If you’ve lived in (or near) the city for a while, it’s likely that you feel like you’ve dined at every restaurant there is, so where do you go when you feel like you’ve seen, and eaten, it all? These restaurants in Toronto are still flying under the radar but are some amazing underrated neighbourhood favourites!
Add these to your dinner date list and find a new favourite in the city, you may just be pleasantly surprised.
The Mission Eatery
Keep your eye out for this lowkey Queen West restaurant! The bright orange street-facing exterior when walking by is so modern and inviting; stepping inside is a bright, aesthetic space offering limited dine-in tables in their cafe/brunch/dinner restaurant, as well as a quiet back patio adorned with green benches and a garden-y vibe.
Sip on their seasonal drinks, split a cookie as big as your head, or indulge in a savoury breakfast dish, one of their giant salads, and other delectable dishes.
They’re open for dinner Fridays and Saturdays, and are closed on Tuesdays.
Where: 676 Queen Street West, Toronto
Taline
The cuisine at this quaint, but picturesque Summerhill restaurant has a heavy Lebanese influence that is rich in both history and culture. Dips, flatbread, grilled meats, and seafood are just some of the staples that are transformed through lush herbs, vibrant spices and delectable dried fruits and nuts. You seriously won’t be able to stop eating!
Each dish on our menu Chef Seb and his team makes from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients and the timeless recipes passed down from their mother.
Where: 1276 Yonge St, Toronto
Pastiche
You may have been walking on Ossington and seen the door to Pastiche, not knowing what it was. It’s known as the place with no sign and tons of whimsical additions to your dining experience!
If you’re looking to indulge your senses, they offer a curated six-course blind tasting meal, alongside fabulous cocktails, all in a gorgeous setting.
Where: 59 Ossington Ave., Toronto
Nuna Toronto
Head here for elevated Peruvian eats and the most authentic Pisco Sour you’ll have in Toronto. Their menu changes seasonally so there’s always something fresh and thoughtfully created that always goes together perfectly.
The storefront is small and you definitely have to keep an eye out for it as you’re walking by, but once you’re inside you’re greeted with pleasing curves ceilings and romantic lighting, perfect for setting those dreamy date night vibes.
Where: 1265 Queen St W, Toronto
Soos on Ossington
Haven’t been? Soos has Malaysian and Nyonya cuisine in a street-food style. The family-owned restaurant is one you have to add to your Ossington roster!
There’s a ‘feed me’ option that takes the decisions off of your plate at $60 per person. It’s a combination of their favourite and most popular savoury dishes, and requires whole table participation. Everything is meant to be shared and they are served as they are prepared. You won’t know what you’re getting before you arrive!
Walking in will give off a rustic-chic feel but you’ll soon learn of the elevated and contemporary twist that Soos puts on everything. Sidenote, their cocktails are great!
Where: 94 Ossington Ave, Toronto
Fonda Lola
Open throughout the year but really the spot to be in the summer due to their stunning and quiet back patio oasis, Fonda Lola is just about as traditional as you can get in Canada, with creatively crafted dishes that almost look as good as they taste. Plus, their cocktails are done absolutely perfectly and pack a great punch!
They even do taco Tuesday for the perfect middle-of-the-week date night.
Where: 942 Queen St W, Toronto
416 Snack Bar
This bustling hangout just off of Queen West offering Asian-influenced small plates, draft brews & cocktails in a low-lit space. Some Torontonians will swear it’s some of the best food they’ve had and highly recommend it for a date night, despite the low-key and seemingly casual ambiance.
Where: 181 Bathurst St, Toronto
Camaleon on Danforth
This Danforth eatery is a super affordable restaurant on the Danforth for delicious tacos! The vibes are immaculate with interiors that match the quality and fun of the menu.
Camaleon will make you feel like you’re in Mexico with their authentic dishes. Everything on the tapas menu is price between $7-$10!
Where: 463 Danforth Ave, Toronto,
Bar Vendetta
This is your perfect alternative to Italian restaurants in the busiest parts of the city that you just don’t feel like travelling to! The food is phenomenal, the wine list is expansive and has a great selection, and pasta just screams romance, right?
Where: 928 Dundas St W, Toronto
Konia
This Vietnamese restaurant is all about educating Torontonians on Viet culture, cuisine, and customs! After a meal at Konia, you’ll walk out appreciating the food and space you experienced. This menu is filled with Northern Vietnamese cuisine and boasts beautiful interiors to perfect your date night out!
Where: 403 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto
Want to expand your Toronto date ideas? Find more date night inspo here.
