Brianna Harrison13 Stellar Toronto Restaurants in Michelin’s Inaugural Guide
Toronto has the most Michelin-starred restaurants of all cities in Canada. In 2022 alone, Michelin awarded stars to 13 restaurants in Toronto, a testament to the city's thriving culinary scene and the quality of restaurants it offers.
Want to try the best Michelin restaurants in the city? We’ve listed Toronto’s starred establishments for you.
13 Stellar Toronto Restaurants in Michelin’s Inaugural Guide
Alo
Website: https://alorestaurant.com
Address: 163 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5V 2L6
Contact details: +1 416-260-2222
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday & Monday – Closed
Alo is one of the highest-rated restaurants in Toronto. Chef Patrick Kriss, who owns several other acclaimed restaurants in the city, opened the contemporary French restaurant in 2015.
Elevating Japanese cuisine with a touch of French keeps Alo’s customers begging for more. Their creamy Koshihikari risotto is bursting with fresh and intense flavours, thanks to the beautifully cooked porcini mushrooms.
Pro tip:
Dress formally. Alo is a fine-dining restaurant, and guests are expected to dress accordingly.
Sushi Masaki Saito
Website: https://www.masakisaito.ca
Address: 88 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2H2
Contact details: +1 416-924-0888
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – Closed
Sushi Masaki Saito was opened in 2019 by Chef Masaki Saito, a native of Japan who has over 20 years of experience in the sushi industry. They import fish from Japan every day, and Chef Saito uses traditional techniques to prepare the dishes.
You can’t miss out on their chuturo (medium fatty tuna), which they serve with grated white truffles. It melts in your mouth and surprises you with a unique taste of the sea.
Pro tip:
If you’re not a fan of raw fish, this place might not be for you, as the omakase menu mainly features sushi and sashimi.
Aburi Hana
Website: https://www.aburihana.com
Address: 102 Yorkville Ave, Unit 4 Lower Level, Toronto, ON M5R 1B9
Contact details: +1 647-343-8887
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday & Monday – Closed
Specializing in sushi that is flame-seared, known as Aburi-style sushi, Aburi Hana was opened in 2020 by the same team behind Miku Toronto and TORA. Their menu features a variety of Aburi sushi rolls and other Japanese classics.
One of their specialties is the kakuni (braised pork belly) garnished with a touch of foie gras. Each bite of the tender and fatty meat is filled with richness and an astounding melting sensation.
Pro tip:
The Aburi sushi rolls are served with a variety of sauces and toppings, such as soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger. Don’t be afraid to try them for the complete experience.
Alobar Yorkville
Website: https://thealobar.com/alobar-yorkville/
Address: 162 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON M5R 1A8
Contact details: +1 416-961-1222
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM
A sister restaurant to Alo, Alobar Yorkville is another award-winning restaurant known for its more casual take on fine dining. It has a bar that serves a wide selection of wines and spirits.
We suggest trying out their salmon crudo, which is perfected through an amazing blend of high-quality ingredients, with welcome hints of poblano pepper in every bite.
Pro tip:
They also have an extensive list of special cocktails such as the Quiet Waters, the Siren Song, and the Sidewalk Reverie. Make sure to try them out with your meal!
Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto
Website: https://www.donalfonsotoronto.com
Address: 1 Harbour Square 38th Floor, Toronto, ON M5J 1A6
Contact details: +1 416-214-5888
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Monday – Closed
Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto is a family-owned Italian restaurant run by Chef Ernesto Iaccarino. It opened its spot in the city in 2018 and is known for serving dishes inspired by fresh Amalfi Coast flavours.
One of our favourites is their tender and vibrant agnolotti. It’s stuffed with a rich and meaty Ontario lamb dipped in an indulgent cheese sauce bursting with intense flavours.
Pro tip:
Their tasting menu takes about 3 hours to complete, so plan your visit ahead of time to avoid cutting your meal short.
Edulis
Website: https://www.edulisrestaurant.com
Address: 169 Niagara St, Toronto, ON M5V 1C9
Contact details: +1 416-703-4222
Operating hours:
- Thursday – 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
- Monday & Tuesday – Closed
Tobey Nemeth and her husband Michael Caballo opened Edulis, a charming Mediterranean restaurant, in 2012 to pay tribute to Caballo’s love for wild foods, mushrooms, and his Spanish heritage.
The smell of their sizzling scallops fills the entire restaurant the moment they leave the kitchen. Finished with garlic, butter, and some minced parsley, the dish is simple but satisfying with a nice blend of fresh flavours.
Pro tip:
The crew takes a while to prepare the dishes. Expect long intervals between courses and reserve around 3–4 hours for the entire experience.
Enigma Yorkville
Website: https://www.enigmayorkville.com
Address: 23 St Thomas St Unit 1, Toronto, ON M5S 3E7
Contact details: +1 416-961-1111
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Sunday & Monday – Closed
Led by executive chef Quinton Bennett, Enigma is a modern European fine dining restaurant in Toronto’s historic Yorkville neighbourhood. Bennet worked in some of the finest restaurants in South Africa, the UK, and Denmark before opening his own.
Their famous tasting menu is an indulgent 10-course journey that shines best with their magnificent wine pairings. One of its highlights is a perfectly crispy and buttery roll served with lobster dipped in a rich and decadent sauce.
Pro tip:
If your reservation is right at their opening time, they open their doors a few minutes early so you can settle in and get comfortable before your meal.
FRILU
Website: https://www.frilurestaurant.com
Address: 7713 Yonge St, Thornhill, ON L3T 2C4
Contact details: +1 289-597-8867
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday to Tuesday – Closed
Chefs John-Vincent Troiano and So Sakata opened FRILU in 2018. Known for its contemporary Canadian cuisine with an Asian touch, it serves a seasonal tasting menu featuring dishes made with local and sustainable ingredients.
Their plating is a work of art; expect vibrant colours, exquisite arrangements, and beautiful garnishes that complement their exceptional flavours. Their rainbow trout is cured with prosciutto, giving the fish a salty flavour and a smoother texture.
Pro tip:
There’s a chance that the server will introduce you to sakes that are off the menu. Try dropping a few hints if you’re interested.
Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto
Website: https://www.kaiseki.ca
Address: 6 Garamond Ct, North York, ON M3C 1Z5
Contact details: +1 416-444-7100
Operating hours:
- Thursday – 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday to Monday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Tuesday- Closed
Known for its traditional Kaiseki cuisine, which is a multi-course meal that showcases seasonal Japanese ingredients and is imbued with the spiritual hush of a tea ceremony, Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto offers a unique approach to fine dining.
The chef’s signature, known as the crane, uses A5 Miyazaki Wagyu that melts in your mouth. It’s beautifully seasoned with matcha salt, adding a complex layer of flavour to the tender meat.
Pro tip:
Tables are situated in separate rooms to emulate the intimate vibe of traditional Japanese rooms, leading to an immersive and private dining experience.
Yukashi
Website: https://www.yukashitoronto.com
Address: 643a Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4S 2M9
Contact details: +1 416-489-6993
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday & Monday – Closed
Chef Daisuke Izutsu mastered the art of Japanese cuisine in Toronto for decades before he opened Yukashi in 2018. The restaurant’s seasonal tasting menu features nine courses boasting fresh Japanese flavours and tasty sake pairings.
The Harvest Platter is a beautiful display of Japanese ingredients, with every bite reminding you of your favourite Studio Ghibli scene. Watching the chef grind fresh and authentic wasabi right in front of you is a sight to behold.
Pro tip:
The chef likes to chat and drink with the guests after dinner service. Stick around so you don’t miss it!
Osteria Giulia
Website: https://osteriagiulia.ca
Address: 134 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2H6
Contact details: +1 416-964-8686
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – Closed
In 2017, Rob Rossi closed his critically acclaimed restaurant, Bestellen, to open the Italian restaurant of his dreams with David Minicucci. Osteria Giulia serves dishes inspired by the seafood-rich traditions of Liguria.
Their risotto is rich, creamy, and cooked to perfection. It’s topped with white asparagus to add another layer of taste and aroma to the subtle flavours of the rice.
Pro tip:
Since the place is always packed, you need to order your appetizers and mains at the same time so try to decide on both early on.
Quetzal
Website: https://www.quetzaltoronto.com
Address: 419 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1T1
Contact details: +1 647-347-3663
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Monday & Tuesday – Closed
Boasting a 26-foot-long wood-burning grill in the kitchen, Quetzal is a Mexican restaurant known for transforming classics to sophisticated bursts of flavour through the magic of fire. Restaurateur Grant van Gameren opened the restaurant in 2018.
Their empanada Oaxaquena is made with tender barbacoa meat and served with a delicious hot sauce. It’s complemented with crunchy pickled radish for a satisfying savoury bite.
Pro tip:
If possible, sit at the counter located in front of the kitchen. You’ll have an excellent view of the chefs and how they prepare the dishes.
Shoushin
Website: https://www.shoushin.ca
Address: 3328 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4N 2M4
Contact details: +1 416-488-9400
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday to Tuesday – Closed
With a focus on Edomae style sushi, which is sushi made with fresh seafood caught near Tokyo Bay, Chef Jackie Lin opened Shoushin in 2015. Its 200-year-old hinoki wood counter makes the interior resemble the best sushi restaurants in Tokyo.
One of their signature dishes is the smoked kingfish in pureed daikon broth, a savoury silky soup. The meaty fish is lightly scented and briefly deep-fried for a more complex taste.
Pro tip:
They will charge you if you bring in your own dessert, so keep that in mind especially if you’re dining for a celebration.
