Ian CheesemanLike most time-pressed professionals, I often find myself too busy to cook. In the mornings, I rush off to work and simply grab something from a cafe, while at night, I’m drowning in deadlines and several cups of coffee.
It’s honestly why I end up getting most of my meals from my favorite fast food joints more than I probably should be. But of course, eating take-out on my couch isn’t exactly the height of luxury.
That’s why I make it a point to treat myself and go somewhere nice every now and then. Luckily, I live in Toronto, where there are so many amazing fine dining restaurants that can satisfy even the most exquisite cravings.
1. The Butcher Chef
– Media credit: thebutcherchef
Address: Pinnacle Centre, 8 Harbour St
Contact details: +1 416 223 2250
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Must-order: Dry-aged Ribeye
The Butcher Chef is where people go to indulge. Here, you’ll find phenomenal cuts, refined seafood, and the most impressive Scotch and wine collection in the city.
It really is the kind of place where you can celebrate your milestones. The atmosphere is so intimate it’ll make you feel like a VIP, yet still vibrant enough to make any occasion extra special.
When it comes to food, we say go all out and get the 10-course tasting menu. You’re going to be wowed with course after course of delicate salads, appetizers topped with caviar, truffle over pasta, and fresh, succulent shellfish.
Of course, the meat is where they shine, and nothing beats their Dry-aged Ribeye. It’s tender, flavorful, and comes with a variety of sauces on the side to create an experience that you’ll never forget.
Pro tip:
Make your celebration even more memorable by renting out one of their private dining rooms. It’ll be a tailored experience with their staff helping you craft a customized tasting menu.
2. Ten Restaurant
– Media credit: ten_toronto
Address: 1132 College St
Contact details: +1 416 538 3810
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday to Tuesday – Closed
Must-order: Maitake Mushroom
Even the most avid meat lover would consider becoming a vegetarian after dining at Ten Restaurant. I mean, they were included in the Michelin Guide 3 years in a row for a reason.
What really propelled them into being seen as one of the best is their creative, plant-forward, multi-course tasting menu. Their chefs wanted to showcase and make the most out of the world-class produce that grows here in Southern Ontario.
Naturally, what they serve changes with the season. They only include the highest quality ingredients available at the moment.
So consider yourself lucky if you see their signature Maitake Mushroom on there. Everyone who gets the chance to try it always sings praises of its sweet, yet intense Cajun flavoring. We promise it’ll change the way you look at mushrooms forever.
Pro tip:
Take your meal to the next level by opting for the wine pairings. Their amazing sommeliers always know exactly what goes well with each dish, and they’re not stingy with their pours either.
3. George Restaurant
– Media credit: georgeonqueen
Address: Queen Richmond Centre, 111C Queen St E
Contact details: +1 416 863 6006
Operating hours:
- Tuesday, Saturday – 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
- Wednesday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday to Monday – Closed
Must-order: Beef Tenderloin
Dining at George Restaurant is an experience unlike any other. Starting with its location, the establishment is housed in a restored 1850s chocolate factory, which creates a charming and inviting atmosphere.
As for their menu, they’re very proud of sourcing high-quality ingredients from artisanal producers worldwide. Yet, we love that they still prioritize Ontario-grown goods as much as they can.
Diners get to choose between the à la carte menu or a carefully crafted degustation from one of Canada’s best chefs, Chef Lorenzo Loseto.
Both options are seasonal, so there’s no guarantee about what you’ll get to taste — all we know is that it won’t disappoint. But, just to give you an idea, they always hit it out of the park with their beef dishes.
Their tenderloin, in particular, comes out of the kitchen cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection. And if you’re still craving something sweet by the end of your meal, we recommend their refreshing lemon tarts.
Pro tip:
Check out Secrette, George Restaurant’s very own hidden speakeasy. Situated above the restaurant, it serves bold cocktails and exquisite small plates curated by Chef Lorenzo.
4. Black+Blue Toronto
– Media credit: bandbsteak
Address: 130 King St
Contact details: +1 647 368 8283
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 12:00 AM
Must-order: Tableside Steak Tartare
You’ll be part of an elite club after eating at Black+Blue Toronto. As one of the top 10% of restaurants worldwide, dining here should be on your bucket list.
Believe us when we say that this is the country’s premier steakhouse. They have a crazy selection of every foodie’s favorite cuts, including Kobe beef, USDA prime, and Japanese A5 Wagyu.
Our favorite item on their menu would have to be their scrumptious Tableside Steak Tartare starters. These bite-sized delights are incredibly rich and flavorful, and they’ll make it very tempting to order seconds.
However, remember to save some room — you wouldn’t want to miss out on any of their seafood platters, sushi, and beluga caviar, either. And if that still isn’t enough, they’ve got all the sides you could possibly ask for, from fries to wagyu fried rice.
Pro tip:
Drop by any day between 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM to get access to their amazing Happy Hour menu. You can enjoy many of their delicious drinks, fresh oysters, beef sliders, and lobster rolls at a discounted price.
5. Don Alfonso 1890
– Media credit: donalfonsoto
Address: The Westin Harbour Castle, 1 Harbour Square, 38th Floor
Contact details: +1 416 214 5888
Operating hours:
- Wednesday, Sunday – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Thursday – 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday, Saturday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Monday, Tuesday – Closed
Must-order: Il Bisonte
At this point, you’ve likely heard of Don Alfonso 1890. After being awarded a Michelin star and recognized as one of the best restaurants globally by organizations like OpenTable, Gambero Rosso, and La Liste, it should be a must-try for everyone.
This iconic restaurant is situated on the 38th floor of the Westin Harbour Castle, right on the edge of Lake Ontario. That means every guest is treated to a breathtaking view of Toronto’s skyline and the water.
It’s the ideal backdrop, considering that the menu paints a beautiful picture of the Amalfi Coast. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to Southern Italy once you have a taste of their fresh lobsters, handmade tagliatelle, and imported caviar.
But out of all their dishes, we think that Il Bisonte, or The Bison, takes the crown. This indulgent masterpiece, composed of Manitoba tenderloin wrapped in Swiss chard and buffalo mozzarella, is sure to be the highlight of your meal.
Pro tip:
For the best seats, make sure you book a table in the dining room instead of the lounge. It’ll give you an uninterrupted view of the harbor and will definitely make your time here even more unforgettable.
