Cathy MerrittI don’t know about you, but I’ve always preferred restaurants with a view. There’s just something about enjoying the view—be it the Toronto skyline or a quiet stretch of a lake—while eating my dish that elevates the dining experience.
And don’t even get me started with dining at night! With the skyscrapers lit up or the stars reflecting on the water, the atmosphere automatically becomes even more romantic.
I’ve been to many restaurants with a view in Toronto, and here are my favorites. If you’re anything like me, you’ll definitely like them as well!
Canoe
Address: 66 Wellington St W 54th Floor
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11:45 am to 11:30 pm
Contact Number: +14163640054
Canoe is located smack-dab in the heart of Toronto, so you’ll be overlooking the downtown buildings, including the iconic CN Tower. What a sight to see while eating your meal!
Aside from the view, the menu is a delight. It celebrates Canadian culture and cuisine.
The chefs work closely with local farmers and suppliers, and then they create dishes that reflect the country’s diverse landscape—from fresh seafood dishes to hearty soups.
If you can afford it, I recommend trying the Taste Canoe. This is a prix fixe meal, so you can enjoy several courses. When I tried this last time, my highlights were the crispy oyster with truffle custard, cured lamb loin, and camelina sponge with goat’s milk.
| Pro Tip: Planning a romantic date with a partner? Or maybe a casual dinner with a few friends? Whatever the scenario is, you can book a private dining room at this restaurant. |
BeaverTails
Address: 145 Queens Quay W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—12 to 9 pm
- Friday—12 to 10 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 10 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14163608245
The food isn’t the only thing sweet at BeaverTails (a restaurant specializing in artisanal Canadian pastry). It also has a pretty sweet view. It’s located on Queens Quay, so you can enjoy the view of the sparkling water and the ferries cruising by every hour.
My go-to order is the BrWOWnie, which has chocolate hazelnut spread and is topped with brownie pieces and white chocolate chunks. I also really like the Triple Trip, which is a combination of chocolate hazelnut spread, peanut butter, and Reese’s Pieces.
If you want something savory to balance all that sugar, I recommend ordering the classic poutine or getting the Poutail (poutine served on top of a BeaverTails pastry).
| Pro Tip: You can book a BeaverTails food truck for an event. |
360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower
Address: 290 Bremner Blvd
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 9:15 pm
Contact Number: +14163625411
If you’re visiting The CN Tower, you might as well dine at the 360 Restaurant. Imagine dining at the top of Toronto’s tallest building and seeing a panoramic view of the city!
The bestseller here is the prime rib of beef, which has been aged for 45 days and served with a Yukon Gold potato purée and beef jus, but I also really like the veal osso buco with its stone-ground grits and parsley and lemon zest gremolata.
This restaurant has an indigenous menu as well, and I recommend trying it out. The menu changes every time, but it features dishes from Canada’s different indigenous tribes.
| Pro Tip: If you want to go all out on an event, you should book this restaurant as your venue. |
KŌST
Address: 80 Blue Jays Way 44th Floor
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—7:30 am to 10 pm
- Thursday—7:30 am to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—7:30 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14378005938
KŌST sits on the very top of Bisha Hotel’s 44 stories. Because of this, the restaurant not only boasts gorgeous views of the city and the lake but also soaks in the sunlight, making the interior bright and cheery.
A lot of people come here for brunch, and if you’re one of them, I recommend getting the KŌST Breakfast, which is their twist on the traditional English breakfast. If you’re coming here for dinner, the 12-oz ribeye steak is a must-try.
To wash everything down, order a glass of cocktail. I really like Passion Blossom (Patrón Silver Tequila with Habanero Tincture and passionfruit).
You might also enjoy Elderflower Elegance (Aviation Gin and Lillet Blanc with honey and St. Germain Foam).
| Pro Tip: This restaurant has several group menus if you book a private dinner room. |
The Rooftop
Address: The Broadview Hotel, 106 Broadview Ave
Operating Hours:
- Thursday to Saturday—4 to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +14163628439
The Broadview Hotel’s The Rooftop is a restaurant boasting a 360-degree glass facade and pyramidal skylight, thus allowing in as much sunlight as possible. In addition to that, you get to drink the scenery of the Toronto skyline and the Don River!
The menu is pretty curated, so there aren’t that many options, but don’t worry because they’re all great. I recommend starting with the spicy marinated cucumber or Bang Bang Shrimp, then ordering the baby back ribs with Korean BBQ sauce for the main course.
For your drinks, you can’t go wrong with any of the fun cocktails or beers available on top. If you’re feeling fancy, you should get a glass or bottle of wine (they have red, white, sparkling, and rose here).
| Pro Tip: You can celebrate your wedding at any of the venues within The Broadview Hotel, including The Rooftop. |
Lavelle
Address: 627 King St W
Operating Hours:
- Thursday to Saturday—6 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16473479353
Nestled in the luxurious King West neighborhood, Lavelle boasts an unobstructed 360-degree view of the city at 16 stories high. It even has a lounge bar and a pool, so you can enjoy a dip when the weather is hot outside.
As for the food here, it’s a fusion of contemporary Latin American and Japanese cuisines. You might like the Super Sushi Sampler, which includes some of the restaurant’s bestsellers.
If you want something more filling, I recommend the Lavelle BBQ Chicken, which tastes sweet and spicy.
I also really liked the Wagyu “Mac” Burger and Truffle Fries. It’s savory and indulgent!
| Pro Tip: You can host a special event here. |
Stratus
Address: TD South Tower, 79 Wellington St W Tower 36th Floor
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—7 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14168651924
Located on the 36th floor of the TD South Tower, Stratus boasts a commanding view of downtown Toronto. The CN Tower can be clearly spotted from this vantage point!
This restaurant is also best known for its hearty breakfasts and power lunches. Canadian cuisine is the specialty, but the menu often boasts traditional dishes and modern dishes from other cuisines.
The ultimate breakfast dish is the 2 Eggs, Any Style, which is basically their rendition of an English breakfast. If you’re coming here for dinner, I recommend trying the braised beef short rib, which is served with buttermilk mashed potato and mushroom jus.
A meal isn’t complete without a fancy drink. You can indulge in a glass or bottle of champagne, chardonnay, or sparkling wine.
| Pro Tip: You can book your events at Stratus. Here’s the PDF of the different menus that you can have for your party, and if you have other questions, you can send an inquiry via this page. |
Pearl Harbourfront Chinese Cuisine
– From: datenightyyz
Address: 207 Queens Quay W #200
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11 am to 9:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10:30 am to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +14162031235
If you’re a big fan of Chinese cuisine, then you’ll love Pearl Chinese Cuisine. This restaurant is located on the harbor, so you can enjoy beautiful views of the glittering water and the ships cruising by.
Indulge in the variety of dim sum options here. Personally, my favorites are the steamed beef balls, steamed scallops and shrimp dumplings, and steamed BBQ pork buns.
I also recommend the noodle dishes, especially chicken chow mein and beef brisket ramen.
End your meal with a dessert. The mango pudding is refreshing and decadent, but if you want a simple treat, you might like the bowl of mixed fresh fruits or lychee.
Harriet’s Rooftop
Address: 550 Wellington St W Suite C
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday—5 to 11 pm
- Thursday—5 pm to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—5 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14166013599
Harriet’s Rooftop is a luxurious restaurant sitting on the topmost floor of 1 Hotel Toronto. It’s a perfect spot if you’re looking for a place to have a romantic dinner or if you just want to unwind with a glass (or two) of a refreshing cocktail.
You can start your meal with fresh oysters or truffle Wagyu tartare. For the main course, try the chili crab roll or truffle scallop.
They also offer an assorted selection of sashimi and nigiri if you’re interested.
Complete your meal with a cocktail! I’ve tried and liked Purple Rain (Grey Goose Pear, St. Germain, homemade lychee hibiscus juice, and prosecco).
| Pro Tip: If you’re curious about the different cocktails here, I recommend coming here during Happy Hour from 5 to 7 pm every Wednesday to Friday. |
Amsterdam Brewhouse
– From: fayefayedog
Address: 245 Queens Quay W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 1 am
Contact Number: +14165041020
Boasting an area of 14,000 square feet, Amsterdam Brewhouse is a craft brewery, restaurant, and retail store all in one. Plus, it’s also located by the lake, so you can enjoy the view of the water and the ships while dining or shopping here.
I recommend the brisket here, which has been smoked for 12 hours, so you can taste the seasonings deep into the meat. It’s also served with smash-fried ruby reds, crispy onions, poblano lime coleslaw, and jalapeno cornbread, so you’ll be stuffed in the end.
Of course, you can’t dine in a brewery without trying the beers. There’s a great variety of brands here like Blonde Lager, Downtown Brown, Cruiser Pale Ale, and Space Invader IPA.
| Pro Tip: You can book large-group dining experiences or parties here. |
Don Alfonso 1890
Address: 1 Harbour Square 38th Floor
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday—5 to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—5 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +14162145888
Looking for a fancy spot for a romantic dinner? Then, you might like Don Alfonso 1890, which is located atop the iconic Westin Harbour Castle on the edge of Lake Ontario.
Here, I recommend trying the signature tasting menu. It starts with freshly baked artisan bread and a collection of canapés, then you’ll feast on seared Quebec muscovy duck breast with celeriac puree.
If you prefer a la carte, I recommend trying the Ontario Wagyu beef tenderloin with Dijon mustard sauce and balsamic vinegar caviar.
| Pro Tips: Celebrate New Year’s Eve here! There’s an exclusive four-course tasting menu on this special day. Book this restaurant for your party or any other special event. |
Sportsnet Grill
Address: 1 Blue Jays Way
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—7 am to 12 am
- Saturday and Sunday—7:30 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14163415045
While most of the restaurants in this list are located on the topmost floor, Sportsnet Grill is located inside the Toronto Marriott City Center Hotel. So, instead of getting city views, you’ll be enjoying views of a game in Rogers Center!
This is why this restaurant is popular among sports fans. Who doesn’t like to munch on chicken wings while cheering your team to win?
I personally like coming here for breakfast because there’s an all-you-can-eat buffet.
If I’m visiting for lunch or dinner, I usually go for any of the burgers. My personal favorites so far have been Bat Flip Burger and Nashville Chicken Sandwich.
| Pro Tip: Dine here during game day because there will be deals. In particular, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat wings or a discounted price for a 20-oz pint of Bud or Bud Light. |
The Chase
Address: 10 Temperance St Fl 5
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Saturday—5 to 11 pm
Contact Number: +16473487000
If you’re in the Financial District, The Chase is an upscale restaurant that you might like. It has a spacious patio where you can enjoy sweeping views of the neighborhood.
The menu changes depending on the season, and my preference is the spring menu.
The Canadian prime porterhouse is so expensive, but it’s so worth it. It’s 22 oz, so it’s perfect for sharing, and it’s served with pink peppercorn sauce and fresh horseradish.
If I’m dining with a group, I like to get a shrimp cocktail or plate of oysters with granny smith apple mignonette, horseradish, and lemon to share with everyone.
| Pro Tip: You can book this restaurant as a venue for your event. |
Scaramouche Restaurant
Address: 1 Benvenuto Pl
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—5 to 9 pm
- Saturday—5 to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +14169616240
At Scaramouche Restaurant, you can experience fine dining while enjoying the panoramic skyline views of midtown!
The menu here is filled with contemporary Canadian dishes. Start with oysters or tuna tartare with caviar.
Then for your main dish, try the Québec duck glazed with citrus honey, foie gras sauce, and blood orange reduction.
The butter-poached half lobster is a must-try as well. It’s pretty expensive, but I think it’s well worth it. It’s served with saffron-infused risotto and salsa verde.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant sells gift certificates. Purchase one to give to a friend or family member. |
Pie Bar Pizzeria
Address: 207 Queens Quay W #155
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11:30 am to 9 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—11:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16473417221
Thinking about spending your dinner eating a pizza while enjoying a waterfront view? Then, you should head to Pie Bar Pizzeria.
As the name suggests, this spot specializes in Italian cuisine. Pizza, unsurprisingly, is the star of the show.
For the flavors, I recommend chicken pesto, prosciutto arugula, and Hawaiian (yes, I like pineapple on pizza!).
Other dishes I suggest you try include the pesto penne, herb-crusted salmon, and Mamma’s Spaghetti Chicken Parmesan.
| Pro Tip: Pie Bar Pizzeria holds special promotions during Mother’s Day. So, treat your mother to a lovely meal (and bottomless mimosas) here. |
Simona
Address: 59 Merchants’ Wharf
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Thursday and Friday—11:30 am to 11 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 11 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14164798121
Simona is another restaurant focused on Italian cuisine. This spot brings you to Sicily!
This restaurant is located by the waterfront, so feast your eyes on the breathtaking view of the glittering blue waters. The view becomes even more romantic at night because of all the city lights reflecting on the water. It’s almost like the starry sky!
You can start your meal with focaccia drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar or calamari fritti. Then for your main course, try the cacio e pepe or a 10-oz NY striploin with confit potato and king oyster mushrooms.
Of course, pizza is also available here. They have the classic options (pepperoni and Margherita), but I personally vouch for the fig and prosciutto pizza (sounds like a weird combination, but it surprisingly tastes good!).
| Pro Tip: Share the love with a friend by giving them a Simona gift card. |
AP
Address: 55 Bloor St W 51st Floor
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14169670000
AP is a fancy restaurant serving Japanese and Pan-Asian-inspired dishes. It also has north and south patios that let you enjoy the sight of the Toronto skyline while dining.
Sushi is the main highlight here, and if you really want to enjoy the very best, I recommend getting the Chef’s Selections. The Omakase Nigiri, in particular, is exciting because the pieces depend on what the chef is in the mood to make.
Aside from sushi, you might like the miso black cod, which is served with cilantro aioli, and tteokbokki (rice cakes cooked in kimchi emulsion and topped with sesame seeds and Parmigiano).
| Pro Tip: Book your party at AP. There are several venues to choose from. |
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
Situated 38 floors above the city, Aera boasts a gorgeous view of Toronto’s Fashion District. You can even catch a glimpse of the blue water because it’s located close to the harbor!
This restaurant pays homage to contemporary American cuisine. That’s why the menu features classic dishes but with an elevated twist and steakhouse favorites.
Some of the must-try dishes here include the bacon steak (it weighs 7 oz and is served with apple gastrique and crispy onions) and the broiled scallops (three bacon-wrapped scallops). If you can afford to splurge, I recommend getting caviar to pair with your meal.
Finish your meal with something sweet! I personally love the sticky bourbon toffee pudding, which is topped with vanilla ice cream and walnut crunch. Its sweetness is undercut by the bourbon, and I can’t get enough of it.
| Pro Tip: Sometimes, the restaurant hosts events and special promotions (e.g., discounts and limited menus). If you want to see what events and promotions are active on the day of your visit, check this page. |
