9 romantic restaurants in Toronto for the best date night

Toronto may not be the first place that comes to mind for romance, but maybe it should be. This cosmopolitan Canadian city is absolutely full of restaurants running the gamut from affordable hole-in-the-wall joints to fine dining at its best. This city is a dream for anyone who loves food, and you'll find just about every type of international cuisine here just waiting to be sampled.

But what if you need somewhere to take that special someone on an unforgettable date night? Don't worry because Toronto has plenty of those too. We'll rule out even the best of Toronto's street food options in favor of both classic and unique restaurants that set the ideal romantic tone for an evening out.

There's nothing romantic about your luggage, so if you've just arrived in town, head to a Toronto luggage storage first to drop everything off. These fancier Toronto restaurants won't want you showing up and clogging up their coat checks with suitcases.

Now, let's get to our list of the most romantic restaurants in Toronto so that you can find your perfect date night spot:

Auberge du Pommier

Nothing says romance like the classic French dishes at Yonge Street's Auberge du Pommier. The restaurant's menu takes you on a journey through the more sophisticated parts of classic French cuisine, and the options are anything but boring. You'll have much more to choose from at Auberge du Pommier than just steak frites and a glass of red.

Auberge in English is a type of inn, and the name is reflected beautifully in the restaurant's decor. Built around two woodcutters cottages from the 1860s, this fine dining experience oozes rustic charm. The romantic interior is a cozy spot to dine with stone walls and plenty of history.

If it's a truly special occasion, like Valentine's Day, a birthday, or an anniversary, opt for one of Auberge's prix fixe options or a tasting menu. They do various themes throughout the year and participate in Winterlicious and Summerlicious, which are food festivals around the city that aim to get people out to new restaurants in Toronto.

Our recommendation:

If you're planning on being in the city during the summer, you can't beat a table on the lovely patio. With greenery, lots of light, and fresh air, this setting will have you feeling romantic almost instantly. Try to get a reservation outside.

Location:

4150 Yonge St, North York, ON M2P 2C6

Price level:

$$$$

Richmond Station

It would be a shame to travel all the way to Canada and not take the opportunity to try some of the local cuisine. Richmond Station in the Financial District is another of the most romantic restaurants in Toronto that are worth a look. This is the place to go when you want a creative option with prix fixe menus for lunch that can even accommodate vegans and vegetarians.

Shelves of wine line the walls here, and there are black and white photos of the city in days gone by scattered around. These can be great conversation starters if you're just getting to know each other, and the general vibe here is cozy and casual, but the food, service, and welcoming feel definitely add a romantic undertone to your meal.

If you need any other reasons to choose this spot for your next date night, one of the owners is actually a winner of Top Chef Canada, so you know there's skill in the kitchen. The menu rotates every week or two, so there's always something new to try. When you want a romantic restaurant that isn't too fancy and won't break the bank, this one is it.

Our recommendation:

You don't need to budget for a tip here, so save your cash and peruse the wine list instead. Tipping is built right into the cost of the food, which is surprisingly reasonable.

Location:

1 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5H 3W4

Price level:

$$$

Canoe

When you want to dine at one of the quintessentially romantic restaurants in Toronto and are prepared to pay for the privilege, check out Canoe in the Entertainment District. Located on the 54th floor of the iconic Toronto Dominion building, they serve Canadian cuisine that's somehow both inventive and familiar.

The dishes definitely skew modern at Canoe, and you can expect to try things like venison tartare, Atlantic oysters, and cured bison on their impressive tasting menu. This will set you back $185 per person, and it's $100 more each if you want the wine pairings.

You're not bound by the tasting menu here, so you order a la carte as well. The wild Pacific halibut or the crispy pork jowl make memorable mains, and to keep things romantic, you can certainly try a bit of each other's meal.

Our recommendation:

Make a reservation as far in advance as possible. This popular spot fills up, especially during peak dinner hours. Ask for a table by the window so that you can marvel at the amazing city views as you sip your wine. You simply can't beat the view of the CN Tower from here.

Location:

66 Wellington St W 54th floor, Toronto, ON M5K 1H6

Price level:

$$$$

Osteria Giulia

It's almost impossible to talk about romantic restaurants without mentioning traditional Italian fare. Osteria Giulia is the passion project of chef Rob Rossi who will take your taste buds on a tour of Italy with items like the house specialty of focaccia di Recco, which is a Ligurian flatbread stuffed with cheese and topped simply with sea salt and olive oil.

The modern atmosphere offers clean lines, and the decor is certainly sparse, but that's all the more reason to focus on your dinner date.

Our recommendation:

This is a popular restaurant, so reservations are basically required, even for two people. They are done online and are released on a rolling 14-day basis at midnight, so stay up late to secure one.

Location:

134 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2H6

Price level:

$$$

Bar Isabel

Spanish tapas, other shareable plates, and old-world charm are the watchwords at Bar Isabel in Toronto's Trinity-Bellwoods area on the cusp of Little Italy. The interior here leans toward quirky and is not as stuffy as some of the more expensive Toronto restaurants. In business for over 30 years, this place is always busy, so reservations are strongly recommended. You can make them online and impress your date with your planning.

As for the food, they focus on Iberian cured meat and seafood, but they do offer some vegetable-forward plates as well. The extensive wine list is worth a look and tends toward Spanish wines, as you may have guessed.

Our recommendation:

Aside from making a reservation, you and your date should definitely split the whole grilled octopus. Not a seafood fan? Go for the Picanha steak or the always classic choice of patatas bravas.

Location:

797 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C7

Price level:

$$$$

Grey Gardens

When you need one of the most romantic restaurants in Toronto that isn't stuffy at all, head to the casual and Bohemian Grey Gardens on the doorstep of the iconic Kensington Market. The interior is light and airy, with plants, warm white walls, and an open kitchen in front of the wine bar. The romantic setting offered here complements the menu perfectly, and you'll find everything from oysters to Cornish hen to agnolotti with brown butter. The menu is small and carefully curated, so you really can't go wrong here.

To give you more of an idea of the vibe at this charming eatery, your meal will be served on hand-crafted ceramic plates, wines are by the glass or the bottle, and the service is always top-notch. When discussing romantic restaurants, you can't do much better than this.

Our recommendation:

As with many of the many romantic restaurants in Toronto, reservations are encouraged here. But our real recommendation is to grab a table on the patio when it's open in the summer. Dining al fresco with the sounds of the city is just plain fun.

Location:

99 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L4

Price level:

$$$

Miku Toronto

When you or your date are obsessed with sushi, there's no better restaurant in the city for a romantic date night. Miku's vibe is unquestionably upscale, and they specialize in flame-seared sushi. The plates at this establishment near the Harbourfront are colorful and well-executed, making each meal photo-worthy and tasty.

This is probably one of the trendier locations on this list, and while the clientele skews young, everyone is welcome. Make reservations in advance to avoid disappointment, and you and your date will be beyond impressed with your selection. The dining experience here is always magical, with unbelievably high ceilings and contemporary design.

The truth is, when choosing any restaurant, even a romantic one, you want to be assured of good food. This is undoubtedly the case at Miku since everything is incredibly tasty and fresh, and they use innovative combinations and ingredients.

Our recommendation:

If you've never been here before, your best bet is the Miku Signature Sushi Selection, which is a delicious assortment of ten different nigiri, oshi, and rolls. While not exactly sushi, the 10oz AAA Canadian prime rib is also a winner.

Location:

10 Bay St. #105, Toronto, ON M5J 2R8

Price level:

$$$$

Scaramouche Restaurant

For another tempting French option, consider Scaramouch Restaurant in The Benvenuto. The upscale French offerings contrast nicely with the casual atmosphere, and the real highlight here is the view. The windows are carried into the ceiling for uninterrupted views of the Toronto skyline and a lovely grassy area.

The complimentary valet parking is a fancy touch and will impress just about anyone without having to spend any extra. Filet mignon, duck breast, and Quebec chicken are all decadent mains, and either oysters or caviar make excellent starters.

Our recommendation:

Definitely make reservations for this one. They are only open in the evenings, so the dinner seatings fill up quite fast.

Location:

1 Benvenuto Pl, Toronto, ON M4V 2L1

Price level:

$$$

Blu Ristorante

If it's white tablecloths, comfortable chairs, and soft lighting that you're after, Blu Ristorante in the heart of Yorkville (very close to Osteria Giulia) offers amazing and modern Italian food. If you time it right, they have live music on some nights, so you can enjoy romantic music while you dine.

The menu is stacked with Italian favorites, and they have wine by the bottle or glass, beer, and cocktails to take the edge off. A pasta dish will set you back around $30, which isn't bad considering the lovely atmosphere and perks you get at Blu Ristorante. They also participate in a somewhat affordable Valentine's Day menu every year that costs around $130 per person but is jam-packed with charcuterie, appetizers, entrées, and desserts.

Our recommendation:

Start your meal with a selection of cheese from the antipasti menu, and they either go for the truffled mushroom risotto or the pan-seared Atlantic salmon. The tart lime and basil panna cotta is the perfect way to end your meal with something decadent yet refreshing.

Location:

90 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2H2

Price level:

$$

Conclusion

You can't go wrong with the options on our list of the most romantic restaurants in Toronto. From ultra-high-end options to cozy and rustic choices, you can always find the ideal place to take your date. If you want to impress them even further, end your evening with a cocktail or two at one of Toronto's best rooftop bars. Your romantic meal and drinks are likely to set you back a pretty penny, but there are other ways to save money, and you need to splurge sometimes, right? Just cut back on your other meals and opt for some of the city's amazing street food and free attractions like parks and museums. You really can have it all!