Five top restaurants for full-on, blow-your-budget indulgence and awe
1. Buca
The moody King West restaurant hums with gorgeous people devouring equally gorgeous food—like pig’s-blood fig tarts and delicate ricotta-filled zucchini flowers—prepared by chef Rob Gentile. The $75 pizza with white truffles is reason alone to celebrate. 604 King St. W., 416-865-1600.
2. Yours Truly
The tasting menu at Yours Truly provides one of the most adventurous eating experiences in the city. The kitchen delivers a 20-course procession of whimsical Asian-tinged plates, like powdered honeydew and borage with smoked buttermilk. 229 Ossington Ave., 416-533-2243.
3. Splendido
For a traditionally formal dining experience, no Toronto restaurant beats Splendido. The brigade of gracious servers indulges your every whim, from the amuse to the dessert (maple syrup–smoked ice cream with shortbread, for example). 88 Harbord St., 416-929-7788.
4. Shōtō
Chic patrons fill the 22 bar seats at Momofuku’s most upscale spot, chatting with chef Mitchell Bates and his team as they cook their way through 10 courses of Korean fusion food, including lobster with fava beans, daikon soup and maple sorbet. 190 University Ave., momofuku.com.
5. Kaiseki Yu-Zen Hashimoto
Masaki Hashimoto’s three-table restaurant is a true culinary destination. Exquisite kai-seki plates, made with Japanese ingredients, include wild porgy sashimi and rib-eye from a purebred wagyu herd. The evening ends with a cha-do tea ceremony. 6 Garamond Ct., 905-670-5559.
