15 must-try Michelin Star restaurants in Toronto

The vibrant city of Toronto, renowned for its diverse culinary scene, has recently been recognised for its exceptional dining experiences. Several restaurants have earned prestigious Michelin stars, marking them as must-visit destinations for food enthusiasts. Here we have gathered all the Michelin star restaurants in the city of Toronto so the next time you want to splurge on dinner you know where to go an a little about what you will experience!

Before sharing our Toronto Michelin star guide, it is important to note that Michelin’s historical methodology, is based on five universal criteria, to ensure each destination’s selection equity: 1) quality products; 2) the harmony of flavours; 3) the mastery of cooking techniques; 4) the personality of the chef in the cuisine; 5) consistency between each visit (each restaurant is inspected several times a year).

Michelin star restaurants in Toronto 2024

Sushi Masaki Saito:

This illustrious two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Toronto, Sushi Masaki Saito, is celebrated for its authentic Edomae sushi. The chef, Masaki Saito, crafts each piece with a meticulous attention to detail, using fish sourced directly from Japan’s finest markets. The elegant setting and the chef’s expertise offer an intimate and refined dining experience, making each visit a journey into the heart of traditional Japanese sushi artistry.

Website: https://www.masakisaito.ca/

Address: 88 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2H2

Alo Restaurant:

A beacon of gastronomy in Toronto, Alo provides a French dining experience that is both sophisticated and innovative. Under the guidance of Chef Patrick Kriss, the restaurant offers a multi-course tasting menu that features the finest seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere is elegantly designed to complement the culinary excellence, making Alo a premier destination for those seeking a memorable dining experience.

Website: https://alorestaurant.com/

Address: 163 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5V 2L6

Alobar Yorkville:

Situated in one of Toronto’s most fashionable districts, Alobar Yorkville offers a menu that combines creativity with culinary precision. The restaurant’s ambiance, with its stylish decor and inviting atmosphere, perfectly complements its innovative dishes, which are crafted to showcase the best of modern cuisine with a unique twist.

Website: https://thealobar.com/alobar-yorkville/

Address: 162 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON M5R 1A8

Don Alfonso 1890:

Located high above the city in the Westin Hotel, Don Alfonso 1890 is an outpost of the famed Italian restaurant, offering panoramic views alongside its acclaimed menu. The cuisine blends traditional Italian techniques with local ingredients, creating a fine dining experience that is both grand and intimate.

Website: https://www.donalfonsotoronto.com/

Address: 1 Harbour Square 38th Floor, Toronto, ON M5J 1A6

Aburi Hana:

In the heart of Toronto, Aburi Hana stands out for its avant-garde approach to Japanese cuisine. The restaurant specializes in aburi sushi, where each piece is partially seared with a blowtorch, enhancing its flavours and textures. The elegant presentation and innovative techniques make each meal a captivating culinary adventure.

Website: https://www.aburihana.com/

Address: 102 Yorkville Ave, Unit 4 Lower Level, Toronto, ON M5R 1B9

Edulis:

Nestled in a quaint Toronto neighbourhood in West Queen West, Edulis is a charming restaurant that focuses on foraged and locally-sourced ingredients. The menu is a reflection of the seasons, offering dishes that are both simple and deeply flavorful, served in a warm, homey setting that invites diners to relax and enjoy.

Website: https://www.edulisrestaurant.com/

Address: 169 Niagara St, Toronto, ON M5V 1C9

Enigma Yorkville:

Enigma Yorkville offers a dining experience that is as much about the spectacle as it is about the cuisine. Chef Quinton Bennett utilizes his international experience to craft dishes that are visually stunning and gastronomically complex, offering a modern interpretation of global cuisines in a chic and contemporary setting.

Website: https://www.enigmayorkville.com/

Address: 23 St Thomas St Unit 1, Toronto, ON M5S 3E7

Frilu:

Located in the suburbs of Toronto, Frilu is known for its minimalist approach and focus on local Canadian ingredients. The tasting menu is a journey through textures and flavours, designed to surprise and delight guests in a setting that is both modern and inviting.

Website: https://www.frilurestaurant.com/

Address: 7713 Yonge St, Thornhill, ON L3T 2C4

Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto:

This exclusive restaurant provides an authentic kaiseki experience that celebrates the ritual and art of Japanese cuisine. Each dish is carefully composed to reflect the seasonal nuances and is presented as a form of edible art, making dining at Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto a culturally enriching experience.

Website: https://www.kaiseki.ca/

Address: 6 Sakura Way, North York, ON M3C 1Z5

Kappo Sato:

Kappo Sato offers an intimate dining setting where each dish is prepared directly before guests, emphasizing the connection between chef and diner. This restaurant specializes in kappo style, which means “to cut and to cook,” showcasing the chef’s skill and creativity in a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.

Website: https://kapposato.com/

Address: 575 Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4S 2M5

Osteria Giulia:

Osteria Giulia delivers the flavours of Northern Italy to Toronto with a menu that emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple, hearty flavours. The ambiance is sophisticated yet welcoming, with a focus on making each meal feel like a gathering among friends.

Website: https://osteriagiulia.ca/

Address: 134 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2H6

Quetzal:

Quetzal celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Mexico with a focus on live-fire cooking. The vibrant flavours and techniques showcase the diversity of Mexican cuisine, served in an atmosphere that is both rustic and contemporary.

Website: https://www.quetzaltoronto.com/

Address: 419 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1T1

Restaurant 20 Victoria:

This intimate venue is known for its exclusivity and focus on precision in every dish. With only a few seats available, patrons at Restaurant 20 Victoria enjoy a personalized experience that highlights the chef’s innovative approach to contemporary cuisine.

Website: https://www.exploretock.com/restaurant20victoria/

Address: 20 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5C 2A1

Yukashi:

Chef Daisuke Izutsi’s Yukashi offers a refined interpretation of Japanese kaiseki. Each course is a testament to the balance and harmony of traditional Japanese cuisine, prepared with meticulous attention to detail and presented in an atmosphere of understated elegance.

Website: https://www.yukashitoronto.com/

Address: 643a Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4S 2M9

Shoushin:

Shoushin is a temple to traditional sushi, where Chef Jackie Lin demonstrates the artistry of sushi preparation. The restaurant’s focus on high-quality ingredients and the skillful execution of sushi techniques make it a destination for those seeking an authentic and memorable sushi experience.

Website: https://www.shoushin.ca/

Address: 3328 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4N 2M4

Final thoughts

Each of these fine establishments reflects Toronto’s rich culinary diversity, prowess and commitment to exceptional dining experiences. Whether seeking innovative Japanese fare, refined Italian dishes, or meticulously crafted French cuisine, Toronto’s Michelin-starred restaurants serve up memorable culinary adventures for every palate.

lead photo Don Alfonso 1890, interior

by Ryan Howse-Hackl, Sheridan College

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