27 Cool & Unique Restaurants in Toronto (Foodie Experiences)

by Jen
Unique Restaurants in Toronto
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Toronto’s food scene is a total playground for foodies. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Kensington Market or savoring a meal with a killer view of the CN Tower, this city knows how to serve up unique dining experiences. From dim sum in Chinatown to creative farm-to-table dishes in Queen West, Toronto’s flavors reflect its vibrant multicultural energy.

On my two trips here, I’ve had the chance to try out some of the city’s most talked-about restaurants, and let me tell you, they live up to the hype. Here are 27 of the coolest and most unique places to eat in Toronto—each one guaranteed to leave you wanting more!

  • 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend doing this international food tour in Toronto. They bring you to the best spots in the city to try unique dishes like Tibetan momos, Jamaican patties, and more. This tour is an absolute must-do on a Toronto itinerary in my opinion.

Unique Restaurants in Toronto, Canada: 27 Memorable Toronto Eateries

Are you eager to explore the unique dining experiences Toronto has to offer? The beauty of Canada is definitely on full display in Toronto’s restaurant scene. Stay with us as we reveal where to eat in Toronto, Ontario.

Craving locally-sourced game or a meal that takes you on a journey through darkness? Maybe you’re in the mood for a dinner that comes with a side of live entertainment? Whatever your taste adventure, Toronto is ready to meet it. Here’s your exclusive guide to the most unique restaurants in Toronto, ON.

The top restaurants to visit in Toronto right now

1. ONoir Toronto

  • 📍 Location: Church-Wellesley Village
  • 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mystery Multi-Course / Global Influences (Dining in the Dark)
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Dining in pitch blackness, service by visually impaired servers, sensory focus, unique concept.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous eaters, unique dates, sensory explorers, icebreakers, and memorable dining adventures.

Ready to ditch the visuals and truly taste your food? ONoir Toronto invites you to dine in complete, absolute darkness. Located near the Village, this unique concept challenges your senses as you navigate a surprise multi-course meal.

O.Noir interior

You’ll rely solely on taste, smell, touch, and the expert assistance of their visually impaired serving staff. You might get a creamy butternut squash soup, tender braised beef with root vegetables, or a surprising chocolate avocado mousse. It’s a fascinating way to experience flavor!

ONoir Toronto is one of the unique restaurants in Toronto.
At ONoir Toronto, dine in complete darkness for an unforgettable experience where senses, not sight, define your meal.

2. Chotto Matte Toronto

If you’re into bold flavors and glam ambiance, Chotto Matte Toronto is the move. This Nikkei restaurant fuses Japanese and Peruvian cuisines in a two-story space that absolutely oozes style – think lush living walls, sleek marble, and moody neon lighting that turns everything a little otherworldly. The Yellowtail Nikkei Sashimi and the Black Cod Aji Miso are star dishes, artfully plated and sharing-friendly. Cocktails come with edible flowers or smoldering in dry ice clouds, so your camera gets a workout. Located just off King West, it’s surrounded by cool bars for a proper night out after. Don’t skip the rooftop patio if you want dramatic skyline views. I really dig how Chotto Matte turns “dinner” into an event.

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Tentáculos de Pulpo - Octopus, yuzu, purple potato

3. Ten Restaurant

  • 📍 Location: Brockton Village
  • 💲 Price range: $80 – $150+ per person
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Canadian / Seasonal Tasting Menus
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Tiny (10-seat) intimate setting, chef-driven tasting menus, Canadian ingredient focus, hard to reserve.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Foodie splurges, intimate fine dining, tasting menu lovers, seasonal eating fans, and exclusive experiences.

Good luck snagging a seat – seriously! Ten Restaurant lives up to its name with an incredibly intimate setting of just ten seats for a truly exclusive dining experience. This spot focuses on ambitious, chef-driven tasting menus showcasing Canadian ingredients.

Fiddleheads, Brioche and Ramps

The tiny space means service is super personal. Expect multiple courses of beautifully plated food like delicate Nova Scotia scallops with foraged greens, inventive pasta dishes with seasonal mushrooms, or perfectly cooked Ontario lamb. Getting a reservation requires planning.

Ten Restaurant offers bold flavors and a menu where tradition meets innovation.
Ten Restaurant offers bold flavors and a menu where tradition meets innovation. | Source: https://www.10restaurant.ca/

4. Minami Toronto

Minami Toronto feels like you’ve teleported to a chic spot in Tokyo, but with a distinctly Canadian twist (try the aburi oshi sushi flight if you want proof). The interiors are jaw-dropping, blending warm woods, dramatic lighting, and large art installations. Order the Ebi Oshi – flame-seared plastic-wrapped prawn sushi with signature sauces – or the wagyu beef carpaccio for something you’ll brag about later. The sake selection is mighty, and the cocktails are as creative as the menu. Yorkville shopping and galleries are just around the corner if you need a cultural fix after. Tip: Book ahead, because this is a popular date-night spot. I was floored by how seamless the service is – they never rush you, even when the place is packed.

Sushi Platter

5. The Sultan’s Tent & Cafe Moroc

  • 📍 Location: St. Lawrence Market Area / Old Town Toronto
  • 💲 Price range: $50 – $90 per person
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Moroccan / French-Moroccan
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Lavish Moroccan tent decor, belly dancing shows, tagines/couscous, atmospheric setting.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Unique date nights, group celebrations, experiencing Moroccan vibes, dinner & a show, and transportive dining.

Escape to an exotic oasis at The Sultan’s Tent & Cafe Moroc. This unique restaurant transports you with its lavish, draped tent ceilings, plush seating, and rich colours – pure Arabian Nights fantasy! Captivating belly dancing performances happen most nights.

Lamb Freekha

The menu features flavorful Moroccan and French-Moroccan cuisine. Dive into aromatic tagines, like the chicken with preserved lemons and olives. Fluffy couscous royale with mixed meats, or a selection of Moroccan salads and dips like zaalouk, are also fantastic.

The Sultan’s Tent and Cafe, a culinary escape to a Moroccan oasis, serving the best food with an exotic flair.
The Sultan’s Tent and Cafe, a culinary escape to a Moroccan oasis, serving the best food with an exotic flair.

6. Piano Piano Restaurant

Piano Piano Restaurant makes Italian dining in Toronto feel fresh, fun, and totally unpretentious. The whimsical hand-painted murals, leafy wallpaper, and crazy-patterned floors give it a cool Alice-in-Wonderland energy. You’ll smell the pizza oven as soon as you walk in – go for the spicy soppressata pizza or lobster ravioli, both crowd-pleasers and drool-worthy. They’ve also got playful desserts like Nutella tiramisu served in a jar. The vibe is lively, perfect for a group dinner or even a buzzy date. It’s close to Mirvish Village, so you can grab a show or bookstore crawl before or after. I loved how every plate is heaped and generous – nobody leaves here hungry or grumpy.

Bar area

7. Mysteriously Yours Mystery Dinner Theatre

  • 📍 Location: Chelsea Hotel
  • 💲 Price range: $80 – $130+ per person (Includes dinner & show)
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Continental Set Menu
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Interactive murder mystery show, audience participation, themed performances, dinner included with entertainment.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Fun group outings, unique celebrations, interactive theatre fans, mystery lovers, and dinner with a show.

Can you crack the case before coffee? At Mysteriously Yours Mystery Dinner Theatre, your meal comes with suspense and laughter. Located midtown, this spot mixes a multi-course dinner with a live, interactive comedic murder mystery play unfolding around your table!

Two of our 4 main course options. All 4 are gluten free and one is vegan

The set menu usually offers options like prime rib, grilled salmon, or a vegetarian pasta dish, along with soup or salad and dessert. Guests are encouraged to follow clues and interrogate suspects. The focus is on the engaging entertainment.

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Mysteriously Yours Mystery Dinner Theatre: a thrilling dinner, interactive detective story, and one of the city's most fun restaurants.
Mysteriously Yours Mystery Dinner Theatre: a thrilling dinner, interactive detective story, and one of the city’s most fun restaurants.

8. Pompette

Pompette is the French bistro every hip Toronto neighborhood craves. The food is refined but playful – look for dishes like duck confit served over creamy pommes purée, or the show-stopping housemade charcuterie. Their cocktails have serious reputation, especially the bright, frothy “No Sex on the Beach.” Inside, the ambiance lands somewhere between modern Parisian wine bar and cozy local haunt, with candlelit tables, a bustling open kitchen, and vintage glassware everywhere. It’s in Little Italy, so you’re never far from a good after-dinner stroll or coffee at nearby College Street cafes. My favorite detail? They leave a bowl of cornichons on the bar, because they know snacking is an art form too.

Entrance to Pompette Restaurant

9. Antler Kitchen & Bar

  • 📍 Location: Little Portugal / Dundas West
  • 💲 Price range: $50 – $90 per person
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Contemporary Canadian / Wild Game Focus
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Canadian game meat focus (venison/bison/boar), adventurous dishes, craft cocktails, rustic-chic vibe.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous eaters, game meat fans, Canadian cuisine explorers, stylish date nights, and trying something different.

Get a taste of the Canadian wilderness at Antler Kitchen & Bar on Dundas West. This spot celebrates Canadian ingredients with a unique focus on wild game and foraged goodies. Think expertly prepared dishes featuring flavorful venison or rich bison.

Antler Kitchen and Bar

Their game burger (often bison or elk) is a popular choice. Adventurous dishes like smoked duck hearts or venison tartare showcase their unique focus. The atmosphere is rustic-chic, warm, and inviting. They also shake up fantastic craft cocktails.

Antler Kitchen & Bar celebrates Canadian cuisine, focusing on wild, foraged foods.
Antler Kitchen & Bar celebrates Canadian cuisine, focusing on wild, foraged foods.

10. Enigma Yorkville

Enigma Yorkville is a splurge – and a spectacle. This is Toronto’s ultimate destination for avant-garde tasting menus, with dishes that look like edible art installations. Chef Quinton Bennett pushes boundaries with courses like the “mushroom forest” (real mushrooms, edible soil, meticulously plated) and wagyu dressed with wasabi snow. The vibe is almost futuristic: sleek seating, surreal art, and wild light shows bounce off the ceiling. Set in the back streets of Yorkville, it’s surrounded by high-end boutiques, but the real luxury is the unhurried pace and storytelling behind each dish. If you love surprises and multi-sensory meals, start saving up. I felt like every plate deserved its own standing ovation.

Enigma Yorkville

11. 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower

  • 📍 Location: Entertainment District (Top of CN Tower)
  • 💲 Price range: $80 – $150+ per person (Prix-Fixe, includes tower access)
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Upscale Canadian / International
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Revolving restaurant atop CN Tower, incredible 360° city/lake views, fine dining, world’s highest wine cellar.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Ultimate Toronto views, special occasions, tourists wanting iconic experience, romantic dinners, and impressing visitors.

Dine way up among the clouds at 360 The Restaurant, perched near the top of Toronto’s iconic CN Tower. This place revolves slowly, giving breathtaking, ever-changing 360-degree views of the city skyline and Lake Ontario. Your meal includes tower access!

Steak

The menu offers upscale Canadian cuisine via prix-fixe menus. Expect regional ingredients like Canadian beef tenderloin or Atlantic salmon. Seasonal vegetable terrines or rich chocolate desserts are also highlights. It’s a definite splurge for those unforgettable views.

360 The Restaurant is one of the unique restaurants in Toronto.
At 360 The Restaurant, CN Tower, offering a culinary experience at new heights.

12. PAI

PAI is hands-down one of the best places in Toronto for Thai food, with a menu that’s bold, lively, and fiery in all the right ways. Everyone raves about their Pad Gra Prow, but it’s the Gaeng Kiaw Wan (green curry) that totally blew me away – creamy, spicy, and loaded with fragrant basil. The vibe here is super vibrant, with colorful murals and that infectious buzz that just says, “This is *the* spot.” Pro tip: this place gets packed, especially in the evenings, so try to reserve ahead or hit up the bar for a quicker seat. It’s smack in the heart of the downtown core, just a short stroll from the Eaton Centre and Queen Street shopping. If you want Northern Thai food that tastes ridiculously authentic, PAI is unmissable.

Pai Northern Thai Kitchen

13. Canoe Restaurant and Bar

  • 📍 Location: Financial District (TD Bank Tower, 54th Floor)
  • 💲 Price range: $80 – $150+ per person
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Contemporary Canadian / Fine Dining
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Stunning panoramic city and Lake Ontario views from the 54th floor, focus on Canadian ingredients and regions, elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, impeccable service.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Special occasions, impressing clients/visitors, fine dining with a view, celebrating Canadian cuisine, and romantic dinners.

Experience Canadian fine dining at its peak at Canoe Restaurant and Bar, located on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower. This acclaimed restaurant offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario, creating a stunning backdrop for its sophisticated cuisine.

Canoe Restaurant & Bar

The menu celebrates Canadian ingredients from coast to coast. You might savor delicate Fogo Island cod, tender Ontario lamb, or inventive dishes featuring wild game like venison. The service is impeccable, making Canoe a top choice for special occasions.

Photo credit: TripAdvisor

14. Sunnys Chinese

If you love food with a bit of edge, Sunny’s Chinese in Kensington Market should be at the top of your foodie hit-list. This modern Chinese hotspot flips the script on traditional classics – their cumin lamb dry-fried noodles are truly legendary, and the smash cucumber salad is a spicy, tangy flavor bomb. The room is tucked away, almost hidden – giving it a speakeasy secret feel – think moody lighting, exposed brick, and playlists that are never boring. The staff here make you feel like an insider. Tip: It can be a bit tricky to find the entrance, so keep your eyes open for the signage. After your meal, walk around Kensington for vintage shopping or cool murals – that’s half the experience. I left completely rethinking what Chinese food could be.

Sunnys Chinese

15. Banh Mi Boys

  • 📍 Location: Multiple (Queen West, Yonge St.)
  • 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Vietnamese-Inspired Sandwiches & Street Food / Fusion
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Creative banh mi/bao fillings, steamed bao buns, amazing kimchi fries, fast-casual/popular.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Banh mi lovers, quick flavorful bites, fusion street food fans, budget eats, and satisfying cravings.

Get ready for a flavor party at Banh Mi Boys! This super popular spot takes Vietnamese street food and gives it a creative, seriously addictive twist. They’re famous for stuffing crusty baguettes or fluffy steamed bao buns with inventive fillings.

Banh Mi Boys

Ordering their legendary kimchi fries, topped with pulled pork and spicy mayo, is essential. The kalbi beef banh mi or the five-spice pork belly steamed bao are also must-tries. It’s a quick, no-frills, fast-casual setup for affordable and insanely flavorful eats.

Banh Mi Boys redefines street food with Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches in a vibrant, casual setting.
Banh Mi Boys redefines street food with Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches in a vibrant, casual setting.

16. Guu Izakaya

For Japanese pub-style eats, Guu Izakaya is an institution and still delivers big on fun and flavor. Noisy in the best way, with staff shouting greetings and cheers, and long communal tables that are great for sharing plates (or making new friends if that’s your thing). Standouts include the kakimayo (baked oysters with creamy mayo and cheese) and karaage (the crispy fried chicken basically everyone gets). Sake bombs and Japanese beers flow freely, and the lamps, wooden accents, and izakaya hustle make every meal feel like a little Tokyo adventure. Hot tip: dishes come out when they’re ready, so just keep ordering small plates! It’s right by the Church-Wellesley Village, so keep your night going with some of Toronto’s best bars and drag shows nearby. For me, it’s always a party here.

Guu Izakaya

17. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

  • 📍 Location: Exhibition Place
  • 💲 Price range: $60 – $90+ per person (Includes dinner & show)
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American Fare (Eat with hands!) / Set Menu
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Live medieval tournament (jousting/sword fights!), castle setting, eating utensil-free, themed experience.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Families/kids, unique group entertainment, themed experiences, dinner & a show fans, and releasing your inner knight.

Huzzah! Travel back to a time of knights at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Located inside a castle-like structure at Exhibition Place, this dinner show features armor-clad knights on real horses battling in jousts and sword fights. You eat a medieval-style feast with no utensils!

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

The set meal typically includes roasted chicken, garlic bread, sweet corn on the cob, and an apple pastry. The main event is the thrilling live-action tournament. It’s pure spectacle, aimed squarely at family fun and entertainment.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament delivers an exhilarating show of knights and horses at your tableside.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament delivers an exhilarating show of knights and horses at your tableside.

18. Darna Middle Eastern Kitchen

Darna makes Middle Eastern dining feel electric and personal at the same time. The menu is a deep dive into Palestinian and Levantine flavors – don’t miss the lamb shank mansaf or the ‘dynamite’ hummus with chili oil. The décor is wild: geometric tiles, glowing lamps, and arched brick detail give it a cozy, stylish energy. There’s a section with banquette seating that feels especially good for date nights or intimate hangs. It’s in the Queen West area, so you’re close to funky boutiques and Trinity Bellwoods Park for a stroll. What really left a mark for me was the hospitality – just genuine, warm, and proud of everything coming out of the kitchen. Reserve ahead – this place is buzzing for a reason.

Darna

19. See-Scape

  • 📍 Location: The Junction
  • 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person (Gaming/Drinks focus)
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Bar / Cafe / Sci-Fi/Fantasy Themed
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Sci-fi/fantasy theme bar, board games/video games offered, themed drinks/snacks, community hub vibe.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Geeks/nerds, board game players, casual hangs, themed bar lovers, and community gatherings.

Beam aboard See-Scape, a sci-fi and fantasy themed bar and cafe that’s a true haven for geeks in The Junction. Decorated with cool nerdy art and memorabilia, this spot is a community hangout packed with tons of board games and video games.

See-Scape

Expect fun themed cocktails like the “Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster” or a “Romulan Ale.” Casual snacks like popcorn or grilled cheese, and cafe fare such as sandwiches or wraps, keep your gaming energy up. See-Scape offers a relaxed, nerdy atmosphere.

See-Scape in Toronto: a sci-fi and fantasy-themed bar where imaginative décor meets an extraordinary menu.
See-Scape in Toronto: a sci-fi and fantasy-themed bar where imaginative décor meets an extraordinary menu. | Source: https://www.seescapeto.com/

20. The Haam (Sushi & Taco)

At The Haam, nothing is predictable – their menu fuses Japanese and Mexican in the freshest, quirkiest ways. Think sushi tacos (yes, really) and kimchi-topped ceviche. The must-try here is the Salmon Avocado sushi taco: crunchy, rich, and super-instagrammable. The space itself feels like a neon-lit, modern taqueria meets sushi bar, with playful wall art and cozy booths. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure vibe, perfect for a casual group dinner before a night out on College Street. I honestly didn’t know I needed sushi nachos in my life until I came here – and now, I’m obsessed.

The Haam

21. The Shameful Tiki Room Toronto

  • 📍 Location: Parkdale
  • 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person (Drinks focus)
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Tiki Bar / Polynesian Small Bites
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Authentic classic tiki bar vibe, dim/exotic decor, strong rum cocktails, shareable bowls, no windows.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Tiki fanatics, potent cocktail lovers, escapist bar experiences, fun date nights, and transporting to Polynesia.

Escape to a windowless world of tropical bliss at The Shameful Tiki Room in Parkdale. This spot nails the classic mid-century tiki bar aesthetic – dim lighting, carved masks, pufferfish lamps, and surf tunes transporting you far away. It feels like a rum-fueled hideaway.

The Shameful Tiki Room

They specialize in strong, expertly crafted classic tiki cocktails. A “Zombie” or a “Painkiller” served in awesome thematic mugs are essential. The “Mystery Bowl” (a large, shareable flaming concoction) is perfect for groups. They offer Polynesian-inspired snacks.

Shameful Tiki Room Toronto, a city oasis with Polynesian decor.
Shameful Tiki Room Toronto, a city oasis with Polynesian decor.

22. Oji Seichi

Ramen lovers, listen up: Oji Seichi in East Chinatown is criminally underrated. Their shio ramen is beautifully clear, delicate, and satisfyingly savory, while the spicy miso sesame ramen brings serious heat and umami. They even have handmade noodles and a killer smash burger that’s become a secret menu legend. Inside, it’s clean and minimal, with warm woods, open kitchen action, and a relaxed, almost meditative mood. Don’t sleep on their Japanese-inspired cocktails either. The spot is right near Riverdale Park – so after you’ve crushed a bowl, you can walk it off with epic city skyline views. First-timers: be ready to never want grocery store ramen again.

Photo credit: Ojio Seichi https://www.ojiseichi.com/
Entrance to Oji Seichi

23. Snakes & Lattes Annex

  • 📍 Location: The Annex (Multiple locations exist)
  • 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person (Gaming fee + food/drink)
  • 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Cafe / Pub Fare / Drinks
  • 🔥 Standout Features: Massive board game library (thousands!), pay-to-play gaming, cafe/bar setting, game gurus available.
  • 🎯 Perfect For: Board game lovers, group game nights, casual dates, trying new games, and coffee/drinks with gaming.

Ready to roll for initiative? Snakes & Lattes is Toronto’s original board game cafe phenomenon, boasting an insane library of thousands of board games. Pay a small cover fee for unlimited access while enjoying coffee, beer, cocktails, and decent cafe/pub food.

Snakes & Lattes

Their friendly “game gurus” can recommend games. For food, shareable nachos are a popular choice. Classic grilled cheese sandwiches or satisfying burgers are also good fuel for your gaming session. Snakes & Lattes makes game night easy and fun.

Snakes & Lattes Annex is one of the unique restaurants in Toronto.
Snakes & Lattes Annex transforms offers a communal feast in the best board game café.

24. XOLA

XOLA brings coastal Mexican flavor to life in The Beaches, and the locals are fiercely loyal for a reason. The fish tacos are crunchy and fresh, but the real show-stopper is the churro ice cream dessert – perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. Bright teal walls, folk art, and funky tiles keep the vibe festive without being kitschy, and there’s tabla music and a breezy, casual energy that makes this a perfect lunch stop after the boardwalk. You’re a block from Kew Gardens and the lakeshore here, so a meal at XOLA is the best excuse for a Toronto mini staycation. This is where I send friends who want the real, “hidden gem” neighborhood eats.

Photo credit: XOLA https://xolarestaurant.com/
XOLA front entrance

25. Kiin Kiin

Kiin Kiin feels like a love letter to elegant Thai cooking, with a modern twist you won’t get anywhere else. Go for the tasting menu if you’re in full treat-yourself mode, otherwise the khao soi noodles and the Toronto-famous “royal Thai platter” are both beautiful *and* filling. The setting is pure interior goals – velvet banquettes, soft lighting, and golden arches that feel right out of Bangkok’s golden age. It’s located near University and Queen, so you can catch a show at the Four Seasons Centre or window shop along Queen West after. What I loved most here was the detail in every dish – you can taste the pride and artistry in every bite.

Kiin

26. MIMI Chinese

MIMI Chinese is pure grandeur with a splash of late-night energy and the chicest red lantern-lit vibe in town. Seriously, if you want to impress, this is the spot. Their whole giant scallion pancake comes with a smorgasbord of cured meats and pickled veg – perfect for sharing, and their chili lobster cheong fun is both buttery-rich and a little spicy. The dining room nods to 70s Hong Kong supper clubs, with glitzy velvet chairs, dramatic lighting, and killer playlists. It’s sandwiched between Yorkville’s shopping and Church Street’s nightlife, so make it your dinner preamble or main event. The cocktails are so good you’ll want to linger. I walked out counting down the days ’til my next visit.

MIMI Chinese

27. KŌST

If rooftop dining with knockout city views is your vibe, KŌST (atop the Bisha Hotel) is what Toronto dreams are made of. They serve up modern California-inspired eats – get the coconut pancakes (the internet is not lying) or the juicy wagyu burger. With floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace overlooking the CN Tower and Lake Ontario, it’s the spot for sun-kissed brunch or golden hour cocktails. Décor is all white-on-white with palm trees and chill DJ sets, making it feel way more LA than Toronto. Pro move: reserve at sunset for epic Instagram snaps. As soon as I stepped onto that patio, I knew this would be my new “special-occasion” spot.

Kost

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unique Restaurants in Toronto

Searching for more information to help you decide where to eat in Toronto? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Toronto’s best restaurants.

What is a unique food in Toronto?

If you’re hunting for a bite that screams Toronto, grab a peameal bacon sandwich. This isn’t your average bacon but a juicy, tender slice rolled in peameal and cooked until golden. Head over to St. Lawrence Market tp snag one of these iconic sandwiches.

What foods are famous in Toronto, Canada?

Here are some of the famous foods that are a must-try in Toronto:

  1. Peameal Bacon Sandwich: Often considered Toronto’s signature sandwich. It consists of peameal bacon—a type of back bacon rolled in cornmeal—stacked on a bun. You can enjoy this sandwich with simple condiments like mustard.
  2. Butter Tart: A classic Canadian dessert, butter tart is a sweet and sticky treat. It consists of butter, sugar, syrup, and egg filling baked in a flaky pastry shell.
  3. Maple Syrup: Toronto, like much of Canada, is known for its maple syrup.
  4. Craft Beer: The city has a booming craft beer scene. You’ll find many local breweries offering a wide range of innovative and traditional brews.
  5. Toronto Street Food: The street food scene in Toronto is bustling. It includes food trucks and stalls offering everything from Korean tacos to gourmet grilled cheese.
Delicious peameal bacon sandwich with a crispy exterior, tender meat, and a soft bun.
Delicious peameal bacon sandwich with a crispy exterior, tender meat, and a soft bun.

Is Toronto a good city for foodies?

Oh yes! For a foodie, Toronto is like hitting the jackpot. Every street and alley offers something delicious. You can hop from tasting the best food in Toronto at a pop-up vendor to dining at a top-tier restaurant in the evening. The city is a feast of flavors, with eateries that’ll satisfy those craving home-style cooking or gourmet dishes.

Are there any themed restaurants in Toronto?

You bet! Themed restaurants in Toronto add a dash of drama to dining out. Want to travel back in time? Check out Medieval Times. If you prefer a journey of the senses, ONoir will have you dining in complete darkness. For something out of this world, See-Scape’s sci-fi setting is a blast.

Where can I eat in Toronto for a special occasion?

Special occasions call for special settings. I recommend popping the cork with a view at 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower. For something a little more down-to-earth but equally charming, Richmond Station’s cozy corners are perfect for making memories. Want a sprinkle of exotic? The Sultan’s Tent wraps up romance with its Moroccan flair.

What is the most famous restaurant in Toronto?

Alo and Barberian’s Steakhouse are among the most famous restaurants in Toronto. Alo is renowned for its exquisite multi-course tasting menus and offers a refined dining experience in the Queen West area. Barberian’s Steakhouse, with its old-school charm on Elm Street, is celebrated for its quality steaks. It’s a favorite among both locals and visiting celebrities​. These establishments are known not only for their exceptional cuisine but also for their distinctive atmospheres and the memories they help create.

Recap: Unique Restaurants in Toronto

Toronto’s dining scene is a treasure map, and each restaurant we’ve talked about is a gem waiting to be discovered. These eateries don’t just serve food. They serve experiences that linger in your memory long after the last bite, capturing the essence of Toronto’s charm. If I had to pick just one unique restaurant in Toronto that you absolutely can’t miss, The Sultan’s Tent stands out. Its enchanting atmosphere and flavors transport you straight to Morocco, inviting you to fly to Canada through your taste buds!!

From the sky-high delights of 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower to the interactive fun at Snakes & Lattes Annex, there are plenty of incredible Toronto restaurants. Antler Kitchen & Bar brings the wild heart of Canada to your table with local, foraged ingredients, while Banh Mi Boys showcases how street food can pack a gourmet punch.

Each restaurant on this list brings its own flavor to the table. When you’re here, every meal is an opportunity to create a story you’ll be eager to share. I recommend visiting in January, my favorite month to see Toronto as a winter wonderland.

The top restaurants in Toronto for all types of travelers
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Jon Miksis

About Jon Miksis

Award-winning Travel Writer • Founder of Global Viewpoint • 70+ countries visited • 10 Million+ readers

Since 2017, I’ve traveled 3–6 months a year, sharing detailed guides that have helped over 10 million readers travel smarter, deeper, and better. My work blends firsthand experiences — from U.S. road trips and cold-plunge cabins to Michelin-starred dining and business-class flights — with honest, independent reviews.

I’ve been hired by leading tourism boards in 7 countries across Europe, North America, and South America, as well as international travel brands. My travel tips and insights have been featured in Forbes, HuffPost, Yahoo Travel, and The Boston Globe. I’ve personally reviewed 500+ hotels, retreats, and flight experiences — and I never recommend a place I wouldn’t return to myself.

I also save $5–10K per year on airfare using flight tools and 10+ travel credit cards, and I’ve invested over $100K into personal development through transformational retreats and coaching since 2021.

When I’m not road-tripping across the Northeast or writing guides for Global Viewpoint, you’ll find me cold plunging in local lakes, sipping espresso in quiet cafes in Vienna, or chasing fall foliage across New England. I split my time between exploring the world and soaking up life in Boston, my lifelong home base. Some of my favorite places I keep going back to? Switzerland, Spain, Iceland, Italy, Greece, the Faroe Islands, Guatemala, California, Montana, Vermont, and coastal Maine in autumn.

See my latest adventures on Instagram and TikTok.

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