By Joshua Duvauchelle
Toronto is
Canada's biggest city and home to landmarks such as the CN Tower. It is also the economic capital of Canada, with various international companies headquartered in its downtown and financial districts. Due to its size, Toronto's culinary landscape is wide and varied. However, certain restaurants rise to the top and are recognized as some of the best in their categories. Whether you're craving North American cuisine or something a little more international and exotic, discover the many flavors of Toronto.
Canoe Restaurant & Bar by Oliver Bonacini
Canoe has been recognized throughout Canada as an outstanding restaurant, both for its food and the sweeping views of Toronto seen through the restaurant's windows perched high above the TD Bank Tower. Serving lunch and dinner, the ever-so-swanky Canoe is pricey with entrees starting at $40. However, you get what you pay for. The restaurant features many Canadian ingredients, such as maple cured salmon gravlax hailing from British Columbia. And that's just for starters. Entrees include tempting dishes such as squab served with Quebec chokecherry and Newfoundland screech, or Wellington County prime rib eye with Carpetbagger hazelnuts and Fordhook mustard. Look for Canoe's extensive wine list, designed by sommelier William Predhomme.
Canoe Restaurant & Bar
66 Wellington St W
Toronto, ON M5J
(416) 307-3322
oliverbonacini.com
Splendido Bar & Grill
Don't let the bar and grill monikers fool you. Splendido is a chic fine dining establishment in the tradition of European dining. To get the full experience, you must start with champagne and end with a palate-pleasing dessert. In between, sample exquisitely crafted dishes that use only the freshest local produce. This means the menu is constantly evolving to highlight seasonal Torontonian ingredients. Choose between surf and turf, such as pulled whole roasted suckling lamb or grilled Nova Scotia lobster served with Ontario English Pea and Chanterelle risotto. If you want a lighter evening, opt for wine and cheese. Their cheese menu is as exhaustive as their wine list, and features cheese such as Chabichou du Poitou, an unpasteurized and aged chevre that is imported from France.
Splendido Bar & Grill
88 Harbord Street
Toronto, ON M5S 1G5
(416) 929-7788
splendido.ca
Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa
The AAA five diamond restaurant found within the Landon Hall hotel has one of Toronto's largest and most respected wine cellars. Its food menus are nothing to scoff at, either. The Langdon Hall restaurant features classical European-influenced cuisine and regional Ontario entrees in a comfortable, luxuriously-elegant atmosphere. Visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or try the hall's famous Sunday brunch. Entrees boast creative ingredients. For example, one popular dish is the exotic elk tenderloin with black olive oil, served along with pickled ox tongue, turnip greens and a pine nut vinaigrette.
Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa
1 Langdon Drive
Cambridge, ON N3H 4R8
(519) 740-2100
langdonhall.ca
Sushi Kaji
Traditionally the specialty of Canada's western provinces, sushi connoisseurs have been awed by Sushi Kaji's expertly-rolled sushi and presentation.The sushi served at this popular Queensway establishment is as authentic as can be had. All of the fresh fish are caught from Tokyo Bay. Likewise, most of the other ingredients, including the rice and vegetables, is also imported from Japan. Try their omakase menu, featuring a stunning 10 courses that take your palate through a high-octane sushi adventure. Unfortunately, their reputation for having the best sushi in Toronto means it can be difficult to get in for dinner. Call as far in advance as possible, as the restaurant only seats 30 people and their popularity far exceeds their capacity.
Sushi Kaji
860 The Queensway
Etobicoke, ON M8Z 1N7
(416) 252-2166
sushikaji.com
Resources
About the Author:
Joshua Duvauchelle is an editor and journalist who has been writing since 2000. His work has appeared in various national and international magazines, including "Honolulu Magazine." Duvauchelle graduated with honors from Trinity Western University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in professional communications, and earned a certificate in applied leadership and public affairs from the Laurentian Leadership Centre.
