From stunning coastal shorelines to shimmering glacial lakes and beautiful floating icebergs to lush ancient forests, the enthralling landscapes of Canada welcome millions of people across the world.
Canada, the second-largest country in the world, is an impeccably diverse region with a complex indigenous history, cutting-edge architecture, and, of course, creative cuisine. Now, when it comes to cuisines, one of the hardest things is to choose the best restaurant in Canada that offers an exceptional culinary journey and great service. More than just fine dining, some feature years-old traditional Canadian food and regional dishes packed with flavors.
While poutine, maple syrup, and smoked salmon are considered the national foods of Canada, you will be surprised to find the best food in Canada at an Indian, Japanese, or local restaurant. Your favorite meal could be anything, breakfast, lunch or dinner. These best restaurants in Canada are sure to offer you one of the best culinary experiences, blending regional and international flavors.
Canada’s Top Restaurants for an Exquisite Dining Experience
Here is a list of some of the best restaurants that you must visit while visiting Canada. They promise some of the best experience in Canada:
Canoe Restaurant
Boasting the best view in Toronto, with the CN Tower piercing on one side and the stunning skyline of Toronto on the other side, Canoe Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Canada. The menu here a little bit adventurous and surprising, too, with all the delicious blends of flavors and ingredients from all over the country.
The Inn at Fortune Bay
The Inn at Fortune Bay features a once-in-a-lifetime experience starting right from the farm tour, followed by cocktails and oyster hours that end in a spectacular multi-course farm-to-table celebration. This is a seasonal celebration that honors fresh produce and local livestock.
Eight
Just as the name suggests, Eight is an eight-seat, high-themed restaurant opening only three nights a week. And if you are lucky enough to reserve your table at this fantastic kitchen bar, you will be presented with exceptional flavors that mostly feel like a complete love story between Canadian cuisine and ingredients.
Oji Seichi
Image source: www.ojiseichi.com
Ramen seems like a pretty straightforward and common dish, but what makes it a delight is that it has a rich depth of flavors that can be found only in a few places. Oji Seichi is one of those restaurants in Canada that is dedicated to the beloved soupy and noodle dish where ramen takes the center of the stage.
Sotto Sotto
The Italian cooking of Sotto Sotto is not just fulfilling but an absolute Italian art itself. However, this may not impress you if you are not accustomed to inventive items. Meanwhile, the seafood risotto is to die for, and the wine list is surpassed by Tuscans and features a rich quality.
Alo Restaurants
One of the best restaurants in Canada, Alo Restaurant, has topped almost every best restaurant list led, by chef and owner Patrick Kriss. Boasting a contemporary French ambience, you are allowed to choose from a blind-tasting menu or enjoy the famous a la carte cuisine.
Tojo’s
Hailed as the best restaurant in Vancouver, Tojo’s has served fresh and famous omakase meals and a la carte sushi to customers for over 30 years. Moreover, it is located in a city known for fresh food and delicious sushi, so what can go wrong here?
Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen
The best Jamaican kitchen in Toronto, Chubby’s, brings up the best burgers and coconut-crusted fish. But the major highlight is the jerk kitchen, which is prepared over the course of four days! Don’t forget to save the room for some dessert.
Bombay Mahal
Make your way to the exceptional Bombay Mahal, the Parc-Extension’s famous Indian eatery. Choose from a variety of aromatic dishes, from thalis to mouth-watering light bites such as pakoras and samosas. You will find every dish seasoned with Indian flavors and curated with warmth.
John’s Lunch
An award-winning seafood joint serving the freshest Atlantic seafood for over 50 years, John’s Lunch serves fish and chips, a classic combo with tourists and locals alike. Don’t worry; you will get big and satisfying portions with quick service.
The Green Door Restaurant and Bakery
The oldest vegetarian restaurant in Ottawa, the Green Door Restaurant and Bakery, serves the best dishes made from fresh farm produce. You will find a fascinating rotation of seasonal vegetarian dishes, including vegan and gluten-free options. The dishes here are served buffet-style and paid for by weight.
Jinbar
Elevating the comfort of snack foods and infusing them with flavours that take you back to Korea, Chef Jinhee Lee presents famous cuisines from beef bulgogi tacos to buldak pizzas. And the real hero is the Korean fried chicken served in four flavors.
Straight Outta Brooklyn Pizzeria
You can literally taste Naples in every bite of the perfectly thin crust slice packed with all the delicious toppings. Straight Outta Brooklyn Pizzeria is a place where you can find something light in your pocket yet get completely satisfied. It is absolutely one of the best places to eat in Canada.
The Acorn
The main street restaurant, the Acorn, features hoisted plant-based dining including the famous weekend brunch. This brunch is an absolute favorite, packed with surprising internationally-inspired dishes such as savory mushroom waffles and okonomiyaki. It is worth a visit for vegans, carnivores, and anything in between.
Deer + Almond
This Asian-inspired restaurant, Deer + Almond, offers a delicious fusion-tasting menu that upscales every dining presentation. Be sure to make the reservation in advance, as this is always first come, first served. Expect a range of spectacular tapas and beautiful wine pairings.
Bar Kismet
With a warm ambiance, this family-run restaurant boasts intricate skills in fresh seafood and house-made pasta. You are presented with a refined menu and polite service, making your meal an unforgettable culinary experience. Moreover, the bar features some of the best inventive cocktails and a sizeable wine list.
La Buche
Step into La Buche, an old-school, vibey restaurant offering a taste of Quebecois cuisine. Surprisingly, you will be served with big portions with fast service. This is a modern, family-friendly place holding traditional French-Canadian food.
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is a hidden gem in Canada! A family-run Chinatown staple restaurant offers a delicious and generous portion of Vietnamese and Cambodian foods cooked with warmth and love. You can simply come alone or bring your large groups and order as many as your stomach craves, and don’t forget the delicious Chicken wings.
Here are some names of Luxury hotels in Canada:
- Royale Fine Dining Banquet
- Alo
- Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar
- Maison Boulud
- Steveston Pizza Company
- Teatro
- Wayfarer Oyster House
- Tundra Inn Dining Room
Things to Avoid When Visiting Canada’s Top-Rated Restaurants
Here are things to avoid doing in Canada when visiting the top restaurants:
- Don’t show up extremely late or early for your reservation. This can throw off the kitchen’s timing and flow. Stick closely to your booked time.
- Don’t treat serving staff rudely or disrespectfully. Be polite and patient with the folks working hard to make your experience enjoyable.
- Avoid messy eating and allowing kids to make too much noise or mess at white tablecloth establishments. Some flexibility here, but respect other diners.
- Don’t show up underdressed. Most higher-end places have dress codes, so check ahead about jackets, ties, etc required.
- Don’t use flash photography. It can disturb ambiance. Check with staff first before taking photos.
- Don’t book a very large group at a small intimate restaurant. Stick under 8 people for hot small venues.
- Avoid too many custom orders or substitutions that deviate far from the dish as designed. The chef tailored flavors.
- Don’t talk loudly on cell phones. It disturbs ambiance. Step away from main dining rooms for calls.
- Avoid bringing outside food like takeout pizza into the restaurant or bar area. Buy food and drink in venue.
Don’t expect louder environments or bar areas to welcome young children late into the evenings. Make sure to arrange childcare.
Describing Canadian food is as difficult as it is as tricky as to savor. You will have various cuisines curated with a mixture of other dishes, each coming from different cultures and regions.
These best restaurants in Canada offer an impeccable range of dishes with flavors that fill you to the core. Whether you crave classic comfort foods or innovative dishes, Calgary’s food trucks are a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. So, if you are hunting to find the best taste in Canada, do not forget to visit these and make the most of your food journey.