Kandice VincentThe 5 Best Restaurants in Yorkville
Every once in a while, we all deserve a taste of delicious cuisine in swanky surroundings as a reward for navigating life's hurdles. Luckily, we've got the inside scoop on the best dining spots in Yorkville, from trendy bistros to fine dining places.
Let's embark on a gastronomic adventure and navigate the best of Yorkville, ensuring you never have to ponder the age-old question of "Where should we eat?" again.
The 5 Best Restaurants in Yorkville
How much does it cost to dine out in Yorkville?
Typically, dining at a mid-range restaurant in Yorkville, Toronto costs approximately $50 per person. It could go down to $25 if dining in budget-friendly eateries.
How We Chose the Best Restaurants in Yorkville
1. Café Boulud
Café Boulud, the brainchild of Chef Daniel Boulud, presents a blend of French brasserie classics and contemporary dishes influenced by his family’s Lyon heritage. Originally gracing the Upper East Side in 1998, the cafe opened in Toronto in 2015.
The dining room, artfully designed by Martin Brudnizki, offers vintage-inspired charm, complete with cosy lounges, banquettes, and a welcoming dining bar counter.
A classic dish to try is Chef Boulud’s paupiette of sea bass, its recipe dating back to 1985. Remarkably simple, this dish masterfully combines just four ingredients: fresh sea bass, thinly sliced potatoes, leeks, and a delicious red wine sauce.
After dining, guests can also visit d|bar, their ground-floor lounge offering a range of classic and inventive cocktails and bar bites.
Café Boulud welcomes private events, catering to groups of 10-20 in the main dining room and smaller gatherings of up to 10 in a semi-private space.
Pros
- Michelin-starred chef
- Stylish interior design
- Has a full bar
- Offers private dining
- Accommodates walk-ins
- Has valet parking
- Wheelchair-accessible
Cons
- Reports of long wait times
- Abrupt cancellations of bookings
Best brunch spot in Toronto
“I came here considering it’s the only restaurant by world-famous chef Daniel Boulud in Toronto. It’s located in the Four Seasons Hotel. I was very impressed by the overall ambience and decor. The customer service was amazing, I don’t have a single bad thing to say about this spot. I came here for brunch, and wow, the soufflé pancakes were out of this world! Be prepared to spend when you visit, this is a pricier menu. I personally found the money I spent worth the experience, and would eat here every week if I lived closer. Best brunch spot in Toronto. Get a reservation as they do get busy. Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5.”
A. Ahmed, Google Review
The service is impeccable
“Cafe Boulud is one of the locations that you thought never existed. It’s my first time coming here by chance. And taking friends from out of town for an adventure in Toronto on a Sunday morning, and it didn’t disappoint! The service is impeccable 👌, from the front desk check in, to the time we got sitted in until we left. The food is scrumptious, I decided to go healthy and light, and the avocado toast satisfied me well. Their latte is something I highly recommend, I gave it a The place was busy during our visit. However, we felt special and peaceful, thanks to our attentive servers. It was a great dining experience indeed! Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5.”
Ashley Pelle, Google Review
2. Alobar Yorkville
Alobar, founded in 2018, is a hidden Yorkville gem: it’s a cocktail bar and à la carte French restaurant, with a special focus on seafood and a carefully curated selection of wines. What sets Alobar apart is its prestigious Michelin star recognition in 2022.
Seafood lovers should try their chilled fresh lobster paired perfectly with zesty lime aioli. Another crowd favourite is their tender and rich confit duck served with pappardelle pasta.
It’s known for impeccable service, including the staff’s quick responsiveness and attention to detail.
Alobar boasts a cozy courtyard patio, for those who want to people-watch or enjoy the sun while sipping cocktails. It welcomes dining room reservations for groups ranging from 2 to 6 guests, making it an ideal choice for both intimate dinners and social gatherings.
Pros
- Has a Michelin star
- Cocktail bar and restaurant
- Has patio seating
- Top-notch service
- Accepts dining room group reservations
Cons
- Reports of diners feeling rushed by staff
- Comparatively pricey
Deserving of 1 Michelin Star
Deserving of 1 Michelin Star. Came on a Tuesday for a 7:15PM reservation for 2 and it was a full house. I’ve been to the other sister restaurants (Alo + Aloette) and was really looking forward to trying Alobar. Service and food are exceptional! We ordered 2 drinks, 4 apps/sides + 2 mains. I think we could have gone without the fries as we had trouble finishing the mains. The fish was delicious and I did not expect the flavours. I thought their duck pasta was the best duck pasta I’ve had. The pieces of duck meat were crispy and melted in my mouth. Highly recommend and would come back for a special occasion. I advise booking a reservation in advance as it was very busy on a Tuesday night. Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5.”
Simon W, Google Review
So grateful we chose Alobar!
“My partner and I celebrated our anniversary here and were looking for a place we could sink our teeth into that had an array of flavours in both food and drink and are happy to say that we are so grateful we chose Alobar! We’d come here for the sole reason that my partner loves Duck and we’d never been here before but had heard from a friend that the Duck Pappardelle Pasta and Foie Gras Parfait dish here were a must-try and they were not wrong in the slightest! Every recommendation provided was taken and we were so happy with the choices made. A stand out for us was definitely the Salmon Crudo – perfect blend and hints of the poblano pepper throughout – which was recommended to us by both Olga and Cade. Thank you to the staff for your incredible work and for making our anniversary feel so special including the surprise drink Cade made for us for the walk home. Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5”
Nicole Ferreira, Google Review
3. Trattoria Nervosa
Trattoria Nervosa, a charming eatery, opened its doors in 1996. It specialises in Southern Italian dishes, offering a selection of antipasti, pasta, and pizza.
One cannot go here without trying their Mafalde Ai Funghi. It’s a creamy pasta dish with a rich truffle cream sauce – it’s as flavourful as it is aromatic!
Another house specialty is their risotto Nervosa, made with Barolo-braised beef short rib, truffle paste, and local mushrooms. It’s earthy, rich, and savoury with a touch of sweetness from its fig balsamic reduction.
Their menu changes with the seasons, allowing them to use only the freshest ingredients.
For special gatherings, they offer private dining options in their main dining room and the upstairs lounge, accommodating groups of varying sizes. Guests can also choose between a sit-down meal or a buffet-style gathering.
Additionally, their gluten-free pasta is available upon request.
Pros
- 27 years of experience
- Has a seasonal menu
- Walk-in only policy
- Outdoor seating and free WiFi
- Offers private dining
- Has gluten-free pasta
Cons
- Pets are not allowed
- Reports of rude staff
Great Italian spot with consistently good food
“Great Italian spot with consistently good food. Service is friendly and attention is paid to little things like changing plates and refilling the water. The pastas are my favourite but everything is great. The olives are served warm and they’re a great item to have with drinks while waiting (food comes out quickly though)! In terms of accessibility- washrooms are upstairs but there is lots of ground level patio seating. Atmosphere is fun, vibrant, and lovely. No reservations- first come first serve- majority of party needs to be there to get a seat! Vegetarian options: They have lots of salads and veg options- special mention of the famous mafalde pasta! Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5. Recommended dishes: Rigatoni Bolognese Pasta, Mafalde Ai Funghi Mushroom Pasta.”
Absolutely amazing experience!
“Absolutely amazing experience!! From the service, vibe and especially the food. We were a party of 3 got sat right away on the roof top (it was a Monday so not too too busy) ordered quit a few different items off the menu and we shared everything. Our server was very attentive and gave us lots of great recommendations. The grilled octopus was honestly one of my favourite things I’ve gotten at a restaurant to date. We had pasta, fish and pizza as well as some apps and desserts. Nothing disappointed! Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5. Recommended dishes: Grilled Octopus.”
Jordyn Thiessen, Google Review
4. ONE Restaurant
ONE Restaurant is located in the swanky Hazelton Hotel, with Executive Chef Darby Piquette at the helm. Influenced by sampling local cuisine in his travels, he’s known for using only seasonal produce to ensure freshness.
The restaurant’s ambiance, crafted by the award-winning design group Yabu Pushelberg, exudes sophistication. It has low lighting, textured walls, and a charming candlelit patio lined with trees.
The restaurant is quite famous for its lobster tail and vermouth beurre fondue. It’s a simple but buttery appetiser, highlighting the freshness of the lobster.
Another must-try is their Korean chicken tacos with gochujang, pickled cabbage, sesame aioli, and avocado. It’s tangy, sweet, and spicy – something everyone would enjoy.
For those seeking private dining options, ONE Restaurant offers two spaces: the intimate Neil Young Room and the grand Yorkville Room.
Pros
- Executive chef uses only seasonal produce
- Decor and ambiance curated by Yabu Pushelberg
- Offers private dining
- Gluten-free and vegan menu choices
- Valet parking
- Wheelchair-accessible
Cons
- Has a business casual dress code
- Reports of staff neglecting diners
One of the best restaurants I’ve tried in Yorkville
“Hands down, one of the best restaurants I’ve tried in Yorkville. We sat on the patio which is very spacious and comfortable. If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy some great food and good weather, this is it. Every dish we tried was absolutely exceptional. Don’t skip out on the lobster spoons, scallops and tuna ceviche. Each dish was garnished to perfection, the fish was super fresh and very flavorful. If you’re up for dessert, the Boston Crème Donuts were fantastic. Our service was also great. They make sure you are well taken care of from beginning to end. Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5.Recommended dishes: Lobster Spoons.”
Sabrina Zucaro, Google Review
Amazing taste and a fantastic server
“Amazing quality, freshness and taste. We had a fantastic server who gave us great advice on the menu. Everything was delicious. Explore the starters, they are so good. From Lobster spoons to Wagyu sliders to the scallops – all were excellent. Entrees were also excellent, our table of 7 raved about all our dishes. Don’t be surprised if you bump into someone famous. The only issues we had were related to bar service which was slow and one appetizer that never made it to our table. Food: 5/5 | Service: 4/5 | Atmosphere: 4/5.”
SameerR, Google Review
5. Sofia Restaurant & Bar
Sofia Restaurant and Bar is a unique Italian restaurant that combines upscale dining and art. It has been owned by Bechara “Charles” Khabouth since 2013, who consistently earns a spot on Toronto Life’s list of ’50 Most Influential People in Toronto.’
Diners flock to this restaurant for its unique rigatoni alla vodka. Its creamy and slightly spicy tomato flavours are complemented by the richness of Parmigiano Reggiano.
Notably, Sofia hosts a special Carb Night every Sunday featuring half-price pasta dishes and desserts, while also offering a delightful weekend brunch.
Sofia’s modern and sophisticated space is available for private events. It boasts luxurious seating, a well-stocked bar, and a remarkable in-house art gallery featuring internationally acclaimed artists, as well as street and modern art.
The constantly curated collection offers guests a visual treat, and all pieces are available for purchase.
Pros
- A decade of experience
- Hosts a special Sunday Carb Night
- Weekend brunch
- Offers outdoor seating
- Hosts private events
- Has an in-house art gallery
Cons
- Reports of music being too loud
- Pricier compared to other upscale dining spots
I thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered
“I came here for brunch on a Saturday afternoon, and loved it! It wasn’t super busy during this time, and because the space is quite large, diners weren’t placed so close together that you can hear the conversation of the table beside you. The interior of Sofia is beautiful, and our personal server was great! She was friendly, easy to understand, knew the menu, and always came by at the right moment to refill our water glasses.
I thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered during this visit, as it was all very flavourful without being overwhelming. I especially loved especially the tigelle (similar to an English muffin) that was served with my eggs benedict. It was somewhat buttery, crispy on the outside, and soft in the inside. Ordered: – uova in camicia (eggs benny), insalata di rucola (arugula salad), zeppole di san giuseppe (Italian doughnut & pistachio ice cream), Apricot and Peach bellini, Pomegranate and Tea bellini. Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5.”
Sarah Phu, Google Review
The perfect spot for our anniversary dinner
“Sofia, tucked away in Yorkville, was the perfect spot for our anniversary dinner. The place has a cool, modern vibe but still feels cozy. The decor is top-notch, making you feel you’ve stepped into somewhere special. We loved the Baby Gem Salad, Broccolini, and Branzino – each bite was a treat. And the drinks were on point too. Our host, Adam, was the star of the show. He was attentive and had us laughing as he showed off his spaghetti serving skills. Our night at Sofia was memorable, thanks to great food, a cool setting, and awesome service. Will definitely be back and highly recommend Sofia if you’re in the Yorkville area and looking for a special night with Italian cuisine. Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5. Recommended dishes: Spaghetti Al Pomodoro.”
Fadi Dawood, Google Review
