The globally renowned MICHELIN Guide finally launched in Toronto last year, making star-rated restaurant reservations even more coveted. The list of distinctions include: one, 2-star restaurant, twelve 1-star restaurants and seventeen Bib Gourmand restaurants. The MICHELIN Guide then surprised hungry diners this summer by adding twelve new additions to the now robust eighty-two restaurant-strong list. The full unveiling of this year’s list will take place on September 27th and MICHELIN inspectors have been bust all year assessing and re-assessing restaurants all year.
RELATED: Toronto’s inaugural Michelin Guide 2022 >>
Here are the 16 restaurants awarded the 2023 Michelin Stars >>
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As a quick refresher, MICHELIN evaluates restaurants through five criteria: technical ability, quality of ingredients, balance of flavours, the expression of the chef through the dishes, and most importantly consistency. Restaurants need to maintain levels of excellence in these areas to gain and retain their Michelin star(s). Yes, you can lose a star! While we patiently wait for the updated list, we have put together our top six restaurants that we believe have that star quality.
20 Victoria
Already a Bib Gourmand choice, this, ‘tiny-but-mighty restaurant,’ 20 Victoria, helmed by Chef Julie Hyde offers a seven-course set menu and a weeknight 4 course menu featuring incredible local produce. The original and elegant menu changes regularly, but is always approachable and delicious. The current menu features crispy chicken leg and zucchini flower tempura and these dishes pack a star punch.
Dova Restaurant
Dova’s sister restaurant, Ardo, is already holds a Bib Gourmand distinction and we think Dova should join it. Dova is Chef Roberto Marotta and Jacqueline Nicosia’s Sicilian gem offering handmade artisanal pastas, fresh-caught fish and ethically sourced meats. With all this, we recommend the pizzas that are perfectly cooked in their wood-burning oven. This southern-Italian eatery is one to watch.
AloBar Downtown (Fin District)
Michelin Star Chef Patrick Kriss opened AloBar Downtown summer 2023, sister restaurant to the Michelin-starred AloBar Yorkville. This new restaurant, nestled in the heart of Toronto’s bustling Financial District, offers the refined approachability expected Chef Patrick Kriss and Chef de Cuisine Rebekah Bruce. From the chilled lobster with fermented jalapeño, lime, avocado on nori to the tagliolini with mussel, clam, garlic-chili oil and, of course, the AloBar wedge salad, the menu features the same level of expertise and flavour.
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DaiLo
This eatery has been a must-visit College Street destination for 9 years. Chef Nick Liu augments traditional Asian flavours with his creative flare. The DaiLo menu is unique and already has city-staples like the Big Mac Bao and Singapore Chili Crab. The flavours at this consistently-hot spot should catch the eye of Michelin.
Taverne Bernhardt’s
Chef Zach Kolomeir calls Taverne Bernhardt’s a neighbourhood rotisserie, but these quality birds are elevated and slow roasted on a Rotisol from France. Moist and perfectly seasoned, the chicken is served alongside hearty salads, roasted vegetables and exciting specials. Don’t skip the homemade ice cream for dessert!
Curryish Tavern
The Mumbai-born Chef Miheer Shete takes his global culinary experience and creates a contemporary Indian menu, showcasing seasonal local Canadian ingredients like with his Cheese Curds Samosa Turnovers with aloo masala, moong dal and khasta dough. The playful menu delivers on flavour and the ambiance is always convivial. Bib Gourmand should take note.
Check back soon for updates. MICHELIN is announcing their new Bib Gourmand and Guide recommended restaurants soon, and the new stars will be announced on September 26th.
Originally published on September 18th, 2023.
