10 top Toronto restaurants for every cuisine craving

1. Best for French (fine dining): Alo

Grab a spot at the 20-seat bar for a skillfully mixed cocktail or move your way into the more intimate dining area with just 11 tables.

At Alo you’ll experience French fine dining, with cuisine made using fresh ingredients and classic cooking techniques.

The owners are reviving the pleasures of slow dining, where guests linger and savour the food. Try one of the set multi-course menus for some surprises from the kitchen.

163 Spadina Avenue, Toronto

2. Best for Thai: Pai Northern Thai Kitchen

You don’t need to go to Thailand to taste authentic Thai cuisine. Pai Northern Thai Kitchen is the third restaurant opened in Toronto by the owners because of their immense popularity.

The setting is cosy with high tables, or you can sit on the ground with colourful cushions, just like bars in the town of Pai, after which the restaurant is named.

Northern Thai classics are served and are priced exceptionally well.

18 Duncan Street, Toronto

3. Best for local Canadian cuisine: Richmond Station

Richmond Station is a beloved neighbourhood restaurant and the first helmed by a Top Chef Canada winner.

The menu features 15 dishes but has an ever changing specials menu.

A stop here could be for a quick burger or for a sit down 3-course meal with fine wine. This isn’t fine dining but exceptional ingredients and talented chefs deliver electric plates of food nonetheless.

1 Richmond St West, Toronto

4. Best for Mediterranean: The Elm Tree Restaurant

This family-run restaurant serves up dishes using familiar Mediterranean ingredients to create unique, mouth-watering meals.

A favourite among locals, The Elm Tree Restaurant has a casual feel and is one of TripAdvisor’s top 10 restaurants in Toronto.

43 Elm Street, Toronto

5. Best for Latino cuisine: Baro

Baro is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal before a night on the town as it’s located in the hot entertainment district.

Here you’ll find Latin dishes and cocktails packed with colour and flavour.

Pick your spot at a cosy booth, watch the action in the kitchen from the bar or spend the evening in the cocktail lounge.

485 King St West, Toronto

6. Best for Mexican: Lady Marmalade

You may need to wait in line but this hot brunch spot is worth all of the hype. It is a local favourite serving healthy Mexican-inspired dishes.

There are no greasy items on the menu. Instead, plates are filled with fresh and locally-sourced organic ingredients.

Stop by to try the breakfast poutine or build your own eggs Benedict.

898 Queen St East, Toronto

7. Best for Egyptian: Maha’s

For brunch with a twist try some Egyptian favourites. Popular options include scrambled eggs with basturma (thinly sliced cured beef) and sunny eggs with foole (seasoned fava beans).

If you don’t get there early you may have to wait, but the colourful and creative dishes make it worthwhile.

The family helps out in the kitchen and the restaurant has a very casual atmosphere.

226 Greenwood Avenue, Toronto

8. Best for Chinese: King’s Noodle

This budget-friendly hot spot is a must visit while in Toronto’s bustling Chinatown. King’s Noodle is most known for its BBQ duck which hangs in the restaurant’s front window but the pork is also popular.

Top off a bowl of steaming noodles or wonton soup with your choice of meat, or get a platter of noodles served with bok choy if you’re vegetarian.

296 Spadina Avenue, Toronto

9. Best for French (casual): Café Boulud

Inspired by the chef’s family meals in Lyon, Café Boulud’s menu captures the tastes of traditional and contemporary French dishes.

Bistro classics are some of the favourites on the seasonally changing menu.

The atmosphere is relaxed, with a vintage-style dining room and comfortable lounge for guests.

60 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto

10. Best wine bar: Grey Gardens

Wine lovers regularly gather along the white marble at this immaculate wine bar.

The wine list is an interesting mix and very well priced. Non-wine drinkers can enjoy a classic cocktail or one of the three draft options.

Light classy bar food, appetisers and medium-sized dishes are also offered to accompany your drink.

199 Augusta Avenue, Toronto