Aliu IsaSometimes, the usual fast food or quick bites just won’t do—whether it’s a special occasion, a well-deserved reward, or just a craving for something truly exceptional.
Luckily, Uptown Toronto is a popular foodie hub that goes beyond the ordinary. From laidback settings to fine-dining joints, they all have one thing in common—absolutely delicious, gourmet fare.
So, check out our list of must-try restaurants and discover the best of Uptown Toronto’s food scene!
Scaramouche
Media credit: scaramoucherestaurant
Address: 1 Benvenuto Place
Website: https://www.scaramoucherestaurant.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scaramoucherestaurant/
Phone Number: (416) 961-8011
Business Hours: Tue-Sat: 5 PM–9 PM
Under the guidance of Chef Froggett for over three decades, Scaramouche has been serving up contemporary French cuisine that’s as elegant as the city views it boasts. It also has an upstairs dining room, a pasta bar, and a cozy patio.
This spot offers fine dining but without the stuffiness. That’s probably why it’s a popular go-to of celebrities and politicians like former Prime Minister John Turner.
As for food, their duck roasted breast is a must-try, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior that’s simply divine. Pair it with one of the 200 vintages on their wine list—their servers are happy to give recommendations.
Pro Tip:
Scaramouche offers free valet parking, so you can arrive in style and focus on enjoying your evening. If you’re feeling generous, don’t forget to tip the valet—it’s a small gesture that goes a long way.
Joso’s
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Website: https://www.josos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jososrestaurant/
Address: 202 Davenport Rd
Hours: Tue – Sat: 5 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 925-1903
Joso’s has been a family-owned and operated restaurant since the 1960s. With its colorful interior inspired by the Dalmatian coast, this upscale seafood eatery has attracted a celebrity clientele, including Drake and Mariah Carey.
If you’re looking for a truly authentic taste of Croatia, the ‘Octopus Schiavona’ is a must-try. Tender morsels of steamed octopus are tossed with garlic, olive oil, capers, and olives, creating a luscious,must-try seafood dish.
For a refreshing dessert, go for their lemon sorbet. Served in a whole lemon rind, this icy treat is the perfect way to end your coastal meal.
Pro Tip:
Keep in mind that Joso’s doesn’t have private parking, so plan ahead. There’s limited street parking available, and you can find a small private lot at the southeast corner of Avenue Rd & Pears Ave.
Shunoko
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Website: https://www.shunoko.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shunoko_sushi/
Address: 3220 Yonge St
Hours:
- Wed – Thurs: 6 PM – 8:30 PM
- Fri – Sat: 5 PM – 10 PM
Contact Details: (647) 748-7288
Shunoko is a laid-back sushi omakase restaurant that offers a mix of traditional craftsmanship with a flair for innovation. They source seasonal ingredients from around the world—from Japan to Portugal—to create unforgettable flavors.
You can leave it to the chef and indulge in their 16-course omakase menu or explore their a la carte options. At around $100, it’s one of the best value omakase experiences in Toronto, offering top-quality fresh fish.
Their natural wine pairing menu perfectly complements each dish. Plus, the chef is not only skilled but also sociable and full of fascinating stories about his travels to Portugal, where he sources local fish, wines, and more.
Pro Tip:
For the best experience, be sure to reserve a spot at Shunoko’s sushi bar. You’ll get a front-row seat to the action and enjoy a more personalized dining adventure.
Zezafoun Syrian Cuisine
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Website: https://www.zezafoun.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zezafounsyriancuisine
Address: 4 Manor Rd E
Hours:
- Tue – Thurs: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 322-7707
Zezafoun is a family’s love letter to Syrian cuisine. Inspired by the traditional cooking methods of Syrian women, Marcelle and her mother, Yolla, opened Zezafoun in 2018 to share the delicious flavors of their heritage with the world.
Their deep-fried cauliflower is a fantastic starting point—crispy, golden cauliflower is drizzled with a creamy tahini and yogurt sauce and garnished with fresh cilantro. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that offers versions for vegans and non-vegans.
For meat lovers, order their Dawood Basha, a Middle Eastern meatball dish that features rounded beef patties served over rice. The patties are simmered in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with seven spices and coriander, along with potatoes.
Pro Tip:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by Zezafoun’s mezze options, go for their Aleppo Muhumara. It’s a flavorful dip made with sweet and chili peppers, roasted walnuts, pomegranate molasses, and a hint of cayenne.
Grazie Ristorante
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Website: https://www.grazie.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grazie.ristorante/
Address: 2373 Yonge St
Hours:
- Tue – Thurs, Sun: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Fri – Sat: 12 PM – 11 PM
Contact: (416) 488-0822
Grazie Ristorante is a family-owned Italian gem that brings the authentic flavors of Italy to Uptown Toronto. With a focus on fresh, simple ingredients, their dishes will transport you to the charming streets of Rome or the rolling hills of Tuscany.
Start your meal with the baked goat cheese salad, a crunchy combination of roasted vegetables, creamy goat cheese wrapped in phyllo pastry, and a bed of arugula. The warm goat cheese perfectly balances the spicy arugula and tart sherry vinaigrette.
For the main course, go for one of their delicious hand-tossed pizzas. Our personal favorite is the Stefania, a masterpiece featuring a creamy porcini sauce, prosciutto, mushrooms, fresh herbs, arugula, and Parmigiano.
Pro Tip:
Grazie doesn’t do substitutions, and honestly, we’re here for it. Every ingredient is carefully selected to complement each other, and any swap would mess with the dish’s magic.
Auberge du Pommier
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Website: https://www.aubergedupommier.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubergedupommier/
Address: 14150 Yonge St, North York
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 11:45 AM – 2 PM, 5:30 PM – 12 AM
- Saturday: 5 PM – 12 AM
Contact: (416) 222-2220
Auberge du Pommier offers a charming escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Originally built in the 1860s as woodcutters’ cottages, this cozy restaurant features wood-burning fireplaces and breathtaking floral terraces.
For appetizers, choose the Foie Gras Poêlé, featuring pan-seared foie gras with hazelnuts, brioche, black truffle, and sunchoke. Or, if you prefer seafood, indulge in the Huîtres, a selection of four oysters served with yuzu kosho and lemon.
Of course, no French cuisine experience is complete without a duck dish. The Duck Entrée is a masterpiece, featuring two perfectly cooked slices of duck breast resting on a bed of wheatberry risotto.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss Auberge du Pommier’s Tête de Moine Cheese. This delicious dessert is served with green strawberry and slices of fresh baguette—perfect for nibbling between sips of wine.
Aloette Restaurant
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Website: https://aloetterestaurant.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aloette_restaurant/
Address: 163 Spadina Ave. 1st Floor
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Friday: 11 AM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 260-3444
Aloette, a Michelin-starred spot, is Alo’s cool little sibling—a bit more casual, but still delivering on flavor and flair. With a 38-seat setup that’s somewhere between a bistro and a diner, they keep things simple with a one-page menu full of tasty bites.
Let’s get into their signature dish—the Aloette Burger. This is no ordinary burger—it’s topped with perfectly stringy sautéed onions, shredded lettuce, creamy mayo, and a crispy fried slice of Beaufort cheese, all packed into a soft, house-made bun.
Pair your meal with a bottle of wine or a cold can of beer. And for dessert lovers (or just anyone with a sweet tooth), go for their Insta-famous lemon meringue pie, which looks like it’s straight out of a food magazine.
Pro Tip:
Aloette is walk-in only, so get ready to snag a seat the old-fashioned way, especially if you’re planning to visit during the weekend!
Blu Ristorante
Media credit: bluristorante
Website: https://bluristorante.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluristorante
Address: 90 Avenue Rd
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Fri – Sat: 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 4:30 PM – 10 PM
Contact Details: (416) 921-1471
Blu is the go-to spot in Uptown when you’re craving authentic Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Tucked inside a charming Victorian building, it’s perfect for a cozy date night spot or hosting a private party of up to 130 guests.
Executive Chef Eric Bucher specializes in mouthwatering wood-grilled steaks and rack of lamb for those looking to switch things up. If you’re up for an adventure, dive into one of their popular tasting menus, with options ranging from $67 to $120.
If we had to choose, the tasting menu featuring the Woodfire Grilled AAA Striploin would be our favorite. It showcases a perfectly charred and juicy steak that’ll make you forget your name!
Pro Tip:
Make your dinner at Bu even more special by dropping by on a Sunday when live music fills the air. With a talented pianist or guitarist serenading you while you dine, it’s the perfect way to end the weekend on a high note.
La Vecchia
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Website: https://lavecchia.ca/uptown/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavecchia_uptown/
Address: 2405 Yonge St A
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs, Sun: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Contact: (416) 489-0630
La Vecchia is a bustling Italian eatery that transports you back in time with its black-and-white photos and vintage decor. This charming restaurant offers outdoor seating, a private dining room, and a variety of vegetarian dishes.
One of the most popular items on the menu is the Pizza Stagioni, a delicious thin-crust pizza topped with prosciutto, black olives, and artichoke hearts. Each pizza comes with a mixed green salad tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
If you’re a pasta lover, you won’t be disappointed with their penne arrabbiata and penne vodka. And don’t forget to try the bruschetta, which is made with fresh, toasted bread and a topping of tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.
Pro Tip:
Note that La Vecchia is always packed with patrons, especially on sunny days when the patio is full. Be prepared for a wait, but it’s definitely worth it.
PAI
Media credit: paitoronto
Website: https://paitoronto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paitoronto/
Address: 2335 Yonge St
Hours:
- Tue – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Fri – Sat: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 2 PM – 9:30 PM
Contact: (416) 901-4724
PAI Uptown is where you go when you’re craving bold, authentic Northern Thai flavors with a side of Toronto buzz. Even actor Simu Liu is a fan, and honestly, we get it—this place rocks.
Kick off your meal with the Miang Kung, a shareable platter bursting with bright flavors that you get to wrap up in fresh betel leaves. Dig into chilled baby black tiger shrimp, ginger, garlic, shallots, lime, chili, roasted coconut, ground-dried shrimp, and pomelo.
But they’re famous for their green curry, served in a freshly chopped young coconut. It’s creamy and spicy, and the best part is you can scrape the tender coconut meat right into the curry, adding an extra layer of tropical goodness.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for a refreshing drink to match all those flavors, go for the Summer Dog cocktail—a mix of Vodka, Peach Schnapps, fresh lime, lychee juice, and butterfly pea flower tea. It’s like sipping a beautiful Bangkok sunset!
