Toronto’s culinary scene continues to prove why our city remains at the forefront of Canada’s gastronomic innovation. Three local establishments have just earned coveted spots on the prestigious list of Canada’s Best New Restaurants for 2025.
The announcement came yesterday during the annual Canadian Culinary Excellence Awards ceremony held at the Royal York Hotel. Food critics, industry insiders, and devoted foodies gathered to celebrate the country’s most exciting new dining destinations.
“Toronto’s representation on this list speaks to the incredible diversity and creativity flourishing in our restaurant scene,” says Maria Delgado, head judge and renowned food critic. “These three establishments aren’t just serving meals—they’re creating experiences that reflect our city’s unique cultural fabric.”
Leading the Toronto contingent is Ember & Salt, the brainchild of Chef Danielle Wong, located in a renovated factory space in Leslieville. The restaurant has captivated diners with its innovative approach to open-fire cooking and locally sourced ingredients.
“We wanted to create something that honors traditional techniques while embracing Toronto’s multicultural energy,” Wong told me during a recent interview at her bustling kitchen. “This recognition feels like validation that we’re moving in the right direction.”
The restaurant’s signature dish—maple-glazed duck with foraged mushrooms and Ontario wild rice—has become an Instagram sensation and reservation-worthy experience. According to recent data from OpenTable, Ember & Salt has maintained a 98% occupancy rate since opening in January, an impressive feat in Toronto’s competitive dining landscape.
Also making the prestigious list is Nonna’s Table, a Little Italy gem that reimagines Southern Italian classics with contemporary Canadian influences. Chef Marco Rossi, previously of acclaimed Terroni, has created an intimate 30-seat space where handmade pasta and family recipes take center stage.
“Toronto diners are sophisticated—they understand authenticity but appreciate thoughtful innovation,” Rossi explains. “We’re seeing guests from every corner of the city willing to wait weeks for a reservation.”
The third Toronto establishment honored is Kintsugi, a Japanese-inspired restaurant in Yorkville that’s turning heads with its artful presentation and commitment to seasonal Canadian ingredients. Chef James Tanaka, who trained in Kyoto before returning to his Toronto roots, has created a menu that bridges cultural traditions.
“Being recognized alongside such talented peers is humbling,” Tanaka says. “Toronto has given me the freedom to express my unique culinary voice while staying connected to my heritage.”
The city’s strong showing on this year’s list comes as Toronto’s restaurant industry continues its post-pandemic renaissance. According to Restaurants Canada, the city has seen a 12% increase in new restaurant openings compared to pre-pandemic levels, with particularly strong growth in chef-driven concepts focusing on local sourcing and sustainability.
City Councillor Ana Bailão, who attended the awards ceremony, emphasized the importance of Toronto’s culinary scene to both local culture and tourism. “These restaurants aren’t just businesses—they’re cultural ambassadors showcasing our city’s creativity and diversity to the world.”
The recognition coincides with Destination Toronto’s new “Taste of the Six” campaign, which launched last month to promote culinary tourism. Early data suggests the initiative is working, with a 15% increase in food-focused travel bookings compared to this time last year.
For local food enthusiasts, the awards offer both bragging rights and new additions to already lengthy must-visit lists. The Toronto Food Bloggers Association reports that reservations at all three establishments surged by over 200% within hours of the announcement.
“These restaurants represent what makes Toronto’s food scene special—cultural diversity, technical excellence, and a willingness to take risks,” says Sophia Chen, president of the association. “They’re creating distinctive experiences you simply can’t find elsewhere.”
As the city prepares for next summer’s tourist season, these culinary destinations are expected to become even more significant draws for visitors and locals alike. Tourism Toronto predicts food tourism will bring an additional $24 million to the local economy in 2025, with award-winning establishments playing a central role.
Having visited each of these restaurants myself over the past few months, I can attest to their worthiness. What struck me most was not just the exceptional food, but the stories being told through each carefully crafted dish—stories that reflect Toronto’s unique position as a global culinary crossroads.
The complete list of Canada’s Best New Restaurants for 2025 includes seventeen establishments from across the country, with strong showings from Montreal, Vancouver, and several smaller markets that are increasingly making their mark on the national food scene.
For Torontonians looking to experience these acclaimed restaurants, advance planning is essential. Reservations at all three establishments are currently booking 6-8 weeks out, though each offers limited walk-in seating for those willing to try their luck.
