May 11, 2025
Canada’s dining scene is as diverse and vibrant as the country itself, and the just-released Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2025 list proves it. From wine-country refinement in Ontario to bold culinary innovation in the Prairies and West Coast, this year’s rankings are a national celebration of excellence, sustainability and regional pride.
The annual list, determined by a 160-member judging panel of chefs, restaurateurs, critics and culinary enthusiasts, evaluates restaurants based on food quality, service, ambiance and wine programs. It’s a snapshot of Canada’s evolving palate and a roadmap for food lovers — and even investors — seeking the next big culinary destination.
Ontario leads the pack while Quebec and Alberta shine
At the top of the 2025 rankings is Restaurant Pearl Morissette in Jordan Station, Ontario, known for its elegant farm-to-table cuisine and sophisticated wine pairings. It's a repeat champion that continues to elevate Canada’s fine dining standards.
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Second place goes to Montreal’s Mon Lapin, which has become a fixture on the list thanks to its veggie-forward menu and boundary-pushing approach to Québécois cuisine. Rounding out the top three is Alo in Toronto, celebrated for its refined, globally inspired tasting menus.
Toronto dominates the upper tier, also placing Edulis and 20 Victoria among the top 10, reinforcing the city’s status as a culinary capital.
But Alberta had a banner year as well. Cracking the top 10, Calgary's Eight restaurant placed sixth, and River Café, a longtime local favourite known for its commitment to regional ingredients and sustainability, landed at spot 23. Other Calgary spots like D.O.P., Major Tom, Nupo and Jin Bar further underscored the city’s rapidly growing foodie cred.
“Restaurants like River Café show how Alberta’s food scene is leaning into local sourcing and environmental stewardship,” Canada’s 100 Best editor Jacob Richler said in a statement. “It’s not just about what’s on the plate — it’s about how it got there.”
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Western Canada and the Prairies hold their own
British Columbia also made a strong showing. Published on Main in Vancouver came in at number seven, while Kissa Tanto and St. Lawrence, also in Vancouver, followed closely at 10 and 14 respectively. Victoria’s Marilena made the list at number 27, highlighting Vancouver Island’s rising culinary profile.
Manitoba is represented by Winnipeg’s Deer + Almond at number 39, a perennial favourite for its playful dishes and vibrant atmosphere. Two more Winnipeg establishments, Clementine and Yujiro, also earned spots, reflecting the province’s growing sophistication in food culture.
From the East Coast, Newfoundland’s celebrated Fogo Island Inn again earned a place on the list, a nod to its world-class dining experience built on sustainability and local bounty.
Ottawa’s Aiana, known for modernizing classic Canadian fare, held its own among the national heavyweights, showcasing the capital’s steady rise in culinary stature.
Food meets finance: why this list matters
Beyond the food itself, the Canada’s 100 Best list is increasingly seen as a tool for investors, tourism strategists and real estate developers. Restaurant rankings often drive neighbourhood revitalization and influence consumer spending habits, particularly among high-net-worth individuals and culinary travellers.
“The list offers more than bragging rights,” said Richler. “It’s a reflection of where Canadians are dining now, and where opportunities for growth — and return — might be found.”
In a country where small businesses dominate the food sector, the spotlight from a national ranking can bring more than prestige. It can bring jobs, foot traffi and long-term viability. For local economies, particularly in mid-sized cities like Winnipeg or Victoria, a top-100 placement can be transformative.
Sources
1. Canada's 100 Best: Best Restaurants 2025 (May 8, 2025)
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Leslie Kennedy served as an editor at Thomson Reuters and for Star Media Group, followed by a number of years as a writer and editor and content manager in marketing communications, before returning to her editorial roots. She is a graduate of Humber College’s post-graduate journalism program and has been a professional writer and editor ever since.
