Cute Restaurants Toronto You Must See & The Truth About The Food
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Looking for cute restaurants in Toronto? AKA the most Instagram worthy restaurants in Toronto? You’ve come to the right place. But is the food any good or not? Keep in mind a beautiful space doesn’t always make for beautiful food.
Read on to find everything from ultra modern, to warm & intimate, to retro and edgy. But more importantly read on to find out if these cute restaurants in Toronto are just beautiful interiors or if they have the food to match.
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Cute Restaurants Toronto in 2022
1. La Palma
La Palma Toronto Restaurant Interior
La Palma Toronto : Bar
La Palma is located in one of Toronto’s most popular neighbourhoods, Trinity Bellwoods.
The menu is Italian inspired but the space is bright and airy and inspired by the California coast. It’s easy to see why this is one of the most instagram worthy restaurants in Toronto.
Try to snag a spot on their upper level patio when the weather is nice.
But is the food here any good? Indeed it is. It’s a spot much loved by locals. Favorite dishes here include the 100 layer lasagna, the tuna crudo, and the pizzas.
2. Oretta
Oretta Toronto Café
Oretta Toronto Restaurant
Oretta is an Italian restaurant located in King West’s Entertainment District. The design is art-deco and is famous for it’s arched ceilings, gold accents, and colourful tiles in varying shades of pinks and blues laid out in herringbone pattern. It’s definitely one of the most cute restaurants in Toronto.
Don’t forget to check out their coffee shop cafe behind the restaurant which is also done up in the same style as the restaurant. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful restaurant interiors in Toronto.
Unfortunately, my praise of it pretty much ends there. Personally, I find the food to be mediocre at best. It’s not the worst food by any means, but definitely isn’t memorable either, especially for what you pay.
Dinner service can also be quite loud with blaring music, but being located in Toronto’s Entertainment District I suppose that might be expected. Something to keep in mind though if you’re looking for more of an intimate spot.
If you’re all about the beautiful design details and if you are ok with ok food, then Oretta is for you! It is definitely an Instagram worthy restaurant in Toronto!
3. Rosalinda
Rosalinda Toronto Interior: Back room
Rosalinda is a cute restaurant in Toronto that serves up vegan Mexican food. With it’s high ceilings, exposed concrete walls and floors, and plants lining both the ceilings and windows it is the picture of urban modern chic. Beautiful paintings of roses and skulls can be found throughout the space and gives a nod to the Mexican cuisine served here.
Rosalinda is generally regarded as one of the best vegan restaurants amongst locals. Personally, my experience here has been mixed.
I’ve had amazing meals here, and I’ve had bland meals here as well, so I guess dine with caution. Favourite dishes here amongst fans include the tacos, the charred cauliflower, and the churros for dessert.
4. Kost
Kost is on the 44th level of the Bisha Hotel and is located in Toronto’s Entertainment District.
The design here is west coast and with its floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of the city it has one of the best views in Toronto. Light wood finishes, including intricate woodwork on the ceiling, give this space a warm feel while still being bright and airy.
They are most famous for their heated outdoor patio though which features a rooftop pool and unobstructed views of the CN Tower. It’s always a favourite hotspot once the temperatures rise.
The food here is generally good, but not necessarily mind-blowing.
They focus on California inspired cuisine. Brunch here is especially popular and some of the favourite dishes here include tuna tartare, the baby gem salad, coconut pancakes, oysters, and of course the avocado toast.
5. Fresh on Front
Fresh is a local vegan Toronto restaurant with multiple locations across the city. The one located on Front Street though is especially instagram worthy. The style is mid-century modern meets Scandinavian design. Compared to their other locations this particular spot is definitely more elevated. Most of their other locations tend to have a fast-casual feel to them whereas the Fresh on Front is definitely dine-in restaurant status.
While this location is especially beautiful the menu is the same as their other locations and that is a good thing! They are one of the most popular vegan spots in Toronto and loved by both vegans and non-vegans. This location is also the only one that has a sit-down bar where you can enjoy cocktails. Favourites from Fresh include the quinoa onion rings, smoothies, fresh pressed juices, tacos, and their Fresh bowls.
5. Reyna on King
Reyna on King Toronto Interior
Reyna has multiple locations in Toronto but each has their own unique look and personality.
Reyna on King is located in Toronto’s King East Corktown neighbourhood. It is well known for their airy white brick wall space, the neon yellow sign that reads “reine” (which means queen in French), and the faux hanging plants that drape the ceiling that make it Instagram worthy.
In the summer the exterior wall that is made up completely of windows gets opened up completely and gives the feeling of being outdoors while still indoors. Although they do have an actual outdoor patio for those who want to be completely outside in the warmer months.
The food here is Mediterranean and is well liked by locals. The fries are considered their most well-known and signature dish. They are shoestring thin and fried crisp. They come in multiple different varieties with various toppings and flavour profiles.
Besides the fries of course people come here for the manchego cauliflower croquettes, lamb baklava, and the tacos.
It’s also a popular brunch spot with the baklava French toast, short rib grilled, cheese, and the croque madame being the breakfast favourites. And yes, the fries are also available at brunch as well.
6. Bar Reyna
Bar Reyna: Bar Area
Bar Reyna is located in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood in a two-story historic Victorian building and is the original Reyna location. It has a Moroccan flair to it as well and is even accented with authentic gold coloured Moroccan decanters spread throughout the space. Gold Moroccan lanterns that hang from the ceilings not only provide intimate lighting but also also add to the ambiance.
In addition they have two patios. One in the front and one in the back. The one in the back is the one you’ll want to snag a seat at. The back patio is actually heated all-year and has a retractable ceiling that can be fully opened when the weather is beautiful. When winter hits the retractable roof can once again be fully enclosed and is even winterized sealed to keep you cozy.
The menu here is Mediterranean with influences from Miami , New York and Barcelona. They are known for their tapas style menu and delicious, but luxe (RE: expensive), cocktails. Menu is tasty here as well and is the same as at their 2nd location Reyna on King (see above). So now you just have to decide which vibe you prefer more between the two.
7. Maison Selby
Maison Selby is located in a historic building in Toronto’s St. James Town neighbourhood. The space is incredibly unique as each area is designed differently compared to the other and each looks like it could be a completely different restaurant.
The space is split up in four separate rooms and each has its own personality. The bar is 1930s French art deco, a marble countertop, and three arched alcoves frame the back wall that displays all the liquor offerings.
The remainder of the spaces are splashed with bold wallpapers, richly hued banquettes, and accents of vintage art, photographs, and decor pieces. Don’t forget to check out the secret bar that’s hidden behind a movable wall!
As for the food, the cuisine here is classic French cuisine. They do it well here and you can’t go wrong with the French onion soup, beef bourguignon, and coq au vin.
8. LOV
LOV (local, organic, and vegan) is a 100% plant based restaurant that originally hails from Montreal. Their first Toronto location in the King West neighbourhood is a showstopper though. Ash coloured wood laid out in herringbone pattern on the floor adds warmth to space. It also feels incredibly spacious with its high ceilings, bright white walls, and a mix of faux and real plants that hang from the ceilings and walls.
Another much favourite and beloved vegan restaurant in the city, the food is quite good. Portions tend to be small though and slightly over priced. Overall it’s definitely a good treat-yourself kind of spot. Favourite dishes here are the wedge salad, brussel sprouts, avocado toast, and tacos.
9. Mandy’s Salad
Mandy’s is another Montreal export that has made their home in Toronto. Located in on the very trendy Ossington strip it’s bold floral wallpaper, pink velvet banquette seating, and checker tile flooring make this spot one of the most cute restaurants in Toronto.
This place gets a lot of hype….and it’s worth it, honestly. Their salads are legendary and often utilize a wide variety of fresh, high quality ingredients. Prices range from $12-$20+ depending on how crazy you want to get with your toppings and add-ons. But generally if you choose one of their signature bowls you’ll be paying $15-$20 plus tax and tip. Their best selling salad bowl is their Crunchy Sesame Salad hat has romaine lettuce, mixed greens, avocado, mandarin oranges, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, crunchy noodles, and toasted sesame seeds. Don’t be fooled by the fact that these are salads though. They are HUGE and most people leave about to burst or having to admit defeat and ask for a take-out box.
In addition they have smoothies, açai bowls, and quinoa bowls. Options include proteins for both vegans and non-vegans. Stop by here if you’re looking for health kick that tastes great.
10. Bar Raval
Bar Raval is a pintxo and tapas bar located in Toronto and is located in Little Italy. This spot has won multipe design awards and it’s easy to see why. The style is Spanish art nouveau and takes inspiration from Gaudí. The woodwork here is just absolutely incredible to look at. Anyone who has ever walked into this space immediately feels like they’ve been transported to Barcelona.
The food here is some of the best in the city. In fact, I would say that Bar Raval has reached local legend status. Their tapas taste straight out of Spain and their cocktails are just as tasty. Favourites here include the octopus, stracciatella & boquerones, shishito peppers, and the basque cheesecake for dessert. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on this menu though.
11. Myth
Myth is a Greek restaurant is located in Toronto’s King West neighbourhood. The vibe here is Mediterranean and draws inspiration from the every popular Mykonos Island. The patio is especially beautiful and the stonework that lines the restaurant was imported directly from Greece.
The food here is good, but definitely not the best Greek food in Toronto by any means. Like most restaurants in Toronto’s King West area it tends to be over priced. You definitely are paying for the beautiful space in addition to what’s on your plate. That being said most people are happy with the saganaki which is lit on fire and flamed as per tradition, calamari, and the yellow fin tuna.
12. Miss Thing’s
The food and the cocktails here are a true experience! Cocktails are fun, delicious, and come in fun cups like parrots, golden pineapples, and sharks. Food portions are generous and well-made. Favourites here include pineapple fried rice served in a carved out pineapple, corn fritters, pork baos, and chicken yakitori.
Miss Thing’s is Hawaiian restaurant and tropical cocktail bar located in West Queen West Toronto. The space is sophisticated, but still has nods to its Hawaiian roots with splashes of floral accented tastefully throughout the space. The showstopper of course is the beautiful floral mural which sits atop a deep green wall that was painted by famed Toronto artist Tisha Myles.
13. Chubby’s Jamaican
Chubby’s Jamaican Interior
Chubbby’s Jamaican is located on Portland Street in Toronto’s infamous King West neighbourhood. Head on up to the second floor for the cute bar area.
Food here is pretty good but you won’t get what you typically would expect if you had gone to a classic mom & pop Caribbean place.
This Jamaican restaurant definitely caters to the hipster crowd, and is definitely more expensive and smaller portions than the mom & pop joints.
Come here if you’re looking for Jamaican food in a beautiful interior. It’s definitely one of the most Instagram worthy restaurants in Toronto. Expect to pay for it though. Otherwise, I personally prefer to stick to the small shops.
14. Minami
Minami is located in King West, except unlike a lot of their neighbours their food is just as good as their decor. In fact, Minami won two Restaurant & Bar Design awards from the Design Agency. It was chosen as the recipient as the best-designed restaurant in North America and South America and it’s easy to see why.
Minami is part of the Aburi Restaurant group which is extremely well known in both Toronto and Vancouver. With multiple restaurants under the Aburi Restaurant group family, they are all well known as high-end Japanese restaurants, but each has it’s own personality. Minami is a little more relaxed compared to their sister properties but is still very chic, trendy, and all without being pretentious. Make sure you order their famous pressed flame seared oshi sushi, the brussel sprouts, and the charcoal aburi chicken. They also have a great selection of melt-in-your-mouth wagyu selection.
15. Akira Black
Akira Black is located inside the Bisha Hotel and is named after its Michelin Star chef, who has won a Michelin Star three years in a row for his restaurant in Seoul, Korea. The ceiling of this space is especially striking. The artwork was actually done by Chef Akira Black’s own mother and lined with gold detailing.
The food here is Japanese with Korean flavours fused throughout as a homage to the Chef’s Korean heritage. Most popular items here include their sushi rolls and the Wagyu tacos. Be prepared to pay though because this place is pricy.
16. Louix Louis
Louix Louis Restaurant is located on the 31st level of the St. Regis Hotel in Toronto. The space is modern meets vintage and they pride themselves on their cocktails here.
In fact the space is designed to be reminiscent of a whisky bottle, especially the ceiling which is painted to look like the swirls found inside a whisky cocktail.
Being located inside the St. Regis hotel it should come as no surprise that this spot will be on the pricier side.
The food is good though and they are especially known for their squash ravioli and their seafood. However, their most famous dish of all is dessert ,the King’s Cake – 13 layers chocolate cake with 64% ganache, vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and edible gold leaf foil.
17. Aloette
Aloette is the sister restaurant to one of Toronto’s most well-known high end restaurants, Alo. Aloette is much more casual, but still incredibly chic. The style is reminiscent of an old school diner, but with much higher end touches and beautiful design.
The food here is very good and reasonably priced for the quality you get. Make sure to order the iceberg wedge salad, ‘chicken fried’ maitake mushroom, burger, and the foie on toast.
Their lemon meringue pie and seasonal flavor of ice cream sundae is also a must. If you’d like to read more about Aloette in depth click here.
18. Mineral Restaurant
Mineral restaurant is located in Toronto’s midtown Summerhill neighbourhood. Definitely one of the cute restaurants in Toronto it’s golden arched ceiling and numerous murals are once again done by the talented local artist Tisha Myles.
The menu here is Asian inspired and is a very popular spot. People here love the espresso martini, cod, seafood noodles, confit duck leg, and the ube lèche.
19. Dasha
Dasha is modern Chinese restaurant that is locate in King West. It’s 9000 square feed, with a grand staircase designed to look like a birdcage that leads to a second floor private dining area. There’s even several karaoke bar rooms each with a different design with artwork from local artists + exclusive snack bar menus for each room that match the theme.
The food here is also done by Michelin Star chef Akira Back (from number 15 above). The food here is good, but definitely pricy and the portions are on the smaller side. The cocktails here are really fun and inventive though. You definitely come here though for the vibe and the fun karaoke spaces.
20. Amal
Amal is located in one of Toronto’s most luxurious neighbourhoods, Yorkville, and has the luxury details to match. The space is pure decadence from top to bottom with a hand painted ceiling mural with flecks of Mediterranean blue and golds, and hand crafted wood-work.
It’s a modern Lebanese restaurant with a fine dining experiences. People here love the cocktails, the hummus, and the truffle rakakat. Being located in Yorkville it is on the pricier side, but still a great spot if you’re looking for a beautiful space with good eats. If the weather is nice, be sure to checkout their patio which is as beautiful as their interior.
21. Chotto Matte
Chotto Matte is located in Toronto’s financial district. With over 10,000 square feet it features two live edge bars, a custom Japanese wood ceiling, and a large colourful urban mural that lines the upper level. Don’t miss out on the patio in the summer which is lush and lined lined with greenery.
Chotto Matte features Nikkei cuisine and uses both Peruvian and Japanese ingredients and techniques. The cocktails here are pretty good but the food is kind of lack lustre. The black cod and shishito peppers are the standouts, but everything else is mediocre at best. Come if you like the atmosphere here but keep expectations low food-wise.
22. Bar Mignongette
Bar Mignonette is located in Toronto’s Kensington neighbourhood on the upper level of their sister restaurant Patois (which has local legend status).
Bar Mignonette is a beautiful wine bar with an outdoor terrace that overlooks the bustling Dundas West strip. Aqua green tiles, vaulted ceilings, and checkerboard flooring make the space feel intimate but airy.
The food here is amazing! Whereas Patois focuses on playful comfort classics, Bar Mignonette is refined and inventive. They have a strong focus on seafood and the style is very much classical French with Asian influences. Personally, the best way to treat yourself here is to do the tasting menu. But you really can’t go wrong with anything here!
23. Vela
Vela is located in Toronto’s King West neighbourhood and is styled to look like a hotel lobby. The showpiece is really the neon lighting that swirls across ceiling that not only sets the mood but also secretly houses the HVAC system and assists with acoustics.
The food here is good and reasonably priced, a rare find on King West. People here love the truffle pasta, beef tartare, octopus, and the cocktails.
24. Gusto 501
Gusto 501 is the second location of this Italian spot. This location is especially stunning The space is two levels with striking terra cotta coloured geometric walls that are sky high.
As for the food, I often refer to this spot as the “one dish wonder”. The Malfalde Ai Funghi dish, a creamy pasta with portobello, porchini, oyster mushrooms with mafalde pasta and parmesan cheese is tossed with a truffle cream sauce is their signature dish. It’s also the only dish worth eating there, hence the “one dish wonder”. The rest of the menu is pretty mediocre. I will say this, their one dish is a damn good one and they definitely nail it. It is worth going just to eat this. If you’re not looking to eat this though there are much better Italian spots in Toronto.
25. Planta Yorkville
Planta has many locations across Toronto, but their original location in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood is especially beautiful. Each area is unique with a mix of patterns, textures, and materials, yet it all seamlessly goes together. Pops of copper accents in the chairs and lighting give the space a chic elegance.
When Planta Yorkville first opened back in 2016 it was the first elevated, dine-in plant-based restaurant in Toronto. Since then they have opened multiple locations, but each one has it’s own personality and it’s own menu not found at the other locations. Yorkville Planta still remains a go-to staple amongst vegans. People love this location for their lasagna, dumplings, Planta burger, and the dark chocolate brownie.
26. Prime Seafood Palace
Prime Seafood Palace is located in Toronto’s West Queen West neighbourhood and is known for its striking woodwork which mixes Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics.
Prime Seafood Palace is headed up by celebrity chef & Toronto icon Matty Matheson. Despite “seafood” being in the name of the restaurant this spot is considered to be a steakhouse, that of course also has seafood on the menu. The dishes are inventive and tasty, but portions are on the smaller size. The quality is super high though and the prices reflect that, so come prepared for potential sticker shock.
27. Cluny Bistro
Cluny Bistro is located in Toronto’s incredibly charming Distillery District. It’s interior is massive at over 12,000 square feet and has an on-site pastry & coffee shop, main dining area, event space, and multiple patios. Being located inside a heritage building its look blends French bistro and urban aesthetics.
Being a French bistro the food here is decadent, but good! Brunch and pastries are a favourite here but they also have all the French classics. You can also check out their casual coffee & pastry shop which has some great pastries and treats.
28. Hastings Snack Bar
Hastings Snack Bar is an adorable diner-style restaurant located in Toronto’s family friendly Leslieville neighbourhood. Colourful stools line the bar top where you get a full view of all the kitchen action. Black & white penny tiles give the space a classic but updated look.
This is actually a locally owned Polish restaurant. Everything here tastes homemade and comforting, and most importantly delicious. Come for the Hungry Tatar’s lunch that lets you sample a little of everything. Other popular menu items include the cabbage rolls and the pierogis which come in both savoury and sweet options. Read more about Hastings Snack Bar here.
29. Broadview Hotel
The Broadview Hotel has a beautiful Bistro + Bar located on the main level of the hotel right at the entrance. Despite the show stopping bar and beautiful tile work that blends with hardwood it’s a casual spot that serves anything from full brunch, breakast, and lunch, to just a casual cup of coffee and pastry. It’s a beautiful spot and the food is thankfully always good.
Be sure to also check out their rooftop patio which has breathtaking views of the Toronto skyline.
30. Stock TC
Stock T.C is the brainchild of two Toronto institutions Terroni & Cumbrae’s. It is a three story spot that combines restaurants, bars, bakery, butcher, and grocery store all in one. There’s also a beautiful rooftop patio that is perfect for summer weather.
Unsurprisingly the food here is good. With high-end ingredients that are sourced form local favourites or even imported from Italy the food here is high quality and amazingly delicious whether you’re dining at one of their restaurants\bars, getting one of their pre-packaged meals, or checking out the bakery counter.
31. Restoration Hardware Yorkdale Mall
Restoration Hardware is of course known for their very luxurious and very expensive home furnishings. There’s certainly no shortage of that at Toronto’s location inside Yorkdale Mall. You can have a taste of what it’s like to lounge on their fancy furniture at their restaurant though, and all for the price of lunch! With plenty of both real & faux foliage you’ll feel like you’re at a chic outdoor oasis despite being inside a shopping mall thanks to the skylight above that lets in plenty of natural light. Marble tables and chandeliers also give this the upscale patio vibes.
As for the food it’s decent enough. Nothing amazing, but not horrible either. Stay for the elegant decor and if you’re looking for something a little nicer than food court fare.
32. Buono
Buono is an Italian restaurant located in Toronto’s trendy College & Ossington neighbourhood. With an adorable wall of plants and leather banquette seating it’s a great spot if you’re looking for a photo-op.
The pasta here is made in-house and the food is generally good. However it isn’t the best Italian food in Toronto, but it’s decent enough. People here like to order the truffle pasta, the carbonara, and the tiramisu.
33. Osteria Rialto
Osteria Rialto is located inside the Paradise Theatre building which was just recently renovated. A historic building that was built in the 1930s the interior plays heavily on art deco as a nod to the heritage of the space but also has urban touches with exposed concrete and wood. Be sure to check out their patio in the summer and the beautiful Bar Biltmore on the 2nd level.
Osteria Rialto is an Italian restaurant that makes everything, including their pastas, in-house. The food here is good but the portions are on the smaller size so keep that in mind when ordering. People here love that pastas and the focaccia bread.
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