Romantic restaurants in Toronto are always a good date idea for a special night out with your loved one, and as Canada’s most populous city, you can count on a robust selection to choose from!
Whether you prefer fine dining by candlelight or trying a new hotspot in the city, Toronto has something for everyone.
Here are 15 of the most romantic restaurants in Toronto for your next date night.
1. Canoe
Sitting atop the TD Bank Tower on the 54th floor, Canoe offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Toronto skyline and is guaranteed to impress. Serving up Canadian cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients, the food is complemented by an elegant yet modern ambiance, making it a top choice for a memorable date night.
Where: 66 Wellington St. W – 54th Floor, Toronto
2. 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
3. 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
4. Bar Isabel
Bar Isabel on College St is a Spanish-inspired gem that’s all about warm lighting, rustic décor, and shared plates. With its cozy, welcoming ambiance and delicious tapas, Bar Isabel is a perfect choice for couples looking to unwind over wine and great food.
Where: 797 College St, Toronto
5. 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
6. Lee Restaurant
Celebrity Iron Chef Susur Lee’s beloved restaurant has stood the test of time since 200. 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
7. Casa Madera
One of the buzziest 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
8. Scaramouche
Known for its impeccable French cuisine and sweeping city views, Scaramouche has been a Toronto favorite for decades. The ambiance is sophisticated yet warm, and their signature coconut cream pie is the perfect way to end a special meal.
Where: 1 Benvenuto Pl, Toronto
9. 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
10. 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
11. Alo
One of Toronto’s most celebrated fine dining spots, Alo offers a Michelin-starred tasting menu experience in a stylish, intimate space. The impeccable service, exquisite French-inspired dishes, and soft lighting create the perfect setting for a romantic evening.
Where: 163 Spadina Ave., Toronto
12. 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, Bar Mordecai is an ideal destination if you or your date are film buffs.
Where: 1272 Dundas St W, Toronto
13. Aera
Elevate your date to new heights – quite literally – at Oliver & Bonacini’s 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
14. Don Alfonso 1890
This Michelin-starred Italian restaurant was named the second best Italian restaurant in the world outside of Italy, so get ready to impress your date if you opt for Don Alfonso 1890! With its striking décor, dramatic plating, and elevated Mediterranean flavors, the view is equally impressive, boasting 360-degree views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline from the 38th floor of the Westin Harbour Castle.
Where: 1 Harbour Square 38th Floor, Toronto
15. George Restaurant
Tucked away in a charming heritage building, George Restaurant offers one of the best tasting menu experiences in the city. Its stunning courtyard, candlelit tables, and artful dishes make it a dreamy destination for couples.
Where: 111C Queen St E, Toronto