If there’s one thing we know, it’s that food has the power to define a trip, and a date.. sometimes it’s even the sole reason for a trip or outing. And every year, Air Canada takes that idea to the next level with their Best New Restaurants list, a celebration of the dining spots shaping Canada’s culinary culture right now.
For 2025, they’ve unveiled 31 finalists across 10 cities coast-to-coast, and the energy is electric. From St. John’s to Victoria, these are the restaurants making waves with their creativity, flavours, and stories that are worth planning a getaway (or at least a date night) around.
what makes this list special
Launched back in 2002, Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants is Canada’s longest-running ranking for new restaurants and rising culinary stars. More than just a list, it’s a platform that gives chefs and restaurateurs a career-changing spotlight and puts Canadian dining on the global map.
Each finalist was independently nominated by Air Canada’s panel of culinary experts, then secretly visited by an anonymous food critic (no special treatment, no shortcuts, just real-deal dining).
From there, the Top 10 list is determined, which will officially be revealed in Toronto on November 17, 2025, at a glam celebration hosted by chef Chuck Hughes.
So, which of this year’s finalists will become the next can’t-miss spot? Here’s the full lineup of 2025 Best New Restaurant Finalists:
Vancouver
For the Weekend Getaway Foodies
If you’re the kind of couple who plans whole trips around restaurants (no shame, we do too), Vancouver’s picks are worth hopping on a flight for. From sizzling Japanese grills to romantic seafood feasts with a West Coast view, this city’s dining scene never misses:
- ELEM (2110 Main St.)
- June (3305 Cambie St.)
- Nero Tondo (1879 Powell St.)
- Niwa (1875 Powell St.)
- Selene (360 Penticton St)
- Sumibiyaki Arashi (363 E Broadway)
- Sushi Hyun Omakase (795 Jervis St.)
Victoria
For the Laid-Back but Luxe Date
Victoria is quietly becoming one of Canada’s coolest food cities, and these two spots prove it. They’re the kind of restaurants where you can lean back, sip something local, and let the conversation flow:
- Janevca (429 Lampson St.)
- Rabbit Rabbit (658 Herald St.)
Calgary
For the Stylish Night Out
A city with a quietly booming food scene, Calgary’s entry shows how Alberta’s culinary talent is stepping into the national spotlight. Calgary may not have a long list this year, but the one it does have? Absolutely date-worthy. Cozy up with your person at this contemporary Italian-inspired gem and make it a night:
Edmonton
For the Unexpected Date Find
If you love finding those “hidden gem” spots to impress your date, Edmonton’s finalist is it. Elevated plates, intimate vibes, and a total surprise to anyone who hasn’t been paying attention:
- Olia (12016 Jasper Ave)
Winnipeg
For the Playful & Unexpected
Winnipeg’s food scene is playful, bold, on the rise, and made for couples who love a little surprise on the menu. These two finalists have personality in spades:
Toronto
For the Trendsetting Date Nights
Toronto always shows up big on this list, and this year is no different. Toronto’s lineup is all about variety; from sleek omakase bars to fun, buzzy dining rooms. These are the restaurants to book before they blow up:
- aKin (51 Colborne St.)
- General Public (201 Geary Ave)
- Linny’s (176 Ossington Ave)
- Maven (112 Harbord St.)
- Yan Dining Room (195 Dundas St. W.)
- No. 8 (446 Pearl St, Burlington)
Montreal
For the Chic & Cozy Date Nights
Quebec’s dining culture never disappoints, and this year’s Montreal picks blend bold creativity with a touch of old-world charm. Montreal’s list reads like a love letter to indulgent evenings. Think candlelit French plates, twirlable pasta, and the kind of buzzy energy that makes every night feel special. It’s basically made for date night hopping:
- Bona Fide (8521 St Laurent Blvd)
- Claire Jacques (8111 Saint Denis St.)
- Le Violon (4720 Rue Marquette)
- Molenne (5309 St Laurent Blvd)
- Panacée (1701 R. Atateken)
- Pasta Pooks (6704 Clark St)
- Restaurant Limbo (45 Av. Mozart O)
- Rotisserie La Lune (391 Rue Saint-Zotique Est)
- Sushi Nishinokaze (5400 St Laurent Blvd)
St. John’s
For the Destination Date
If you’ve ever dreamed of planning a date night at the edge of the continent, this is your excuse. St. John’s delivers on flavour and romance with an ocean backdrop, no less:
- Rabble (201 Water St.)
Halifax
For the Ocean Lovers
Seafood and East Coast charm? Halifax is serving both this year. These two finalists are perfect for a dinner date that feels a little salty, a little cozy, and 100% memorable:
Mark your calendars for November 17 to see the top 10 list and which restaurant takes the coveted number one spot. Until then? Start plotting those dinner reservations!
Read about last year’s top 10 list and final winner here.
