Toronto’s Michelin Guide 2024 Expands Boundaries and Stars
Toronto has long been a mosaic of cultures, each contributing its own flavours to the city’s culinary landscape. This year, the expanded Michelin Guide shines a spotlight on the heart of Toronto but also the surrounding regions. Four new Michelin one-star restaurants have been added to the list.
DaNico (Toronto)
Situated on College Street, DaNico offers an exquisite Italian fine dining experience that marries the best of Ontario’s local ingredients with the timeless traditions of Italian cuisine. Helmed by Executive Chef Daniele Corona, the restaurant presents a $225 tasting menu that is a journey through meticulously crafted dishes. For those seeking a more succinct indulgence, a three-course set menu is available at $150. Beyond the culinary delights, DaNico’s commitment to an exceptional dining experience is further elevated by Sommelier Ashleigh Forster, who was honoured with Michelin’s Best Sommelier award this year. Her expert wine pairings add a nuanced layer to the dining experience, making each visit memorable.
Read my full review of DaNico.
Hexagon (Oakville)
A cornerstone of Oakville’s fine dining since 2018, Hexagon captivates guests with its contemporary French tasting menu priced at $175. The restaurant, under the creative guidance of Executive Chef Rafael Covarrubias, has a menu that pays homage to French culinary techniques while embracing local ingredients. Hexagon’s versatility is evident in its additional à la carte options and a delightful $55 two-course Sunday brunch, ensuring that a range of palates and dining preferences are thoughtfully catered to. Chef Covarrubias’s dedication and talent were recognized with Michelin’s Young Chef award, marking him as a luminary in Canada’s culinary community.
Read my full review of Hexagon.
Restaurant Pearl Morissette (Jordan Station)
Nestled within the idyllic Pearl Morissette winery in Niagara, this restaurant offers a gastronomic journey deeply rooted in seasonality and locality. Priced at $185, the multi-course tasting menu is ever-evolving, reflecting the freshest offerings from local producers and the restaurant’s own gardens. Employing inventive French techniques, the dishes are both a nod to tradition and a foray into culinary creativity. The establishment was also a recipient of Michelin’s Green Award, highlighting their efforts in environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
Read my full review of Restaurant Peal Morissette.
The Pine (Creemore)
Relocating from Collingwood to the quaint town of Creemore, The Pine presents an unexpected yet enchanting fine dining experience. The $185 seasonal tasting menu is a testament to the restaurant’s adventurous spirit, weaving imaginative nods to Chinese cuisine into its offerings. Dishes such as carrot dumplings and rhubarb sweet soup showcase a playful yet sophisticated approach to flavor and presentation. The Pine’s consistent presence on Canada’s 100 Best list for three consecutive years underscores its position as a must-visit destination, captivating the hearts and palates of diners across Ontario.
Read my full review of The Pine. Note: This review was written before the restaurant moved to Creemore.
Two restaurants lost their single Michelin stars from the 2022 inaugural guide: Alobar Yorkville—the casual offshoot of Alo—and Yukashi, a high-end kaiseki restaurant on Mount Pleasant Road. Additionally, Frilu, a fine dining establishment in Richmond Hill that had earned a star and a Green Award for sustainability, permanently closed at the end of July.
The expansion of the Michelin Guide in Ontario is a resounding acknowledgment of the province’s potential and the exceptional talent that resides within it.
Browse the full Toronto Michelin Guide.