martini toronto

The Best Martinis in Toronto

The best martinis in Toronto are bracing elixirs, whether they’re made with vodka or gin, are wet or dry, neat or filthy, shaken or gently stirred. An enduringly popular classic, the martini is a drink available in myriad iterations for every eventuality.

Here's where to find the best martinis in Toronto.


Compton Ave.
1

Compton Ave.

At this London-inspired Dundas West bar, Frankie Solarik and his team stir up a rash of martinis that turn heads. With four unique iterations to sample — Smoked Olive, Umeboshi, Diana and Nottinghill — you'd be wise to visit during Martini Hour, Tuesdays to Sundays between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., when each is available for $12.

Bar Prima
2

Bar Prima

Beyond textbook pastas and fire-licked proteins, this glam West Queen West restaurant entices with cocktails that hearken back to another time. Slip into a classic Vesper or chocolate-laced Espresso Martini and see what all the fuss is about.


Library Bar
3

Library Bar

Find one of the city's most legendary cocktails tucked inside the Financial District's Fairmont Royal York Hotel. Dubbed the Birdbath Martini, it's made with vodka or gin from Dillon's Distillery, vermouth blend, orange bitters, lemon oil, olives and pickled onions. Order the Luxe version if you like the idea of adding a soft pretzel and sturgeon caviar to that stellar combination.

Evangeline
4

Evangeline

A rotating cast of DJs brings vigor to this buzzing rooftop bar at the Ace Hotel. From a showy list of cocktails, the Ace Martini speaks to traditionalists looking for the dose of novelty that aquavit, preserved lemon and chamomile bring to their favourite tipple.


Le Tigre
5

Le Tigre

Bathed in a rosy hue, this no-reservations Rosedale bar feels cheery and bright with a sexy, sultry undercurrent. From the team behind Cry Baby Gallery, it's no wonder that drinks — including a host of house martinis — are the main draw. Each one — from the team's take on a Vesper to its balanced lychee sipper — is a lesson in mixology you won't want to miss.


Gloria in the Great Hall
6

Gloria in the Great Hall

Charcuterie plates and briny bivalves make prime companions to classic martinis at this lively West Queen West bar. The team can mix up all sorts — from French to reverse iterations — with perky espresso- and pear-flavoured sippers finding their way onto most tables.

Bar Bowie
7

Bar Bowie

At this not-so-secret Ossington hideaway, martinis and shareable snacks make for an undisputed good time. Find them all — from espresso to dirty, lychee to Cosmo — from 6 p.m. until late. Or save some cash with Martini Hour specials, running Monday-Friday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.


Doc's Green Door Lounge
8

Doc's Green Door Lounge

In the Junction, this classic cocktail lounge caters to diners' nostalgic sides. Garnished with a blue cheese olive, Doc's Dirty Martini isn't for everyone. Instead, choose the Martini My Way, and craft the tipple of your dreams.

Goodnight Cocktail Club
9

Goodnight Cocktail Club

Slip away from the bustle of King West's Cherry's High Dive to this lower-level bar, where the mood is mellow and the cocktail card jumps from novel blends to classic martinis. Spiked with vodka or gin, tequila or Kahlua, the team's martini roster covers all the cravings.

Lead photo by

Fareen Karim at Compton Ave. Additional photos, @barbowie, @cheerstohappyhour at Goodnight Cocktail Club


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The Best Martinis in Toronto

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