop, just west of the Trinity Bellwoods area off of Dovercourt, that has some of the best roast chicken in the city. This place does not disappoint and is one of the fancier spots in the city that you can actually say has great portions. Ranking in 27th place on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list and 4th place for Canada’s 20 Best New Restaurants list–and we can see why. Reservations available on Resy.

8. Giulietta

College St and Dovercourt

Known for the pizza, atmosphere, openness to BYOW (2 per table with a corkage fee), incredible service, and one of my personal favs…their grilled octopus. Not to be confused for their little sister, Osteria Giulia, who seems to have the stronger Instagram game (and also outranked her on the list)…Giulietta is the OG of the family, ranking in 20th place on the C100B restaurants list. Reservations available on OpenTable.

7. Shoushin

Yonge and Lawrence

Probably one of the most unassuming and underrated sushi spots in the city–but obviously doesn’t miss the mark. Canada’s 100 Best has had their eyes on them for years, being the 5th consecutive time making the list. Located just north of the downtown core at Yonge and Lawrence. Ranking in 19th on the C100B restaurants list, and one of only 3 sushi spots to even make the list. Reservations available on tock.

6. Dreyfus

Harbord and Spadina

Tucked away in a converted townhouse off of Harbord and Spadina, this French bistro is known for their cute ambiance, great relaxed vibe, their raved about pommes dauphines. Reservations available on Resy.

5. Osteria Giulia (new)

Yorkville, off Avenue Rd.

Clearly the new, hot and younger little sister of the longstanding Canada’s 100 Best restaurants list contender… Giulietta, that everyone just can’t stop raving about. Osteria Giulia is known for the delicious appetizers that are even better than their mouth watering pasta dishes, and came in 14th on C100B restaurants list and 2nd place for Canada’s 20 Best New restaurants list. Reservations available on OpenTable.

4. Sushi Masaki Saito

Yorkville, off Avenue Rd.

One of the only 2-star Michelin chefs in Toronto, for his restaurant in NYC, chef Masaki Saito’s Edomae-style sushi is truly next level, and is offering a one of a kind experience. Unsurprisingly topping the list for sushi restaurants in Canada, coming in 11th on the Canada’s 100 Best restaurants list, and if you ask us, one of the definite contenders for a Michelin-star this coming fall. Reservations are available on tock.

3. Canoe

Old Toronto, at Bay and Wellington

One of the most iconic fine dining hotspots in the city, with an incredible view, and an ambiance like no other. To some, a little bit pretentious…but let’s face it, we’d all appreciate being taken there, no matter what the occasion. Not only is their food mind blowing, their cocktails follow right behind, and the service is top notch. If you happen to make it for a sunset dinner, hopefully on a night of Toronto’s beautiful cotton candy skies, you’re in for a treat. Despite having deliciously elaborate entrees, the soup and fresh bread is definitely a must have. Reservations available on OpenTable.

2. Edulis

Fashion District, off Niagara St.

One of the cutest restaurants in the city, IMHO… from their vivid red restaurant-front and Parisian-style patio chairs, to the beautiful decor and quaint dining room. One thing that I admired most, which is often overlooked, was the pacing of the tasting menu. Probably one of the best paced meals I’ve ever had. You almost feel like you’re dining in another era. Reservations available on tock.

1. Alo

Chinatown in the Spadina Ave. warehouse

Despite being bumped down from first place, unsurprisingly, they’re still number one in our neck of the woods. Chef Patrick Kriss has been blowing patrons away with delicious, beautifully presented and (most importantly in my books) filling meals, since they opened in 2015. Their blind, multi-course, tasting menus are a must, but if you’re looking for something a little more casual you can enjoy their a-la-carte menu from their bar area out front, called their “barroom.” Reservations available on tock, but one of the hardest to get into in the city. Best of luck! 😉

Not what you were expecting? Tell us…which restaurants were you hoping to see on list?

We definitely were rooting for Minami, as one of Toronto’s newer additions to the city (also having won the international design award) while also being a part of the Aburi Restaurant Group, which also had Aburi Hana on the list. But also the amazing farm-to-table restaurant in the North end of the city (off Yonge Street), Frilu. Mind boggled that King West’s, Vela, didn’t make the cut either.

Curious to hear your thoughts too, so feel free to write us, slip into our DMs or tweet us @viewthevibe.