When you mix a comfortable but curated vibe, memorably indulgent dishes, and stellar service, you get a recipe for a splurge that’s well worth it. Helping this cause, Toronto has seen a slew of new, high-end restaurants open their doors that are worth every penny of the tab and leave diners coming back for more.
From new local neighbourhood spots to sexy and stylish imports from cities like Miami and New York, the city has welcomed new places that have become quick staples on its bustling restaurant scene as of late. If you’re in the market for a satisfying splurge you won’t regret, make a reservation at one of these new Toronto restaurants.
12 New Toronto Restaurants that Are Worth the Splurge
1. Nobu Toronto
Until recently, the nearest Nobu fix for Toronto residents was found in New York City. That changed in summer 2024, when the global hospitality brand opened up shop in the heart of the city’s Entertainment District (25 Mercer Street). Of course, the Robert De Niro-backed restaurant is known for its renowned Nobu-style Japanese cuisine with South American influences and its sophisticated vibe. The two-storey restaurant sits at the base of what will become the highly anticipated Nobu Hotel in 2025. Find more info here.
2. Bar Prima
On Queen West (1136 Queen West), Bar Prima – which was just named one of Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants of 2024 – is celebrated as much for its design and approachably sophisticated vibe as it is its comforting old-school Italian fare. Within the walls of this Future Studio-designed spot, you’ll find every reason to indulge in an assortment of pastas and crowd-pleasers – like lobster fra diavola, octopus alla griglia, and striploin pepe verde – from chef-owners Craig Harding and Julian D’Ippolito. Find more info here.
3. AKin Toronto
To close out 2024, Akin gave Toronto’s restaurant community something to talk about when it opened up shop on Colbourne Street, offering something new to the Old Toronto neighbourhood. The Asian fine dining restaurant offers a 10-course blind tasting menu from MasterChef Canada winner Eric Chong and celebrated Michelin-starred chef Alvin Leung that reimagined modern Asian cuisine. The menu is designed to take guests on a three-hour adventure. Find more info here.
4. DaNico
In Palmerston-Little Italy (440 College Street), DaNico elegantly transformed a historic bank building, branding it with Liberty Group’s detailed quality design and coveted art, in addition to the innovative culinary goodness served within its walls. Here, Liberty Entertainment Group and Michelin Star Chef Daniele Corona bring modern Italian fare, best enjoyed via the spot’s signature tasting menu. Like other Liberty Group restaurants, art plays a starring role at DaNico, with artwork from Mr. Brainwash and others. Find more info here.
5. Estiatorio Milos Toronto
In the Financial District, Estiatorio Milos (330 Bay Street) gave Toronto’s in-the-know set something to celebrate when it hit the Toronto restaurant scene in September – just in time to host exclusive pre-opening TIFF parties. The high-end global chain – which has locations in Montreal, Miami, London, and New York (to name a few) – serves up elevated Greek fare (with their fresher-than-fresh fish the star of the show) from their sleek and sprawling real estate. Find more info here.
6. Daphne
Daphne (67 Richmond Street West) is one of the slew of new spots reviving the restaurant scene in the city’s Financial District. The 2023-opened INK Entertainment restaurant offers a modern American fare with a side of conversation-worthy design details (like its dramatic arched ceilings) and a bustling vibe. The see-and-be-seen spot is known for an extensive menu filled with wood-grilled meats and seafood, pizzas, pastas, and sides like a dreamy truffle baked potato. Find more info here.
7. Blue Bovine
The opening of swanky and sprawling Blue Bovine steakhouse in January 2024 once again proved that Union Station is much more than a transit tub. Located at the northeast corner of the landmark station, Canadian business mogul Kevin O’Leary and famed Toronto Maple Leaf Mitch Marner co-own the Liberty Group restaurant. Here, you’ll find the best of the steak and seafood worlds, with things like an extensive steak list, seafood and sushi towers, caviar, and jam-packed salads. Find more info here.
8. Animl Steakhouse and Cocktail Den
Earlier this fall, Animl – a spot from INK Entertainment – breathed new life into a downtown laneway in the King West neighbourhood. As its name suggests, the restaurant caters to the carnivorous set, but offers a more intimate and sophisticated vibe than the typical steakhouse, thanks to its smaller size and design elements from Nivek Remas. Guests can expect modern interpretations of classic steakhouse favourites, from dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood to indulgent sides. Find more info here.
9. The Berczy Tavern
At The Berczy Tavern (69 Front Street East), a St. Lawrence Market spot that opened its doors in summer 2024, a meal can come with the accompanying sounds of a live piano player. Housed in a cosy historic building with brick and exposed beams, the restaurant/piano bar is known as much for its comforting fare – which includes highlights like a truffle risotto, fish crudo, braised shortrib, and charred octopus – as it is for the talented pianists that grace the venue. Find more info here.
10. Mott 32
Those staying at the Shangri-La Toronto don’t have to travel far for a memorable meal. In summer 2024, Mott 32 took over the multi-level restaurant real estate at Richmond and University (190 University), replacing long-time restaurant Momofuku. With a moody vibe upon entry, the award-winning Chinese restaurant is best known for their homemade dim sum, their fine Kobe and wagyu beef, and their famed 42-day apple wood roasted pecking duck. Find more info here.
11. Aera
The Well, a celebrated mixed-use architectural gem, brought a handful of sleek new restaurants to wine and dine Toronto’s stylish restaurant-goers when it opened in 2023. This includes the arguable crown jewel, Oliver & Bonacini’s Aera, which sits on the 38th floor and offers unmatched views of the city to accompany its menu of elevated classics and steakhouse favourites. It’s complete with a sushi counter and features seasonal raw bar delicacies, a curated selection of steak and chops, and sophisticated spins on classic comfort food. Find more info here.
12. Frenchy Bar et Brasserie
The Hilton stepped up its culinary game early this year, when Frenchy officially opened for business. Taking over the sprawling lobby level, Frenchy offers a mini escape to Paris, with a distinct Parisian-inspired vibe throughout the restaurant and bar and comforting French offerings. In addition to the inevitable French onion soup and escargots, the menu features starters like truffle baked brie, coquilles st. jacques, and salmon tartare. Diners enjoy a live band on Thursdays and DJ sets on the weekend. Find more info here.
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