It’s Winterlicious time in Toronto and it’s your chance to make dinner something special! Invite a friend or a loved one to indulge in the $38 three-course dinners. From great views, intimate atmosphere to foodgasmic dishes, these restaurants all offer a memorable dining experience. Winterlicious, produced by the City of Toronto, only comes around once a year, so go ahead and treat yourself!
Located on historic Elm Street near Yonge and Dundas, Adega’s Chef Michael Da Silva prepares a variety of traditional and contemporary dishes focused on Portuguese and Spanish influences. For Winterlicious, menu options include Seafood Bisque with Dungeness crab aioli, Tiger shrimp & baby clams saffron risotto and, for dessert, a trio of seasonal tarts.
Located in the heart of the Entertainment District within the Renaissance Hotel, Arriba delivers a dynamic high-energy atmosphere combined with incredible views into the Rogers Centre. For Winterlicious, menu options include Island Style Jerk Sliders, herb gnocchi with shiitake, butternut squash, snap peas, fresh herb butter white wine sauce with shaved asiago and, for dessert, bread pudding with dark chocolate, berries, and salted bourbon caramel.
Newly renovated, Barnsteiner's is a neighbourhood restaurant with a New York-meets-California atmosphere where friends and family will embrace comfort, service and style. The dishes created by Chef Herbert Barnsteiner are made from the freshest ingredients provided by local farmers. For Winterlicious, menu options include crumbled goat's cheese with pickled onions served with an hazelnut vinaigrette, snow crab served with sweet curry and crunchy vegetables, venison stew and, for those of you with a sweet tooth, Niagara apple-cranberry crumble served with vanilla bean ice cream.
Beaumont Kitchen is a comfortable all-day dining lounge located inside Saks Fifth Avenue at CF Sherway Gardens. Amidst its sleek design, rich textures and whimsical accents, the space features plush loungers and banquettes, formal dining tables and relaxed bar seating. Beaumont Kitchen's chefs honour the West Coast cooking philosophy by sourcing interesting, quality ingredients from nearby purveyors, allowing the ingredients' natural flavour and beauty to shine. For Winterlicious, menu options include escarole, fennel and hazelnuts served with a roasted shallot dressing, yellowfin tuna tataki accompanied by avocado, daikon, pickled ginger, green onion and sesame; lamb gnocchi; and if you still can, spiced date cake with bourbon syrup and whipped vanilla mascarpone.
Inspired by Belgium's passion and unparalleled reputation for the finer things in life, the Bier Markt brings you the ultimate dining experience and over 100 beers from over 24 countries. For Winterlicious, menu options include Belgian split pea and ham hock soup; thyme-rubbed Cornish hen served with curry-roasted cauliflower purée, chive and shallot smashed fingerling potato, caramelized apple and onion, plus a citrus and beet emulsion; and apple pretzel bread pudding.
At this bistro, 1930s Paris meets fresh London cool. chef Bill Osborne serves up robust bistro cuisine in a warm and casual atmosphere. The menu for Winterlicious includes Yukon gold velouté; turkey boudin blanc served with caramelized apples, choucroute and apple cider jus; and molten chocolate cake.
Open year round, Big Crow delivers a unique backyard campfire cookout dining experience. Guests enjoy Canadiana BBQ from the grill, craft beers and exciting cocktail pairings, while dining at communal picnic tables in Anthony Rose's Algonquin style smokehouse. For Winterlicious, menu options include roasted beets served with Tomatillo salsa, cotija cheese, pepitas, chili salt and cilantro; country beef salami with pork and beans, apricot glaze and mustard; and for dessert, a bakermans bar.
Nestled in the heart of Bloor West Village, Bloom delivers a warm, casual and inviting atmosphere. The menu is steeped in the rich traditions of Spain and Latin America but with a contemporary twist. Sopa de setas (puree of wild foraged mushroom with roasted poblano peppers), pato con arroz chaufa (duck confit topped with juniper berries glaze on Peruvian style stir-fried brown rice and mixed seasonal vegetables), and Cuajada De Coco Y Limon (Coconut and Lime Panna Cotta with Raspberry Compote).
Tucked away in the quaint Baldwin Street Village, near the Art Gallery of Ontario, Bodega offers a blend of casual and upscale French Mediterranean cuisine. The atmosphere is warm and friendly with cozy fireplaces. For Winterlicious, menu options include blue crab cakes; grilled steelhead trout served with quinoa, spinach, heirloom tomatoes, honey mushroom, saffron mint cream and crispy potato; and a chocolate, espresso and Bailey's cake.
Located in the historic Distillery District, the ambience at Boku provides a wonderful connection between Canada’s industrial history and Asian culture. Boku offers incredibly fresh and unique Japanese cuisine. For Winterlicious, menu options include sashimi, aburi nigiri (hamachi, salmon, saba, botan rbi, beef), Boku dragon roll (lobster tail tempura, cucumber, chives, topped with avocado, tobiko, wasabi), and a house made green tea version of the classic crème brûlée.
With comfort at its heart, Capocaccia is a lighthearted and fresh take on trendy dining where guests can enjoy the very best of Italian cuisine. Deep-grained wood tables set up close together are lit softly to create an intimate bistro-style environment. For Winterlicious, menu options include carpaccio di manzo (porcini aioli, potato chips, arugula), filetto di vitello (pan seared seal tenderloin, mix mushrooms, escarole, fried polenta, jus), and honey panna cotta.
An elegant French bistro, Caren's Rosedale boasts a relaxed formal atmosphere that is as sophisticated as it is welcoming. Chef David Nang Nang delivers authentic French classics and daily specials with Parisian flair. For Winterlicious, menu options include chicken liver pâté, mushroom risotto, and flourless chocolate tort.
Chop offers a casual dining experience, with comfort, value, extraordinary food, a notable wine list, quality spirits and great service. For Winterlicious, menu options include artisan greens (Mesclun greens, crisp iceberg, field vegetables, edamame, pumpkin and black sesame seeds, basil honey-lime vinaigrette); hunter chicken in a rich mushroom sauce finished with tomatoes and fresh tarragon, served with wasabi infused mashed potatoes, plus fresh seasonal vegetables; and mini fallen chocolate soufflé cake.
This modern French casual bistro is nestled in the Distillery District and is unique in both its design and menu. The large space is bright, airy and filled with fascinating custom details such as cabinets filled with hand-selected antiques and a hand painted glass wall atop the raw bar. Cluny's menu offers French classics with a contemporary twist and Asian Moroccan influences. For Winterlicious, menu options include roast squash and broccoli salad; Cumbrae Farms chermoula of braised pork shoulder served with charred endive and soft polenta; and a lavender tea chocolate bar.
Enjoy authentic Brazilian rodizio at Copa Cabana with mouthwatering food, exceptional service and an invigorating atmosphere. For Winterlicious, you can start by indulging in an all-you-can-eat buffet of appetizers such as Cranberry Coconut Bread, Hummus and crisp salads. The main course includes a choice of buttermilk rib-eye, chimichurri steak or picahna Brazil, and if you survived, a trio of desserts await you.
Coppi Ristorante has offered authentic Italian dishes inspired by natural and simple methods of "Abruzzese" cuisine since 1991. For Winterlicious, menu options include Polipo (Octopus carpaccio with grapefruit and fennel), zuppa di pesce (seafood stew with saffron, cherry tomato and green beans), salsiccia e polenta (house made grilled sausage, polenta, seasonal vegetables), and tiramisu.
Full of personality and buzzing with energy, The Drake Hotel has become a cultural hub in the West Queen West neighbourhood. With a love for all things local, The Drake re-invents comfort classics paired with a variety of original cocktails. For Winterlicious, the menu options include veggie maki or fagioli, pan-seared trout or Ontario bavette, and apple pie or panna cotta. The choice is yours.
Located on a quiet side street in historic Cabbagetown, F'Amelia offers a warm and inviting ambiance, serving a cuisine inspired by Northern Italy. For Winterlicious, the menu options include bean and escarole soup, cauliflower risotto, seared scallops, and olive oil cake.
A casual and chic décor, trendy food and a world exclusive wine list make a perfect match with talented service staff. For Winterlicious, the menu options include mushroom salad, milk-braised pork shoulder, smoked eggplant and tomato tagine, and coconut-mango mousse.
Fred may not be there to greet diners, but the friendly staff is there to do the job. This casual neighbourhood steakhouse in the heart of the theatre district specializes in wood grilled steaks and seafood. For Winterlicious, the menu options include baked lobster and crab soup, blackened beef filet with shrimp creole and dirty rice, grilled Quebec Nagano pork loin, and a decadent mango and berry cheesecake.
Anchoring the entrance to the Danforth, Globe Bistro offers global flavour through fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. For Winterlicious, the menu options include braised beef tongue, smoked haddock churros, thai tofu delight, and blueberry baked Alaska.
It's a place where cultures merge, universes collide and happening people gather for the finest cuisine from both earthly hemispheres. A feast for all the senses, Hemispheres blends an eclectic and innovative menu, featuring the freshest ingredients available in Toronto. For Winterlicious, the menu options include shaved bresoala served with fig and persimmon salad, duck confit and spring roll, riuniti pappardelle, and black and white chocolate cake.
Holt's Café, tucked away on the store's second floor, is the go to lunch spot for area professionals and the place to relax after work or a day of shopping. The menu features simple favourites and new classics based on French cuisine with Asian flavours. For Winterlicious, the menu options include wild mushroom soup, 24 hour Wellington County short rib, Holt's chicken pot pie, and London fog panna cotta.
Located on the LookOut observation level of Toronto's iconic CN Tower, Horizons offers upscale bistro fare and extraordinary views of the City from 346m (1,136 feet) above the ground. Chef John Morris focuses on regional and seasonal ingredients. For Winterlicious, the menu options include maple roasted sweet potato bisque, pan seared rainbow trout, butternut squash ravioli with brown butter and sage, cider braised lamb shank, and sour apple crumble tart.
Jazz Bistro, located in the Yonge Dundas corridor, just steps from the Ed Mirvish Theatre, Massey Hall and the Elgin Winter Garden Theatre, is the perfect place to enjoy a pre-theatre meal or dinner, followed by an evening of live music. Jazz takes centre stage from 9 p.m. but early diners will enjoy music from the great American songbook played by resident pianist Eli Pasic. For Winterlicious, the menu options include sunchoke soup with parsley oil, bacon wrapped provimi veal tenderloin, and buckwheat cashew parfait.
Jump combines classic style with sleek modern eclecticism. The sky high glass atrium, dramatic lighting elements and signature New York style bar provide the perfect backdrop for the world - inspired cuisine. Offering food that is robust, honest and full of flavour, Jump is renowned for the classics and continually creates fresh, innovative dishes incorporating locally sourced beef, handmade pastas and seasonal vegetables. For Winterlicious, the menu options include grilled romaine salad, Fogo Island cod, whisky-braised brisket, spaghetti squash, and devilled chocolate cake.
Located inside the Hyatt Regency Toronto, King Street Social, an American-style bistro, features creative, healthy versions of traditional French dishes enhanced by the use of fresh, local produce. For Winterlicious, the menu options include roasted butternut squash with garlic herb crouton, grilled calamari, pan seared trout served on Israeli couscous with grilled asparagus and poblano salsa sauce, bucatini all' alfredo and hazelnut chocolate mascarpone cannoli.
Located in the heart of Toronto's Entertainment District, La Fenice offers authentic Italian cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. An extensive award-winning wine list complements the classic menu. For Winterlicious, the menu options include mussels in a light tomato and white wine broth with garlic, fresh herbs and chili flakes; grilled beef tenderloin medallion with tiger shrimp in a brandy cream sauce; pappardelle con costinedi maiale; and a sicilian bacio tartufo.
Little Anthony's is a casual, energetic and affordable downtown Toronto osteria serving soul-satisfying Italian cooking. The food is complemented by a wine and beer selection that highlights both local, Italian, and international selections. For Winterlicious, the menu options include a zuppa Toscana, a pear and arugula salad, roasted loin of veal, and a Nutella parfait.
Named the Best New Restaurant in 2015 by NOW Magazine and Top 20 Best New Restaurant by Toronto Life, Loka is an exploration of Canadian cuisine with an ever changing menu of inventive, ingredient-inspired dishes, served in a laid-back atmosphere. For Winterlicious, the menu options include pickled arctic char served with watermelon remoulade and crispy leeks; maple glazed pork belly, house-made pappardelle served with, parmesan herb cream; and granite sprinkled with pickled candied peaches.
Praised as one of the "Ten Chefs of the Millennium" in 2000 by Food & Wine magazine, Susur Lee is still at the top of his game. Between helming three restaurants in Toronto - Lee, Bent and Luckee - and overseeing his prestigious TungLok Heen in Singapore, Chef Lee balances the epicurean traditions of China with the classical techniques of French cuisines. For Winterlicious, the menu options include Luckee soba salad, Asian coq au vin in lotus leaf, char siu beef short ribs, and rice donut.
Luma is situated on the 2nd floor of one of Toronto's hottest entertainment destinations, the TIFF Bell Lightbox. The menu showcases global and Canadian artisanal cuisine featuring the finest local and regional ingredients. Chef Michael Wilson's original, imaginative cooking is the perfect complement to Luma's warm inviting dining room. For Winterlicious, the menu options include winter greens with smoked ham hock, stewed escargot with merguez sausage crostini, crispy duck leg, arctic char served with Lyonnaise potato, pickled carrots, dill and caper aïoli; and let’s not forget the apple cranberry crumble paired with gingerbread ice cream.
Merlot offers traditional French bistro cuisine, with a menu that stretches from dishes typical of south-western France such as duck confit or cassoulet, to those of northern France. For Winterlicious, the menu options include moules "Pernod", onglet steak "au poivre", chicken merguez "sauce diable", and a flan à L'Alsacienne.
At Mildred's Temple Kitchen the approach to cooking and the joys of the table are simple. They believe that food is culture. Fresh food made from scratch by devoted cooks create unique culinary memories and warm, genuine service define a welcome gathering place. For Winterlicious, the menu options include parsnip soup with pear chip and toasted hazelnut, Mildred’s famous crab cakes, duck and waffles, curried cauliflower, and white chocolate cheesecake with red wine cranberry compote.
The Monkey Bar & Grill offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with knowledgeable service in North Toronto. Classically trained chef Richard Fox-Revett offers a menu that is a flavourful fusion of Canadian, Italian, French and Asian influences. For Winterlicious, the menu options include warm goat cheese with balsamic-roasted pears served with spiced cashews, red onions and mixed baby greens; chickpea fried shrimp with hoisin sauce and cabbage salad, roasted rack of lamb, and lemon curd served with whipped cream, meringue and strawberries.
Located conveniently behind TIFF Bell Lightbox, Montecito is a modern restaurant collaboration between Hollywood director Ivan Reitman and Toronto based Innov8 Hospitality. With Executive Chef Matt Robertson at the helm, the restaurant's farm-to-table inspired California cuisine menu changes daily and highlights the very best in Canadian produce, meats and seafood from local purveyors and notable Canadian suppliers from coast to coast. For Winterlicious, the menu options include beet and burrata salad; Albacore tuna served with hummus, red pepper puree and herb salad; braised pork shoulder, sauerkraut and apple mostarda; and a caramel budino, peanut butter and wafer.
Located in the downtown core for more than 30 years, Nami continues to serve traditional Japanese cuisine in a simple, modern setting. Kimono-clad servers attend to patrons in the main dining room, private booths and the tatami room with rice-paper screened doors. For Winterlicious, the menu options include BC tuna tataki served with a miso soup, sushi, tempura, seafood Kaiso Salad, beef teriyaki dinner, and hojicha pudding.
N'awlins, located in the heart of the Entertainment District, offers Cajun and Italian cuisine accompanied by live jazz and blues music. For Winterlicious, the menu options include bruschetta, grilled cajun chicken breast, linguine and a choice between the three daily desserts.
Original flagstone floors, beamed ceilings and glowing fireplaces create a warm and relaxed atmosphere at the Old Mill. Focusing on Old English world charm, this restored and rebuilt mill is now a boutique inn featuring many antiques and artifacts. The Old Mill Dining Room's historical setting is where delicious food overlaps a variety of musical entertainment experiences. For Winterlicious, the menu options include watercress and frisee salad, herb crusted pork loin, and pink grapefruit coconut milk panna cotta.
Olio Mediterranean Grille offers an exciting culinary journey around the Mediterranean featuring cuisine created with seasonal, local and organic ingredients. For Winterlicious, the menu options include fish tacos, grilled flat iron steak, olio seafood paella, and lemon curd tart.
"Paese" (pa'eze) means "town or village" in Italian, which symbolizes the idea of neighbourhood. For over 20 years, Paese has stayed true to a handcrafted and house-made approach to an Italian-inspired menu, with a distinctive and original made-in-Canada twist. For Winterlicious, the menu options include albacore tuna tonnato, golden beet caprese salad, beef short rib ravioli, and raspberry sorbetto.
Parcae, located within the Templar Hotel in the heart of the city, provides a modern Toronto-inspired fusion experience pulling from Quebec, Italian and urban inspirations. Handmade pasta and local, seasonal ingredients are enhanced with simple seafood, adventurous game and offal dishes. For Winterlicious, the menu options include pizza frita, roasted eggplant, duck raviolo, and buffalo ricotta panna cotta.
Peter Pan, a vintage bistro at the corner of Queen and Peter Streets offers market-driven food with French and British inspiration. For Winterlicious, the menu options include beet salad with goat yogurt, puffed rice, za'atar and watercress; winter barley risotto served with broccoli, toasted hazelnuts and parmesan; braised veal cheeks; and fresh baked madeleines.
Conveniently located in the Sheraton Centre, in the heart of Toronto's Financial District, Quinn's boasts a warm and friendly dining atmosphere. Chef Paul Pisa and his culinary team create fresh dishes with local ingredients, homemade breads and desserts, in-house smoking and fresh AAA Alberta beef aged a minimum 28 days. For Winterlicious, the menu options include Quinn's Caesar salad, Guinness-braised lamb shank, teriyaki-grilled fresh Atlantic salmon, butternut squash ravioli, and a berry crumble.
Rodeo Brazilian Steakhouse offers a unique dining experience that includes an amazing assortment of prepared fresh daily salads and perfectly cooked and seasoned meat served Brazilian-style on large skewers. Enjoy an old Brazilian tradition in Toronto surrounded by bossa nova sounds while sipping on delicious lime caipirinhas. For Winterlicious, the menu options include appetizers and salads; a succulent variety of Brazilian BBQ; slices of roasted pineapple, and coconut bananas.
Schnitzel Hub is a cozy restaurant and artisan vodka bar located in midtown Toronto. The casual environment, warm and friendly service, paired with authentic Eastern and Central European cuisine offer a convivial dining experience. For Winterlicious, the menu options include borscht, potato cheddar perogies, jaeger schnitzel, chicken à la Kiev, and the classic apple strudel.
Smith provides a cozy, casually elegant and intimate dining experience for those seeking high quality food in a comfortable and approachable environment. A fusion of southern comfort food and French countryside cooking results in a menu well equipped to satisfy. For Winterlicious, the menu options include beef tartare, roasted salmon, mushroom bolognaise, and broken chocolate mousse cake.
Located in the southern downtown core, SOCO Kitchen & Bar offers the perfect combination of awesome food and a great vibe. The menu is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine: simple and flavourful foods showcasing only the best ingredients, prepared with thought and care by a culinary team of experts. For Winterlicious, the menu options include roasted cauliflower salad, braised 7oz chuck flats, branzino, pasta primavera, and warm cherry pie.
Tapas at Embrujo offers authentic Spanish dishes served in a variety of tapas (small dishes ideal for sharing) and complemented by an extensive wine selection. For Winterlicious, the menu options include croquetas de Langosta, paella Valenciana, delicias de queso de cabra, and tarta de Santiago.
The Carbon Bar offers southern-inspired fare and cocktails in a casual space inspired by the storied past of a rock 'n' roll discotheque, an upstart TV station and media giant's studio. It's the place where fun loving aficionados, gourmands and bon vivants meet to share snacks, plates and platters delivered with impeccable hospitality. For Winterlicious, the menu options include seafood salad, pit smoked Tamworth pork tacos, blackened sea bass, and dulce de leche ice cream.
The Chase Fish & Oyster represents the pursuit for the finest quality seafood with a strong focus and philosophy on sustainability and seasonal ingredients. Driven by creative presentations, the innovative menu of hot and cold dishes will always heighten the natural taste of seafood. For Winterlicious, the menu options include Boston bibb salad, tomato soup, littleneck clam linguini, navy bean stew, and Boston cream pie.
Famous for its Bohemian style and Israeli flair, The Rosedale Diner has been a family-run Toronto staple on Yonge Street for more than 30 years. Owners Esti and Dubi, along with Chef Chris Grainger, provide an eclectic menu. The Rosedale Diner serves "real food to real people" in a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. For Winterlicious, the menu options include brie à la shum, calamari picante, petite duck poutine, and the Kuntz Farm wagyu burger.
Toula Restaurant & Bar offers an authentic Italian fine dining experience in the Financial District, along with a breathtaking view of downtown Toronto and scenic Lake Ontario. Enjoy the scenery while savouring dishes prepared with only the finest ingredients. For Winterlicious, the menu options include Alaskan king crab tower salad, AAA beef tenderloin carpaccio, tofu roll, P.E.I. lobster taglioni, and cannolata siciliana ricotta.
Trios Bistro features contemporary Canadian cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce. Experience professional, attentive service in the bright, relaxing and open concept dining room overlooking the historic Church of the Holy Trinity in downtown Toronto. Trios Bistro is proud to be Ocean Wise certified, offering environmentally friendly seafood choices. For Winterlicious, the menu options include basil pesto chicken flatbread, goat cheese fritters, cedar plank roasted rainbow trout, and white chocolate chai cake.
Since 2002, chef and owner Alida Solomon has been serving traditional, authentic Tuscan cuisine, prepared using only the freshest ingredients from local farmers. Everything on the seasonal menu is made in-house, including all pastas and desserts. For Winterlicious, the menu options include maremma, sausage with wild mushroom, tagliatta, and salted caramel chocolate pudding.
Chef Jose Alves captures elegance and bold flavours to showcase traditional Portuguese cuisine with a modern Mediterranean twist. Via Norte's inviting dining room is located on College Street in the heart of Toronto and is known for its variety of fresh fish and wide selection of fine Portuguese wines. For Winterlicious, the menu options include grilled fillet of sardines, broiled goat cheese salad, grilled boneless quail, dourada, bitoque, and Molotof (egg white meringue with drizzled caramel).
ViBo Restaurant, located in Etobicoke's Kingsway area, is a friendly neighbourhood restaurant of 38 years with a casual, warm and inviting dining room. ViBo's menu changes regularly to highlight what is fresh and in season, serving contemporary cuisine featuring authentic Italian flavours. For Winterlicious, the menu options include Roman style rice balls, herbed pork tenderloin with a maple pecan crunch, old school meat cannelloni, and blood orange sorbetto.
A modern saloon, Weslodge delivers an elegant but hearty menu, artfully authentic cocktails and a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere featuring cutting edge décor. Executive Chef Ben Heaton has developed a variety of innovative yet approachable dishes. Weslodge's libations are created by a team of pure spirit mixologists. House made ingredients elevate classic cocktails to retain their original integrity. For Winterlicious, the menu options include smoked trout, rye berry risotto, roasted branzino, and sticky toffee pudding and vanilla ice cream.