Whether you’re celebrating your anniversary, a friend’s birthday, or simply want to “wow” your loved one on a date night, we know where to spend your special evening. Our Concierge, Aarti Gohil, has narrowed down a list of her favourite Toronto restaurants.
9 Toronto Restaurants for Special Occasions
Guaranteed to measure up to the occasion!
Where to spend your special evening:
Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto
19 Toronto St, Toronto, ON M5C 2R1
Open for dinner service and offering a classic menu, contemporary menu, or a la carte options, Don Alfonso 1890’s cuisine is characterized by its modernity, Mediterranean flare and the exceptional quality of ingredients. Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto has been named as the 2nd Best Italian Restaurant in the World by 50 Top Italy. But the main reason why Aarti recommends this restaurant is that it is the first North American location of world-renowned Michelin Star Chef, Ernesto Iaccarino!
Harbour Sixty
60 Harbour St, Toronto, ON M5J 1B7
Why does Aarti love Harbour Sixty? The classic French service, excellent cuts of steaks and seafood and an extensive wine list by the glass and bottle! And of course, because it’s the city’s premier steakhouse.
Alo
163 Spadina Avenue, 3rd-floor
The #1 rated restaurant in Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list, Alo is a contemporary French restaurant and cocktail bar located atop of heritage building on Queen Street and Spadina. It can be difficult to get a spot, as reservations are taken on the first Tuesday of every other month for the following two months (for example, October 1, will book for all of November and December). However, Aarti insists that should you have the chance to spend a special evening here, the blind, multi-course tasting menus, complemented by distinctive wines, add up to a dining experience like no other.
Pétros82
Located inside Hotel X Toronto, 111 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
Inspired by Greek traditions, the menu at Pétros82 was designed around seasonal seafood and the highest quality of hand-selected ingredients the Mediterranean has to offer. A focus on an extensive global wine list and handcrafted cocktails complete an exceptional dining experience. Aarti recommends beginning your evening with the Santorini cocktail and fresh ceviche at the restaurant’s adjacent Lobby & Raw Bar.
Gusto 101
101 Portland St, Toronto, ON M5V 2N3
Open for Lunch, Dinner and Weekend Brunch, Gusto 101 has become a true local gem. Aarti recommends this spot if you are looking for a lively atmosphere. Indulge in Southern Italian classics with a modern twist in an industrial, yet cozy setting.
Patria
478 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1L7
Patria is an authentic Spanish tapas eatery in the buzzing King Street West neighbourhood. Executive Chef Ben Heaton features dishes such as delicately prepared crispy jamon croquettes and traditional paellas. Why does Aarti love Patria? The ever-changing selection of only the freshest seafood dishes.
Byblos – Downtown
11 Duncan St, Toronto, ON M5V 3M2
Byblos dishes represent a marriage of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine with strong influences from both traditional and local ingredients. The chefs use traditional techniques mixed with modern methods with dishes that showcase the regionally-specific spices and flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean seaboard. The beautiful interior of the restaurant is what Aarti enjoys most about this dining experience!
Planta Queen
180 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3X3
This fully vegan restaurant offers an excellent variety of dishes, bursting with flavour and designed for sharing. The beautiful dining room setting complements the elegantly presented dishes perfectly. If you have the chance to visit, Aarti recommends trying the vegan rolls and noodle dishes, or dim sum.
Mamakas Taverna
80 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Y7
The restaurant’s white concrete interior and menu offering classic Greek dishes were both designed by owner Thanos Tripi to instil the Greek heritage and family memories he grew up with back home. Aarti promised you will instantly feel of the inviting, warm atmosphere at Mamakas Taverna with a glance through the front window.