Where to eat with a group in Ontario
Toronto is a bubbling multicultural foodie stir-fry. And I am not just talking about Tim Hortons.
Three years ago, the epicurean raters at Michelin discovered the bounty being lovingly presented in the capital of Ontario and revealed one of the worst-kept secrets in the culinary world. I tasted my way through this mega-metropolis and came back with four observational courses.
A World of Flavors
Whatever your group’s vibe, a chef who has passionately been preparing that cuisine for a lifetime probably operates a PDR in Toronto. Portland Square is four dining experiences in one building. Primadonna Italian, Honey Chinese, a lounge event space level and a rooftop. I recommend the dim sum.
For a bespoke dining experience in Little Italy that celebrates every part of the local produce abundance while grooming the next generation of restaurateurs, Hamptons Restaurant is a historic house that seats 36 and more in the summer when the patio opens up the outdoor kitchen.
The accent at Lyla Mediterranean is on locally sourced and elegantly presented meals in the open dining room or two intimate spaces reserved for chef-led experiences.
Food and Space Pairing
When it is time to wake up and smell the meeting, SixtyEight at the scenic top of 40 King West offers meeting space, a cafe and private dining in the sky.
Chelsea Hotel, Toronto is new from top to bottom. The final touches are being added to a lobby restaurant at the downtown property that will open up the hotel to fresh gathering options.
At Hotel X Toronto, A Destination by Hyatt Hotel, four dining experiences, including a scenic rooftop pool space, are connected to The Automotive Building, which in turn is linked to Enercare Centre adjacent to Exhibition Place (where 6 FIFA games will be played) and Lake Ontario. Ask about the red room inside Playbook Commons.
Nobu Hotel Toronto is the brand’s first in Canada, and the speakeasy-style hidden entrance belies the quiet luxury in the sky offered in this 36-room sanctuary in Toronto’s Entertainment District. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Shiawase—a celebration of happiness and well-being—wellness, fitness and relaxation abound. Of course, the famous Nobu culinary experience is offered in catering to the Nobu Villa and intimate dinners in two private dining rooms.
Long Live the Food Hall/Market
St. Lawrence Market is one of the oldest and best foodie experiences around. From peameal bacon sandwiches and caviar bumps to a cheese wheel education and ice wine tasting, Culinary Adventure Co. allows your group to meet the purveyors and learn about the memorable produce stories. Did you know 85% of the world’s mustard comes from Canada?
Waterworks Food Hall boasts 15 trending Toronto chefs serving up everything from burgers and ramen to jerk chicken pasta and wine. Four upstairs event spaces, including the best-in-class Civil Works lounge, make meeting easy.
Stay for a Drink
The cocktail culture (with and without alcohol) is just as thoughtful as the produce, with lots of velour seating and take-your-time, late-night dining options. One outstanding example is buzzy Queens Harbour, a sushi bar with three uniquely crafted cocktail bars and Canada’s largest retractable rooftop patio and multiple private dining rooms overlooking the action.
If your group likes to pair bites, drinks and fun, Oche (from the French indicating the line where you stand to throw darts) in King West, features dart gaming booths, shuffleboards and a private karaoke room.
This article appears in the July 2026 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
