Fall’s arrival of cooler weather already has us in the mood for candlelit dinners, cozy nooks, and seasonal ingredients like apple, pumpkin, and pecan pie.
If you’re looking to spice up your date nights this season, the city is full of intimate restaurants to match your vibe, complete with mood lighting, sultry ambiance, and of course, amazing food to tie it all together.
Here’s ten cozy, intimate restaurants in Toronto to add to your date night list this fall:
1. Paris Paris
Paris Paris brings a touch of European café culture to Toronto’s Ossington strip. With its relaxed vibe, this wine bar is perfect for a laid-back date. The menu offers an array of thoughtfully crafted small plates, but the real star here is their extensive wine list. The atmosphere is trendy yet unpretentious, making it an ideal spot for easygoing conversation over a glass of something special.
Where: 146 Ossington Ave, Toronto
2. Osteria Giulia
Osteria Giulia is an elegant Italian restaurant with a focus on refined coastal cuisine. Located in Yorkville, this spot is perfect for a date night that feels both sophisticated and intimate. The restaurant’s minimalist design sets the stage for a memorable dining experience, while the fresh, high-quality ingredients and masterful preparations make every dish stand out. The pasta and seafood dishes are particularly noteworthy, paired beautifully with their curated wine selection.
Where: 134 Avenue Rd, Toronto
3. Parquet
Harbord Village’s Parquet is an intimate yet modern Parisian-inspired bistro – and who does romance better than the French? From its plush banquette seating to the ambient glow of brass lights, the Michelin Guide restaurant has the perfect cozy setting for fall, especially with its seasonal menu created by newly appointed Executive Chef, Zachary Darke. Some must-try features include the fresh tomato and camembert salad tossed in a Niagara tomato vinaigrette, or the “Poulet Royal”, a half chicken prepared three ways served with a trio of delectable sauces.
Where: 97 Harbord St, Toronto
4. Grey Gardens
Found within the eclectic Kensington Market, Grey Gardens is both a wine bar and a restaurant with just 55 seats for an intimate feel. Also featured in the Michelin Guide, Grey Gardens has a seafood-heavy menu and robust wine selection all set within a bright space complete with botanical wallpaper and marble countertops. Don’t miss the smoked fish chips and dip or the Hamachi.
Where: 199 Augusta Ave., Toronto
5. La Palma
From their signature 100-layer lasagna to their beautiful interior fireplace at the heart of it all, Dundas West’s La Palma will have you falling in love – if not with each other, definitely with their Italian-inspired fare. Despite its airy, al-fresco feel, it also oozes romance after the sun goes down.
Where: 849 Dundas St. W., Toronto
6. Midfield Wine Bar
Midfield Wine Bar in Little Portugal is a hidden gem cherished by locals. Boasting a selection of over 350 wines, Midfield is a go-to spot for wine lovers and romantics, with its dark wood-clad interiors. As for their menu, they focus on small plates highlighting local Canadian cuisine.
Where: 1434 Dundas St W, Toronto
7. Bar Prima
If you’re looking for somewhere dressed to impress, meet Bar Prima. Found in the West End, every detail is meticulously planned out, from its warm golden light to its beautifully plated Agnolotti Doppio. Bar Prima was also shortlisted for the 2024 Restaurant and Bar Design Awards, so you can count on an exceptional atmosphere.
Where: 1136 Queen St W, Toronto
8. Rosebud
Rosebud is a cozy, eclectic French-inspired restaurant and wine bar in Corktown ideal for first dates. Its warm and charming interiors create an inviting atmosphere, while the carefully crafted menu ensures every dish is memorable. Menu offerings mainly feature French classics with the occsional Asian and Mediterranean twist. Though seating is limited with a four-person maximum, this only enhances the intimate experience, making Rosebud a perfect spot to get to know someone over a great meal.
Where: 498 King St E, Toronto
9. Florette
Florette is a delightful mix of funk and floral, perfect for a romantic night out. With its cozy lighting and intimate seating, the setting feels like a private haven. The food is delicious, and the drinks are nothing short of extraordinary. If you’re looking to wow your date with a unique vibe, step into this garden-inspired retreat.
Where: 1168 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
10. Bar Isabel
Bar Isabel, on College Street, offers a warm and inviting setting with dim lighting, wooden accents, and a bustling but intimate vibe. The restaurant specializes in Spanish-inspired tapas and seafood, making it a great place to gather with friends and share comforting, flavorful dishes during the fall season.
Where: 797 College St, Toronto