Best Restaurants in Toronto to Suit Every Craving

Toronto is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis and the largest city in Canada. Known for its iconic skyline featuring the CN Tower, the city also boasts a rich cultural scene, top-notch museums, and easy access to Lake Ontario’s stunning waterfront.

This guide will take you through the best places to eat in Toronto, from budget-friendly gems and vegetarian havens to romantic dining destinations and Michelin-starred icons. Whether you’re exploring Kensington Market, attending a show in the Entertainment District, or visiting the Royal Ontario Museum, there’s always a great meal around the corner.

To explore the city without being weighed down by luggage, you can use Qeepl, a convenient luggage storage service with locations throughout Toronto. Leave your bags safely and enjoy your foodie adventure hands-free.

What Should You Know About Food in Toronto?

Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and its culinary scene reflects that beautifully. Home to more than 250 ethnicities and over 180 languages, it’s a place where global cuisines are not just accessible—they’re deeply rooted in local culture.

From dim sum in Chinatown and shawarma in Scarborough to handmade pasta in Little Italy, the best food in Toronto is shaped by immigrant communities and their stories. You’ll also find a new generation of chefs blending traditional and modern influences to create unique dishes that can’t be found anywhere else. Whether it’s an Ethiopian injera platter or Japanese fusion tacos, Toronto’s food scene rewards curiosity and appetite.

Best Affordable Restaurants in Toronto

Toronto may be known for upscale dining, but there are plenty of hidden gems offering delicious food at reasonable prices.

1. Seven Lives

Nestled in Kensington Market, Seven Lives serves Baja-style tacos bursting with flavor. Their signature Gobernador taco, stuffed with shrimp and smoked marlin, is legendary. It’s a compact space with a line out the door almost every weekend—and for good reason.

Tacos are around $6 each, and a filling meal will cost under $20. It’s an ideal lunch stop while browsing the vintage shops and murals of Kensington Market.

2. Banh Mi Boys

Located on Queen Street West near the Art Gallery of Ontario, Banh Mi Boys offers a fresh and modern spin on Vietnamese street food. From lemongrass pork banh mi to kimchi fries, the menu is playful and packed with umami.

Most items range from $8 to $13, and the service is quick, making it a great choice for lunch or early dinner after a day of sightseeing.

3. Wilbur Mexicana

Just a few blocks from the TIFF Bell Lightbox, Wilbur Mexicana delivers fast-casual Mexican fare with premium ingredients. Build your own tacos, burritos, or bowls and top them off at the complimentary salsa bar.

Meals cost between $10 and $15, and the industrial-chic interior adds a modern touch to the experience. It’s a favorite among locals working downtown.

4. Mean Bao

This small, stylish spot in East Chinatown focuses on Asian street food classics like steamed buns, dumplings, and rice bowls. The pork belly bao and spicy chicken dumplings are crowd favorites.

Most dishes fall in the $6–$12 range. With several locations across the city, it’s a go-to for students and foodies looking for quick, flavorful bites.

5. Ghareeb Nawaz

Serving generous portions of South Asian comfort food, Ghareeb Nawaz is located in the vibrant Gerrard India Bazaar. Expect fragrant biryanis, parathas, and curries with deep, satisfying flavors.

Meals average $8–$14, and the family-friendly vibe makes it ideal for groups or casual dinners before exploring nearby Little India stores and sweets shops.

Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Toronto

Toronto’s vegetarian scene is diverse and creative, with options ranging from raw vegan eats to hearty plant-based comfort food.

1. Fresh on Front

This modern vegetarian chain has several locations, but the one near St. Lawrence Market is especially popular. Their bowls, burgers, and cold-pressed juices are all 100% plant-based.

Meals range from $14 to $20, and the atmosphere is sleek and spacious. Perfect for a healthy lunch after exploring the market or waterfront.

2. Rosalinda

Located in the Financial District close to Union Station, Rosalinda is a fully vegan Mexican restaurant with upscale flair. Their mushroom birria tacos and jackfruit pibil are showstoppers, and even carnivores leave impressed.

Prices are $15–$25 per dish, and the tropical decor and floor-to-ceiling windows make for a great downtown dining escape.

3. Hello 123

With a location on Queen Street West near Trinity Bellwoods Park, Hello 123 offers trendy brunches and satisfying dinners with a plant-based twist. From chickpea omelets to vegan poutine, the menu blends health with indulgence.

Main dishes run between $13 and $18. It’s also licensed and serves craft cocktails, making it great for laid-back evenings.

4. Kupfert & Kim

This fully gluten-free, plant-based chain has locations throughout the downtown core, including one near Nathan Phillips Square. Their bowls feature ingredients like tempeh, lentils, and roasted root vegetables.

Dishes are $10 to $16, ideal for clean-eating professionals and travelers looking for a nutritious boost in the city center.

5. Vegetarian Haven

Tucked away on Baldwin Street near the University of Toronto, this peaceful restaurant serves Asian-fusion vegetarian cuisine with a spiritual and ethical approach. Try the crispy seitan or the Singapore-style noodles.

Prices fall in the $14–$22 range. The cozy interior and calming atmosphere make it a lovely break from the urban bustle.

Romantic Restaurants in Toronto

Toronto is full of romantic dining spots—intimate, scenic, and full of charm.

1. Canoe

Perched on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower, Canoe offers breathtaking views of the skyline and Lake Ontario. The menu celebrates Canadian ingredients, with dishes like Alberta beef and Atlantic halibut.

Expect to pay $45–$60 per entrée. It’s a top choice for special occasions and proposals, especially timed with sunset views.

2. Enoteca Sociale

This cozy Italian restaurant near Trinity Bellwoods Park is dimly lit and intimate, with handmade pastas and an impressive wine list. The cacio e pepe and braised beef cheek ravioli are must-tries.

Entrées are around $24–$38. The rustic charm and quiet setting make it ideal for a date night after strolling the park or browsing Queen Street boutiques.

3. Aloette

Aloette, the casual sister restaurant to the acclaimed Alo, is located on Spadina Avenue, not far from the Entertainment District. The elevated bistro fare includes dishes like duck confit and lemon meringue pie.

Meals are $25–$40. The mirrored ceiling, stylish booths, and cozy lighting make it an excellent choice for couples looking to dine in style without full fine-dining formality.

4. Grey Gardens

Hidden in Kensington Market, Grey Gardens serves elegant small plates with global inspiration, paired with natural wines. The ambiance is whimsical, warm, and perfect for slow, meaningful meals.

Dishes are $20–$35, and the proximity to vintage shops and art spaces makes it a fun and romantic neighborhood to explore together.

5. Scaramouche Restaurant

High above Midtown Toronto, Scaramouche offers panoramic city views and timeless French cuisine. Lobster, filet mignon, and coconut cream pie are staples.

Expect $40–$60 per main course. The candlelit setting and refined service create a quiet, luxurious experience perfect for anniversaries or birthdays.

Are There Michelin Star Restaurants in Toronto?

Yes—Toronto is now recognized in the Michelin Guide’s official website, and as of the most recent update, the city is home to 16 Michelin-starred restaurants. These range from one to two stars, showcasing the depth and innovation of the local culinary scene.

Here are three of the most notable Michelin-starred restaurants in Toronto:

• Sushi Masaki Saito (2 stars): Headed by Chef Masaki Saito, this elegant sushi omakase restaurant in Yorkville is known for its Edomae-style precision. With a minimalist setting and an exclusive dining experience, the price ranges around $680 CAD per person. Just steps from the Royal Ontario Museum, it’s perfect for combining culture and cuisine.
• Alo (1 star): Located at the edge of Chinatown, near the Art Gallery of Ontario, Alo offers a contemporary French tasting menu that balances innovation with tradition. Chef Patrick Kriss crafts seasonal, multi-course meals in a sleek, second-floor space. Tasting menus begin at $225 CAD.
• Don Alfonso 1890 (1 star): Set inside the Westin Harbour Castle, overlooking Lake Ontario, this restaurant serves refined Mediterranean fare with a modern twist. The multi-course tasting experience showcases the talent of Chef Daniele Corona and costs approximately $180–$230 CAD. The location near Harbourfront Centre makes it a stunning pre-show destination.