Toronto is known for its incredible culinary scene, boasting flavours from around the world largely influenced by its multiculturalism. The MICHELIN Guide, which was initially created as a resource for motorists attempting to bolster the use of cars and promote MICHELIN tires, today assigns its coveted ‘stars’ to establishments it deemed worthy, embodying culinary excellence.
One MICHELIN star signifies a very good restaurant. Two stars acknowledge an excellent restaurant that warrants making a detour for. Three stars are reserved for exceptional culinary mastery warranting a special journey.
Within Toronto, a total of 82 restaurants have been recognized by MICHELIN, with only one having received two MICHELIN stars: Sushi Masaki Saito. While many of the restaurants are certainly not cheap to dine at, there are ways for the budget-conscious to still try them out for a special occasion.
Below are fifteen Toronto restaurants that have earned MICHELIN Stars:
1. Aburi Hana
Aburi Hana found in Toronto’s ritzy Yorkville neighbourhood, boasts a modern Kyo-Kaiseki dining concept, integrating Japanese ingredients with local Ontario produce. Known for their seasonal tasting menus, you’ll be treated to flame-seared dishes served within intimate, private dining rooms.
Where: 102 Yorkville Ave, Unit 4 Lower Level, Toronto
2. Alo
Nestled atop a Victorian heritage building, Alo offers contemporary French cuisine served in a cozy dining setting. The adjoining barroom features an à la carte menu alongside a selection of expertly crafted cocktails, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Where: 163 Spadina Ave., Toronto
3. Alobar Yorkville
Tucked away in Yorkville’s alleyways, Alobar Yorkville offers scratch-made food which fuses European and Asian influences, in a blend of high-end dining and cocktail bar ambiance
Where: 162 Cumberland St, Toronto
4. Don Alfonso 1890
Not only is Don Alfonso 1890 one of the city’s best Italian restaurants, it’s also ranked the second best Italian restaurant in the world outside of Italy. Overlooking Toronto Harbor, the restaurant features the flavours of the Amalfi Coast.
Where: 1 Harbour Square 38th Floor, Toronto
5. Edulis
Serving elevated Canadian dishes largely inspired by the Mediterranean, Edulis is a cozy locale featuring a seasonal menu of wild and foraged ingredients. The decor is modest and simple, letting the dishes on their set multicourse menu shine as the highlight of your evening.
Where: 169 Niagara St, Toronto
6. Enigma Yorkville
With a contemporary European flair, Enigma Yorkville presents innovative dishes on their seasonal, evolving tasting menu using high-quality seasonal ingredients, complemented by expertly curated wine, cocktail, and non-alcoholic juice pairings.
Where: 23 St Thomas St Unit 1, Toronto
7. FRILU
FRILU combines contemporary Canadian cuisine with Asian influences at its understated restaurant in Thornhill, offering a tasting menu highlighting seasonal ingredients sourced from their own Willowolf Farm. You can expect your meal to extend over roughly three hours here, so plan accordingly.
Where: 7713 Yonge St, Thornhill
8. Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto
Located in North York, Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto offers a formal kaiseki dining experience, showcasing Chef Masaki Hashimoto’s expertise in crafting exquisite Japanese cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s eight-course tasting menu is sure to take you on a culinary journey.
Where: 6 Sakura Way, North York
9. Kappo Sato
Kappo Sato specializes in the traditional Japanese culinary art of “Kappo,” involving meticulous preparation and presentation of multi-course meals, often showcasing Wagyu beef, sushi, sashimi, and tempura. The menu evolves with the seasons, offering an array of eye-catching dishes paired with selected sake.
Where: 575 Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto
10. Osteria Giulia
Focused on refined plates inspired by Italy’s northern coast, Osteria Giulia presents a comprehensive menu featuring traditional Italian flavors, in a spacious, candlelit dining space.
Where: 134 Avenue Rd, Toronto
11. Quetzal
Upscale, regional Mexican cuisine is what you’ll find at Quetzal, which incorporates native Mexican and local Ontario ingredients in a sleek dining room. They are known for their 26-foot-long wood-burning grill, and if you’re not sure what to get, your server is more than happy to build you a tasting menu.
Where: 419 College St, Toronto
12. Restaurant 20 Victoria
Aptly named after its address on Victoria Street, Restaurant 20 Victoria offers an intimate dining experience accentuated by a rotating menu spotlighting premium seafood. The establishment, lauded not only with a MICHELIN Star but also an Outstanding Service Award, presents personalized multi-course meals complemented by a curated wine selection.
Where: 20 Victoria St, Toronto
13. Shoushin
Specializing in authentic Edomae-style sushi, Shoushin presents a menu showcasing wild-caught fish imported from Japan. You can choose between two omakase menus: one with 10 nigiri and snacks, or a personalized, more bespoke option.
Where: 3328 Yonge St, Toronto
14. Sushi Masaki Saito
The only Toronto restaurant boasting two MICHELIN Stars, Sushi Masaki Saito offers traditional sushi omakase crafted by Chef Masaki Saito, utilizing fresh fish imported from Japan and served in an elegant Victorian setting. Be prepared to spend, as the price for the omakase dinner will cost $680 per person.
Where: 88 Avenue Rd, Toronto
15. Yukashi
Located in Midtown Toronto, Yukashi offers fine Japanese cuisine, featuring a nine-course kaiseki-style tasting menu highlighting seasonal ingredients. The intimate restaurant has just 15 seats, which everyone will get a great view of Chef Daisuke Izutsu as he prepares each course.
Where: 643a Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto