posted on January 28, 2025
Toronto is known for its diversity, vividly reflected in its food scene. From French fusion in the downtown core to mom-and-pop establishments in neighbourhoods like Little India, Toronto is brimming with dining experiences for every taste.
As the first city in Canada to receive its very own MICHELIN guide, Toronto’s restaurants have put Canada on the map when it comes to world cuisine. Whether you want to warm up with a plate of authentic comfort food or the perfect place for a cozy date, exploring places to eat in Toronto is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Toronto during winter.
Hungry to know more? Pick from our menu below to read about a specific restaurant, or keep scrolling for the full spread of the best places to eat in Toronto this winter!
The best restaurants in Toronto for winter dining
1. MIMI Chinese ($$$)
Why is it a must-visit place in Toronto during winter
The sister restaurant of Sunny’s Chinese in Kensington Market, MIMI Chinese is an upscale spot serving Chinese food with a creative twist, and can easily be crowned as one of the best places to eat in Toronto during winter. Furnished with cozy, low lighting and red banquettes, MIMI Chinese is known for its attentive service, luxurious ambiance, and intriguing menu. Dining here is a sensory treat perfect for a Toronto date night. Make a reservation to guarantee your table.
What to order
Char siu is a comforting classic at MIMI Chinese, prepared over three days and finished with wildflower honey. Picks from the Toronto MICHELIN Guide include the 4-foot long “belt noodle” served in Sichuan chili oil, as well as the shrimp toast — deep fried and coated in sesame seeds for a delectable crunch.
Source: MIMI Chinese instagram
How to get there
Located on the boundary of the Annex and Bloor-Yorkville, you’ll find MIMI Chinese where two of Toronto’s most iconic neighbourhoods meet. Street parking can be a challenge in this area, so opt for one of the nearby parking lots or garages. Book a sophisticated Land Rover SUV on Turo for a smooth and comfortable winter ride with heated seats.
If you’re staying in Downtown Toronto, follow University Avenue for ten minutes to reach the restaurant. Admire the scenery along the way, from the expanse of Queens Park to the historic architecture of the University of Toronto campus.
Nearby things to do in Toronto:
Yorkville shopping: Browse designer brands on Toronto’s “Mink Mile”, home to many of the city’s luxury brands and boutiques. For a refreshing break, pamper yourself at the Four Seasons spa.
Casa Loma: Touring this historic Gothic Revival mansion is an iconic Toronto experience, nestled in the Midtown part of the city. Explore the elegant grounds and fascinating exhibits for an enchanting winter adventure.
Royal Ontario Museum: A staple for things to do in Toronto during winter, the ROM houses an impressive permanent collection and is the perfect indoor activity for a chilly day. Warm up with a coffee at the basement café and admire works of Canadian modern art, Egyptian artifacts, and the resident T. Rex skeleton.
2. Bar Isabel ($$$)
Why is it a must-visit place in Toronto during winter
Considered one of the best restaurants in Toronto for Spanish tapas, Bar Isabel offers a cozy, old-world vibe tucked away on College Street. Make a reservation and sit down to enjoy a menu of sharing plates and a drink from the menu of craft beers and Spanish wines. Reservations are recommended, so be sure to book your table ahead of time.
What to order
The tasting menu at Bar Isabel is a must-try, and you can trust each dish to pair perfectly with the restaurant’s Spanish wine list. If you’re ordering a la carte, don’t miss dishes like the sobrasada and foie gras, Pork Secreto and seafood options like sea bream ceviche.
Source: Bar Isabel instagram
How to get there
Located in Little Italy, Bar Isabel is located just ten minutes from Downtown Toronto, with parking lots and options for street parking near the restaurant. Hop into your rental car from Turo and head west across the city via College or Dundas.
For smooth handling in winter driving conditions, opt for a comfortable SUV equipped with 4WD for your Toronto car rental. A Porsche Cayenne offers comfort and luxury to make the evening an even more memorable experience.
Nearby things to do in Toronto:
Explore Little Italy: Explore the culture and heritage of Toronto’s Italian community with a wander through this lively neighbourhood. Highlights include the Italian Walk of Fame and independent shops like Flying Books and Neurotica Records.
Ossington: Connecting Dundas West and Queen West, trendy Ossington Avenue is one of the city’s best neighbourhoods for drinking, dining, and shopping.
Trinity Bellwoods Park: Take a stroll or go ice skating at Trinity Bellwoods, just a short drive away from Bar Isabel, to admire Toronto’s snowy winter scenery before or after your meal.
3. Gusto 101 ($$)
Why is it a must-visit place in Toronto during winter
A former body shop transformed into a convivial dining room, Gusto 101 is considered one of the best restaurants in Toronto when it comes to Italian food, and a good place to eat in Toronto for a cozy winter meal. With a lively and warm atmosphere and a menu of Southern Italian favourites, it’s a cozy winter escape in the heart of the city.
What to order
Ordering the pasta at Gusto 101 is a must. The creamy mafalde ai funghi is a standout, marrying roasted mushrooms with decadent truffle paste. Cacio e pepe is another favourite, along with seafood like the grilled branzino.
Source: Gusto 101 instagram
How to get there
If you’re staying in Downtown Toronto, Gusto 101 is a short drive west along Queen Street or Richmond Street. The neighbourhood brims with nightlife and dining options, so enjoy the lights and buzz as you cruise through the city.
The restaurant is easily accessible when you rent a car on Turo. There are parking lots at Portland and Adelaide and Portland and Richmond, as well as street parking nearby. Opt for an SUV to reliably navigate Toronto’s winter roads while staying cozy and comfortable.
Nearby things to do in Toronto:
CN Tower: Toronto’s most iconic landmark is a stone’s throw from the restaurant, so why not enjoy being a tourist while you’re downtown? Head to the observation deck and take in a dreamy view of the city one winter evening.
Art Gallery of Ontario: As one of the most distinguished museums in North America, the AGO houses over 90,000 works of art from Canada and around the world. Catch the current exhibition before it’s time to dine.
Explore Queen West: Enjoy a stroll before or after dinner through one of Toronto’s hippest neighbourhoods, brimming with brunch spots, independent shops, and the iconic Graffiti Alley.
4. Imanishi Japanese Kitchen ($$)
Why is it a must-visit place in Toronto during winter
Characterized by a warm ambiance and easygoing vibe, Imanishi Japanese Kitchen is one of Toronto’s best restaurants when it comes to Tokyo homestyle cooking. Get cozy with a great cocktail list and sake selection, and craft your own tasting menu from the tapas-style offerings.
What to order
Dishes like the monkfish liver pate and corn kakiage are firm favourites on the Imanishi menu. Finish off with the Tokyo toast with taro ice cream for dessert.
Source: Imanishi Japanese Kitchen instagram
How to get there
Head west on Dundas from the downtown core, and you’ll arrive at Imanishi Japanese Kitchen in just ten minutes. Take in the winter scenery en route, from the diverse, hip neighbourhood of Dundas West to the snowy landscape of Trinity Bellwoods Park.
There is plenty of street parking in the area. Opt for a compact SUV like a Hyundai Tucson to handle snowy streets comfortably and navigate tight parking spaces like a pro.
Nearby things to do in Toronto:
Stroll Dundas West: Embark on a day of vintage shopping and exploring some of the most acclaimed bars and restaurants in Toronto. From independent boutiques to buzzing nightlife. there’s something for everyone in this vibrant Toronto neighbourhood.
Stephen Bulger Gallery: As Canada’s largest commercial gallery, Stephen Bulger Gallery specializes in fine art photography and features rotating exhibitions. A must for photography buffs!
Explore Little Portugal: Browse independent stores, grab an authentic Portuguese lunch, or stop into a family-owned bakery for fresh bread or a delicious pastel de nata.
5. Sugo ($)
Why is it a must-visit place in Toronto during winter
Sugo is a casual restaurant serving classics like pasta, salads, and veal parmigiana, and is considered one of the best restaurants in Toronto for affordable, homestyle Italian food. With its checkered tablecloths and friendly service, the dining room has a charming, rustic vibe that is bound to brighten up a winter day.
What to order
As its name implies, sauce is the star of each dish at Sugo. Order the rigatoni or pesto pasta, with the mozzarella sticks and stuffed peppers as appetizers. Don’t skip out on dessert — the tiramisu is a must!
Source Sugo instagram
How to get there
Sugo is about a 20-minute drive from Downtown Toronto. Head west along Dundas and up Lansdowne to get to the restaurant, taking in the scenery of Trinity Bellwoods and Little Portugal throughout the drive.
There is plenty of parking on the neighbourhood side streets. Rent a small SUV on Turo to navigate winter driving conditions and ensure a smooth, comfortable ride from door to table.
Nearby things to do in Toronto:
Propeller Coffee: Time to grab a coffee? This transformed industrial space-turned-roastery is the perfect place to get cozy with your drink of choice.
Museum of Contemporary Art: Get your dose of culture with a visit to this leading Toronto art gallery, displaying works by new and established artists from around the world.
Dufferin Grove Park: Take an after-dinner stroll through this local Toronto park, or hit the rink for an enchanting session of ice skating.
Off the beaten track
Renting a car unlocks the freedom to explore beyond Toronto’s downtown core, taking you to hidden gems that are harder to reach by transit. Venture into the suburbs and surrounding areas to discover culinary treasures like the San Antonio Seafood Market in Vaughan or the beloved Chris Jerk in Scarborough.
With Turo, you can escape the tourist hotspots and experience these off-the-beaten-path favourites, each offering a unique taste of the Greater Toronto Area’s diverse food scene.
Whether you’re searching for good places to eat in Toronto for a casual bite or planning a journey to one of the Michelin star restaurants in Toronto, renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore further and make the most of your foodie adventure.
San Antonio Seafood Market: With a reputation as one of the best restaurants for seafood in the Toronto area, this cozy, unassuming market-meets-dining room is worth the detour up to Vaughan.
Chris Jerk: This humble Caribbean joint is a Scarborough institution, known for serving up jerk specialties packed with passion and flavour. Don’t miss the jerk chicken or the shawarma poutine.
Frequently asked questions
Is Toronto a foodie city?
Yes! Acclaimed for its gourmet offerings, Toronto is home to one of the most diverse food scenes in Canada. In 2022, Ontario’s capital became the first city in Canada with its own MICHELIN Guide, and in recent years the quality and variety of Toronto restaurants has continued to expand. Toronto is a food lover’s paradise, and visiting to discover its best restaurants in person is well worth it.
What food is Toronto known for?
Toronto is known for iconic Canadian dishes like poutine and peameal bacon sandwiches, but its true appeal is the variety of multicultural foods. From fish tacos to chili noodles, curries to modern burgers, Toronto’s best restaurants offer a menu for every taste.
Does Toronto have a MICHELIN star restaurant?
There are thirteen MICHELIN-starred restaurants in Toronto to date. Highlights include Quetzal, known for its Mexican cuisine, and Sushi Masaki Saito — the only Toronto restaurant to be awarded two MICHELIN stars. In total, the Toronto MICHELIN guide includes over 90 restaurants, and the number is likely to grow!
Is it worth visiting Toronto in winter?
Absolutely! In Toronto, the winter season promises the twinkling lights of the city, shorter lines at popular attractions, and the pristine scenery of its natural landscapes. Stroll the shores of windswept Lake Ontario, wander the trails of Rouge National Urban Park, or head to a nearby ski hill like Glen Eden to experience winter fun in and around the city.
Rather stay out of the cold? From established institutions to new restaurants with buzz, exploring Toronto’s food scene is a great way to discover the city during the winter season. Add the convenience of driving between stops in a Turo rental car and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a winter getaway.
Whether you’re trying out a new French bistro or grabbing a bite at a casual diner, Toronto offers a delicious meal around every corner. Start planning your Toronto getaway and warm up with a wine list or tasting menu in one of the city’s best restaurants this winter.
Ready to start planning your foodie getaway? Find the perfect rental car for your Toronto winter trip with Turo. Browse winter-ready SUVs and luxury models to make each dinner out even more memorable.
Bon appetit!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this winter foodie road trip into reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just a lover of food and travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
