Four years after its first appearance in Toronto (and Canada), the Michelin Guide has made its way back to the city to award stars to top-notch Ontario restaurants and change the star count of others it had previously acknowledged.
On Sept. 22, the local culinary scene gathered at Liberty Grand to see Michelin Stars and other honors presented to a variety of eateries both inside and outside of the city.
This latest event marks the fifth ceremony in Toronto and the third that includes restaurants beyond the city’s borders.
While there were 17 Toronto-area restaurants with a Michelin star by 2025, only one restaurant in Ontario received two prestigious stars from the tire company-turned-food authority: Pearl Morissette, a favorite in Niagara known for its French-inspired tasting menus. On Sept. 22, 15 restaurants retained their stars, including Pearl Morissette (still holding onto the province’s sole two-star distinction).
Eric Robertson and Daniel Hadida, Pearl Morissette
The list of one-star recipients includes a Kin, Alo, Da Nico, Don Alphonso 1890, Edulis, Enigma Yorkville, Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto, Kappo Sato, Osteria Giulia, Quetzal, Restaurant 20 Victoria, Shoushin, Sushi Masaki Saito and The Pine.
This year saw Aburi Hana lose its star status. After former chef Ryusuke Nakagawa left for Japan in 2025 according to his official Instagram account, Aburi Hana briefly closed before reopening earlier this month in Yorkville with a new à la carte menu.
Bib Gourmands were awarded to several new establishments that offer quality meals at reasonable prices; among them are Antylia, Golden Horseshoe Barbecue and The Lunch Lady of Saigon located in Toronto. Les Incompetents in St. Catharines also earned a Bib Gourmand along with RPM Bakehouse (operated by Pearl Morissette) in Lincoln.
The following restaurants received prestigious Michelin recommendations tonight: 156 ONEFIVESIX, Bar Allegro, Bar ARDO, Bar Eugenie, Liliana, PUNCH and Takja in Toronto. Other newly recommended spots include LORE in Collingwood; odd Bird in St. Catharines; Pho Ngoc Yen in Mississauga; and Reve in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
A number of special awards went out to those excelling within the foodservice sector: Sharon Chan from 156 ONEFIVESIX received the Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award; Toni Weber from Restaurant 20 Victoria took home the Michelin Sommelier Award; and Eric Roell from LORE won the Michelin Outstanding Service Award.
The Michelin Young Chef/Culinary Professional Award was given to Andrew Golden for his household experiments leading to Golden Horseshoe Barbecue’s creation- which also secured a coveted Bib Gourmand.
The Mindful Voices recognition was awarded to chefs Aldo Camarena and Ashley Mc Kay from Antylia for their efforts towards transforming industry practices through mindfulness initiatives; they emphasized their commitment to partnering with local farmers and Indigenous growers while showcasing these ingredients on their menu.
Canada wasn’t part of the Michelin Guide for most of its long history (the guide began back in 1889 when French brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin launched a little red hospitality guide aimed at helping early motorists find decent places to eat). It wasn’t until recently that our diverse food scene gained recognition with inclusion starting back in 2022.
This recognition comes as many food enthusiasts now associate Toronto and the GTA with global cuisine experiences.
A recent survey by Destination Toronto-a non-profit aiming to draw visitors nationally and internationally-found that people view food diversity as key elements defining Toronto’s identity across its neighborhoods.
As of tonight’s announcement there are now 111 recognized restaurants throughout Toronto and Ontario representing various cuisines.
“Tonight we celebrate the talented and innovative restaurant community that has been made evident throughout Toronto & Region,” said Gwendal Poullennec , International Director of MICHELIN Guide , in statement.
“Inclusion into MICHELIN Guide is great accomplishment elevating these new establishments onto global culinary stage allowing foodies from near or far discover them. Congratulations also goes retaining Starred eateries unwavering commitment quality , excellence innovation year after year.”
Cover photo of Pho Ngo Yen , courtesy MICHELIN Guide
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