The top 10 restaurants to visit for Winterlicious 2024 in Toronto

Start your foodie engines!  Winterlicious returns to Toronto, featuring over 220 local restaurants from January 26 to February 8. Indulge in three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at diverse price points, showcasing the city’s culinary excellence.

Reservations open on January 11—and they’re known to go fast — so to help narrow down your choices, here are the top 10 restaurants to visit for Winterlicious 2024.

Michelin-recognized spots

Indian St. Food Co.

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A recent recipient of the Bib Gourmand, Leaside eatery Indian St. Food Co. is serving up a delicious menu of street food favourites like Saffron Chicken Korma and Paneer Karahi. A homage to the old-school Indian coffee shops of Mumbai and Delhi, expect bold flavours and a wide selection of innovative dishes. 1701 Bayview Ave.

R&D

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Esteemed chef  and Masterchef Canada judge Alvin Leung, who made a name for himself in Hong Kong at his 3 Michelin star restaurant Bo Innovation, founded this restaurant with mentee Eric Chong. Included on the eclectic menu which features modern Canadian Asian cuisine is a  choice of duck fried rice, king salmon and eggplant terrine, and for dessert, a choice of three vegetarian options including Hong Kong pudding and chocolate mousse.  241 Spadina Ave.

Lapinou

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Michelin-recommended restaurant Lapinou is a place where fine French dining meets comfort, fun, and hospitality. On their Winterlicious menu, you can expect decadent mains like Short Rib Wellington and Gunpowder Grilled Salmon while dessert features a medley of delicious treats like Hazelnut cremeux,  brown butter tart and white truffle ice cream. 642 King St W.

Luxurious hotel restaurants

Joni

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Both lunch and dinner menus are on offer at Joni, a restaurant situated in Toronto’s iconic Park Hyatt. Expect elevated fair like beef tartare and swordfish crudo— and those are only appetizer options. For mains, there are classic dishes like roasted halibut and beef short ribs. 4 Avenue Rd.

Victor Restaurant

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At Victor Restaurant on Mercer Street an elegant setting meets a delicious menu inspired by New-World French cuisine. Enjoy modern takes on classic dishes, crafted cocktails, and a curated selection of wines and beers in this refined establishment. The Winterlicious menu includes options like braised lamb shank and pan seared sea bream, while dessert includes whimsical options like sticky toffee cake and pumpkin & cranberry upside down cake 30 Mercer St.

Reign Restaurant and Bar

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Tucked away inside the prestigious Fairmont Royal York, Reign Restaurant and Bar is an upscale gem in the heart of the city. The culinary team is known to craft seasonable menus through local partners and sustainable farmers. Their prix fixe menu is a reflection of this and diners can opt for dishes that include steelhead trout and wheat and berry risotto. 100 Front St. W.

Vegan Eats

Rosalinda

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A fully plant-based menu of Latin-inspired fare dominates the menu at Rosalinda, nestled in the heart of the financial district. Rosalinda’s fresh interior is illuminated by natural light and accented with vibrant green furnishings and nods to Mexican culture. Diners can opt for tacos, flautas empanadas and tostada, and for dessert, chocolate mousse or winter cake. 133 Richmond St. W.

Hawker

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Hawker is an upscale, creative vegan restaurant in Kensington Market. Choose from artfully named dishes like Deep Sow + Autumn Daal or Spring +Earth or Starry Night + Woods. Sounds intriguing, right? To find out just what these dishes entail, you’re going to have to pay them a visit. 291 Augusta Ave.

New and Notable

Lee Restaurant

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While not exactly new, Lee Restaurant did open in a new location late last year. On the menu you’ll find chef Lee’s amazing dishes like Chinese Shrimp & Tofu Bao, Thai Braised Red Curry Vegetables and Char Siu Chicken Cannelloni. 97 Richmond St W.

Paris Texas

This country bar offers classic Texas-style food with a French twist. The team behind notable destinations like Pizza Wine Disco, Cibo Wine Bar and Don Alfonso is back again, this time bringing yet another unique nightlife spot to the city. On their inaugural Winterlicious menu you’ll find delicious dishes like Chicken & Waffles and  Pacific Coast Cod Tacos 461 King St. W.