Toronto claims nearly 30 percent of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants for 2025, with Alo, Edulis, and 20 Victoria securing spots in the top five in the prestigious annual ranking released on May 5.
The 2025 list was compiled by a record panel of 160 voting judges from across Canada, including food critics, chefs, restaurateurs and culinary enthusiasts. Judges evaluated restaurants based on service, décor, wine selection, and food quality, with points heavily weighted toward higher finishes.
While Toronto dominated numerically, Restaurant Pearl Morissette in Jordan Station secured the prestigious top position, highlighting the growing prominence of Ontario wine country’s culinary offerings. Montreal’s Mon Lapin placed second.
College Street’s Mexican-inspired Quetzal made significant progress, claiming eighth place after advancing four positions from last year’s ranking. The Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its 28-foot wood fire cooking technique.
Three Toronto establishments were also recognized on Canada’s Best New Restaurants list: LSL on Avenue Road, Linny’s on Ossington, and Takja BBQ on College Street – more than any other Canadian city.
The Toronto entries span diverse culinary styles and neighborhoods, from Yorkville luxury at Aburi Hana (29th) to the Financial District icon Canoe (50th). Celebrity chef Matty Matheson’s Prime Seafood Palace on Queen West placed 80th, while Filipino hotspot Mhel secured the 81st position.
Culinary Tourism’s Growing Impact
Toronto’s strong showing on the prestigious list reinforces the city’s status as a culinary destination, creating vital economic opportunities beyond traditional tourism attractions. Quality dining experiences increasingly drive traveler decision-making, with restaurants serving as both daytime gathering spots and evening entertainment venues.
The integration of exceptional food experiences into Toronto’s tourism profile creates a more comprehensive destination appeal, attracting visitors seeking authentic local culture through cuisine. For residents, these establishments offer opportunities to experience world-class dining without leaving the city.
“Each judge is asked to submit a list of their top 10 restaurant experiences of the previous year, ranking them with consideration to service, décor, depth of the cellar and — above all else — food quality,” states Canada’s 100 Best in their methodology explanation.
Supporting Hospitality Recovery
The recognition comes at a critical time for Toronto’s hospitality industry, which continues to navigate challenges in its post-pandemic recovery. Restaurant success ripples through the local economy, supporting employment across multiple sectors, from server and kitchen staff to suppliers, farmers, and beverage producers.
With rising costs affecting everything from ingredients to labor, this national recognition provides valuable exposure for establishments working to remain viable amid economic pressures. Increased patronage from both locals and visitors helps stabilize businesses still rebuilding financial reserves after extended closures.
Ontario claimed 40 restaurants overall on the list, with Quebec following at 29 entries and British Columbia at 19. The strong showing demonstrates the province’s culinary leadership nationwide, with Toronto at its center.
For Toronto food enthusiasts, the list offers an authoritative guide to exceptional dining experiences throughout the city, from established Michelin-starred venues to emerging culinary destinations worth supporting.
Dustin Fuhs is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of 6ix Retail, Toronto’s premier source for retail and hospitality industry news. As the former Editor-in-Chief of Retail Insider, Canada’s most-read retail trade publication, Dustin brings over two decades of expertise spanning retail, marketing, entertainment and hospitality sectors. His experience includes roles with industry giants such as The Walt Disney Company, The Hockey Hall of Fame, The Canadian Opera Company, Starbucks Canada and Blockbuster.
Recognized as a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert in 2024, 2025 and 2026, Dustin delivers insider perspectives on Toronto’s evolving retail landscape, from emerging brands to established players reshaping the city’s commercial districts.