Dylan YoungThe Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood is one of the most desirable postal codes in Toronto to live in. It’s jam-packed with Victorian-era homes, extravagant boutique shops, engaging art galleries, and, of course, an abundance of amazing restaurants.
On a whim, I decided to eat only at restaurants in this area for a few months, and wow, it was quite the experience! I was enthralled by a Michelin-starred restaurant, but there were a couple of relatively cheap eats that also captured my heart.
Interested in exploring Bloor-Yorkville’s exciting food scene? Here are the best restaurants to start.
Alobar Yorkville
– From: alobarrestaurants
Address: 162 Cumberland St, Renaissance Court
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 pm to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +14169611222
What better way to start your food adventure in Bloor-Yorkville than a Michelin-starred restaurant? If you agree with this sentiment, then you better head to Alobar Yorkville as soon as possible.
Seafood is the specialty here, and my favourite is the grilled lobster. It’s absolutely massive, and I love how it tastes so garlicky and buttery! It’s charred in some places as well, giving it a hint of smokiness that elevates the dish.
| Pro Tip: Since this restaurant is very popular, you must book your reservation at least 60 days before your scheduled date. |
Enigma Yorkville
– From: enigmayorkville
Address: 23 St Thomas St Unit 1
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—5 pm to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 3:30 pm, 5 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14163233332
Bloor-Yorkville has another Michelin-starred restaurant, which is Enigma. This one specializes in European fare, and it also has an extensive array of wines!
There’s no fixed menu here; instead, it’s a tasting menu that changes often.
The last time I came here, I had the three-week dry-aged duck that I was head over heels in love with. The duck was savoury perfection, and the plum sauce complemented that flavour with a fruity sweetness.
| Pro Tip: Book a private event here with your friends and family. You can have up to 32 guests in your group. |
Bar Reyna
– From: reynatoronto
Address: 158 Cumberland St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—11 am to 11 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 2 am
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16477484464
Housed inside a timeless Victorian house, Bar Reyna is the best place to go if you want to sit back and relax. The menu is filled with classic tapas, comfort meals, and fun cocktails, and there’s also a year-round patio with the most relaxing atmosphere.
I love getting the “Mac” Baharat Pide (a boat-shaped pizza) because it’s an explosion of flavours—cheesy, tangy, and a kick of spice at the end.
| Pro Tip: You can host a special event here. The events package includes a custom menu and other perks. |
The Oxley
– From: theoxleyto
Address: 121 Yorkville Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday—11:30 am to 11 pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Thursday and Friday—11:30 am to 1 am
- Saturday—10:30 am to 1 am
- Sunday—10:30 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +16473481300
Looking for a pub to unwind in after a long day of work? Or maybe you just want a relaxing spot for brunch? Either way, you need to hit up The Oxley as soon as possible.
As you can expect, the food is mostly traditional British fare, and it’s super comforting. I come here for brunch, and my go-to order is, of course, the English-style breakfast. This dish comes with a piece of thick-cut bacon, two eggs, sausages, baked beans, and toast, making it very hearty and filling.
| Pro Tip: You can host a special event here, be it an intimate party or a corporate gathering. Up to 30 guests are allowed. |
Trattoria Nervosa
– From: nervosato
Address: 75 Yorkville Ave
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—12 pm to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14169614642
If you love pasta as much as I do, then you’ll love Trattoria Nervosa. This restaurant has so many variations of pasta that I feel like I’m in heaven.
My favourite pasta to get is Risotto Nervosa because the flavour profile is complex. The beef short rib is braised in Barolo, so it tastes rich and savoury, with strong fruity notes. The sauce is made with fig balsamic reduction, so every spoonful is a symphony of earthy-sweet flavours!
| Pro Tips: You can host a private dinner with your loved ones here and even have a custom menu. If you already have a venue, you can hire their catering services instead. |
Sofia Italian Restaurant Toronto
– From: sofiayorkville
Address: 99 Yorkville Ave
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—5 pm to 11 om
- Thursday and Friday—5 pm to 2 am
- Saturday—10:30 am to 2 am
- Sunday—10:30 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14164798974
Another great spot if you love Italian cuisine is Sofia. This restaurant is oozing with modern elegant vibes, so it’s perfect for a romantic date night.
The Garganelli is a favourite of mine. It’s made with wild boar, which is kind of gamey, but it’s still rich in its own way. The tangy and acidic tomato sauce helps balance out the flavours of the meat.
| Pro Tips: Every Thursday, from 8 pm to 11 pm, there’s live music playing here. If you love pasta and desserts, come here every Sunday, from 5 pm to 11 pm. This is because it’s Carb Night, meaning some of the pasta dishes and desserts are discounted! |
Cibo Wine Bar Yorkville
– From: cibo_winebar
Address: 133 Yorkville Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Thursday and Friday—11:30 am to 2 am
- Saturday—11 am to 2 am
- Sunday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14169252143
Here’s yet another Italian restaurant on this list: Cibo Wine Bar Yorkville. To no one’s surprise, I always order pasta here, and my usual choice is the Lobster Ravioli. I can’t get enough of how buttery the lobster meat tastes, and the cream sauce has a nice tanginess to it.
| Pro Tip: Every Tuesday, pizzas are 50% off at all Cibo Wine Bar locations! |
Hemingway’s Restaurant and Bar
– From: hemingways.to
Address: 142 Cumberland St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11 am to 2 am
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +14169682828
What I love about Hemingway’s is that it’s open until the wee hours of the morning. So, when I want to go out for a late-night snack, I know just where to go.
The menu is full of my favourite comfort dishes. The fish and chips are my most ordered meal; the haddock is perfectly crispy on the outside while still moist and tender on the inside. The homemade tartar sauce is zesty and cool, and I love dipping both the fish and the thick, salty fries into it.
| Pro Tip: There’s always a fun event being held here. Usually, it’s live watching of sports (Raps/Leafs/Jays, rugby, and soccer), but sometimes, it’s live music and trivia night. Check this page to see upcoming events.If you want to book a private event here, you need to fill out this form. |
Dimmi Bar and Trattoria
– From: dimmitrattoria
Address: 140 Cumberland St
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—12 pm to 10 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—12 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14169751100
Housed inside a building with wood, stone, and leather accents, Dimmi Bar and Trattoria boasts whimsical and laid-back vibes. It also has a patio that feels even more romantic than the interior.
You can’t go wrong with any of the pasta dishes. The one I keep coming back to is the Fettuccine Alla Riviera because it’s loaded with my favourite kinds of seafood: shrimp, scallops, mussels, and calamari. The tomato sauce is tangy, which complements the mellow sweetness of the seafood.
| Pro Tip: Host a special event here. The private room venue can accommodate up to 30 guests. |
Sassafraz
– From: thesassafraz
Address: 100 Cumberland St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Thursday and Friday—11:30 am to 11 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14169642222
Gorgeous and romantic, Sassafraz is the kind of restaurant you go to for special occasions. It’s also a great spot for brunch because the atmosphere is soothing, and the food is delicious and comforting.
The Giannone Farm Chicken Supreme is my ultimate recommendation here. The chicken is juicy and absorbs the smoky garlicky goodness from the sauce. The rice adds a lovely sweet, tart, and nutty contrast because it’s cooked with cranberry and pecans. I can’t get enough of this dish!
| Pro Tip: Book this restaurant for a social event. You can also have your wedding here. |
Miznon
– From: miznonto
Address: 1235 Bay St.
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Sunday—11 am to 8 pm
- Wednesday to Saturday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14169222639
Sometimes, I don’t have time to sit in and dine. That’s why Miznon is a saviour for me: because this spot specializes in Mediterranean street food that I can munch on while speed-walking.
I recommend you order the Smoked Maple Steak Pita, partly because this one is exclusive to the Toronto location. The other reason is that it tastes absolutely divine: it’s a combination of smoky, garlicky, tangy, and sweet.
| Pro Tip: You can host an event at Miznon. This can be a party with a custom menu, or you can try any of the themed events like the Miznon Magic Show (this one has a family-style buffet on top of the magic show). |
Kasa Moto
– From: kasa_moto
Address: 115 Yorkville Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +16474770423
Feast on classic Japanese cuisine with a modern twist inside a contemporary setting. That’s exactly what Kasa Moto promises! This restaurant also has a rooftop terrace with lush topiary, which is the perfect spot for a romantic date.
You should get any of the signature dishes, especially the Wagyu skirt steak. The meat is grilled, so it has a lovely charred flavour. It’s also super tender; it practically melts on my tongue every time!
| Pro Tip: Host a private event with loved ones at the restaurant’s intimate penthouse space. |
Café Boulud
– From: cafebouludto
Address: 60 Yorkville Ave, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—7 am to 11 am, 11:45 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 10 pm
- Sunday—7 am to 11 am, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Contact Number: +14169636000
Looking for a great French restaurant in Bloor-Yorkville? Café Boulud has got you covered!
I love ordering the Entrecôte de Bœuf. The ribeye steak is massive—about 20 oz—making it perfect to share with another person. The meat is tender, and it’s paired with smoked bone marrow bordelaise and pommes purée, so every forkful is a symphony of rich savoury flavour with a hint of sweetness.
| Pro Tips: If you can afford to splurge even more, then you might like to try out their six-course tasting menu. It’s available from Monday to Saturday, from 5:30 pm to 10 pm. Host a private event here with up to 20 guests. |
STK Steakhouse
– From: eatstk
Address: 153 Yorkville Ave, Yorkville Plaza
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—4 pm to 11 pm
- Friday—3 pm to 12 am
- Saturday—11 am to 12 am
- Sunday—11 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14166139660
If you’re a steak lover, then you need to stop by STK Steakhouse.
There are many steak cuts available here, and I always try to get the Japanese A5 Wagyu steak because I’m obsessed with how succulent and rich it is. Then, I pair it with truffle butter to give it a nice earthy flavour.
| Pro Tips: This restaurant has its own meat market. So, if you love to cook steaks at home, you can purchase your steak cuts here. Host a private event here with loved ones. If you already have a venue, you can hire their catering services instead. |
Morton’s The Steakhouse
– From: mortonsteak
Address: 4 Avenue Rd, Park Hyatt Toronto
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—5 pm to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—5 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14169250648
Morton’s The Steakhouse is one of the most popular steakhouses in the United States. Fortunately, it now has an outlet in Toronto, so I can treat myself to high-quality steaks whenever I want.
I recommend ordering the prime bone-in ribeye steak because it’s big enough to feed two people. The steak by itself is already savoury, but if you want even more flavours, order one of the sauces. My favourite is the blue cheese butter; it’s distinctively salty and sharp, sometimes with a sweet aftertaste.
| Pro Tip: Sometimes, this restaurant hosts prime events like mixology classes, winemaker dinners, and more. Join them when you can! You can also host a private event or book catering services here. |
Utsav Restaurant
– From: utsavyorkville
Address: 69 Yorkville Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14169618349
Tucked down a half-flight of stairs at a street corner, Utsav Restaurant is a hidden gem in the neighbourhood. I actually found this Indian restaurant by accident! But after trying it once, now I’m eager to come back again.
I’m obsessed with the butter chicken here. It’s so aromatic that my mouth is already watering even though I haven’t eaten it yet. The sauce is thick and creamy, and it tastes rich, tangy, and lightly sweet. The chicken pieces also have a slightly smoky flavour to them.
| Pro Tip: I recommend coming here on public transit instead of driving because there’s no parking lot here. |
