Two Toronto restaurants have lost their Michelin stars as new spots were rewarded, Life in canada

Two Toronto restaurants have been dropped from the city’s Michelin star list as part of the latest update to the city’s prestigious dining guide.

The Michelin Guide for Toronto was updated on September 18, and with that came a number of new additions and a couple of old ones bumped from the list.

If you’re a foodie who keeps an eye on the prestigious guide, you might be surprised to learn that the renowned Japanese restaurant Yukashi on Mount Pleasant and the popular Alobar Yorkville—the sister spot to Queen West’s Alo—have both been downgraded for 2024.

While it’s always a bit of a bummer when a restaurant loses its star status, there’s still plenty to celebrate, with other spots in and around Toronto gaining new stars and recognition this year. Toronto is, after all, Canada’s first Michelin city, which means the food scene is already in a league of its own.

For anyone unfamiliar with how Michelin stars work, here’s a quick rundown: Restaurants are judged on five critical criteria—quality of ingredients, mastery of techniques and flavours, the chef’s personality showcased in the food, harmony of flavours, and consistency between visits.

A one-star rating means “high-quality cooking, worth a stop.” Two stars? That’s “excellent cooking, worth a detour.” Three stars are for world-class spots that you *need* to experience.

Yukashi and Alobar Yorkville were both previously awarded with a star when Toronto joined the Michelin Guide in 2022, meaning they were recognized for their impressive cooking skills and unique dining experiences. This year, though, they were both downgraded to a Michelin Recommendation.

It’s a tough break for the teams behind these restaurants. Still, it’s important to remember that even being featured in the Michelin Guide at all is a huge accomplishment.

Being Michelin Recommended means a restaurant is still considered outstanding, just without the official star rating. This section of the Guide recognizes places that deliver high-quality food and an overall great dining experience, making them definitely worth a visit. While they might not have a star, they’re still on the radar of Michelin inspectors, so you know the food is top-notch.

Another notable omission from this year’s Toronto Michelin list is Frilu, which closed its doors earlier this year after six years.

It’s not all disappointing news for the Toronto food scene though, because some new players have joined the Michelin-star ranks.

The Pine in Creemore, Ontario, snagged a star thanks to its unique approach influenced by the chef’s experiences in China. Michelin inspectors highlighted its “distinct dining experience” and “authentic flavors delivered with striking creativity and conviction” making it a must-try for anyone exploring beyond the city.

Similarly, Hexagon in Oakville also earned its first star, and inspectors praised its “refined, original, and substantial” dishes.

Italian restaurant DaNico on College Street also got its flowers, with Michelin inspectors describing the cuisine as “Italian food with a global influence.”

Restaurant Pearl Morissette received a star AND a green star for its “powerhouse” farm-to-table experience, with the latter rewarding this spot’s sustainability, eco-conscious practices, and ethical and environmental standards.

These new additions show that the GTA’s food scene is still evolving and thriving, even if a couple of stars were lost along the way.

Other Toronto spots like Alo, Restaurant 20 Victoria, and Quetzal have retained their stars for 2024, proving they’re still at the top of their game. It’s a reminder that the city’s culinary talent is still shining bright, even as the Michelin Guide’s spotlight shifts.

So, while Yukashi and Alobar Yorkville might be down a star for this year, there’s no shortage of incredible dining experiences in Toronto and the surrounding areas—including those very spots themselves!

Whether you’re hunting for Michelin stars or just looking for a fantastic meal, Toronto is the foodie gift that just keeps on giving!