Toronto is the city of endless options. No matter what you have a sudden “appetite” for, you will certainly find it there, from winter sports, fishing, and relaxing hikes to bike tours and music festivals. When it comes to dining though, Toronto holds the reigns with the best facilities where you not only satisfy your finest culinary quests at warm and inviting environments, but also enjoy a stunning view.
So, for your next dinner out, here are the top 10 restaurants we suggest that blend radiant sunsets, exquisite vistas, sailboats dotting the peaceful lake, or the twinkling lights of the busy city (or a combination of more than one!); everything that will make any meal feel beyond superb!
1. Pappas Grill (Website)
Located in the lovely Greektown center on the Danforth, Pappas Grill enchants with its beautiful award-winning décor and the relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere. You can taste inspired Mediterranean cuisine around a cozy, wood-burning fireplace or the garden patio (depending on the weather) and enjoy a wonderful view of the Danforth, at the same time, especially during The Taste of Danforth festival! As for the menu, there is a wide range of grilled foods, as well as brunch delicacies and lunch and dinner offerings, featuring pastas, sandwiches, and soups prepared with the freshest of ingredients; all at very competitive prices.
Location: 440 Danforth Avenue, Toronto
2. 360 Restaurant at the CN Tower (Website)
Toronto’s most famous landmark, the CN Tower, has a gem waiting to impress you with amazing views, an excellent wine collection (the highest wine cellar in the world), and inventive, seasonal menu (locally sourced). Dining is an unforgettable experience as you get to see the city from all the different angles existing from more than 350 meters above the ground, from this revolving restaurant. The menu has something for every taste, from seafood options to vegetarian dishes (both a la carte and Prix fine offerings).
And, when you say things can’t go better, you are offered an incredible bonus after purchasing your meal. Take the elevator and access the Glass Floor and LookOut levels of the CT Tower and feel your heart stopping after you gaze at the stunning city view. Perfect for a business lunch, romantic date, family outing, or anniversary dinner!
Location: 301 Front Street West, Toronto
3. Park Hyatt Roof Lounge (Website)
The fashionable Yorkville has a favorite go-to spot where all celebs rush to, organise their parties or relax by the fireplace and let their mind stray. The cosmopolitan Park Hyatt has dedicated its entire 18th floor to make dining an art, taking your entire experience to another level. Expect a mix of breath-taking panoramas of the Toronto skyline, a wide selection of the finest wines, cocktails, and Martinis, and warmly designed chic interiors which are more than enough to make you feel welcomed and valued. During the summer months, you can take your glass of fine wine onto the terrace and let your mind wander around the city, as it is seen from way up above.
Location: 4 Avenue Road
4. Luma (Website)
In a trendy atmosphere, where you can see the entire west-end entertainment district of Toronto, Luma boasts panoramic views of the trendiest area of Toronto. Although not as spectacular as the views from the Roof Lounge, Luma will show you the world from a different angle. Watch the passers-by on King Street while enjoying Winterlicious dishes and sandwiches and pleasing your taste buds with signature delicacies (e.g. truffle ravioli), cocktails, mouth-watering local cheeses, and desserts (the Luma Chocolate Bar is to die for). Ideal for business meals and special occasions.
Location: 350 King Street West
5. Canoe (Website)
It seems that Oliver & Bonacini have found the recipe for success. Their other child (besides Luma), Canoe, is a superb dining spot much-preferred by the local members of the elite and visitors from around the world. Conveniently located on the 54th floor of the famous TD Bank Tower, it provides unsurpassed panoramas of the downtown core of Toronto and its picturesque harbor. Expect to have your culinary instincts treated with extreme care when locally-themed dishes, such as the Montreal State Spiced Venison Loin and the Northern Woods Mushroom Soup, among others melt in your mouth creating a gustatory explosion. Combined with the marvellous scenery, your overall experience is worth to the last penny!
Location: 66 Wellington Street West
6. The One Eighty (Website)
Speaking of restaurants in Toronto with the most stupendous views, the One Eighty could not have been omitted. Atop the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre in the sophisticated Bloor-Yorkville district, The One Eighty is home to 2 of the highest patios in Canada. Offering views of both the south and north of Toronto, dining in the open air is made a memorable experience. Unquestionably, the stunning backdrop improves any occasion, from midweek pints to special events, and the ambrosial menu combines seasonal mains and desserts, alongside tapas-style appetizers to please every taste. Don’t forget to check the extensive list of martinis, cocktails, beers, and wines. You won’t be disappointed!
Open: April-October
Location: 55 Bloor Street West
7. Against the Grain Urban Tavern- Corus Quay (Website)
Sometimes, the simplest of things hold the essence of happiness. Against the Grain is within walking distance to downtown yet so amazingly close to the Sugar Beach. The convenient waterfront location is perfect for long hours of relaxing and enjoying the splendid view of the Toronto Island and Lake Ontario, during lazy summer days. As for the tastes you can treat yourself with, the Pulled Pork (braised in molasses and dark beer), the Maple Chipotle Wings, and the Stone Bakes Pizzas comprise a great way to get started. Soak up the summer sun while indulging in pub grub, sipping a pint, and watching the visual illusions created by the shimmering water.
Location: 25 Dockside Dr. Toronto, ON
8. Toulà Restaurant & Bar (Website)
If being close to the water rejuvenates you and makes dining a remarkable experience, the Westin Harbour Castle is the place you want to be. Sitting almost atop Lake Ontario, the 38th floor of the Castle will take you to Toulà, the place where Venetian-inspired cooking and amazing scenery combine and create a work of art. Whether your table faces the lake or downtown Toronto, you’ll get scenic views for sure!
Location: The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto.
9. Scaramouche (Website)
Who can beat the longevity of Scaramouche? If it has survived for more than 3 decades, then there is something definitely done oh-so-right there! Be it the chef’s inexhaustible desire for perfection, the incomparable view, the modern architecture, or the serenity infused in the room, Scaramouche is still leading the game. Try the filet mignon, coconut cream pie or the truffled gnocchi and complete with pecan bread next to a breath-taking sea-level view and marvel at Toronto’s shimmering lights for a one-of-a-kind dining experience!
Location: 1 Benvenuto Pl, Toronto.
10. Arriba Restaurant (Website)
From its fantastic position in the Rogers Centre, Arriba promises a dining experience like never before. The particularity of this restaurant offering dynamic dining lies in its view. No, you won’t be seeing any Toronto skyline, the downtown area, the Toronto Island or any other of the great poles of attractions scattered all over Hogtown! On the contrary, expect to be seated and dine with an incredible vantage into the Blue Jays baseball stadium! Just ask for the window on the game meal and enjoy a baseball game!
Location: 1 Blue Jays Way, Renaissance Toronto Downtown Hotel, Toronto