What went down at Toronto Life’s 10th annual Best Restaurants event presented by Uber Eats

On June 8, more than 1,200 food lovers, chefs, restaurateurs and industry insiders gathered at Evergreen Brick Works for a milestone celebration: the 10th-anniversary edition of Toronto Life’s Best Restaurants presented by Uber Eats.

For one unforgettable evening, Toronto’s dining community came together to celebrate a decade of defining the city’s culinary culture, honouring both the restaurants that helped shape Toronto’s food scene and the exciting new openings pushing it forward.

The festivities kicked off early with the Stella Artois Perfect Serve Awards, where 300 VIP guests watched Canada’s top bartenders compete for the coveted National Draught Master title and a chance to represent Canada at the Global Finals in London. Hosted by sports personality Louis Jean, the high-stakes competition concluded with a big congratulations to the winner, Anthony Saucier from Shaker Cuisine & Mixologie. While witnessing the artistry of the perfect pour, early attendees enjoyed exclusive access to passed appetizers from Bar Eugenie and Cheese Boutique alongside a stunning grazing table from the Graze Anatomy.

When the main event doors opened at 7 p.m., the rest of the guests flowed through Evergreen Brick Works. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with a refreshing pour of Three of Hearts Rosé, then began sampling dishes from more than 20 restaurants featured in Toronto Life’s annual Where to Eat Now issue. From established culinary institutions to the city’s most talked-about newcomers, the lineup showcased the remarkable diversity and creativity that define dining in Toronto today.

Participating restaurants included Seahorse, Eloise, The Frederick, Oldeseoul Tavern, Bymark, Punch, Lunch Lady, Trattoria Nervosa, Radici Project, Richmond Station, Canoe, Curryish Tavern, Agak Agak, Makilala, Liliana, Good Behaviour, Sammarco, Aangan Toronto, Bar Eugenie, Cheese Boutique, Nice Slice and Golden Horseshoe Barbecue.

To complement the incredible dishes, guests treated themselves to premium beverage experiences throughout the night. Perfectly poured chalices of Stella Artois continued to flow at the bars, alongside a curated selection of premium Ontario and international wines. For cocktail lovers, bespoke creations were shaken up, while refreshing non-alcoholic options and water from event partner Vellamo kept everyone hydrated. On the culinary side, a standout station by California Figs delighted attendees with fresh figs on gourmet pizzas and classic prosciutto-wrapped pairings.

As presenting sponsor, Uber Eats curated the bookends of the evening through its First and Last Bite experience. Guests were welcomed with signature Jell-O bites from Bar Cart before capturing memories at the Uber Eats photo booth. At the end of the night, attendees lined up at the Uber Eats food truck for a sweet send-off courtesy of Craig’s Cookies, collecting gift bags before heading home.

The Tricon VIP Lounge quickly became a guest favourite, offering a premium retreat complete with the playful Ring to Celebrate champagne experience. Just outside, the Stella Artois Outdoor Lounge provided the ultimate open-air spot for guests to unwind, enjoy additional culinary pairings and have their complimentary Stella chalices custom-engraved on-site as a personalized keepsake.

As the evening unfolded, one thing became clear: Toronto’s restaurant scene has never been more vibrant. What began a decade ago as a celebration of the city’s best dining destinations has evolved into one of Toronto’s most anticipated culinary events, bringing together the passionate chefs, restaurateurs and diners who continue to shape the city’s food culture.

Here’s to 10 years of unforgettable meals, remarkable talent and the restaurants that make Toronto one of the most exciting dining cities in North America. We can’t wait to see what’s next!

A huge thank-you to our partners.