Whether you’re trying to impress a new flame, keep the fire burning, or escaping the kids for a few hours, we have a date night restaurant for you. This list compiles both exceptional and unique restaurants to consider for your next date night. From fine dining, to casual neighbourhood bistros, to one of a kind experiences - our list of The Best Date Night Restaurants in Toronto has it all.
La Palette
Address: 492 Queen St West
Website: lapalette.ca
La Palette's Romantic Interior
If you’re going for old fashioned romance, La Palette is a great option for date night. There’s a lot to love here - a warm ambiance, classic and well executed French bistro fare, and reasonable prices. Chat with your partner over a glass of wine or beer, nibbling on appetizers like foie gras in endive cups ($25) or oysters on the half shell ($20). Or indulge in classic mains like steak frites ($26 for 6oz., $32 for 8oz) and duck confit ($26). End the night on a sweet note with a creme brulee ($4) or chocolate fondant ($9), or go savoury with a decadent cheese tray ($15).
La Palette Octopus
La Palette - Lemon Tart with Fresh Figs
Harvest Kitchen
Address: 124 Harbord St
Website: harvestkitchen.ca
Harvest Kitchen
Keep it casual and conscious at Harvest Kitchen. This Harbord Street restaurant is all about farm to table and ethically sourced cuisine. If you, or someone you’re into, is into that, they even source some of their food from their own farm and the rest from like-minded farmers!
Harvest Kitchen
Lots of ingredients are organic and the meat and seafood are ethically sourced. Prices are reasonable and portions are large. If you’re trying to snag a spot on the patio, don’t worry - there are two patios and two floors! The menu is fairly broad and includes options that are vegetarian friendly, gluten intolerant friendly and low carb friendly. The food is as casual as the vibe - stop in for something hearty like a grass fed burger ($16.95) or a meatless meatball melt (15.95), or go light with a green juice ($3.95 for 7oz, $7.25 for 14oz) and a kale salad (starter $8.95, main $13.95).
Harvest Kitchen Meatballs
416 Snack Bar
Address: 181 Bathurst Street
Website: 416snackbar.wordpress.com
Italo Board
Grab your date and celebrate all things Toronto at 416 Snack Bar. This little restaurant is known for its Toronto inspired, street-food-style small plates, no cutlery and a cool atmosphere.
Pinot 416
A great stop for the adventurous anytime after 5pm before 2am. Take a culinary tour of the city’s food with your date by ordering an assortment of plates to share. Portions are small so be sure to order a few each. Indulge in decadent options like their Korean Fried Chicken ($5), empanadas ($5) and spicy tuna handrolls ($6).
Lasagna Toast
Buca Yorkville
Address: 53 Scollard Street
Website: buca.ca
Buca Yorkville Interior
If you are trying to impress someone who loves Italian food, take them to Buca Yorkville. This seafood focused restaurant is the standout of three Buca sister restaurants. With a constantly changing menu, Buca is a fantastic place to come back to for a whole new experience every time.
Buca Squid Ink Dumplings
Enjoy inventive seafood dishes like oysters with pickled ramps and olive oil ($24) or raw Branzino with prosecco and lemon ($42). You can even opt to reserve the chef’s counter where you can watch the chefs hard at work in the kitchen while you dine. If you’re willing to splurge and you want to get the true Buca experience, try a tasting menu -- with 7 to 16 courses available.
Scaliatelli alle vongole
DaiLo
Address: 503 College Street
Website: dailoto.com
DaiLo Interior
If you or your date is an adventurous eater, DaiLo is a delicious option. Serving up Hakka cuisine at a reasonable price in an elegant space with gorgeous banquettes, DaiLo’s menu features food with Chinese and French influences.
DaiLo Big Mac Bao
Enjoy Hakka twists on classics like DaiLo’s truffle fried rice ($19) or their Hakka Brown Wontons (pork & shrimp) served in toasted sesame oil, house XO sauce, with an almond crumble topping ($9). With low prices order a few plates to share. After dinner, head upstairs to Lopan for dim sum and a cocktail with an Eastern twist like the Lemongrass Gimlet (Bombay Saphire East Gin and Lemongrass Cordial) ($14).
DaiLo Fried Watermelon
Byblos
Address: 11 Duncan Street
Website: byblostoronto.com
Byblos
Middle Eastern food is a great choice for a date, especially when you’re still getting to know someone. Sharing small plates can be fun, intimate, and serve as a great ice breaker. If you want to enjoy elegant, delicate and authentic Lebanese food in a clean and sleek setting, Byblos is a must.
Labneh
Byblos goes to great lengths to provide an authentic Middle Eastern taste experience to diners -- importing many of their high quality ingredients straight from the region. They also make some of their own staple ingredients like their labneh (yogurt cheese). This restaurant is also very vegetarian friendly.
Yogurt Mousse on Pistacchio Cake Topped with Persian Cotton Candy
Rasa
Address: 196 Robert Street
Website: rasabar.ca
Rasa Interior
The Food Dudes have made an impressive mark on the catering scene in Toronto with their creative fare and flair for presentation, and now they’re tackling the restaurant scene with Rasa.
Buttermilk Waffles with Earl Gray Ice Cream and Rhubarb Jam
This relaxed bar serves well executed comfort food in a casual setting -- think Wagyu Beef Ribs ($29), Truffle Gnudi ($19) and the Chopped Salad (vegetables, quinoa, jalapeño feta, harissa chickpeas) ($14). Prices are affordable and portions are satisfying.
Burger Melt
Fat Pasha
Address: 414 Dupont Street
Website: fatpasha.com
Fat Pasha Terrace
Fat Pasha describes their menu simply as "Tasty Jew Food". Menu items are a delicious blend of Israeli and Sephardic cuisine. You’ll find everything from latkes topped with salmon caviar, sieved egg and sour cream ($16) to whole roasted cauliflower with tahini, skhug, pomegranate and halloumi ($18).
Salad and Dip Platter
Much like the menu, the space is bright, fun and eclectic. A cool little hideaway with creative food, moderate prices and large portions. Wash it all down with a creative cocktail like the Za'atar Sour (bourbon, montenegro, za'atar syrup, and lemon) ($14).
Fat Pasha Buttery Rice
These are our top picks for The Best Date Night Restaurants in Toronto. Try one of these fantastic restaurants for your next date night. If you think we forgot a spot, let us know in the comments!
DD00NB
5 thoughts on “The Best Date Night Restaurants in Toronto”
Hi Jamie, this is the most delicious review from you so far! amazing pictures, they make me hungry 😀 great choice of restaurants. I’ve been going to Fat pasha for ages and it’s true the atmosphere is lovely, ideal for romantic evenings 🙂 will try buirger at Rasa!! yum!
I’ve been wanting to try Buca’s Yorkville location for a while now. I think I’ll make a reservation, it looks amazing!
One remark though, not enough Italian restaurants here! I would add L’Unita and Zucca. Oh and the newly opened Kasa Moto to represent Japan!
Cheers,
Penny
Great list Jamie Sarner with some of my favs – ByblosToronto and Fat Pasha!
I agree, fat pasha is awesome when it comes to food, service and interior. my favorite. haven’t been to the others but thanks for your recommendation.
La Palette is so nice, we celebrated our anniversary there 🙂 very romantic spot 🙂