7 Top Bistros in Ontario You Must Visit

Ontario's culinary landscape is rich and diverse, and among its many gastronomic delights are the charming and inviting bistros. These establishments, often inspired by classic French tradition, offer a unique blend of sophisticated yet relaxed dining experiences, perfect for any occasion. From intimate date nights to lively gatherings, bistros in Ontario promise exceptional food, warm atmospheres, and memorable moments. In this article, we will introduce seven top bistros across Ontario that you absolutely cannot miss, showcasing their highlights and what makes them stand out as true culinary gems.

Table of Contents

1. La Banane

An unforgettable French bistro experience with exceptional food and service.

La Banane consistently delivers an exceptional dining experience, making it a standout among bistros in Toronto. Guests frequently praise the consistently high food quality and outstanding service, noting the team's customer-focused approach. This Michelin-recommended French bistro offers a stylish and cozy ambiance, perfect for a romantic date or a special occasion. Reviewers rave about delicious and surprising appetizers like fresh mussels, perfectly prepared beef tartare, and the indescribable flavors of their signature whole Eurobass. Don't leave without trying their famous banana tart with salted caramel ice cream, a perfect ending to a truly phenomenal meal.

  • Rating: 4.6 (1,187 google maps)
  • Address: 227 Ossington Ave, Toronto
  • Phone: +1 416-551-6263
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Highlights include Atlantic mussels, beef tartare, whole Eurobass, roasted maitake mushroom, and the must-try signature banana tart with salted caramel ice cream.

Image La Banane Bistros in Ontario

Read more: 5 Top Restaurants in Ontario You Must Visit for an Unforgettable Meal

2. Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie

A slice of Parisian charm in Toronto's Distillery District.

Step into Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie and be transported to the heart of Paris, right in Toronto's Distillery District. The beautiful venue, with its captivating decor and warm ambiance, makes it an ideal spot for brunch, dinner, or any special occasion. This French bistro offers a delightful mix of classic dishes, praised for their quality and generous portions, such as perfectly cooked steak & eggs, delectable French onion soup, and highlights like the Nagano pork chop with their standout potato pavé. Guests also rave about their popular S'mores Hot Chocolate, especially during the Christmas market season, adding a sweet touch to an already charming experience.

  • Rating: 4.3 (4,932 google maps)
  • Address: 35 Tank House Lane, Toronto
  • Phone: +1 416-203-2632
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Features French onion soup, steak & eggs, Caesar salad, shore lunch, frog legs, Nagano pork chop with potato pavé, salmon crepes, macarons, beef tartare, and the viral S’mores Hot Chocolate.

Image Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie Bistros in Ontario

Read more: 11 Must-Visit Eateries in Ontario for Food Lovers: Discover Top Restaurants

3. Beerbistro

Where gourmet food meets an impressive selection of craft beers.

Beerbistro in downtown Toronto is a charming destination that elevates the traditional bistro experience with an outstanding beer selection. Guests consistently praise the warm ambiance, upscale touches, and attentive service. While renowned for its vast array of beer options perfect for patio chilling, the food truly shines. Highly recommended appetizers include their delicious fondue and a unique, delectable poutine. The Bay St burger, flavorful Red Thai Curry Mussels, and the crisp Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl are frequently lauded, ensuring a delightful culinary journey. Don't miss their house-made mayo and ketchup, often highlighted as a must-try.

  • Rating: 4.3 (2,168 google maps)
  • Address: 18 King St E, Toronto
  • Phone: +1 416-861-9872
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Extensive beer list, Red Thai Curry Mussels, fondue, poutine, Bay St burger, Fruli beer, pork chop, Buffalo chicken salad, Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl, and homemade mayo and ketchup.

Image Beerbistro Bistros in Ontario

4. Jazz Bistro

An authentic jazz experience paired with delightful dining.

Jazz Bistro is Toronto's premier destination for live jazz, offering a truly captivating atmosphere that blends old-school charm with vibrant music. The live performances are consistently highlighted as the evening's main draw, with talented musicians creating a memorable backdrop. Beyond the incredible vibes, this bistro also provides a pleasant dining experience. Guests appreciate the warm and classy setting, perfect for unwinding. While the music takes center stage, menu items like the delicious burger and bread pudding receive positive mentions, ensuring a fulfilling night out.

  • Rating: 4.2 (1,164 google maps)
  • Address: 251 Victoria St, Toronto
  • Phone: +1 416-363-5299
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Features a selection of martinis, signature cocktails, burrata, braised short rib, house risotto, warm olives with freshly baked bread, fish and chips, and a highly recommended burger and bread pudding.

Image Jazz Bistro Bistros in Ontario

5. Peter Pan Bistro

A charming Queen West bistro for an intimate and delicious meal.

Peter Pan Bistro offers a delightful and unassuming dining experience on Queen Street West, known for its warm ambiance and tastefully decorated interior. This Toronto bistro is frequently celebrated for its delicious food, with highlights like the highly recommended eggs Benedict and one of the city's best Shakshuka dishes. Guests also praise the fresh orange juice, the perfectly made carrot cake, and savory dinner items such as honey carrots, rabbit cavatelli, and bavette steak. Despite being busy, the service is consistently good, and the intimate setting makes it ideal for a pleasant dinner date or a relaxing brunch.

  • Rating: 4.3 (1,141 google maps)
  • Address: 373 Queen St W, Toronto
  • Phone: +1 416-792-3838
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Popular brunch items include French omelette, classic breakfast, fresh orange juice, shakshuka, and strawberry pancakes. Dinner options feature honey carrots, rabbit cavatelli, and bavette steak. The avocado toast also comes highly recommended.

Image Peter Pan Bistro Bistros in Ontario

6. The Berczy Tavern

Toronto's vibrant piano bar and culinary hotspot.

The Berczy Tavern is a beloved neighborhood gem in Toronto, offering an inviting atmosphere and impeccably executed dishes. This bistro is praised for its attentive service, beautiful decor, and a casual yet elevated menu. The live piano bar creates a fantastic ambiance, making it a perfect spot for a date night or a vibrant night out with friends near St. Lawrence Market. Patrons consistently rave about the outstanding food, including the delicious crab cake, flavorful octopus, and impressive truffle risotto. The curated wine list and stunning cocktails further enhance the experience, making every visit perfectly executed.

  • Rating: 4.6 (207 google maps)
  • Address: 69 Front St E, Toronto
  • Phone: +1 647-479-0279
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Notable dishes include crab cake, octopus, dinner rolls, fish crudo, truffle risotto, calamari, spaghetti, steak, tuna tostada, and a popular burger and beer special. The bar also offers stunning cocktails and a well-curated wine list.

Image The Berczy Tavern Bistros in Ontario

7. Cassis Bistro

A hidden culinary treasure in Lakefield, delivering impeccable French cuisine.

Cassis Bistro stands out as a true gem in Lakefield, lauded for its exceptional food, personal service, and cozy atmosphere. This quaint bistro consistently receives high praise for its homemade, unique, and utterly delicious dishes. Diners highly recommend the filet mignon, often comparing it favorably to those from high-end city restaurants. Other popular choices include the tasty butternut squash and apple soup, brie and chicken pastry, and the incredible baked brie. Whether you're seeking a romantic "Date Night" with special pricing or simply a wonderful lunch, Cassis Bistro offers a memorable experience with owners who clearly love to serve.

  • Rating: 4.7 (180 google maps)
  • Address: 27 Queen St, Lakefield
  • Phone: +1 705-652-8045
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Highlights include filet mignon, butternut squash and apple soup, pastry stuffed with brie and chicken, French onion soup, wild sea scallop sauce, and lemon tart. They also offer a special "Date Night" menu.

Image Cassis Bistro Bistros in Ontario

8. Bistro '67

A field-to-fork bistro showcasing culinary student talent in Whitby.

Bistro '67, nestled within Durham College's W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, offers a unique and fantastic fine dining experience in Whitby. This bistro is highly regarded for its farm-to-table approach, with fresh produce often sourced directly from the gardens just outside. Patrons are consistently amazed by the beautifully presented, creative, and delicious food, often describing it as Michelin bib quality. The service, provided by attentive and friendly staff (including culinary students), is impeccable. Favorites include the warm bread with garlic hummus, BBQ cauliflower, portobello bao, and the hearty Bistro burger. It's a truly special place to enjoy fresh, well-prepared dishes while supporting future culinary arts talent.

  • Rating: 4.5 (541 google maps)
  • Address: 1604 Champlain Ave, Whitby
  • Phone: +1 905-721-3312
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Features a rotating menu based on seasonal ingredients from their garden. Past favorites include warm bread with garlic hummus, portobello bao, Bistro burger, pork tenderloin, delicious tomato salad, and BBQ cauliflower.

Image Bistro '67 Bistros in Ontario

9. AGO Bistro

Cultured dining at the heart of Toronto's art scene.

Located within the Art Gallery of Ontario, AGO Bistro offers a sophisticated and artistic dining experience perfect for complementing a museum visit. This Toronto bistro is praised for its excellent service, delicious food, and diverse menu with healthy, earthy, and beautifully crafted dishes. The salmon main dish is often highlighted as yummy and cooked to perfection, while their prix fixe menu is considered a great deal, featuring fresh, local ingredients like generous chicken liver pate and perfectly cooked pork belly. The ambiance is refined, making it an ideal spot for lunch or a date, and the staff are consistently friendly and attentive.

  • Rating: 4.3 (452 google maps)
  • Address: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto
  • Phone: +1 416-979-6688
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Offers a diverse menu with options like salmon nicoise, steak frites, soup, and a prix fixe menu featuring chicken liver pate and pork belly. The AGO burger and pear tart are also popular choices.

Image AGO Bistro Bistros in Ontario

10. 12welve Bistro | Tapwerks

Whitby's go-to for gourmet gastropub delights and diverse taps.

12welve Bistro | Tapwerks in Whitby is a favorite local spot renowned for its exceptional food, extensive beer selection, and fantastic service. This bistro-style gastropub offers consistently incredible dishes, with guests raving about the butter chicken nachos, perfectly cooked steak, and the delicious charred octopus. The "Tapwerks" side lives up to its name with a wide variety of excellent beers. Whether you're there for a casual meal or a special celebration, the friendly, engaging, and swift service, often highlighted by names like Shawna and Ian, ensures a top-notch dining experience. Don't miss their duck fat fries or the flavorful Korean fried chicken.

  • Rating: 4.5 (957 google maps)
  • Address: 244 Brock St S, Whitby
  • Phone: +1 905-493-8277
  • Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
  • Menu: Highlights include Chimichurri and Caesar salads, Coconut Curry Mussels, Wagyu burger, Halibut and fries, octopus appetizer, butter chicken nachos, spicy strawberry margarita, flatbread, Korean fried chicken sandwich, oysters, mac and cheese, Jerk burger, molten lava cake, tuna salad, shrimp rigatoni, tiramisu martini, and duck fat fries.

Image 12welve Bistro | Tapwerks Bistros in Ontario

Conclusion

Whether you're seeking a sophisticated French bistro for a romantic evening, a lively spot with live music, or a cozy neighborhood gem with exceptional farm-to-table fare, Ontario offers a diverse array of bistros to satisfy every palate. From the Michelin-recommended elegance of La Banane to the culinary student showcases at Bistro '67, each establishment on this list provides a unique and memorable dining experience. Choose a place that suits your preferences and needs, and don't forget to share your experience with us in the comments section below this article!