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Restaurant list

11 of Toronto’s outstanding spots for celebrating special occasions

A photo of Red logo
by Jessica Huras
Updated April 27, 2023

Torontonians come from all corners of the world. So it’s only natural that the special occasion restaurants in Canada’s largest city have global sensibilities.

Celebrate a relationship milestone at a hidden French countryside escape in Midtown. Take a group gathering to a lively King West karaoke spot with Sichuan-inspired plates. For an epic birthday dinner, head to a Harbourfront Italian icon that was just awarded a MICHELIN star.

Queen City’s restaurants are ready to host your next anniversary, family reunion, or promotion. Read on for a list of Toronto's top 11 special occasion spots to book now.

Enigma Yorkville
4.9 (574)
CAN$51 and over
International
Yorkville
The dining experience at Enigma wows from start to finish. It begins with the striking interiors, lined with mosaic tiles that glitter like tiny jewels. Dishes feature seasonal ingredients, European techniques, and exquisite plating—all while showcasing chef Quinton Bennett’s passion for molecular gastronomy. The blind format tasting menu means that diners are treated to delightful surprises emerging from the restaurant’s open kitchen. Plates might include British Columbia king salmon with pickled wild coho salmon roe, Tajima wagyu with shiitake and kelp, and matcha and pistachio opera cake. Bennett’s imaginative culinary approach earned the restaurant a MICHELIN star this September.
Top review
BethVIP
Dined 3 days ago
The food and service here is always next level. The creativity and the thought behind every dish is extraordinary. It is like experiencing the art of fine dining at the most interesting and unique level. The restaurant recently changed its format so you enter an ancillary dining room for cocktails and canapes along with an explanation of the meal and the wine pairings. Then you move to the main dining room for the meal. This felt performative and awkward. Moreover, the person doing the explaining mixed up identifying the vegetables on the demonstration platter -- an error that is beneath the level of this restaurant. I would have preferred being seated directly. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough. Every meal here is truly memorable.
The dining experience at Enigma wows from start to finish. It begins with the striking interiors, lined with mosaic tiles that glitter like tiny jewels. Dishes feature seasonal ingredients, European techniques, and exquisite plating—all while showcasing chef Quinton Bennett’s passion for molecular gastronomy. The blind format tasting menu means that diners are treated to delightful surprises emerging from the restaurant’s open kitchen. Plates might include British Columbia king salmon with pickled wild coho salmon roe, Tajima wagyu with shiitake and kelp, and matcha and pistachio opera cake. Bennett’s imaginative culinary approach earned the restaurant a MICHELIN star this September.
Top review
BethVIP
Dined 3 days ago
The food and service here is always next level. The creativity and the thought behind every dish is extraordinary. It is like experiencing the art of fine dining at the most interesting and unique level. The restaurant recently changed its format so you enter an ancillary dining room for cocktails and canapes along with an explanation of the meal and the wine pairings. Then you move to the main dining room for the meal. This felt performative and awkward. Moreover, the person doing the explaining mixed up identifying the vegetables on the demonstration platter -- an error that is beneath the level of this restaurant. I would have preferred being seated directly. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough. Every meal here is truly memorable.
Auberge du Pommier
4.6 (5428)
CAN$51 and over
French
Midtown / Uptown
This lush and quaint haven was once a pair of woodcutter’s cottages that date back to the 1860s. Today, the upscale French restaurant, a special occasion gem, remains a hidden paradise in an otherwise nondescript pocket of midtown Toronto. The rustic and homey decor is enhanced by pristine French fare that can be enjoyed a la carte or via a tasting menu. Decadent, celebration-worthy creations include Dungeness crab with celeriac consomme, sablefish with black rice, and yuzu, lemon, and white chocolate mousse for dessert.
Top review
StephanieVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Had not been in years - restaurant still has a lovely, refined ambiance with the best feature being the very well-spaced tables. Service was very good - as expected for a restaurant of this calibre. Now to the food... I wish my lunch guest and I had been up for the 3-course prix fixe because I'm sure that would have represented far better value as is usually the case. We began with mocktails - my guest accepted the waiter's recommendation for the Yuzu 75 - she pronounced it delicious. I chose the Esprit Libre because it mentioned both raspberry and passionfruit - two of my favourites, neither of which was particularly discernible except for the vibrant red colour. Note to self: Listen to the waiter! We both had the salmon filet, which was on the small side and ever so slightly overcooked. The size would have been fine for lunch, but the accompanying tiny scoop of shredded celeriac topped with an even tinier arrangement of finely sliced green vegetable (I believe it was supposed to be asparagus) really was rather too precious for the $40 price tag. For this price point, you really do need a little more food on the plate (didn't cuisine minceur come and go in the '80s?) And while these vegetables were artfully arranged, they were also unforgivably salty (like no celeriac remoulade I have ever eaten). Again, I would not be so critical but this is a restaurant from which you expect better. Couldn't fault the Gâteau St Honoré tart though - it was delicious!
This lush and quaint haven was once a pair of woodcutter’s cottages that date back to the 1860s. Today, the upscale French restaurant, a special occasion gem, remains a hidden paradise in an otherwise nondescript pocket of midtown Toronto. The rustic and homey decor is enhanced by pristine French fare that can be enjoyed a la carte or via a tasting menu. Decadent, celebration-worthy creations include Dungeness crab with celeriac consomme, sablefish with black rice, and yuzu, lemon, and white chocolate mousse for dessert.
Top review
StephanieVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Had not been in years - restaurant still has a lovely, refined ambiance with the best feature being the very well-spaced tables. Service was very good - as expected for a restaurant of this calibre. Now to the food... I wish my lunch guest and I had been up for the 3-course prix fixe because I'm sure that would have represented far better value as is usually the case. We began with mocktails - my guest accepted the waiter's recommendation for the Yuzu 75 - she pronounced it delicious. I chose the Esprit Libre because it mentioned both raspberry and passionfruit - two of my favourites, neither of which was particularly discernible except for the vibrant red colour. Note to self: Listen to the waiter! We both had the salmon filet, which was on the small side and ever so slightly overcooked. The size would have been fine for lunch, but the accompanying tiny scoop of shredded celeriac topped with an even tinier arrangement of finely sliced green vegetable (I believe it was supposed to be asparagus) really was rather too precious for the $40 price tag. For this price point, you really do need a little more food on the plate (didn't cuisine minceur come and go in the '80s?) And while these vegetables were artfully arranged, they were also unforgivably salty (like no celeriac remoulade I have ever eaten). Again, I would not be so critical but this is a restaurant from which you expect better. Couldn't fault the Gâteau St Honoré tart though - it was delicious!
Baro
4.5 (1410)
CAN$30 and under
Latin American
King West
The flavors of South America, from Colombia to Argentina, are on display at this fiesta of a restaurant. Baro spans four festive floors: at the ground-level dining room, order à la carte or from the chef’s recommended spread including the “big ass steak,” pollo asado (half-roasted chicken), duck chaufa, and more. After dinner, head upstairs for some cocktails in the speakeasy. The rooftop patio exudes liveliness and serves a more shareable menu, ideal for group gatherings.
Top review
Anna
Dined on May 3, 2025
Beautiful spot tucked deep in off Adelaide. We enjoyed our fun cocktails and all 5 of the Happy hour small plates. The food was fresh and delicious! Servers were lovely and we really enjoyed our time!
The flavors of South America, from Colombia to Argentina, are on display at this fiesta of a restaurant. Baro spans four festive floors: at the ground-level dining room, order à la carte or from the chef’s recommended spread including the “big ass steak,” pollo asado (half-roasted chicken), duck chaufa, and more. After dinner, head upstairs for some cocktails in the speakeasy. The rooftop patio exudes liveliness and serves a more shareable menu, ideal for group gatherings.
Top review
Anna
Dined on May 3, 2025
Beautiful spot tucked deep in off Adelaide. We enjoyed our fun cocktails and all 5 of the Happy hour small plates. The food was fresh and delicious! Servers were lovely and we really enjoyed our time!
Canoe Restaurant and Bar
4.6 (6414)
CAN$51 and over
Contemporary Canadian
Financial District
Woo someone special with the views of the Toronto skyline at this fine-dining restaurant on the 54th floor of the TD tower. Canoe, a decades-old spot that recently underwent a $2 million dollar facelift, has established itself as a special occasions stalwart. Snag a seat by the window facing the CN Tower to watch the sunset and feast on dishes that showcase Canadian-sourced ingredients. Top choices include tender wild Pacific halibut and Atlantic salmon with short rib and smoked mussel-stuffed squid. Up the ante on a special evening by choosing the seasonally rotating tasting menu and wine pairing option.
Top review
Nicole
Dined 3 days ago
Kevin took really good care of us.. thank you, great birthday dinner
Woo someone special with the views of the Toronto skyline at this fine-dining restaurant on the 54th floor of the TD tower. Canoe, a decades-old spot that recently underwent a $2 million dollar facelift, has established itself as a special occasions stalwart. Snag a seat by the window facing the CN Tower to watch the sunset and feast on dishes that showcase Canadian-sourced ingredients. Top choices include tender wild Pacific halibut and Atlantic salmon with short rib and smoked mussel-stuffed squid. Up the ante on a special evening by choosing the seasonally rotating tasting menu and wine pairing option.
Top review
Nicole
Dined 3 days ago
Kevin took really good care of us.. thank you, great birthday dinner
Quetzal
4.9 (1107)
CAN$51 and over
Mexican
Little Italy / College St.
A 28-foot wood-fire grill is at the heart of both the menu and the space at Quetzal, a restaurant made for special birthdays and anniversaries. Quetzal recently acquired a MICHELIN star and much of the credit for the honor goes to owner Grant Van Gameren executive chef Steven Molnar, who previously worked at Bar Raval and Bar Isabel. Quetzal’s impeccable menu draws on diverse Mexican culinary influences to offer sikil pak, a Mayan pumpkin seed dip; tlayuda, a crunchy, housemade tortilla topped with chorizo; and whole sea bream with salsa roja.
Top review
Shawn
Dined 2 days ago
Tasting and wine pairing was perfect. Every bit was delicious.
A 28-foot wood-fire grill is at the heart of both the menu and the space at Quetzal, a restaurant made for special birthdays and anniversaries. Quetzal recently acquired a MICHELIN star and much of the credit for the honor goes to owner Grant Van Gameren executive chef Steven Molnar, who previously worked at Bar Raval and Bar Isabel. Quetzal’s impeccable menu draws on diverse Mexican culinary influences to offer sikil pak, a Mayan pumpkin seed dip; tlayuda, a crunchy, housemade tortilla topped with chorizo; and whole sea bream with salsa roja.
Top review
Shawn
Dined 2 days ago
Tasting and wine pairing was perfect. Every bit was delicious.
Don Alfonso 1890
4.7 (2420)
CAN$51 and over
Contemporary Italian
Harbourfront
Don Alfonso’s original MICHELIN-starred location on Italy’s Amalfi Coast is headed by acclaimed chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino. The restaurant’s celebrated Toronto outpost was recently recognized with its own MICHELIN star. With its luxurious dining room, sophisticated Mediterranean menu, and much-lauded tasting menu, Don Alfonso 1890 delivers everything you could ask for on a celebratory night out. Views dazzle diners from all sides: the Toronto skyline charms from the floor-to-ceiling windows; in the open kitchen, spot executive chef Daniele Corona artfully preparing dishes such as seared Quebec Muscovy duck breast and risotto with veal shank and Iranian saffron broth.
Top review
Jennifer
Dined 3 days ago
We had dinner at Don Alfonso 1890 last night and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The service was excellent—professional, attentive, and made us feel well cared for. The dishes were thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, showcasing great attention to detail. The dining room itself was sleek and modern, creating a cool and elegant atmosphere. A lovely spot for a refined night out in Toronto.
Don Alfonso’s original MICHELIN-starred location on Italy’s Amalfi Coast is headed by acclaimed chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino. The restaurant’s celebrated Toronto outpost was recently recognized with its own MICHELIN star. With its luxurious dining room, sophisticated Mediterranean menu, and much-lauded tasting menu, Don Alfonso 1890 delivers everything you could ask for on a celebratory night out. Views dazzle diners from all sides: the Toronto skyline charms from the floor-to-ceiling windows; in the open kitchen, spot executive chef Daniele Corona artfully preparing dishes such as seared Quebec Muscovy duck breast and risotto with veal shank and Iranian saffron broth.
Top review
Jennifer
Dined 3 days ago
We had dinner at Don Alfonso 1890 last night and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The service was excellent—professional, attentive, and made us feel well cared for. The dishes were thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, showcasing great attention to detail. The dining room itself was sleek and modern, creating a cool and elegant atmosphere. A lovely spot for a refined night out in Toronto.
LOUIX LOUIS
4.6 (2607)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Contemporary American
Financial District
This restaurant, ideal for a splashy night out, is unabashedly luxe with its gilded accents, whiskey-inspired ceiling mural, and pristine marble bar. On the 31st floor of The St. Regis hotel, the space exudes opulence and the dishes follow suit. The food is a modernist blend of new French and American cuisines, displayed in plates such as burrata with roasted apricot, wagyu steak with parsley and garlic fingerling potatoes, and whole truffle chicken served two ways with truffle jus. Saving room for dessert is a requirement here: the 13-layer chocolate cake with hazelnut praline buttercream, is a straight-up show stopper.
Top review
VirginiaVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Best bruch in town, the Mother’s Day brunch was really gummy.
This restaurant, ideal for a splashy night out, is unabashedly luxe with its gilded accents, whiskey-inspired ceiling mural, and pristine marble bar. On the 31st floor of The St. Regis hotel, the space exudes opulence and the dishes follow suit. The food is a modernist blend of new French and American cuisines, displayed in plates such as burrata with roasted apricot, wagyu steak with parsley and garlic fingerling potatoes, and whole truffle chicken served two ways with truffle jus. Saving room for dessert is a requirement here: the 13-layer chocolate cake with hazelnut praline buttercream, is a straight-up show stopper.
Top review
VirginiaVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Best bruch in town, the Mother’s Day brunch was really gummy.
Osteria Giulia
4.8 (1015)
CAN$51 and over
Italian
Yorkville
After perfecting their refined approach to Italian cuisine through previous ventures such as Giulietta, executive chef Rob Rossi and restaurateur David Minicucci received a MICHELIN nod for their latest restaurant, Osteria Giulia. The two bring elegance to both Giulia’s menu and interiors (light-filled, lots of clean lines) with delicate northern Italian dishes including burrata drizzled with asfodelo honey and hand-braided pasta with wild squid and bay scallops. Drinks are as delicious as the food—another reason why this spot deserves a place on your special occasions list. Osteria Giulia offers a lengthy list of top-notch Italian wines and expertly executed cocktails that draw influence from the flavors of the Italian countryside.
Top review
brandon
Dined on May 1, 2025
Exquisite menu, staff will impeccable attention to detail, and outstanding service.
After perfecting their refined approach to Italian cuisine through previous ventures such as Giulietta, executive chef Rob Rossi and restaurateur David Minicucci received a MICHELIN nod for their latest restaurant, Osteria Giulia. The two bring elegance to both Giulia’s menu and interiors (light-filled, lots of clean lines) with delicate northern Italian dishes including burrata drizzled with asfodelo honey and hand-braided pasta with wild squid and bay scallops. Drinks are as delicious as the food—another reason why this spot deserves a place on your special occasions list. Osteria Giulia offers a lengthy list of top-notch Italian wines and expertly executed cocktails that draw influence from the flavors of the Italian countryside.
Top review
brandon
Dined on May 1, 2025
Exquisite menu, staff will impeccable attention to detail, and outstanding service.
Yukashi Japanese Cuisine
4.9 (363)
CAN$51 and over
Japanese
Yonge and Eglinton
Yukashi has flown under the radar since quietly opening in 2018. But thanks to a recent star from MICHELIN, flocks will now head to this Japanese stunner. Led by chef Daisuke Izutsu, who cooked for the Japanese royal family, among other world leaders and celebrities, Yukashi is a hushed spot ideal for intimate occasions. Izutsu’s nine-course tasting menu celebrates seasonality, and he pays as much attention to plating as he does to ingredient selection, resulting in visually striking dishes with layers of rich, nuanced flavors.
Top review
CalvinVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Best Japanese cuisine in toronto. The environment the food is awesome. It’s so artistic
Yukashi has flown under the radar since quietly opening in 2018. But thanks to a recent star from MICHELIN, flocks will now head to this Japanese stunner. Led by chef Daisuke Izutsu, who cooked for the Japanese royal family, among other world leaders and celebrities, Yukashi is a hushed spot ideal for intimate occasions. Izutsu’s nine-course tasting menu celebrates seasonality, and he pays as much attention to plating as he does to ingredient selection, resulting in visually striking dishes with layers of rich, nuanced flavors.
Top review
CalvinVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Best Japanese cuisine in toronto. The environment the food is awesome. It’s so artistic
Library Bar - Fairmont Royal York
4.8 (724)
CAN$30 and under
Unspecified
Financial District
Set in the Fairmont Royal York hotel (one of Toronto’s grandest dames), the Library Bar regained its status as an iconic celebration spot after a 2021 makeover. Overflowing with the rich textures of velvet, marble, and leather, the Art Deco interiors nod to the hotel’s heritage. The refreshed food menu also pays homage to the Fairmont’s origins with nostalgic dishes such as chicken liver pâté and cape d’or salmon with beluga lentils. The Birdbath Martini is a must-order: made with gin or vodka distilled exclusively for the hotel and served tableside with pickled red onions and olives, it’s a cocktail that amplifies any special occasion.
Top review
Mary
Dined 3 days ago
Always an excellent experience Attentive service and delicious food.
Set in the Fairmont Royal York hotel (one of Toronto’s grandest dames), the Library Bar regained its status as an iconic celebration spot after a 2021 makeover. Overflowing with the rich textures of velvet, marble, and leather, the Art Deco interiors nod to the hotel’s heritage. The refreshed food menu also pays homage to the Fairmont’s origins with nostalgic dishes such as chicken liver pâté and cape d’or salmon with beluga lentils. The Birdbath Martini is a must-order: made with gin or vodka distilled exclusively for the hotel and served tableside with pickled red onions and olives, it’s a cocktail that amplifies any special occasion.
Top review
Mary
Dined 3 days ago
Always an excellent experience Attentive service and delicious food.

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