Toronto’s Must-Visit Dining Spots for fall 2024 – Part One

As the air turns crisp, Toronto’s dining scene is heating up with fresh openings that are redefining what it means to dine out. Whether you’re a seasoned local or just passing through, these spots deserve a place on your fall dining list.

A Côté
1158 Yonge Street
@sorrel_restaurant
If variety is the spice of life, A Côté in Rosedale is the restaurant equivalent of a well-seasoned dish. Tucked away on Yonge Street beside its sister restaurant, Sorrel, this charming spot offers a weekly rotating menu of small plates that keeps things fresh and exciting. Think east coast lobster, salmon crudo, and steak tartare with a quail egg and grilled baguette—all prepared with the kind of finesse that only comes from years of experience. A Côté is the kind of place where you can settle in for an evening of exploration, savoring every bite while knowing that no two visits will ever be quite the same.

Bridgette Bar
423 Wellington Street West
@bridgettebartoronto
Toronto has a new star in town, and it goes by the name Bridgette Bar. This Calgary import has brought its effortlessly chic vibe to The Well, and it’s already making waves. With a menu that leans into Mediterranean flavours and the Scandinavian-inspired decor that’s as stylish as it is inviting, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal that feels both indulgent and casual. Bridgette Bar is the kind of place that gets everything right, from the food to the vibe, making it impossible to resist.

Ficoa
585 College Street
@ficoa.to
In the heart of Little Italy, Ficoa is quietly making a name for itself as a destination for culinary adventure. Chef Gerry Quintero takes a bold approach with an Ontario-focused tasting menu that highlights the best of local ingredients in unexpected ways. The dishes here are as much about artistry as they are about flavor, with each course offering something new and exciting. The intimate setting of Ficoa only adds to the experience, making it the perfect spot for those who love to explore the boundaries of what dining can be. It’s innovative, it’s local, and it’s absolutely worth a visit.

J’s Steak Frites
577 College Street
@jssteakfrites
Sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, and J’s Steak Frites’ newest outpost in Little Italy nails it. This cozy, unpretentious spot has perfected the art of the steak frites experience. The menu is straightforward: one cut of steak, cooked to perfection, served with unlimited crispy fries and a house-made sauce that’s good enough to drink. It’s a no-frills, all-thrills kind of place where the focus is on quality, and the results are nothing short of satisfying. If you’re looking for a meal that delivers on every level without the need for bells and whistles, J’s Steak Frites is where you’ll find it.

Jade Yorkville
137 Avenue Road
@jadeyorkville
Jade Yorkville, perched on Avenue Road, exudes sleek, understated elegance with just the right touch of trendy flair. The menu reads like a love letter to the art of dining, with luxury dishes like duck breast, seafood crudo, and caviar-topped corn dogs. It’s the kind of place where every detail is designed to impress, but without trying too hard. It’s sophisticated yet approachable, making it the perfect spot for those who appreciate the finer things in life without all the fuss.

Nobu
25 Mercer Street
@nobutoronto
Toronto’s dining scene was forever changed with the arrival of Nobu, the first Canadian outpost of the legendary luxury restaurant and hotel brand. Located in the heart of the entertainment district, Nobu Toronto is more than a restaurant—it’s a statement. Co-founded by the iconic Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa, alongside Hollywood heavyweight Robert De Niro and producer Meir Teper, Nobu is known worldwide for its innovative blend of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. The Toronto menu doesn’t disappoint, featuring signature dishes like black cod with miso and yellowtail jalapeño, alongside unique creations inspired by local ingredients. Dining at Nobu is a chance to be part of something bigger—a global phenomenon that has finally made its way to our city.

The Berczy Tavern
69 Front Street East
@theberczy
The Berczy Tavern feels like a warm embrace from an old friend—a friend who just happens to know their way around a kitchen. Chef and co-owner Michael Angeloni has crafted a menu that’s as eclectic as it is comforting, drawing inspiration from the south of France, the north of Italy, with a hint of Spain and a dash of Scarborough. And with live piano music filling the air each night, it’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger long after your meal is over.

From luxurious settings to intimate hideaways, these restaurants promise not just food, but moments worth savoring. Make sure to add them to your list—you won’t regret it. Stay tuned for part two!