Amelie CameronThe Toronto food scene is constantly changing. Long-standing restaurants have cultivated their own loyal followings, but then, there are also new dining spots opening up and capturing everyone’s attention.
Every year, my friends and I have this tradition of organizing a food trip to try as many new restaurants as we can. At the end of the trip, we make the ultimate list of our favorites!
For 2024, here are the new restaurants in Toronto (opened in either 2023 or early 2024) that have made it to the list.
Daphne
Address: 67 Richmond St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—10:30 am to 10 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—10:30 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14162031414
Located in Toronto’s Financial District, Daphne lures you in with its warm, inviting interior design, but ultimately, it’s the food that makes you stay!
I like coming here for brunch, and my go-to order is the Daphne Breakfast because it’s loaded with so many things (two eggs, an Ibérico and cranberry sausage, charred tomatoes, hash browns, and sourdough bread). As a result, I feel so full after eating!
If I’m coming for dinner, I usually get the chicken dish. The meat is organic Quebec chicken, and the bourbon jus makes every bite a savory explosion. It also comes with charred citrus that adds a bit of tanginess and sweetness to the dish.
| Pro Tip: If you’re interested in hosting a private event here, fill out this form. |
Contrada
Address: 537 College St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday—5 to 10:30 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 3 pm
Contact Number: +14165193455
Contrada is a must-visit in Toronto’s Little Italy. This Italian-Canadian restaurant boasts a modern casual interior, and the menu features seasonal and locally sourced food, authentic Italian wine, and innovative neo-Italian cocktails.
I’m impressed with the agnolotti pasta here. I’m normally against chicken liver, but somehow the chefs here made it work. I didn’t even notice that this pasta had chicken liver. The creamy, savory sauce is enough to make me forget!
If you have a sweet tooth like me, I recommend trying the pistachio tart. Its sweetness is pretty subtle, and the orange curd has a bit of tanginess that cuts through the sugar.
| Pro Tip: Fill out this form if you want to host a large party here. |
Fish and Loaf
Address: 41 Lebovic Ave A117
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday—12 to 9 pm
- Friday to Sunday—12 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16473688683
What I like about Fish and Loaf is that there’s no set cuisine. Instead, they try to incorporate different cooking methods! That’s why their dishes always look so exciting.
I’m a big fan of the Spanish Ibérico pork steak. The meat is so tender and has a rich, nutty taste that I can’t get enough of. I like to get a side of seasonal vegetables just to balance my meal, but you can also opt for mashed potatoes or French fries.
When it comes to your beverage, you have many options. They have an impressive collection of beer, sake, and wine here, but if you don’t drink alcohol, you can opt for a cup of coffee or tea instead.
| Pro Tip: Host a private dinner at Fish and Loaf. They can accommodate up to 20 seated guests. |
Aera
Address: 8 Spadina Ave. #3800
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Thursday to Saturday—11:30 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +16472585207
Do you know what makes a dining experience even better? It’s when you also get to enjoy a spectacular view of the city! That’s exactly what you’ll get when dining at Aera since this restaurant is located 38 stories above the ground.
My favorite dish so far is the maritime lobster spaghetti. The tomato bisque is so creamy, savory, and aromatic, and the lobster meat is buttery and slightly sweet.
For dessert, I recommend the key lime pie. It’s so sweet and sour, and I love biting into the lime meringue.
Don’t miss out on any of the cocktails as well. I really like Amelia because it’s sweet and slightly tangy and minty.
| Pro Tips: Are you planning a large party or an intimate dinner with loved ones? This restaurant has several event spaces you can book! Aera often hosts limited promotions or special events. Check this page to remain updated! |
Takja BBQ House
Address: 962 College St
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday—5 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16476387368
If you’re craving Korean BBQ after binge-watching a Korean drama (we’ve all been there), then you might want to hit up Takja BBQ House.
Be sure to try the Hansang option. Hansang literally means “a table full of food,” so you’ll be served multiple cuts of meat (pork, beef, seafood, and vegetables) and side dishes. You’ll definitely feel full in no time!
Aside from barbeque meat, this restaurant sells noodles and soups. I like the tofu stew because its taste is simple and comforting. It has a slight kick of heat as well, which I like.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning to dine with a group, I recommend booking a reservation ahead of time. |
and/ore
Address: 1040 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday—5 to 11 pm
- Wednesday to Saturday—5 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +14165361040
Enchanting is the best way to describe and/ore. With gorgeous artistic paintings of flowers on the walls and stylish light fixtures, it’s hard not to stare with your mouth open when you step inside.
You’ll be impressed even further once you get to taste the food. I recommend trying the duck confit hand pie. It’s such a satisfying bite, and though it’s mostly savory, the pickled wild blueberry adds a bit of sweet fruitiness that elevates the dish.
I also love the smoked lamb ribs, which are glazed with fish sauce, lime, and chili. The meat is undeniably tender, and the sauce has the right balance of umami, tanginess, and spice that I like.
| Pro Tips: Feeling adventurous? Book the Chef’s Picnic. With this dining experience, the chefs choose the dishes for you. You’ll be at the edge of your seat anticipating the food! If you want to book a private event here, fill out this form. |
Savor Thai
Address: 1226 St Clair Ave W
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday—5:30 to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 3 pm, 5:30 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14164100303
Savor Thai is all about re-inventing Thai cuisine. They also want their customers to have a memorable dining experience, which is why the whole space is decked with ambient lights, fancy silverware, and plush cushions.
I suggest trying the Chef’s Curated Tasting Menu. It’s pretty expensive, but it does let you enjoy several courses. The highlights for me are the roasted duck breast red curry (savory, spicy, and sweet) and pan-seared scallops (citrusy with a kick of heat).
Don’t miss out on the desserts as well. Personally, I like their take on the classic mango sticky rice. It has sliced fresh mangoes and glutinous rice, but it’s also served with a dark chocolate mousse and hazelnut crumble to add another layer of richness.
| Pro Tip: To secure your spot in the restaurant, book a reservation ahead of time. |
Compton Ave
Address: 1282 Dundas St W
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday—6 pm to 1 am
- Thursday to Saturday—6 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16473989667
“Did I step into a time portal and find myself in 1920s New York?” That’s probably the first thing you’ll think of when you visit Compton Ave. After all, this restaurant is designed to look like an old-school speakeasy, so it makes sense why you’d think that.
The menu is filled with classic pub fare, and my favorite is the grilled steak Diane. The Picanha steak is tender and juicy, and the sauce is perfectly creamy and savory with sweet notes, thanks to the apricot.
I like to end my meal with the sticky toffee pudding. It’s so sweet, especially since it’s topped with salted caramel and ice cream!
When it comes to drinks, you’ll be glad to know that there’s an impressive array of alcohol here, such as draft beers, spirits, wines, and cocktails.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning an event with a large group, you can book this restaurant as a venue. |
Blue Bovine Steak + Sushi House
Address: 65 Front St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11:30 am to 2 am
- Saturday and Sunday—3 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16478053682
Are you a big fan of both steaks and sushi? Then, you’ll undoubtedly love Blue Bovine!
You can’t go wrong with the steak frites. The striploin steak is succulent, and the peppercorn sauce makes every bite a savory explosion. The hand-cut fries are cooked in duck fat, which is why they have such a crispy exterior and a rich flavor.
For sushi, I recommend ordering the sushi tower, especially if you’re with another person. This tower already comes with several options for sashimi, nigiri sushi, and maki sushi, so you’ll be full after eating.
| Pro Tip: If you want to host a private dinner here, fill out this form. |
Azura
Address: 162 Danforth Ave
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday—5 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14167928088
Azura is where you go if you’re in the mood for fine dining. But don’t worry because you don’t have to don the fanciest clothes you have. Smart casual works just fine!
The Chef’s Tasting Menu changes frequently, so you never know what to expect exactly. From my experience, I had the halibut shawarma with tahini (savory and earthy) and the venison leg with sweet potatoes and preserved citrus (tangy and slightly sweet).
For dessert, I had the olive oil cake with bergamot. It wasn’t too sweet, which I liked, and the bergamot definitely added a zing of tanginess to it.
| Pro Tips: Book a reservation ahead of time to ensure your spot. You can do so via OpenTable or phone. If you have any dietary restrictions, please include them in your reservation request. The chef will be more than happy to accommodate your needs. |
Leslie’s Sandwich Room
Address: 969 Queen St E
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 6 pm
I’ve always been fond of sandwich shops because sometimes, I’m in a hurry and just need a quick bite. Recently, my favorite sandwich shop—one I’ve been to several times in just a span of a few months—is Leslie’s Sandwich Room.
I like to come during breakfast, and my go-to order is The Good Morning. The buns are Japanese milk buns, so they’re very fluffy! For the filling, it has eggs, bacon, and a hash brown, so every bite is satisfying.
Another of my favorite sandwiches here is La Morta. It has cilantro pesto and mortadella (Italian sausage or luncheon meat), so it tastes garlicky, peppery, and savory. It also has an addicting cheese pull, thanks to the mozzarella slices.
| Pro Tip: If you have an event soon, you can book this restaurant’s catering services. |
Wok Boyz
Address: Liberty Market Building, 171 E Liberty St Unit No. 121
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +16473989191
What I like about Wok Boyz is its unique concept. Essentially, they want to add an urban twist to the street flavors of the Far East, and I can see that vision in their food!
I like to order the Ramen Mix Meat, especially when it’s cold outside. The soup base is traditional Japanese broth, which has a subtle taste, and the toppings comprise various meat (chicken, beef, and pork) and vegetables (bok choy, mushrooms, and more).
Sometimes, I’ll get nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) with chicken. The rice is perfectly fluffy, while the chicken tastes earthy and smoky. What a filling meal!
| Pro Tips: You can create your own wok dish! You just have to choose your base (noodles or rice), protein, sauce, vegetables, and other toppings. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please inform your server. That way, they can accommodate your needs. |
DaNico
Address: 440 College St
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday—5 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16477151200
Located in the heart of the Palmerston-Little Italy neighborhood, DaNico promises Michelin-style cuisine in a space with a uniquely bespoke design. The menu features Italian dishes with Asian influences.
The Signature Tasting Menu is a must-try. The standout dish from the menu is the Wagyu tenderloin steak that has been marinated for 12 hours, so the savory and peppery flavors seep into every corner of the meat!
As someone who loves cheese, I also like ordering the daily cheese selection, which changes often, so I’m always on the edge of my seat. This order also comes with several items I can pair the cheese with, such as nuts, dates, honey, and a piece of bread.
| Pro Tip: If you want to have a private event at DaNico, be sure to fill out this form. |
La Plume
Address: 453 Wellington St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday—4 to 11 pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday—11:45 am to 11 pm
- Thursday—11:45 am to 1 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 2 am
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16472585205
Take a trip to Southern France by dining at La Plume! This restaurant has a cozy, romantic vibe that makes me feel at ease every time.
I enjoy coming here for brunch, and so far, I love the La Plume Breakfast. It reminds me of the English-style breakfast because it has eggs, bacon, lamb sausages, mushrooms, potatoes, and sourdough.
I also enjoy getting the waffles. They have a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, and the lavender chantilly cream, maple honeycomb, and seasonal berries make every bite a sweet and tangy symphony.
For your drinks, there’s an extensive selection of cocktails and wines.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant has several event spaces and offers an event package if you want to host a party here. |
Edna + Vita
Address: 77 Adelaide St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Thursday to Saturday—11:30 am to 1 am
- Sunday—11:30 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14375626099
The way I’ll describe Edna + Vita is “upscale and sophisticated but still approachable.” It’s now become my go-to spot whenever my friends and I are craving authentic Italian dishes.
I usually go for pasta dishes, and so far, my favorite is the braised lamb tagliatelle. The braised lamb meat melts on my tongue, and I love how the sauce has a bit of a lemony kick to it. The green olives and pistachios also add briny and nutty flavors.
Of course, you have to try the pizza as well. I recommend the Bufalina Funghi, which has mozzarella cheese, truffle ricotta, and caramelized onions. Every slice tastes sweet, earthy, and slightly spicy.
| Pro Tip: You can host your event here. |
Porzia’s
Address: 319A Oakwood Ave, York
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday—4 to 9 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—2 to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14166536474
Porzia’s is another great spot if you’re craving Italian cuisine. This one features a casual, homey vibe, which I find cozy and comforting.
I love starting my meal with calamari fritte, which is perfectly crispy. It’s served with lemon aioli that adds a tangy zing with every bite.
For my main dish, I like to get the classic lasagna. The meat sauce is rich and creamy, and the mozzarella cheese gives it an addictive cheese pull.
Of course, I have to end my meal with a sweet treat. I really like the ricotta and limoncello cheesecake because it’s so silky and the flavor profile perfectly balances sweet and tangy.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning to dine here with more than seven people, you need to send an email to [email protected]. |
The Fall Bright Tavern
Address: 840 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday—6 to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—6 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +14165354567
Looking to get the tavern experience in Toronto? Then, you should head to The Fall Bright Tavern!
What I like about this restaurant is that the menu changes often, so you never know what to expect when coming here. The last time I came here, I ordered and loved the lamb shank skew. It’s so rich and savory, and the meat is so tender it practically melts!
For dessert, I recommend getting the strawberry pistachio tart. I can’t get enough of the sweet and fruity custard, and the pistachios add a nice crunch to every bite.
| Pro Tips: If you’re dining with more than seven people, you should contact the restaurant directly at [email protected]. For parties with six people or fewer, you can book your reservation on this page. |
Conejo Negro
Address: 838 College St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—5 to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—5 to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14166373868
Conejo Negro is the new spot in town that will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings for Caribbean, Creole, and Latin cuisines!
I can’t get enough of the jerk chicken here. The chicken thigh is perfectly spicy and smoky, and the fluffy pumpkin rice complements the flavors well. The dish is also served with slaw to balance out the meal.
You can’t pass up the opportunity to taste gumbo as well. It’s such a hearty dish because your plate is piled with rice and all sorts of meat (chicken, sausage, and shrimp).
| Pro Tip: If you’re interested in hosting an event here, you can send a query via email (at [email protected]). |
