So we know the Michelin Guide announced which restaurants in the city would receive the prestigious one and two Michelin Stars in a recent food-filled event at Evergreeen Brickworks; but those aren’t all that made the guide.
Looking for a Michelin-worthy restaurant to eat at without spending an arm and a leg for date night dinners?
17 Toronto restaurants have been given the Bib Gourmand stamp of approval by the Michelin Guide.
Not quite a star, but most definitely not a consolation prize, the Bib Gourmand (named after Bibendum, the friendly Michelin Man and the official company mascot for the Michelin Group) is a just-as-esteemed rating that recognizes friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.
This designation looks for restaurants where a diner can have two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for less than $60 (a pretty nice price for a dinner date nowadays, we’d say).
Check out the Bib Gourmand restaurants in Toronto and put them on your date night list!
The Ace
This Roncesvalles restaurant in a restored 50s diner serves up an incredible brunch menu, and eclectic comfort food with late night snacks. Their dinner menu changes every Wednesday and Friday, so follow them on Instagram for a menu preview and to keep up with this never-stagnant spot!
Located at: 231A Roncesvalles Ave
Alma
The chef and owner, Anna Chen, previously could be found at Figo, Buca Yorkville and Scaramouche, bringing a mix of Indian, Hakka Chinese, French and Italian influences into Alma. The restaurant has a small but mighty menu, making it perfect for a romantic date night spot.
Located at: 1194 Bloor St W
Bar Raval
Bar Raval was opened to mimic the tapas bars of Barcelona and has since, won multiple design awards for their Gaudi-esque architecture. It’s a bar, so don’t expect formal sit-down service with large plates of entrées. The Spanish tapas and share plates here are delectable and your date will not soon forget this whimsical date night spot!
Located at: 1194 Bloor St W
Campechano
This is a favourite taco spot in the city for foodies and aficionados, so it was about time Campechano got this recognition. Known for their tacos with ethically raised meats, this is perfect for an elevated taco date.
Located at: 504 Adelaide St W (OG location) & 460 College St, with a cafe at 374 Bathurst
Cherry St Bar-B-Que
This picturesque barbecue house near Polson Pier offers counter service of pit-smoked meats arranged into delicious and full platters. You’ll find everything from brisket to pulled pork, and smoked chicken to baby back ribs and a mouth-watering list of sides.
Located at: 275 Cherry St.
Chica’s Chicken
If you’re looking for an amazing and authentic Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich in Toronto, look no further! Husband and wife duo Matt and Carolyn fell in love with Nashville’s crispy, moist chicken and decided to bring it back to Canada. and are now serving up grain-fed, 100 per cent Halal chicken sandwiches and more!
Located at: 2853 Dundas St W.
Enoteca Sociale
This establishment opened in 2010 and through the years, Enoteca Sociale has evolved to offer a wider food offering comprised of traditional Roman dishes like Cacio e Pepe, l’Amatriciana and Carbonara. Go with your date for housemade pastas, quality wines, and the coziest of vibes.
Located at: 1288 Dundas St W.
Fat Pasha
Fat Pasha serves Israeli, Ashkenazi and European Jewish dishes. The 50-seat restaurant features reclaimed wood, a marble bar top, filament bulbs and a black-and-white mural guest-starring Jerry Garcia.
Located at: 414 Dupont St.
Favourites Thai BBQ
After the success of a delicious BBQ event, Favourites Thai BBQ was born. The charcoal BBQ and wine bar was brought to life by the team behind Paris Paris Bar and Khao San Road. Favourites Thai BBQ was also noted as TorontoLife’s Best New Restaurant in 2020!
Located at: 141 Ossington Ave.
Fonda Balam
This restaurant may be unassuming from the outside, but from its opening in Toronto, locals knew this would be a highly anticipated spot after other success stories from co-owner Matty Matheson. This spot specialized in Mexican cuisine, including tacos & quesadillas.
Located at: 802 Dundas St W.
Grey Gardens
At Grey Gardens, the seasonal menu refuses to settle on one culinary region and has dishes inspired by North American flavours and beyond. Fancy snacks are served up with delicious glasses of wine for an intimate and elevated date night.
Located at: 199 Augusta Ave.
Indian Street Food Company
This spot is said to be a tribute to the coffee houses that used to be found all over India. Here, find a huge selection of classic Indian street foods. Crowd favourites include the paneer tikka and the fish thali.
Located at: 1701 Bayview Ave, East York
La Bartola
This taco date is completely plant-based! Located on College, La Bartola is contemporary and beautifully designed serving up all in-house plant-based tacos and Mexican fare. Even if you’re not living a vegan or vegetarian diet, you’ll want to try this spot!
Located at: 588 College St.
Puerto Bravo
This itty bitty kitchen serves up bold flavours and phenomenal bites, leaning heavily on seafood while spotlighting regional cooking from Tampico on the Gulf of Mexico. One dish worth ordering is the wera tostada, a riot of colours and textures.
Located at: 1425 Gerrard St E.
R&D
Eric Chong, chef at R&D, was declared the winner of MasterChef Canada in its first season. This spot is serving up just the sort of freewheeling fusion cuisine that made Chong a TV hit. The assortment of decidedly untraditional dim sum serves as a prime example, drawing upon a grab bag of international flavours, including French, Chinese and Korean.
Located at: 241 Spadina Ave.
Sumilicious Smoked Meat & Deli
When your Montreal smoked meat cravings hit, look no further than Sumilicious. Sumith Fernando spent nearly two decades learning his craft at Schwartz’s in Montreal before settling on his own recipe. He opened in 2018 and has been behind the counter ever since, building sandwiches out of thinly sliced, peppery brisket piled high on soft, spongy rye smeared with yellow mustard.
Located at: 5631 Steeles Ave E #5, Scarborough
Wynona
The open kitchen is the heartbeat of this place—snag a seat at one of the tables to watch the chefs at work. Fresh, handmade pasta is just the beginning of the mouth-watering options chef and owner Jeff Bovis is cooking up at his Michelin-honoured restaurant. Seasonality drives their selections, and the menu changes weekly.
Located at: 819 Gerrard St E.
