One of the great things to do in Toronto is to explore some of the great food around. You can find just about any ethnicity in most price ranges, and we finally have the attention of Michelin Star Reviewers.

So if you are just looking to get out of your comfort zone or appease a picky eater, here are some great choices around the city. I don’t know if you are going out with one or two or more vegetarians on this date, but any of the restaurants on this list will leave you and your date(s) feeling satisfied.

Chains

Let’s start with the chains, and no I’m not talking about Scaddabush or Milestones. There are a few standouts that you can find around the city that make a reliable choice as an end to a stroll in a new neighbourhood.

Terroni

Large spaces in interesting buildings, I haven’t been to a Terroni’s yet that hasn’t impressed me. This restaurant group has been around since the 30’s, and now also offers a wine shop and operates a bar close to Summerhill.

Price:
Meals From $20-$34
Wine From $80/ bottle

Locations:
720 Queen Street West
57 Adelaide Street East
1095 Young Street
106 Victoria Street

Fresh

I ordered out from here a lot before I actually went in to enjoy my first meal at this restaurant. Everything here is vegetarian, and you’ll also find great local beer in their fridge. Their dumplings are also a must.

If you’re looking to have a brunch date, this is also a great option. While they also have locations around the GTA, I have only listed their local ones below.

Planta

I debated whether this should be on chains or not, but it’s not worth having to talk about them in separate sections. In my opinion, Planta on Queen is by far the best for dinner- Asian fusion share plates and great decor. Their Yorkville location is for brunch lovers though.

Price:
Meals from $20
Wine from $45/ bottle

Locations & Hours:
10 Temperance Street
180 Queen Street West
1221 Bay Street

Piano Piano

The wine, the food, the ambiance – this place was made for date nights. This is a fun Italian spot for when you feel like getting a little dressed up. They also have great desserts.

Price:
Meals from $24 – $99
Wine from $59 – $180/ bottle

Locations:
88 Harbord Street
623 Mt Pleasant Rd
55 Colborne Street

Byblos

Eastern Mediterranean food served family style, this restaurant only has two locations but wow are they well decorated, the staff is well trained, and their dumplings are so good I learned how to make them.

When getting dressed to come here, don’t think formal, think smart, casual and fashionable.

Prices:
Plates from $14 – $85
Wine from $65 – $220/ bottle

Locations:
11 Duncan Street
2537 Yonge Street

Downtown

No, I’m not going to divide this up by neighbourhood, but I have included the address. This could become a very extensive list.

Shook

I came here for the happy hour and was pleasantly surprised by the deals on wines and dips. An intimate space and bold food. As their Michelin Guide review puts it – “Every item on this vegetarian-focused menu is cooked over blazing wood-burning pits, and Chef Ben Heaton guides the open kitchen with passion and care.”

Price:
Meals from $19 – $75

Location:
77 Portland Street

Lake Inez

This restaurant appeared back on the scene back in 2016, and it received its fair share of attention. But its seasonal menus and mystery 6 course patio tasting menus have kept it in the conversion. An unassuming spot, their food will have you reminiscing for year to come.

They are also a must for wine and beer lovers. Come here if your vegetarian date loves farmers markets and farm-to-table.

Price:
Meals from $15 – $30

Location:
1471 Gerrard Street East

Chefs Assembly Hall

Can’t settle on one spot? Check out this sweet location in the downtown core where newcomers and established chefs alike come to test out new concepts. In the summer, they have a great (and large) patio for being downtown.

Price:
Varies, but you’ll probably find at least a few dishes under $15

Location:
111 Richmond Street West

Superpoint

Get here early for nice food, or drop by until midnight for pizza slices after partying on Queen West. They offer biodynamic wines, a wide range of cocktails, and approachable food.

Prices:
Meals from $15 -$30
Whole Pizza from $24-$34

Location:
184 Ossington Avenue

El Rey

This taco shop and mezcal bar doesn’t have the most extensive menu, but the mushroom molotes are amazing. It’s a small location that does not take reservations, but they also have a cute patio in the summer.

Prices:
Food From $15
Cocktails From $14

Location:
2A Kensington Avenue

Bar Raval

This has been a go to cocktail bar for a while now. If you’re looking for flair bar-tending and interesting architecture, this is a good place to go. They have Barcelona-inspired share plates, and their blistered Shishitos are a must.

Prices:
Plates from $9
Cocktails from $10

Location:
505 College Street

La Palma

I honestly don’t think I will get over Campagnolo closing, but the owners of that restaurant opened this one, and its good for different reasons. Want to impress someone? Maybe you are meeting the parents. This is a good spot to choose. Book your reservations well in advance.

Price:
Sharable plates start at $12

Location:
849 Dundas Street West

Midtown

So most of the following restaurants are located closer to Bloor, but a lot of the chains have midtown Toronto locations.

Maison Shelby

Are you a vegetarian looking to impress a non-vegetarian date? This is the spot. There are few veg options that are great, and they also have good fries. Pop downstairs after to enjoy a cocktail in the speakeasy. The hospitality here is exceptional.

Prices:
Meals from $24 – $88
Wine from $48 – $180

Location:
592 Sherborne Street

Seoul Shakers

Live music, fusion food and tiki meets old money frat house decor. If you’re dating a cool kid, bring them here.

Prices:
Meals from $11 – $35
cocktails from $15

Location:
1241 Bloor Street West

Function Bar

This cute little underground spot right at Yonge and Eglinton usually has live music, the cocktails are creative, and the menu even carries certified sustainable and organic wines and a wide selection of local beers. Check their website ahead of time to figure out who the performer is.

Prices:
Food from $13- $33
Wine from $60
Cocktails from $15

Location:
2291 Yonge Street

Toronto has a strong restaurant scene, so there is a lot more than what’s on this list to choose from. Looking for more to do in the city? Check out the rest of my Toronto guides here.

Is there a restaurant I missed? Let e know in the comments below. Happy snacking!