These Toronto–and Ontario–restaurants are the toughest spots to get a table

A Michelin star (or even just a nod). A celebrity chef. A world-famous name. A pristine reputation built on an ever-changing tasting menu–these are just some of the ingredients that go into making a restaurant reservation a hot commodity, and Toronto restaurants have them in spades. 

While life has undoubtedly been more challenging for restauranteurs (who were already used to tight margins and a tough market) post-pandemic, some of the biggest hotspots in Toronto (and southern Ontario, really) continue to draw crowds and booking a table at one of these top-notch eateries is no easy feat. 

Much like concert tickets, tables at Michelin-starred restaurants such as Alo, Pearl Morisette and Edulis are difficult to get, with diners setting phone alarms on days when a new block of seats will be released online.

Alo

When Nobu’s much-anticipated Toronto location officially released early reservation access in August, diners desperate to book a table at the Kardashian-approved chain (which boasts locations in Los Angeles and Las Vegas) were disappointed when slots booked up faster than they could click. 

While reserved seatings are now in better supply at Nobu (a quick search by YourCityWithIN found availability at both the bar and dining room throughout December), some places are still a bit tougher to book–especially with the Michelin Guide having granted new stars, Bib Gourmands and recommendations to Ontario restaurants in September and the holiday season in full swing. 

“Restaurants that receive recognition from Michelin, Canada’s 100 Best and Air Canada Best New Restaurants always see an immediate uptick in reservations and demand, but it’s the icons like Alo, Edulis, Restaurant 20 Victoria, Lake Inez and Osteria Giulia that I find really impressive since they continue to stand-out year after year,” Jennifer Tremblay, CEO of restaurant reservation company DINR, tells YourCityWithIN.com in an email. 

DINR, an app that allows users to access same-day reservations to popular hotspots across Canada, isn’t the only reservation system noticing that some places stand out when it comes to traffic. 

OpenTable, another online reservation system, recently announced a partnership with Visa that allows some cardholders special access to in-demand Canadian restaurants, including Michelin-starred ones. 

According to an OpenTable news release, Toronto restos participating in the partnership include Alder, Alo Restaurant, Alobar Yorkville, Aloette, ARDO Restaurant, Bar Isabel, Bar Prima, Blue Bovine Steak + Sushi House, Dailo, DaNico, Don Alfonso 1890, Enigma Yorkville, Giulietta, Lucie, Mimi Chinese, Osteria Giulia, Piano Piano, Quetzal, Richmond Station, Simpl Things, Sunny’s Chinese, Vela Toronto, Yugen Sushi and Yukashi Japanese Cuisine.  

Restaurant Pearl Morissette

Some of those restaurants were recently flagged as difficult to book by Dojo, a company that facilitates online bookings.   

In the summer, Dojo determined that while Vancouver restaurants are generally the toughest to book, diners can wait several weeks for tables at Toronto hotspots. 

Not surprisingly, Michelin-starred Alo took the number three spot on a list of the best restaurants in Canada that are the hardest to get into, with a rating of 4.6 stars and a wait time of around two months. Edulis took the next spot with a rating of 4.7 stars, but closer to a month’s wait time.

Dojo found that the Rossmount Inn in New Brunswick boasts an astonishing three-month wait for a table–the longest on the list. 

DINR’s Tremblay says restaurants outside of Toronto are also tougher to book. 

“Restaurant Pearl Morissette (located in Lincon, Ontario) continues to be a very in-demand and coveted reservation. As is Langdon Hall’s [Cambridge] dining room – especially for brunch,” she says. 

Other southern Ontario restaurants are also feeling the impact of a new Michelin star. 

Hexagon

Rafael Covarrubis, the executive chef at Hexagon, an Oakville restaurant that was awarded a star in September, told YourCityWithIN that the recognition has certainly led to some busy dinner services. 

“The Michelin star has undoubtedly elevated our profile and attracted a new wave of culinary enthusiasts,” he said in an October email after the restaurant’s sous chef, Victoria Rinsma, won the prestigious S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25 in Toronto.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in reservations and interest from foodies and critics alike.”  

As for what really makes a restaurant attractive to diners, Tremblay says great food, drinks and wine programs are crucial aspects of any in-demand restaurant. That said, those factors alone don’t cut it–guests need a memorable experience.

For most guests, Tremblay says, the quality of service, presentation, vibe, ambiance, and location form the emotional connection and drive that keeps them coming back and competing for a table.

Tremblay also says that while Toronto offers a plethora of options when it comes to cuisine, restaurants specializing in Italian (Osteria Guilia), French (Lucie and Bar Banane), elevated Middle Eastern (Taline) and elevated Mediterranean (Azura) dining experiences tend to attract diners. 

Tremblay also says that while some restaurants are known for being busy, there are times when getting a table might be a little more challenging overall. 

“Busiest times for restaurants are often around the holiday season, summers (especially if they have a great patio), and in general, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, as this is when we’re all most likely to go out,” she says. 

Some hacks to make grabbing a table easier? Booking an earlier or later reservation (say 5 p.m. or 9 p.m.), offering to sit at the bar or choosing a night earlier in the week. Tremblay also says that DINR offers users access to same-day reservations that might not be available on other apps. 

Diners should also note that some neighbourhoods tend to be busier than others when it comes to securing a res at a hot restaurant. 

“Generally, all of downtown Toronto offers great restaurant choices, but there are definitely trendier pockets,” Tremblay says, adding that Little Italy/College Street West, Avenue Road around Osteria Giulia, and some blocks on Queen East near Lake Inez and its new cocktail bar, Belle Isle, “seem to always be buzzing.”