10 of the hottest new restaurants in Toronto right now

The hottest restaurants in Toronto right now are serving up dishes from around the world, all with a distinct angle that's made them rise above the noise.

2025 has seen no small number of exceptional new restaurants open their doors in Toronto, but it takes an extra-special X factor to become the place that everyone in the city is dying to get into.

From swanky celebrity chef-led spots to romantic neighbourhood haunts, here are the 10 hottest restaurants in Toronto right now.

Bar Eugenie

The brainchild of three Alo alumni, this Harbord Village restaurant makes a worthy, and utterly buzzworthy, replacement for the location's predecessors, Piccolo Piano Pizzeria and The Harbord Room.

Here, you can dine on a rotating lineup of seasonal dishes from an eclectic range of global influences paired with one-of-a-kind cocktails within a cozy, romantic interior.

Kajiken

If the ever-present lineup outside of this North York noodle shop is any indication, this Michelin-recommended Japanese chain has been well-received since opening its first Canadian location in early November.

Specializing in brothless abura soba, you're in for a ramen experience unlike any other in the city. If you can get in, that is.

Small Talk

While this Ossington jazz lounge is technically a bar, its food (on top of a full suite of martini options and a champagne vending machine) has already made it a destination for scores of Toronto residents.

Shareable bites like charcuterie boards and cheese plates are joined by bountiful sandwiches and — the star of the show — wagyu hot dogs for a live music-fuelled night that'll leave your stomach and spirit satisfied.

Antylia

The lovechild of husband-wife duo Aldo Camarena and Ashley Mackay, this Bloorcourt Latin American restaurant has been decreed Toronto's best new restaurant of 2025 by no small number of foodies.

After cutting their teeth on the local food scene with their pop-up Xolo (which you may remember from a stint at Standard Time), Camarena and Mackay are at their absolute best, heightening Latin American flavours and ingredients with their own signature flair. 

TONO by Akira Back

Prolific chef Akira Back has a Midas touch on the culinary scenes of cities across the world, so it's no wonder that his latest concept at the W Hotel landed in Toronto to much fanfare in early October.

Serving up Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese techniques and Peruvian ingredients, it's a true standout in the city, so it's no wonder that people are tripping over themselves for a reservation.

 

Seahorse

Seafood lovers need look no further than Summerhill to get their fill of all things oceanic done absolutely right.

With interiors inspired by pastoral bistros in rural France and a small-but-mighty menu where seafood is the main character, there's no wrong time to swing by and try it out. Think tuna tartare, grilled octopus, and a brimming raw bar.

Saku

Officially landing in Toronto by way of B.C., this Japanese food chain comes from the school of doing one thing really well, and in this case, that thing is katsu.

Supple cuts of meat (or, if you're cool with dairy, bricks of mozzarella) are lightly fried in a panko crust and served with curry or atop brothy udon, always drizzled with the chain's signature sesame dressing. As the weather gets colder, it's only proving a more appropriate addition to the Yonge and Dundas neighbourhood.

Golden Horseshoe BBQ

The only way you could have avoided the news of this Annex barbecue house opening in the fall of 2025 is if you live under a rock. Or, I suppose, you're a vegetarian who blocks mention of juicy brisket and snappy sausage from reaching you online.

Even months after opening, this true Texas-style BBQ joint is still selling out daily and drawing lengthy lines day after day. The wait is well worth it, but be sure to bundle up if you swing by any time soon.

Daisy May's

You'll seldom find this Annex brunch spot (that took over the space from Grapefruit Moon, another brunch staple) anything less than rammed on weekend mornings, and there's good reason for that.

An ode to owner Theo's grandmother, the menu brims with homestyle cooking executed with elegance and attention to detail, all within a familiar, rustic interior that feels like your family kitchen.

Liliana

Italian dishes with subtle Asian influences dominate the menu at this sleek West Queen West restaurant from former Vela Executive Chef Marvin Palomo.

Though the restaurant has kept a relatively low profile since opening, those in the know know it's a sure shot for exceptional atmosphere and an even better meal.