Valentine's Day is fast approaching and the restaurant options seem endless. You can't go wrong with any of the recommendations below but they're grouped into categories to find the one that suits you and your date the best.
ROMANTIC CHIC
Chabrol
Small but intimate atmosphere.
WHY: A small, classically French restaurant in Yorkville. Chabrol creates an intimate atmosphere with food to match. The menu is small but full of flavour.
WHAT TO EAT - Duck Tartine ($17), Ttoro ($35), Pot de Creme ($15)
TOCA
Modern decor with rustic touches.
WHY: Italian delicacies at the Ritz Carlton that also boasts a “Cheese Cave”! Book a room at the hotel that night for extra brownie points.
WHAT TO EAT: Arancino di riso ($19), Risotto al Parmigiano ($26), Cheese Plate (M.P.)
Paris Paris
Exposed brick and greenery help create the right atmosphere.
WHY: Don’t let the name fool you - the menu here goes way beyond French cuisine. Enjoy each others’ company over a charcuterie board and glass of wine from their extensive selection.
WHAT TO EAT: Oysters ($18 per half doz), Lamb Tortellini ($20), Charcuterie ($24 for cheese and $27 for meat)
UNIQUE
Patois
A small storefront housing big flavours.
WHY: An unexpected fusion spot, flawlessly executed. Mouth-watering jerk chicken meets duck confit potstickers rounded out by top-notch cocktails to wash it down. If you’re going on a double-date, you can order the whole menu for $135!
WHAT TO EAT: Duck Confit & Foie Gras potstickers ($16), Michiba Crispy Brussels Sprouts ($15), Dirty Fried Rice ($15)
Kinka Izakaya
Beautiful decor to match the food.
WHY: It captures the spirit of a Japanese izakaya: communal tables, lively atmosphere and small tapas-like plates. Try the $35 tasting menu if it’s your first visit and you can’t decide what to eat.
WHAT TO EAT: Tasting Menu ($35), Gyu Carpaccio ($8.30), Okonomiyaki ($8.90)
Good Cheese
The only thing better than cheese is melted cheese.
WHY: A cheese shop with a liquor license is a dangerously addictive thing. Enjoy some of the best cheeses in Toronto while pairing it with wine or beer. They also offer small sharing plates with an unassuming atmosphere.
WHAT TO EAT: Five Item Charcuterie ($23), Truffle Chips ($5), Marcona Almonds ($5)
FOR FOOD CENTRIC COUPLES
Antler
Perfect spot for carnivorous couples.
WHY: Locally sourced ingredients that highlight the best Ontario has to offer. Antler has a wide range of carnivorous items that are hard to find elsewhere.
WHAT TO EAT: Venison Tartare ($18), Cavatelli with Ricotta and Wild Boar ($26), Toronto Hot Rabbit ($32)
Actinolite
Food as art.
WHY: A genuine farm-to-table experience that defines what “Canadian cuisine” can be. Be sure to pencil in about two hours for the full Chef’s Menu or go for their shortened, four-course Summary Menu.
WHAT TO EAT: Chef’s Menu ($115 with a $65 wine pairing option) or Summary Menu ($80)
R&D
The decor immediately lets you know you're in for a great experience.
WHY: Elevated Asian and fusion cuisine that boasts the “Best Duck in Toronto” that needs to be ordered 24 hours in advance. Created and run by MasterChef winner Eric Chong, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything on the menu you or your date won’t like.
WHAT TO EAT: French Onion Spring Roll ($11), Pan Seared Foie Gras ($20), Best Peking Duck in Toronto ($80, 24hr advance notice)
MOST WOO-FOR-YOUR-BUCK
Frankie’s Diner
Modern bistro vibes.
WHY: A Toronto institution with an updated diner feel. The menu has also been revamped to offer a few twists on the classics, that won’t empty your wallet.
WHAT TO EAT: Frankie’s #1 Burger ($13.95), Fish and Chips ($12.95), The Gobbler ($8.95)
Wilbur Mexicana
Probably best to hold off on the REALLY hot sauces until after Valentine's.
WHY: Tacos under $5? Yes, please! You can’t go wrong with any of the tacos on offer that can be paired with one of their 50 hot sauces.
WHAT TO EAT: Grilled Avocado Taco ($3.95), Bulgogi Taco ($4.45), Fajitas ($14.95)
Market Street Catch
A hidden gem in the Market District.
WHY: Some of Toronto’s best seafood in a casual setting beside St. Lawrence Market. Try everything from lobster to swordfish to Octopus!
WHAT TO EAT: Lobster Roll ($17.50), Three Taco Plate (Halibut, Octopus, Tuna, or Fried Shrimp - $15.95), BBQ Octopus ($16.25)
CASUAL
House on Parliament
Lighting and decor set the mood perfectly.
WHY: A welcoming Cabbagetown gem offering heightened pub food, craft cocktails and pints. They do not take reservations so don’t show up too late if you want to avoid a line.
WHAT TO EAT: Fried Cheese Curds ($12), Smoked Duck Breast Salad ($15), Tourtiere ($19)
Bodega Henriette
A small space yet it feels very open with great touches.
WHY: A casual but romantic setting with a menu that’s hard to beat. After dinner, you’ll want to come back for their famous weekend brunch!
WHAT TO EAT: Bone Marrow ($14), Beef Cheek ($22), Falafel and Roasted Cauliflower ($17)
DaiLo
If Rustic-Asian is a thing then they've nailed it.
WHY: Casual yet traditional Cantonese cuisine with a great atmosphere for your romantic dinner.
WHAT TO EAT: Truffle Fried Rice ($22), Fried Watermelon ($15), Ontario Pea and Bone Marrow Dumplings ($17)
