The Table Everyone Wants
How to get your foot in the door to booking Toronto's hard-to-get seats
Some restaurants are more than just a place to eat—they’re an experience, a status symbol, and often a bucket-list item for food lovers.
These coveted spots, known for their incredible menus, celebrity chefs, or cult-like followings, have one thing in common: they’re nearly impossible to get into. From tasting menus that sell out months in advance to hidden gems with limited seating, these dining destinations have become legends in the culinary world.
While everybody’s recovering from their holidays in the first few weeks of January, we’re out here hammering our reservations. Here are some hard-to-get-in spots we’re hitting up this time.
Alobar Yorkville
An upscale bistro by chef Patrick Kriss (who will be on this list again), this spot is great for any and every occasion.
Credit: @alobarrestaurants
Nobu
Nobu’s first Canadian outpost finally touched down in Toronto in late summer 2024, and has been buzzing since. Its opening month was followed by the star-studded events of TIFF, then followed again by a busy holiday season. Things must be calmer now, right?
Credit: @nobutoronto
Restaurant 20 Victoria
With just a handful of Michelin-starred spots in Toronto, finding a table at any of them is always challenging.
Credit: @twentyvictoria
Lake Inez
The words “cozy” and “intimate” are tossed around a lot when describing this east end gem. With limited space and incredible food, we’re definitely on the horn here.
Credit: @lakeinez
Osteria Giulia
Viewed as the best Italian in Toronto with a Michelin star to back it up, we’re using this downtime to make sure we start our year off strong.
Credit: @osteriagiulia
Edulis
Arguably the country’s most incredible restaurant is also undoubtedly one of the hardest reservations to get. We’re banking we can find something for early February.
Credit: @edulisrestaurant
Café Renée
A relatively newer addition to Toronto’s King West area, this spot has gone viral for a few spectacular dishes that everyone wants to try. I’m looking at you, Ravioles au Dauphine.
Credit: @eatau
Dreyfus
This Harbord Street institution is headed by chef/owner Zach Kolomeir—previous chef of Montreal’s Joe Beef, another institution notoriously hard-to-get a seat at.
Credit: @dreyfustoronto
Sushi Masaki Saito
As Toronto’s one and only Michelin two-star dining experience, Masaki Saito is, and always has been, almost impossible to get into. We want a seat so bad, we won’t even flinch at that $400 per person deposit at booking.
Credit: @sushimasakisaito
ten restaurant
Aptly named, this College Street gem only hosts—you guessed it—ten guests at a time.
Credit: @ten_toronto
Quetzal
A sleek, modern take on Mexican fare, we’re constantly looking for a table here.
Credit: @quetzaltoronto
DaNico
Across the street from Quetzal, you’ll find this contemporary Italian knock-out. Situated in an old bank, this is probably one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city, and we’re dying to get in.
Credit: @danico.to
Alo Restaurant
When you think of Toronto dining, you think of Patrick Kriss and Alo. There’s a reason Alo is as consistent and as popular as ever, even after all these years.
Credit: @alorestaurant