Romantic restaurants in Toronto are perfect for a special night out with your loved one, and with Valentine’s Day less than a month away, now is the time to start planning ahead to secure your reservations.
Whether you prefer fine dining by candlelight or trying a new hotspot in the city, Toronto has something for everyone.
Here are 10 of the most romantic restaurants in Toronto for your next date night.
1. Parquet
Harbord Village’s Parquet is a modern French bistro that screams romance and sensuality – French is the language of love, after all! From its comfortable, plush banquette seating enveloped in soft, golden light to the selection of terroir-driven wines and creative cocktails and mocktails, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Paris. As for the food, you’ll find classic French fare from oysters to steak frites, as well as some unconventional options, like their salted cod or mushroom beignets or Tartiflette, made with confit potato and raclette.
Where: 97 Harbord St, Toronto
2. Lee Restaurant
Celebrity Iron Chef Susur Lee’s flagship Toronto restaurant re-opened in a new location on Richmond St. just months ago, after closing its original King St. home in 2022 after 20 years. The low banquette seating, silk drapes, and homey design touches give the space an intimate feel. Lee Restaurant serves Southeast Asian cuisine with French influence in a family-style setting – perfect to try multiple dishes with your date. Don’t miss the famous Singapore Slaw, made with 24 ingredients tossed together at your table.
Where: 497 Richmond St W, Toronto
3. Daphne
This expansive Richmond Street West restaurant spans over 8,000 square feet and serves an American menu that’s anything but basic. Brought to you by INK Entertainment, who is behind other Toronto favourites like Amal and Chica, you’ll find everything from steaks and burgers to seafood and creative cocktails. The space also has four different dining spaces to suit your date night mood.
Where: 67 Richmond St W, Toronto
4. Minami
This upscale Japanese restaurant on King St. is sure to impress the moment you set foot in it, with its award-winning interiors featuring gorgeous murals, arches, and glazed fabrics. The thing to order here is the flame-seared sushi, and most plates are small and shareable. You can also opt for the chef’s tasting menu for $110 per person.
Where: 225 King St W Suite 100, Toronto
5. Casa Madera
One of the buzziest new restaurants in Toronto for coastal Mexican cuisine is found in the 1 Hotel Toronto. Casa Madera’s interior is as breathtaking as its offering of chef-driven offerings using only sustainable, organic ingredients. You and your date can enjoy live music curated by DJ’s throughout your meal. They also have an extensive selection of creative mocktails for non-drinkers.
Where: 550 Wellington St W, Toronto
6. Bar Mordecai
This dimly-lit Wes Anderson film-inspired cocktail bar on Dundas West is known for their drinks and tapas, as well as their private karaoke rooms in the basement. Modelled after a hotel lobby, you can’t help but feel sentimental. Bar Mordecai has also introduced all-you-can-eat spaghetti nights every Tuesday this winter, for those who’d like to recreate that scene from Lady and the Tramp with their date.
Where: 1272 Dundas St W, Toronto
7. Aera
Elevate your date to new heights – quite literally – at Oliver & Bonacini’s new steakhouse on the 38th floor of The Well, Aera. Spanning the entire floor of the penthouse, you’ll be mesmerized by the Toronto skyline while indulging in a feast of sushi, prime cuts of beef, pasta, and more. After dark, the restaurant transforms into more of a nightclub vibe, complete with DJs, bottle service, and late seatings as it is open until 2 a.m.
Where: 8 Spadina Ave. #3800, Toronto
8. Paris Paris
Self-billed as an “unpretentious wine bar”, Paris Paris on Ossington’s main draw is their low intervention wines by the glass, shareable plates, and house-made charcuterie boards. The space itself is located in a converted auto garage, designed with warm woods, tropical plants, and industrial elements which work to bring the outdoors in. Don’t miss splitting the chocolate mousse dessert for two.
Where: 146 Ossington Ave, Toronto
9. Osteria Giulia
This minimalist Yorkville restaurant is ideal for special occasions, offering refined northern Italian dishes using simple yet sophisticated ingredients. Osteria Giulia consistently tops the best of Toronto restaurant lists, spearheaded by Chef Rob Rossi and restaurateur David Minicucci. You’ll definitely fall in love, if not with your date then with the stracchino stuffed focaccia or freshly-made pastas.
Where: 134 Avenue Rd, Toronto
10. Harbour 60
This iconic Toronto steakhouse is somewhat of an institution, and a classic date night destination in the city. Harbour 60 is found within the restored Harbour Commission building, serving USDA prime beef, fresh seafood towers, elevated sides like lobster mashed potatoes, and mouth-watering desserts like their famous molted chocolate cake or tableside smores. Wine afficionados can also choose from their award-winning wine list of over 1000 wines.
Where: 60 Harbour St, Toronto