Toronto’s Culinary Landscape: Insights from Influential Chefs

Toronto, a vibrant metropolis known for its rich tapestry of cultures, boasts an extraordinary dining scene. With over 9,300 restaurants, the city serves as a culinary playground, mixing global cuisines and local influences. Whether you’re searching for Michelin-star establishments or cozy food trucks, recommendations often serve as your best compass in this gastronomic landscape.

To guide your next dining adventure, we consulted ten of Toronto’s most influential chefs. Here’s their take on where to eat and the hidden gems they’re eager to explore this year.

1. Anna Chen: Alma

Location: 1194 Bloor St. West

Chef Anna Chen’s Alma, awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, delivers modern Chinese cuisine with flair, transforming traditional flavors into accessible dishes.

• Favorite Spot: Chen is partial to Côte de Boeuf, celebrating its great food, wine selection, and chic ambiance.
• On Her Radar: This year, Chen aims to visit N.L. Ginzburg, an Italian trattoria known for rustic pastas and an impressive wine list. “I’ve always loved Italian food,” Chen remarks, excited by the enticing menu and atmosphere.

2. Davide Ciavattella: Don Alfonso 1890

Location: 1 Harbour Square, 39th floor

Recognized for its Michelin star and exquisite Italian fare, Don Alfonso 1890 is a must-visit for those who appreciate fine dining.

• Favorite Spot: Ciavattella often dines at DaNico, led by his friend Daniele Corona, praising the chef’s exceptional skills.
• Upcoming Visits: Ciavattella intends to explore Casa Paco and DaiLo for their intriguing concepts and local flavors.

3. Daniele Corona: DaNico

Location: 440 College St.

As Chef Corona redefines Italian cuisine with Asian influences at DaNico, he has attention-grabbing recommendations to share.

• Where He Dines: For fine dining, Corona loves Alo, declaring it “the best fine dining in the city.” For casual outings, he enjoys N.L. Ginzburg for its welcoming vibe.
• Dining Desire: His culinary radar picks are Akin and 20 Victoria, showcasing modern Asian influence and new menus, respectively.

4. Eva Chin: Yan Dining Room

Location: 195 Dundas St. W. (inside Hong Shing)

Chef Eva Chin introduces Toronto to neo-Chinese cuisine through Yan Dining Room, which emphasizes bold, cultural drives.

• Frequent Haunts: Chin gravitates towards The Keg on York St. for its consistent experience, alongside Alma, where the menu sparks inspiration.
• Must-Try: Eager to revisit the upcoming Aburi Hana, she also yearns to check out DaNico to experience its celebrated offerings.

5. Craig Wong: Patois

Location: 794 Dundas St. W.

At Patois, Chef Wong’s fusion of Jamaican and Chinese flavors captivates diners.

• Top Picks: His go-to restaurants include the visually stunning TONO and the haute French cuisine of LSL.
• Future Visits: Wong is keen on discovering Mozy once it opens, alongside trying Indonesian cuisine at Sambal.

6. Nuit Regular: PAI

Location: 18 Duncan St.

As a local favorite for Thai cuisine, Chef Nuit Regular emphasizes comfort and authenticity in her dishes.

• Breakfast Spots: Regular enjoys brunch at Figs and digs into Vietnamese at Que Ling, highlighting their banh cuon.
• Next Items: She’s excited to explore The Lunch Lady, a fellow woman-led venture, as well as a return to DaNico.

7. Patrick Kriss: Alo

Location: 163 Spadina Ave.

Awarded multiple Michelin stars, Chef Kriss’s Alo is legendary within Toronto’s dining circuit.

• Family Favorites: He frequents Terroni and Hy’s for leisurely meals with family.
• Diverse Selections: His upcoming dining journey may include visiting Eloise and Bar Eugenie.

8. Braden Chong: Sunnys Chinese

Location: 60 Kensington Ave Units 6-14

Acclaimed for its comfort food, Chef Chong’s Sunnys Chinese continues to engage diners with its approachable menu.

• Regular Spots: Chong often visits Jamil’s Chaat House for a casual snack and enjoys Vietnamese staples at Que Ling.
• Curious Explorations: This year, he’s set his sights on Fall Bright Tavern and Restaurant Ricky + Olivia.

9. Jerome Robinson: Los Compas

Location: Kensington Market

Chef Robinson brings a love for comfort food to his culinary endeavors while sharing recommendations from around the city.

• Casual Outings: For authentic tacos, he swears by Los Compas, and for pizza, he indulges in Frank Ranalli’s.
• Future Cravings: Robinson is eager to try Crudo Pizza & Panuozzo and the steakhouse Black + Blue.

10. Coulson Armstrong: Dotty’s

Location: Junction

Chef Armstrong celebrates classic diner fare at Dotty’s and frequently explores the diverse culinary offerings of Toronto.

• Dining Favorites: He cherishes the simple fries at Dotty’s and plans to try Korean BBQ at Takja.
• Must-Try List: Armstrong is set to check out N.L. Ginzburg, Mozy, and Restaurant Ricky + Olivia.

Through the eyes of these chefs, Toronto’s dining landscape reveals itself as a vibrant, ever-evolving tapestry of flavors and cultures. Each dish tells a story, and with options aplenty, there’s always something new to explore.