Old Toronto Restaurants

Updated on 4/5/2025

Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.

Alo Restaurant

Diners’ top pick

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$$$$Price: Very Expensive

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International

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4.9

(508)

Alo is an intimate contemporary French restaurant located atop a heritage building in downtown Toronto. Our cuisine is internationally inspired and celebrates the finest in seasonal ingredients paired with a genuine sense of welcome, served as a blind tasting menu by Chef Patrick Kriss.
The Bar at Alo is adjacent to our main dining room and offer à la carte options as well as a shortened seasonal tasting menu.
Alo is outfitted with a private dining room which can welcome parties up to 14 guests.
1 Michelin Star 2022, 2023, 2024
No. 1 by Canada's 100 Best Restaurants five consecutive years since 2017
No. 5 by Canada's 100 Best Bars in their inaugural awards
No. 90 on the 2020 World’s 50 Best Restaurants list
No. 14 on the 2024 Opinionated About Dining North American best restaurants list
No. 58 on the 2020 La Liste world’s best restaurant list
Fine Dining, Tasting Menu, Wine Pairings, Non-Alcoholic Pairings, Private Parties, Celebrations, Romantic Dining

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1. 

   Pai Toronto

   $$$$Price: Moderate

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   Thai

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   4.9

   (584)

   Enjoy traditional Thai cuisine at PAI Toronto. It has a rustic-style interior with exposed brick walls and wood-paneled ceilings. Owners Jeff and Nuit Regular, who's also the executive chef, opened PAI Toronto for patrons to taste the authentic flavors of northern Thailand. Its menu features appetizers like vegetarian spring rolls and papaya salad with dried shrimp. Fried fish with green curry, braised beef noodle soup, and Chef Nuit's Pad Thai are some of the entrées that will satisfy just about any appetite.
   Mentioned as one of Toronto's Best Thai Restaurants by NOW Magazine for several consecutive years, PAI Toronto also hosts events for large groups with family-style dining. It features a full bar that serves up beer, cocktails, wine and specialty drinks. This restaurant does catering and accepts walk-ins and reservations (online only).
2. 

   PLANTA Queen, Toronto

   $$$$Price: Moderate

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   Vegan

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   4.8

   (417)

   Planta was opened with the purpose of creating delicious food that promotes environmental sustainability. Under Chef David Lee, Planta aimed at filling a void in the market of upscale, full service, plant-based dining options. The restaurant's vision is to celebrate innovative cuisine in a beautiful environment without the use of any animal products. There’s more to responsible plant-based eating than just taking animals off the plate and our commitment to using high-quality products from ethical suppliers provides the foundation for our chefs to be proud of the food they serve.

JaBistro

Top-rated food

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$$$$Price: Very Expensive

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Sushi

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4.8

(619)

JaBistro is a Japanese restaurant that is located in downtown Toronto, mere blocks away from Roy Thompson Hall and Nathan Phillips Square. The modern and sleek restaurant offers indoor as well as outdoor seating in the late spring and summer months. JaBistro is a contemporary space that is decorated with brick accent walls, booth style seating, sophisticated dim lighting and an oversized bar.
Guests of JaBistro enjoy the multitude of options available on the lengthy menu. Well-known choices include Salmon Oshizushi, Lobster Miso Soup, Kama, Ebi Oshizushi and Wagyu Oshizushi. The restaurant offers lunch, dinner along with an impressive list of wine and drinks.

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1. 

   Alo Restaurant - The Bar

   $$$$Price: Very Expensive

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   International

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   4.8

   (45)

   The Bar at Alo features a seasonal six course tasting menu alongside à la carte options from Alo's award winning dining room menu and Petrossian Caviar service. We graciously welcome walk ins for refined cocktails, a delicate bite or a full-course dining experience.
   The Bar at Alo is located adjacent to Alo's main dining room within a stunning heritage building at the corner of Queen Street and Spadina Avenue - steps away from Toronto's Queen West neighbourhood.
   No. 1 by Canada's 100 Best Restaurants 2017-2021
   No. 90 on the 2020 World’s 50 Best Restaurants list
   No. 14 on the 2024 Opinionated About Dining North American best restaurants list
   No. 58 on the 2020 La Liste world’s best restaurant list
   Chef Patrick Kriss
   Pre-show, cocktails, wine, tasting menu, à la carte
2. 

   Sushi Yugen - Toronto

   $$$$Price: Very Expensive

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   Japanese

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   4.8

   (102)

   Sushi Yūgen offers an authentic omakase experience, crafted by Head Chef Kyohei Igarashi, who brings expertise from Tokyo, mastering both kaiseki and sushi, including leading a Michelin-starred omakase counter.
   Our restaurant features two dining experiences: an 8-seat Chef’s counter (Wed-Sat) and a 12-seat main sushi counter (Mon-Sat), each with unique menus.
   Located in Toronto’s financial district, Sushi Yūgen embraces Japanese minimalism and wabi-sabi, celebrating beauty in imperfection and nature’s cycles. Our name, Yūgen, signifies ‘profound mystery and beauty,’ reflecting our philosophy.

Carisma

Top-rated hospitality

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$$$$Price: Expensive

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Italian

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4.8

(2,202)

Steps away from the King Edward Hotel, Toronto’s financial, business, theatre, shopping and culinary districts. Carisma offers something a little different.
With a long history of being in the business, including restaurants such as Il Mulino and Barolo, Carisma prides itself on offering impeccable real Italian food and quality service.
Carisma epitomizes the overall dining experience. Whether it is a drink at the bar, or a culinary journey where you enjoy food with your senses first. It is a place where you feel at home and coming for years, even if its your first time.

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1. 

   The Butcher Chef

   $$$$Price: Very Expensive

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   Steakhouse

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   4.8

   (487)

   Located at 8 Harbour Street, across from the Scotiabank Arena, The Butcher Chef sets the ultimate standard for a boutique fine dining steak house. This butchery-inspired restaurant offers the finest cuts of beef and freshest seafood with an extensive wine list.
   Both à la carte and tasting menu options are available brought to your table by a highly knowledgeable and meticulous service team.
   Luxurious brass accents and deep rich black walnut wood, with comfortable banquettes, marble surfaces and crystal chandeliers set the tone for a unique experience. The Butcher Chef is guaranteed to satisfy your finest senses.
   Reservations are recommended and appropriate dress code is suggested.
2. 

   Ruth's Chris Steak House - Toronto

   $$$$Price: Very Expensive

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   Steakhouse

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   4.8

   (2,748)

   Ruth's Chris Steak House, Toronto is located in the heart of downtown Toronto. Located in the Hilton Hotel at Richmond and University street. We serve the USDA prime steaks, to the freshest seafood and poultry, imaginative side dishes, unforgettable desserts and an award winning wine list. At Ruth's Chris, your steak is carefully selected from the finest USDA Prime beef available. It is aged to perfection and cut by hand at the restaurant. Then, your steak is broiled - to your exact order - at a searing 1800 degrees Fahrenheit to lock in the corn-fed flavour and natural juices. It's served hot and sizzling. In fact, you can actually hear your steak sizzling from across the room.
   

LANO – The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto

Great vibe

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$$$$Price: Expensive

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Italian

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4.7

(35)

Welcome to LANO - a charming twist on "Milano", where the essence of Milan’s fashion-forward style and Northern Italy’s rich culture, blend seamlessly, in the heart of Toronto’s vibrant Entertainment District.
Discover the Ritz-Carlton Toronto’s new cafè and wine bar for an authentic taste of Italian sophistication and warmth. Delight in a Chef-curated menu featuring simple, fresh ingredients paired with a Master Sommelier-selected wine list. It’s a match made in heaven.
Whether you're grabbing a quick espresso al volo, enjoying a light lunch with friends, or sipping on a late-evening wine in good company, LANO infuses every moment with Italian flare and a personal touch, offering you a chic and inviting escape from early morning to late evening.

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1. 

   Library Bar - Fairmont Royal York

   $$$$Price: Moderate

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   Unspecified

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   4.7

   (716)

   Experience the next Golden Age in cocktail culture. Featured on World's 50 Best Discovery, 2024.
2. 

   CLOCKWORK

   $$$$Price: Moderate

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   Canadian

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   4.7

   (767)

   The pop of corks. The buzz of the party. The city's best and brightest, gathered together in the beating heart of the city. CLOCKWORK Champagne & Cocktails brings new life to the timeless lobby at the Fairmont Royal York. And it all surrounds a dramatic clock - to ring in a new era at this hotel.

Red Lobster - Toronto - Dundas St.

Great budget-friendly spot

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$$$$Price: Moderate

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Seafood

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4.5

(121)

Elevate your day at Red Lobster, where fun meets fancy and every meal is a celebration.
Whether you’re marking a special occasion or treating yourself or your crew, Red Lobster is the perfect place to enjoy all your seafood favourites. Dive into our signature shrimp, wild-caught lobster and crab, and more. Plus, a variety of fish and popular non-seafood items like our Cajun Chicken Linguini Alfredo.
Looking for a showstopper? Create Your Own Ultimate Feast or select a Live Maritime Lobster straight from the tank. Or explore our Daily Deals with a different special available each weekday at a price you’ll love. Toast the day with Signature Cocktails including Shrimp Caesars and Main Deck Margarita Flights to make any moment feel festive. You won’t want to miss our newest menu items or special promotions like Lobsterfest and Crabfest. Reserve online today.
Group Dining, To Go, or Catering options available. For parties of 11+, please call the restaurant.

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1. 

   Tutti Matti

   $$$$Price: Very Expensive

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   Italian

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   4.8

   (1,329)

   Tutti Matti serves traditional, authentic Tuscan cuisine, prepared using only fresh seasonal ingredients. We also feature a wood fired pizza oven .
   Everything is made in-house, including our fresh bread and pastas. Some dishes are permanent productions of our kitchen — gnudi, pinci, pappardelle, tagliatelle. Others are more seasonal, like stuffed zucchini flowers in the summers and polpetta and hearty soups in the winter. From day one, we have served venison, wild boar, fennel pork sausage and we love to produce delectable trays of antipasto, which change seasonally and daily (sometimes even mid‐service!)
   Discover a great list of Italian wines, carefully selected to match the flavors and spirit of Tuscan food.
   Tutti Matti has been hailed by critics and received both local and national awards, including the prestigious 2009 "L'Eccio D'Oro" for Osteria of the Year (an award previously
2. 

   Elephant & Castle - Toronto King St.

   $$$$Price: Moderate

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   American

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   4.6

   (1,932)

   Located in downtown Toronto's vibrant entertainment and financial districts, Elephant & Castle offers a quintessential British pub experience with hearty breakfasts, classic pub fare, and live sports. Enjoy a lively atmosphere and catch English Premier League and soccer matches while savouring authentic British cuisine. Ideal for happy hour, pre-show meals, or a casual night out, Elephant & Castle Pub and Restaurant on King Street is your go-to sports pub for an unforgettable dining experience in Toronto.