As we eagerly anticipate the newest additions to the Michelin Guide, to be unveiled at a glittering ceremony on September 18, Air Canada might have given us a sneak peek with its prestigious Best New Restaurants 2024 longlist, which includes six standout spots from Toronto.
The selected Toronto restaurants include sleek wine bars and cosy, creative bistros, each offering a unique take on Mediterranean, contemporary and fusion cuisines. These spots have impressed with their innovative menus and exceptional dining experiences, ranging from high-end establishments to charming neighbourhood gems, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
Bar Prima and Conejo Negro are standout additions to Toronto’s dining scene. Bar Prima is crafted by culinary director Craig Harding and executive chef Julian D’Ippolito. The restaurant, designed by FutureStudio and styled with mahogany, Klein blue leather and marble, offers a polished take on Italian classics with creative twists. Conejo Negro a standout on College Street, draws inspiration from Caribbean, Creole and Latin American flavours.
Over at Little Italy’s Contrada, chef de cuisine Mike Vieira curates a menu that reflects his passion for Italian cuisine and Toronto’s unique culinary vibe. Sous Chef Lif Kalikutty, fresh from Giulietta, adds pasta-making expertise to the mix. Takja BBQ House, brings a Korean BBQ twist to the area. Named after the Korean word for “table,” Takja BBQ House embodies the spirit of gathering and sharing meals.
Martine’s Wine Bar and Mhel round out Toronto’s impressive lineup with their focus on exceptional wine pairings and innovative small plates. Grant van Gameren, a rockstar of Toronto’s dining scene, is back with Martine’s, a fresh take on classic cooking in the old Woodlot space on Palmerston. While at Mhel, the focus is on Korean and Japanese small plates, featuring local and imported ingredients.
The top 10 will be announced on November 4, 2024. Until then, Toronto’s new dining spots are worth checking out to see why the city’s food scene is thriving.
