Picking a place to eat in Yorkville is like picking a place to drink on King West — there are endless options. But that just means you’re sure to find the vibe you’re looking for. So, whether that’s a rooftop patio to sip a pint while watching the Jays’ game, a laid back cocktail bar for an end-of-the-day casual drink, or an exclusive high-tier place like no other for that special first date, Yorkville has it.
Check out our top spots to eat in Yorkville.
10. Hemingway’s
It’s summertime which means it’s the season for one of Yorkville’s—and Toronto’s—favourite rooftop patios: Hemingway’s. The menu boasts classic pub fare made with New Zealand flare. In classic New Zealand style, Hemingway’s is always committed to bringing the fun. Between trivia nights, sport game broadcasting, live music, dancefloors, and DJs, there’s always something going on at Hemingway’s.
9. PLANTA
Around the corner from the Yorkville strip of eateries lies a little vegan haven. As the name suggests, PLANTA is 100% plant-based, and everything is so full of flavour, they’re changing the reputation of vegan eats. Advocado lime tartare, sushi, and spaghettini carbonara top the lunch menu, while a famous burger and the Bang Bang Broccolli make headlines for diner. PLANTA runs a weekly in-up including “Pour Decisions Wednesdays” with half-priced bottles of wine, and weekend brunch with endless mimosas and sake sangria.
8. Sofia Yorkville
Though Sofia is on the list of best eateries in Yorkville, it’s much more than a restaurant. While dining in the pretty pink space, diners can enjoy curated displays of modern and street art pieces (all of which are for sale) from a range of artists. If that’s not enough to keep you entertained, Sofia welcomes musicians and artists to perform onstage for Sofia’s designer-clad diners. Stay inside for the art and music, but head out to Sofia’s patio to get a head start on that tan while dining in a hidden garden oasis, away from the bustle found in Yorkville.
7. Sassafraz
Lush walls of living plants, white walls combined with light wood floors, and comfy chairs and sofas make Sassafraz one of the most welcoming and accessible of Yorkville’s high-end restaurants. Not to mention it’s airy, contemporary and truly stunning. Whether you’re dropping in for a cocktail after work, catching a Sunday brunch with the girls, going on an intimate anniversary date, or celebrating your wedding, Sassafraz boasts a high-end menu in an upscale atmosphere.
6. Trattoria Nervosa
Trattoria Nervosa is the recognizable yellow house at the corner of Yorkville and Bellair. A neighbourhood favourite since 1996, the restaurant serves home-cooked southern Italian that feels like something your grandmother made. What Trattoria Nervosa lacks in grand, over-the-top statements compared to other eateries in Yorkville, it makes up for with an inviting, homey and comfortable space. The menu makes the same statement, with pastas, pizzas and seafood easily praised by any authentic Italian connoisseur.
5. ONE Restaurant
Inside the Hazelton Hotel sits a lounge that’s so contemporary and seductive, you’re sure to feel like the most important person in the city. Linen curtains, dark red leather, and tiled table tops give ONE Restaurant a lavish quality to match the high-end menu, which is complete with shakshuka breakfasts, sashimi, seafood, tacos, and meats. Outside, a tree-lined patio is the sunny place to sip a cocktail while waiting for the DJs which spin in the lounge every Thursday to Saturday night.
4. Bar Reyna
Bar Reyna is Yorkville’s destination for Mediterranean eats and share plates. Located in a two-storey Victorian house on Cumberland Street, Bar Reyna offers an eclectic combination of snacks and one-of-a-kind cocktails. The signature lamb baklava is the menu highlight, which can be matched with a number of signature cocktails, including their famous Mezcal Smokeshow. All of this can be enjoyed in an enclosed, inviting back patio.
3. Café Boulud
Tastes of the French Riviera will come out of the items found on the seasonal menu curated by Chef Daniel Boulud at Cafe Boulud. This French brasserie, located in the Four Seasons Hotel, offers a vintage-inspired ambiance, highlighted by a cozy lounge, dim lighting, and wood-floor panelling. The food is rounded out with an extensive European wine list and Café Boulud’s crafty cocktail menu.
2. Alobar Yorkville
In 2022, this French seafood restaurant received the highest honour when it became Michelin-star recognized—but what else would we expect from Chef Patrick Kriss, Alo Group’s founder? Tucked off Cumberland Street, Alobar Yorkville is a small space that mirrors the elevated design of the original alo but with a whole a la carte concept. The Michelin review highlights Alobar’s lime aioli-topped chilled lobster and mille-feuille, two menu items that showcase Kriss’ exquisite gastronomy and experience in restaurants across the globe.
1. Aburi Hana
Yorkville is the home of a dining concept like no other with Aburi Hana offering up a Kyō-Kaiseki, a multi-sensory experience tied to traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Like Alobar, Aburi Hana is another Michelin-starred restaurant, though this one is focused on incorporating signature aburi (flame-searing) techniques. The multi-course menu is ever changing and surprising with focus put on fresh and seasonal ingredients. Matching the elegant menu is Aburi’s dining room which is divided into private dining areas and a Chef’s Counter to oversee a massive open kitchen.