Our Favourite Toronto Restaurants in 2024 That You Need to Try in 2025

There are many new Toronto restaurants that you need to experience in 2025 if you haven’t checked them out in 2024. This year was especially a great one for Toronto, from Nobu and Shake Shack making their Canadian debuts to hidden gems finding a place in the spotlight. The city is filled with places to grab a delicious bite, have romantic date nights and explore cheap eats.

We wanted to highlight some new restaurants that made it to the top of our list and ones we cannot wait for you to try in the new year. So, read on for everything you need to know about these 2024 Toronto restaurants and why you need to add them to your list in 2025 — ranked in no particular order.

Related: Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2024: Here’s Who Made the Top 10 List

Hello Nori

Address: 648 King St W, Toronto

Hello Nori is a Vancouver-based restaurant that made its debut in Toronto in October and has been a hit ever since. The restaurant specializes in hand roll sushi and aburi oshi made with fresh and sustainable ingredients sourced from Canada and Japan. They plan to open three more locations in Toronto by the end of 2025, so we’re in for a treat!

aKin

Address: 51 Colborne St., Toronto

aKin is a new Asian fusion restaurant that opened in late November, and is one of our highlights. The experience was out of this world and makes for a very lavish date night. The restaurant is on the pricier side because it offers diners a 10-course blind-tasting menu curated by duo Alvin Leung, a three-Michelin-starred chef, and Eric Chong, the first winner of MasterChef Canada. We won’t share too much about it because we don’t want to ruin the surprise of it all, but just know that you should walk in with an open mind, and you’ll leave with a full stomach.

Occhiolino Pastifico

Address: 499 Bathurst St., Toronto

Occhiolino means “wink” in Italian, and this is one of Toronto’s newest and best restaurants of 2024. It is run by Chef Luke Donato (who used to work as Drake‘s personal chef) and Chef Nick Manzone (who worked at one of the best three Michelin-star restaurants in the world). The pasta is made in-house, and the menu reflects regional specialties from around Italy. It’s modern, colourful and has a bright energy, which are all things we love in a restaurant setting.

Arbequina

Address: 325 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto

Arbequina is a Roncesvalles-based restaurant that brings the flavours that we love from the Levant region and blends them with modern culinary innovation. Chef Moeen Abuzaid is a mastermind combining flavours, textures and a culinary experience we didn’t expect to be blown away by. With a rotating menu that changes seasonally, there is always something new and exciting to try at Arbequina, and we highly suggest checking it out in 2025.

Related: Our Honest Review of the Best Restaurant at Toronto Pearson Airport

Nobu

Address: 33 Mercer St., Toronto

Nobu made its Canadian debut in 2024 and has been at the top of our list ever since. The popular Japanese restaurant spans over 10,000 square feet on both levels and has a menu that feeds a crowd. Our favourites are Nobu’s famous Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, Rock Shrimp Tempura and Otoro Nigiri. So make sure to check it out and let us know what you think.

Related: We Tried Canada’s First Nobu in Toronto and Here’s What You Can Expect

The Fall Bright Tavern

Address: 840 Bloor St W, Toronto

The Fall Bright Tavern is a hidden gem that you need to discover. It has a cozy neighbourhood feel with a menu that elevates your favourite comfort foods. The menu changes often and seasonally, but there’s no doubt that you’ll find a favourite every time you go in. For us, the chocolate cake was one we’ll never forget and a dessert we dream about often. Long-time friends Joe Rutherford and Brett Healey are the masterminds behind this space and have worked in the industry before opening their restaurant.

Stefano’s Diner

Address: 1265 Dundas St W, Toronto

Ever wonder how much art is actually involved in the culinary world? Well, that’s how we felt after trying Stefano’s Diner. This fully vegan and plant-based restaurant had “salmon” and “steak frites” on the menu and it truly tasted like the real thing. Stefano’s is a new restaurant that has taken the city by storm because the menu is filled with delicious eats that vegans and meat eaters alike would truly enjoy. We also loved the “cheesy” garlic bread and “mozza” sticks.

Cafe Renée

Address: 100 Portland St., Toronto

Cafe Renée is a new Toronto restaurant that is tucked away on Portland Street in the Entertainment District, but once you enter, it feels like you’ve been transported to France, and we love that. From stunning decor to French cuisine, the vibes are immaculate. In the summer, they have a backyard garden seating area that’s similar to an upscale courtyard, and we’re here for it.

BHC Chicken

Address: 486 Front St W Unit WM45, Toronto

BHC Chicken made its debut in Toronto and this popular South Korean fast food chain is not something to walk past. They have a menu filled with delicious bites and wings that are so juicy you can’t resist. The flavours and sauces are unique and so good. The menu also features other favourites like tteokbokki, kimchi stew, spicy fishcake soup and samgyetang.

And with that, here’s to a new year filled with more delicious eats and Toronto restaurants that we cannot wait to try.