Best Trendy Restaurants in Toronto
Toronto, a vibrant city known for its multicultural diversity, is also a food lover's paradise. The city's culinary scene is as diverse as its population, offering a wide range of dining experiences that cater to all tastes and budgets. From upscale dining establishments to quirky cafes, Toronto's trendy restaurants are constantly evolving, offering innovative menus and unique dining experiences. Whether you're a local looking for a new spot to try, or a tourist wanting to experience Toronto's food scene, this article will guide you through some of the trendiest restaurants in the city. Get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Victor restaurant
4.2
(247)
Stylish spot in the Hotel Le Germain, with an upmarket menu inspired by Toronto's diversity.
Reviews:
Victor nailed the essence of Modern French quisine. The maple and steak seasoning on the roasted nuts is perfection! We were delighted with everything we ate. The burger was delicious, the gnocchi delightful and, oh my goodness, I've never tasted such amazing asparagus. It was obviously quite fresh and of high quality to begin with,but the way it was prepared was superb! With service on point, our dining experience was tops!
Cheryl Moore
The place is very elegant and classy if you're looking for ths vibe. Food was pretty good and the atmosphere was nice. I liked how everything looked in this place, including the plates.
Synthia Jacob
Celebrate my niece’s birthday at V, we were enjoyed food and the ambience. The cocktail were awesome, service was beyond 5 stars.
Sally Fei
Stunning venue. Wonderful service. Great food and beverage. Hosted a private party here and could not recommend it enough. The staff went above and beyond to be helpful and make it a success. They were absolutely lovely to work with! If you're looking for impeccable class and a great vibe, this is your spot.
Amanda Murakami
I had to write a second review. We came back to see Natasha - best server in Toronto. And I asked her to make me a drink that was sweet and hard and purple. She hit the ball out of the park with this one. They need this on the menu. I named it the Windu after Mace Windu Jedi master. Natasha thank you again for a great evening and the best service I seen in years. Absolutely love this place. It’s the best hidden gem I ever found. You have to come here. The lamb is incredible, and our server Natasha was there for everything we needed.
Kyle “AcidRayne” Timmons
30 Mercer St, Toronto, ON M5V 3C6, Canada
Mother tongue
4.4
(642)
Intimate, stylish cocktail bar & restaurant with Filipino & Pan-Asian influences.
Reviews:
The food here is incredibly delicious, and the atmosphere is hip and comfortable. The staff were friendly and we had a lovely time! My main complaint is that the prices are really high for what you get - $18 for 4 dumplings is exorbitant.
Aaron Brown
I’ve heard a lot of positive reviews about this restaurant and was looking forward to trying their food and their drinks. After having tried most of their appetizers and a few drinks, I am not sure that the experience was one worth having again. The longganisa bola bola dish seemed like it had a disproportionate amount of fat inside the casing. The cheese on top offered some variation to the taste, but otherwise it would have just tasted very flat. The wagyu sandwiches were promising, but I feel like they didn’t do the meat justice with the type of bread, the way the bread was toasted, etc. The sandwich just didn’t really seem cohesive. The filling in the duck dumplings was good. It’s unfortunate however that the dumpling itself carrying the filling was rigid and felt stale. The overall bite fell short because of that. It’s the same as having pasta and the sauce being tasty but the pasta not being cooked properly which just distracts from the whole thing and brings down the entire experience. I certainly appreciate the work that goes into this food. For the kind of things I described above, it just feels like there’s a kind of uninspired energy behind executing the dishes and it comes across, if that makes sense.
A.J. R.
I was really looking forward to trying this place for summerlicious on a Thursday evening. I had seen great reviews. However, our experience was completely different. They have a small patio at the front, a bar area inside, then more of a restaurant room in the back, and a cocktail place downstairs. That restaurant room in the back is crazy loud. The music is very loud so every body has to speak loud and the noise level is not enjoyable. It was hard to hear even the waitress. We ordered some drinks and our food. I had the Berde beauty. I loved that they have mocktails on their menu. I also love that they have pandan flavor. My cocktail was not bad but it was too sweet even though I love sweet things so much. Maybe the balance was off. We waited for our food for the longest time ever, 1 hour and 45 minutes. We saw the people at the table next to us who had arrived way after us get their appetizer. So we ask the staff if they can check on our food. It’s not normal. They come back a while later with the check. The noise level issue… We said that we are hungry and want our food, we had not asked for the check. Finally, they come with the food BUT they serve the main dish first. That’s ok cause we’re so hungry. Then when I’m not even done eating my main dish, they bring the appetizers. It has never happened to me in my life. And the tables are so small that there is no space to leave a water bottle on it and you have to rely on staff to refill your water glass. We had the Korean Beef Short Rib which was good as the meat fell off the bone, and the Hoisin Duck Confit which was an interesting mix of French style duck confit and pekin duck. It was not bad but we thought that for both dishes, they could serve more sides. The mini salad and cucumber portion on my plate was disappointing. We got Steelhead Trout Crudo and Longganisa Bola Bola. The longganisa is served in the shape of a meatball. I am aware that there are quite some fatty elements to Filipino cuisine but inside the balls were a lot of big chunks of fat. It’s too much fat to my liking and maybe it’s not for everyone. Then we got our desserts. The Lemongrass Crème Brûlée was good. I liked that there is a twist with the flavor. However, when you eat it with the sugary top layer, the lemongrass flavor goes unnoticed. The Peach Mango Pearls was enjoyable. The staff did apologize multiple times and said there had been a mix up which caused this unpleasant experience. They did end up comping our food, which we appreciated and even left a tip on what the total value would have been. Hence the 2 star rating. However, I don’t think I would come back. I feel that for the price of the dishes, you can have better value for your money and better service elsewhere.
Nathalie M
If you're looking for a dining experience that is truly unforgettable, then look no further than Mother Tongue in Toronto. This restaurant is a must-visit for foodies and anyone looking for a unique culinary adventure. Each dish is bursting with bold and exciting flavours that are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you're in the mood for small plates, shareable dishes, or entrees, you'll find something that suits your palate perfectly. The atmosphere at Mother Tongue is also something to be praised. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, with an elegant and contemporary feel that sets the mood for a sophisticated night out. The lighting is just right, creating an ambiance that is both warm and inviting. But what really sets Mother Tongue apart from other restaurants is the exceptional service. The staff are friendly, attentive, and always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of perfection. Whether you need recommendations for dishes or drinks, or have dietary restrictions, the team at Mother Tongue will accommodate your needs with ease. Overall, Mother Tongue is a gem in Toronto's dining scene that shouldn't be missed. From the exceptional food to the elegant ambiance and top-notch service, it's a dining experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Robert Penketh
This was my first stop for food in Toronto and the food was amazingggg. Ordered several dishes with a group of people and everything was so good. The sea bass was my absolute favorite. Our server, Theo was super sweet and extremely knowledgeable about the menu in its entirety.
ElizabethSade Fasanya
348 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1R7, Canada
Ēst restaurant
4.4
(281)
Intimate setting featuring tasting menus with diverse local cuisine, plus international wines.
Reviews:
Everything was amazing! I love the menu’s, the cocktail and dinner. Our server was great, very personable, and so sweet (Ashley) l. All of the food was so good! I highly recommend this place. The steak tartar, short rib, and tenderloin were all great.
Kate Dyer
Went as a group for Summerlicious and everything was delicious. Good service was a little slow as the kitchen was slammed, but the staff were all very friendly and checked in with updates frequently. The chartered octopus is exceptional, followers closely by the truffle burrata. Both the beef tenderloin and braised short rib were delicious options a well
Patrick Cuyegkeng
I wanted to take my cousin out for her birthday and decided to try ēst. I’ve seen their posts on Instagram and some of the reviews on here. I was kind of weary as you need to cancel 72 hours in advance, you dont typically see that. Our reservation was for 5:30pm, the restaurant was empty and two more people arrived shortly after. We ordered the fried cauliflower and octopus to start. The cauliflower was pretty tasty, the octopus on the other hand didn’t have much flavour. It was also pretty chewy. For our mains, my cousin got the pesto pasta, I ordered carbonara and we got the fries to share. I noticed my cousin wasn’t enjoying her pasta, she said it didn’t feel like it was cooked. So I tried it and it didn’t find it good at all. The pasta had too much of a bite and the sauce wasn’t flavourful. On the other hand, I felt like the carbonara was extremely dry. Although the fries and dip it came with was very delicious.. as well as the butter that was served with the bread. The drinks were ok, a bit pricey for what you get. I wanted the lychee martini but they didn’t have the lychees and added raspberries instead. If I would have known, I would have just gotten the espresso martini. Overall, I wouldn’t return. The restaurant is pretty expensive for what you get. My cousin barely touched her pasta and when the waitress asked what was wrong, I told her. There was no initiative to make things better. I’m very disappointed with my experience here.
Christina Shmordok
We came here for dinner last night prior to a concert a few doors down. Our server was friendly and accommodating. Helpful with our questions and very attentive. We had the Crispy Cauliflower, Charred Octopus, Irish Organic Salmon, and Braised Beef Short Rib. Everything was excellent! Super flavourful and beautifully plated. We will definitely be back!
Brittney K
Discovered this wonderful restaurant as part of Summerlicious and so impressed. From the apps of Octopus and Steak Tartare to the Tenderloin and Braised Short Ribs to a wonderful desert. Wine list was good with great pricing, local beer was a treat to discover. Service was excellent and the atmosphere just perfect.
Robert Martin
729 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1, Canada
Leña restaurante
4.2
(2472)
Chic South American restaurant featuring elevated lunch & dinner menus, plus cocktails & bar bites.
Reviews:
Overall the experience was good. The food was flavourful and reasonably innovative. The interior decor is stunning! The negatives? - We weren’t asked how we wanted our eggs and they were delivered extremely over-easy. Notably, both tables alongside us abandoned their eggs because it was overly soft. Eggs, like steak, should always be cooked to guests’ preferences. - I asked for butter, and without being notified, I was charged $1.50. While an objectively small sum, the principle of charging for condiments when you order a dish with bread is extremely disappointing from a principle perspective. I really don’t think this is the experience you want to let guests depart with because now I have principled reluctance to returning here again.
Rayand Ramlal
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Lenã restaurant 😍 beautiful decor, delicious food, and a friendly staff. The moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the tasteful and inviting ambiance. The interior was adorned with exquisite details, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. Now, let's talk about the food. Every dish I tried was a culinary delight. From the appetizers to the main course and desserts, each plate was meticulously prepared and bursting with flavors. The menu offered a wide range of options to suit various preferences, and the quality of ingredients was exceptional. What truly enhanced my experience was the warm and attentive staff. From the moment I arrived until I left, they provided exceptional service. Their friendly demeanor and knowledge about the menu made me feel welcomed and well taken care of. Overall, this restaurant offers a remarkable combination of beautiful decor, delicious food, and friendly staff. It's a place where you can indulge in a memorable dining experience. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an exquisite culinary adventure in a stunning setting.
Alessandra C
I really enjoyed my lunch today at Leña. The hostess was friendly and bubbly. The atmosphere was pleasant. Service was great! Very friendly and prompt. The food options were wonderful and we enjoyed all the dishes and drinks we ordered. Highly recommended.
Paul Smith
Big disappointment in the food we got, especially the price. Service was rough and seemed like we were forgotten for our main entree waiting after our apps The only good thing we had was the mushrooms, but nothing out of the ordinary you couldn't get elsewhere Would not recommend: - tuna tartare: really fishy like it was frozen. The yogurt sauce is odd. Way too much fried crisp components for a tiny portion of bad fish - veal was overcooked and lacked any flavor outside of pepper It's the first time experiencing 4 apps coming first within 5 mins before the drink did. Is the food already prepared in advanced and reheated??? Ambiance is nice, perhaps go for a drink or two, but also loud. Wouldn't go for the food
Kev N
I went to Lena without making a reservation during happy hour on a Saturday, and while it was busy, the staff were incredibly gratuitous and quick at preparing a table for myself and my friend. The staff were super kind, and the drinks were good. The happy hour prices are affordable. The decor is absolutely beautiful.
Jennifer Mah
176 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5C 2L7, Canada
Founder restaurant & cocktail bar
4.6
(334)
Classically chic dining room & cocktail bar serving globally inspired à la carte & sharing menus.
Reviews:
Nice chic but cozy restaurant, a bit on the quiet side but we didn't mind it. We can actually chat. Food tasted great but a bit smaller portions but it's ok. Drinks were Great too and creative. Worth a visit I think.
Jack Chang
Can’t say enough good things about Founder. Cocktails are fabulous but the dark horse is the food - Chef Kendall is very talented and his dishes are not only super tasty, but he incorporates interesting twists into them as well. If you are a foodie this is the place to check out in the west-end For more great eats around Toronto, check out my feed @instantonium on Instagram
Anthony S
Fabulous food & exquisite cocktails. The bartender/cocktail menu curator Ben, was amazing at mixing us up surprise cocktails based on our preferences (even non-alc options). He was a pleasure to learn from and he has a great assortment of Amaro liquors. I’d highly recommend the chefs choice tasting menu if it is available when you visit - everything was delicious!
Madison MacLeod
The most surprising thing about this place was how empty it was! Unfortunately, that affected the lively atmosphere we were looking for but I’d still recommend giving it a try. We ordered a few apps for the table and they were all very good, but nothing exceptional or memorable. The decor is really nice and I loved the look in there. I’d like to give it another try sometime but it’s not at the top of my list. Overall, Founder was good but not something that stands out in a city filled with good restaurants and bars.
Jessica Uttley
I received a private dining experience due to a company sponsored dinner so this review may seem more biased. I didn't have to pay for my food or drinks so this will effect the review. 💵 : $0 (but I think it would have been $120 for the chef experience + 2 drinks) 🍽️ : chef experience + whiskey sour + a drink where I requested for something sweet 💛 : loved everything. The wait staff was super accomodating to our table as one of the ladies was GF, dairy free and was allergic to eggs 💔 : wish I knew what the second drink was called but nothing bad otherwise - the food was spectacular, little small if you're sharing it with 4 people. Might be better with 2 - the tapioca pudding was a miss with a couple of people in my group (the tapioca was not a fan favourite) - atmosphere is lovely but it's in a sketchier part of Toronto - highly recommend the fried dessert towards the end of the night I'd come back here again only if someone picked up my entire tab
Valerie Chu
1282 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X7, Canada
Edulis restaurant
4.7
(438)
Cozy locale with a seasonal menu of wild & foraged foods used to create elevated Canadian dishes.
Reviews:
Absolutely phenomenal. The staff went above and beyond, and were extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the food and where it was sourced from. The presentation was grade A, and the food itself was phenomenal. I have zero complaints. They even printed a personalized note and had it sitting on the table upon arrival as we had attended for my mother-in-laws' birthday. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very homey and intimate. The experience from start to finish is exactly what I expect from a Michelin Star restaurant, if not more. Especially one in Toronto. This has been, BY FAR, the best restaurant experience I've had so far in Toronto.
Steph Izzett
A reservation at edulis is hard to secure and the second you walk in you know why. The restaurant is cozy and welcoming with tables for only 22 guests on any evening. When you sit down you are greeted with a welcome letter which is a really lovely touch. They really encourage conversation and so the atmosphere is lively without being loud. At no point in the evening do you feel rushed. They start with the drink menu, which includes a nice wine list, and a few add on selections. Once you settle in the meal begins. Each course was a unique combination of foods I love served in a way that I never experienced before. Each plate was incredibly thought out, from the sauces to the fresh vegetables to the seafood. Edulis' focus on seafood, vegetables and wild mushrooms shines making this one of the best tasting menus in the city! If you are looking for a restaurant that feels as welcoming as a home cooked meal and is as complex as you'd expect from some of the top chefs in the city, this is it.
Sara Boers
Edulis mastered the combination of a sophisticated, delicious 6 course tasting menu with a homey and inviting atmosphere. For my birthday, they personalized the carte for me, which was a personal touch to make me feel special! The meals, which focused on fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, offered a variety of flavours that left me and my partner eager to try the next dish! Our server was wonderful: easygoing, knowledgeable (providing us the background on the resto’s name Edulis), and happy to indulge in our photo taking at the end of the meal. I also highly respect the restaurant’s no tip ideology, as they pay their staff a fair and liveable wage at baseline. Altogether, I can easily understand how Edulis got their Michelin star and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to splurge for a special occasion!
Claire
One of the hardest restaurants to book in the city, I am glad I was finally able to book it and the food most definitely lives up to its reputation. A great selection of very refreshing seasonal ingredients mixed with innovative combinations makes this one a must on any foodies to dine list.
Eric Liu
This hidden gem in King West is probably the best restaurant in Canada. The menu has a seafood theme which I appreciated but I’d like to bring attention to their vegetable dishes as well. Their vegetable courses will make you appreciate their attention to detail when it comes to ingredient sourcing and cooking techniques. The chefs spent numerous years traveling globally and bring their diverse knowledge of food to the menu. I found their service to be equally good. Our waiters were kind, friendly, and attentive. Some reviews erroneously describe the place as tight and packed but the truth is that it is warm and cosy. When you get it, it feels like you’ve gone for lunch in the countryside. The restaurant has traditional Spanish decor and is absolutely charming. I look forward to returning for Sunday lunches and dinner when I have a chance.
Diana Mwandidya
169 Niagara St, Toronto, ON M5V 1C9, Canada
Ardo restaurant
4.4
(647)
Modern space with open kitchen serving housemade pasta, pizza & traditional Sicilian dishes.
Reviews:
The food here was great. We had the gnocchi and the squid ink pasta - the gnocchi was the perfect consistency and the sauce complimented it well. The squid ink pasta could’ve maybe been the TINIEST bit more softer (and I like chewy pasta in general) but it wasn’t hard or anything and the sauce was tasty and I felt they gave a lot of shrimp. We had a cannoli for dessert and it was really tasty. I’d say though the downfall of this place is probably the service. When we arrived (with a reservation) there was a huge group business dinner taking place at the restaurant. They were blocking the entrance and we stood around waiting for someone to come around and help us for at least 5 minutes. Overall the servers didn’t really engage with us much and we were often left not checked on for long periods of time. For a somewhat nicer place, the service was probably on par of a low level restaurant. However, their food was good, and the servers weren’t rude - they weren’t just overall friendly. I had a pretty good first experience overall.
Kimberly W
I was pleasantly surprised by the food at ARDO. A small and quiet place which has the perfect atmosphere and food. The chickpea fritters were dalacious and gnocchi tasted absolutely perfect. I can't wait for my next visit. Highly recommend to everyone.
Yasir Azhar
What a hidden gem! Would give this first experience a strong 4.5/5. Ordered the tuna carpaccio and panelle chickpea fritter to start. Would recommend the panelle to share and this second one, I’d personally reorder. Had the Tartufo as the main. Love it and so recommend getting the table up at the kitchen bar. Knocked off a half point as I wish the sardine butter flavour was there— so this was the only miss for me. Ordered a cannoli for dessert which was divine. Highly recommend checking this place out! The service was outstanding and you almost feel transported to Italy here!
Anouchka Ramkishore
Authentic Sicilian Italian restaurant in Toronto . As soon as we walked in we were greeted and seated to our table, reservations recommended. Our server was friendly and informative. The food was fresh and delicious thanks to the chef at the open kitchen. See you soon
Robbi Cello
Nice spot. Hard to find parking in this area. The staff were nice and our waiter was great. The Octopus was very good. The gnocchi was good but a small portion for the price. The pizza was good but we've had much better for much less. All in all a good little sicillian spot. I chose it because it was close to where we were and the web showed a lobster pasta dish that turned out not to be on the menu. In truth, we're over these overpriced small restaurants. Our lunch (pasta from Pasta Bros) at The St. Lawrence Market was a fifth the price, more food and much much better in all respects. Just the honest truth. No need to spend this much on pasta unless you want the sit down dinner atmosphere.
Father Huntsman
243 King St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1J9, Canada