Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Toronto

Dark interiors, country style décor, low lighting, a huge crowd and live music greet you as you enter the portals of The Dakota Tavern. Gorge on lip smacking mac and cheese, crunchy red cabbage, spiced nuts and cherry tomato salad, and fish served on tacos with cabbage and lime, as you listen to some fine country music. On their famous brunch days, your platter is lined up with unlimited food: cheese, steak, bacon, eggs, juice, coffee, pancakes among other goodies, that you can wash down with a mug of chilled beer. This is a good place to meet new people, groove to good music and have a filling meal.

A haven for hardcore carnivores, Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse is one of the finest restaurants, to serve deliciously handcrafted steaks. Located in the Fashion District, this lovey steakhouse, also doubles as a piano bar, where you can sit for hours and listen to the pianist play. Offering a lavish ambiance and courteous service, the restaurant serves an eclectic menu of meats, which are sourced from the best possible places. Eclectic and divine, the menu consists of a wide range of dishes, to please everyone's palette. Opt to try the Kurobuta Pork Ribeye, Dungeness Crab Salad, Beef Tartar and Seafood Tower, which promises to be as awesome as the list of house-aged steaks. The delicious desserts on offer include Monkey Bread, Pumpkin Cheesecake and the divine 12 Layer Chocolate Cake. Reserve a table for that special occasion, and allow the team at Jacob's to take you on an unforgettable gastronomical journey.

Called Toronto's 'Literary Bistro' for its readings and sponsorship of the Festival literature prize, this bar brings a taste of Paris to downtown Toronto. It also serves as a venue for the annual International Jazz Fest. The culinary side of the equation is not forgotten, however. The bistro features exquisite cuisine and a wine list with more than 550 selections that has won the 'Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence'. Chef Paul Biggs offers classical French cuisine with dishes such as a Tarte Niçoise with Goat Cheese appetizer and a crispy Confit de Canard main course.

Mezzetta Restaurant and Tapas Bar is a charming eatery in St. Clair West. Opened in 1991, it specializes in Mediterranean inspired mezzes that will suit any palate. These include dishes like Tabouli, Sultan’s Stew, Herbed Eggplant, Fried Yams, Cheese Boureka, Kebab Fingers, Smoked Sally, Potatoe Moussaka and Vine Leaves (spiced Basmati rice and herb-minced beef wrapped in vine leaves with dill and garlic yogurt). Round off your meal with decadent desserts such as Beirut Baklava and Apricots in Cream.

Want to earn cool points with your friends and coworkers? Then look no further - located in the perpetually busy Toronto Financial District is Drake One Fifty, a snazzy cocktail bar that serves unique drinks and elegant food. Try one of their most known cocktails, the Hazelnut Sour, and indulge in their famous One Fifty Burger, which includes Perth bacon and shortrib. The venue helps promote many local artists and musicians, so get ready to be introduced to a ton of Canadian bands, singers and DJ's and amaze your eyes with gorgeous paintings and installations.

Situated in Richmond Hill, Big Daddy's is a welcoming American dine boasting a cozy ambiance and a menu which makes you feel at home. If you are in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a filling daytime meal, Big Daddy's will do the trick for you. Choose from a range of dishes like jumbo chicken wings, New York steak, hearty burgers and classic club sandwiches and pair them with a side of onion rings or poutines. Big Daddy's is also a premier source of entertainment, housing a stunning repertoire of acoustic open mics and marvelous musical ensembles.