Dining out in Toronto can sometimes feel like an embarrassment of riches. Something new and exciting is always popping up, and we’re making it our mission to narrow down the best of the best. If you’re looking for new places to add to your “must-try” list, we’ve got you covered. Here are the 5 best Toronto restaurants to check out in November 2023.

Wang Lang

 

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The details: The sister restaurant to the Michelin guide-featured Koh Lipe, this new Thai restaurant at King and Bathurst serves dishes from Ayutthaya—chef Num Oy’s hometown. The dishes here are unlike other Thai restaurants in the city.

The vibe: Wang Lang fits right in on King West with its moody dining room that’s decked out all in red with gold accents and bamboo furniture. It’s like Koh Lipe’s older sister—a bit more sophisticated and complex.

The order: Skirt past the classics and try some of the more unique dishes like their Tiew Ruer Wagyu ($29), a beef soup noodle packed with beef balls made from the chef’s family recipe. For a starter, try their Kai Krok ($10)—a plate of teensy grilled quail eggs topped with soy sauce, pepper and cabbage. Or, the Kluay Tod ($10), a sugar banana fritter in coconut batter. Wang Lang also has a great cocktail menu with drinks like their Ma Grud ($19) with tequila infused with kaffir lime leaves and the Bai Toey ($20) that features pandan-infused whisky.

669 King Street West, @wanglangtoronto, wanglang.ca

Bar Prima

 

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The details: From the folks behind La Palma on Dundas West, Bar Prima is an old-school Italian restaurant serving riffs on traditional fare and Italian American faves.

The vibe: Unlike the breezy La Palma, Bar Prima is all dark granite and blue leather. Designed by Future Studio, the dining room is lavish, with gold and mahogany finishes throughout and a glittering gold arched ceiling. Expect to see date night regulars and special occasion celebrators indulging at this new trendy spot.

The order: Start off with their Scallops Rockefeller ($30), a stunning take on Oysters Rockefeller that features the shellfish in a creamy bechamel sauce with savoury parsley breadcrumbs. For a pasta entree, try their Sunchoke Ravioli ($29) that comes swimming in charred veggie jus. Finish with their Crostata di Mela ($17), a flaky apple pastry with triple-cream cheese and topped with olive oil ice cream. Wash it all down with one of their house cocktails like the cinnamon, all spice, apricot liquer-loaded Spice and Stone ($18) or the Royal Vine ($20), a rum-forward cocktail with saffron and lemon.

1136 Queen Street West, @barprima.to, barprima.ca

Three Dollar Bill


The details: Three Dollar Bill is Toronto’s only fully Queer-owned and operated bar that just opened at the end of the month.

The vibe: Reminiscent of a smoky disco lounge, Three Dollar Bill can go from the perfect place to unwind with a unique cocktail to a raucous dance floor.

The order: With cocktails created by mixologist Meaghan Murray (who you might’ve taken a cocktail class with through Love of Cocktails), there’s no such thing as ordering wrong off the cocktail menu. The Relic Refresher ($16) is a gin-forward drink that’s both rich and refreshing thanks to the addition of Lillet, citrus and star anise cordial. Another must-try is the Winter in Jalisco ($16), a warm-weather margarita-esque drink with tequila, cranberry hibiscus tea syrup, lime and a pink salt rim.

1592 Queen Street West, @threedollarbill.parkdale

Eataly Sherway Gardens

 

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The details: Canada’s second Eataly location has officially arrived. One stand-out of this new outpost of the popular Italian food marketplace is its Il Pastaio restaurant, a fresh pasta concept that allows diners to watch their pasta be hand-rolled and cooked. Torontonians are lucky: Sherway Gardens is the only location outside of NYC and Dallas to host the dining concept.

The vibe: Unlike the Eataly at Bay and Bloor, the Sherway location is spacious without being as overwhelming. And because the restaurants are all in one area (rather than spread out around the grocery area), you’ll encounter less frantic shoppers, making the overall vibe a bit more chill. Il Pastaio, located in the middle of the marketplace, has a casual feel, with a long countertop and cushy barstools where you can watch your order being made before digging in.

The order: You can’t go wrong with their slow-roasted veal-filled agnolotti del plin ($29)—a pasta stuffed with juicy meat and served in jus and topped with a healthy sprinkle of parm. It’s like a warm hug on a cold day. For a veg-forward option, try the tortellini zucca ($29), a plate full of handmade butternut squash ravioli tossed in a savoury browned butter and sage sauce. Don’t forget to pair your pasta with a wine from Eataly’s expansive cellar.

25 The West Mall (close to Entrance 5), eataly.ca

Toro Toro

 

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The details: Located in Vaughan and Mississauga, the newly opened Yonge and Bloor location of Toro Toro is a fast casual sushi and poke joint serving premium fish.

The vibe: With warm wood panels, big windows and a massive cooler full of drinks, Toro Toro is designed for both dining in to enjoy their massive box sets and a quick pop-in for pick-up.

The order: If it’s your first time, your best bet is the tasting box for two ($75) which comes with a little bit of all their specials including their Lava Roll (with seared salmon), Aburi Maguro Oshi (their rectangular seared tuna and shrimp pieces with gold flakes) and more. For a poke bowl, try their Toro Toro poke, which features their delicious seared salmon and all the fixin’s.

675 Yonge Street, @torotoro.ca, torotoro.ca

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