5 Must-Try Michelin-Starred Restaurants In Toronto

Toronto is home to some of the best places to eat in Canada. Michelin-starred restaurants are a big part of that. These spots are known for their excellent food, service, and unique dining experiences. Here are some of the top Michelin-starred restaurants in the city.

1. Alo

Alo is in downtown Toronto and serves modern French cuisine. Chef Patrick Kriss leads the kitchen, earning the restaurant a reputation for its service and sophisticated tasting menus. The restaurant’s focus on quality and creativity has earned it a well-deserved Michelin star.

Their menu changes with the seasons, and the restaurant is known for using fresh, local ingredients. Alo’s delicious foie gras with black truffle and lobster with caviar are popular. The cozy atmosphere and wine selection make it a great choice for a refined dining experience in Toronto. Alo also offers a private dining room, where guests are welcomed with a canapé reception and sparkling wine or cocktail.

• Address: 163 Spadina Ave, 3rd floor, Toronto, ON M5V 2L6
• Phone: (416) 260-2222

2. Don Alfonso 1890

Don Alfonso 1890, located at The Westin in downtown Toronto, is the kind of place that’s great for just about any occasion. The views overlooking the water or the city are beautiful, but it’s the food that makes it special. 

Apart from its Michelin star, Don Alfonso 1890 has also earned other prestigious awards like the Tre Forchette from Gambero Rosso, the highest honour given to Italian restaurants. On top of that, Don Alfonso 1890 is also ranked as the 3rd best Italian restaurant in the world by 50 Top Italy in its 2024 rankings.

Their Italian menu offers a variety of choices, including prix fixes and tasting options to sample different dishes. You can start with the seared Muscovy duck, which has a rich flavour or go for the vermicelli with mackerel and pine nuts for a perfect balance of texture and taste. And the porchetta, with its glossy honey glaze, is a must-try. 

• Address: Westin Harbour Castle, 1 Harbour Square, 38th Floor, Toronto, ON M5J 1A6
• Phone: (416) 214-5888

3. Sushi Masaki Saito

Sushi Masaki Saito is the first restaurant in Canada to earn two Michelin stars. If you’re a sushi fan, it’s a must-visit. The restaurant feels like a little slice of Japan, with its traditional hinoki wood counter and cozy vibe. 

Chef Masaki Saito serves up some of the freshest and most unique sushi in Toronto, with ingredients flown in straight from Japan. You’ll find things here you won’t get anywhere else, like grilled shirako or chutoro with white truffles. 

The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, and the team makes you feel at home. It’s a sushi experience you won’t forget. Plus, Sushi Masaki Saito is also considered one of the best Japanese restaurants in Toronto by the Guide Michelin.

• Address: 88 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON, Canada M5R 2H2
• Phone: (416) 924-0888

4. Quetzal

Quetzal, in downtown Toronto, is Canada’s only Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant. Unlike other Michelin-starred restaurants, this one allows walk-ins from Wednesday to Sunday. 

The lamb barbacoa in blue masa tortillas is a great choice. Their charred maitake mushrooms with poblano sauce are also recommended. But if there’s one dish you can’t miss, it’s the bone marrow and wild Argentinian shrimp, a must-try. And don’t forget to try one of their agave-based cocktails. 

If you’re not sure what to order, the staff will happily guide you with a tasting menu. You can also check their menu on their website.

• Address: 419 College St., Toronto, M5T 1T1, Canada
• Phone: (647) 347-3663

5. Edulis

Located in Toronto’s West End, Edulis is a one-Michelin-star restaurant known for its Mediterranean-inspired dishes. It’s run by husband-and-wife chefs Michael Caballo and Tobey Nemeth. Edulis is also part of the World’s 50 Best Discovery Series, a guide to top dining spots worldwide. On top of that, it’s ranked number 8 in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants ranking.

The restaurant offers a set multicourse menu, which you pay for when booking. You might enjoy their beautifully prepared seafood, like scallops with herbs or fish paired with rich sausage or shellfish. Edulis also offers a delicious pâté en croûte, which is highly recommended. There are optional add-ons, such as premium Spanish charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, or indulgent desserts. 

• Address: 169 Niagara St., Toronto, M5V 1C9, Canada
• Phone: (416) 703-4222

What To Do After Fine Dining at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant in Toronto

After a great meal at one of Toronto’s Michelin-starred restaurants, you might want to keep the night going. Here are some ideas.

Live Theatre

Toronto has many theatres with performances to suit all tastes. After dinner, head to the Royal Alexandra Theatre or Princess of Wales Theatre for a performance. From musicals to dramas and comedies, there’s always a great show to see.

Nightlife

For those looking to continue the evening with some lively entertainment, Toronto’s nightlife has plenty to offer. The Distillery District and King West have bars with good cocktails and a fun atmosphere. Bar Raval and Escobar are great choices if you want to relax after dinner.

Relax at Home

After a delightful dinner, you might want to unwind at home with some entertainment. You could stream a live concert or enjoy a movie marathon. To keep the culinary inspiration going, you can even try out some online cooking classes.

If you’re into online gambling, a Bitcoin casino like Bitcasino could offer a relaxed way to pass the time. Bitcoin transactions for this crypto casino are secure, and it has a nice range of online slots and table games. Plus, it offers interesting promotions.

Scenic Walks

If you’re looking to unwind, a stroll along Toronto’s waterfront is a great choice. The views are beautiful and the atmosphere is calm, perfect for a relaxed walk. You could also visit places like High Park or the Toronto Music Garden. Both are peaceful spots where you can enjoy the city’s beauty.

What Is a Michelin Star?

Since the Guide Michelin launched in Toronto in 2022, the city has gained several Michelin-starred restaurants. But what does a Michelin star mean?

How Are Michelin Stars Awarded?

A Michelin star is a prestigious award given to a select group of restaurants around the world. Anonymous inspectors evaluate each restaurant based on factors such as ingredient quality, cooking techniques, and consistency. When they visit, they also rate the personality of the chef in their cuisine and the value for money. A Michelin star isn’t just about a great meal, it’s the whole dining experience. 

A single star denotes a restaurant that offers a very good meal, while two stars indicate excellent cooking worth a detour. Three stars are reserved for establishments with exceptional cuisine, so extraordinary that they justify a special trip to experience it. Earning a star is a big achievement and a mark of culinary excellence.

What Is a Michelin-Recommended Restaurant?

In contrast, a Michelin-recommended restaurant hasn’t earned a star but still gets recognition for its quality. While both are highly regarded, Michelin-starred spots are considered the top tier, representing the best in fine dining. Michelin-recommended restaurants may not have earned a star, but they’re still worth checking out.

Do Michelin-starred Restaurants in Toronto Offer Takeout?

Michelin-starred restaurants are traditionally known for providing high-end dining experiences in elegant settings. Many don’t offer takeout due to the nature of their cuisine, which is often intricate and best enjoyed freshly prepared in-house. 

Besides, the majority of these prestigious restaurants focus on the full in-person experience, where atmosphere, service, and timing are essential components. Together, these details are what truly define fine dining and make it a memorable experience.

Apart from that, most Michelin-starred restaurants operate on a reservation-only basis, and walk-ins are rarely accommodated. This allows the restaurant to carefully manage guest experiences, maintain the highest level of service, and ensure every detail is meticulously planned. Given their popularity and limited seating, reservations often need to be made well in advance.

Therefore, if you’re planning to eat at one of these Michelin-starred restaurants in Toronto, checking their booking policies beforehand is essential. 

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