Toronto's Best New Restaurants of 2026: The Nine Air Canada Finalists, Compared

Air Canada's enRoute Best New Restaurants list is one of the country's most-watched dining honours, and in 2026 nine Toronto restaurants made the finalist list announced in September. The Top 10 will be announced November 16, 2026. Here is how the Toronto finalists compare, so you can book before the hype does.

For Italian, Four Different Ways

Italian cooking dominates the Toronto field. Liliana on Queen West opened in September 2025 with 30 seats, from chef Marvin Palomo, serving Italian classics with Asian influences. N.L. Ginzburg, on College Street in Little Italy, is an Italo-Jewish trattoria with daily fresh pasta and charcoal-grilled proteins from Zachary Kolomeir and Carmelina Imola. Zia's Place in Brockton Village, from Jess Maiorano, focuses on Southern Italian cooking. Sammarco, on Front Street East in St. Lawrence, is a bisteccheria (Italian steakhouse) from Rob Rossi and David Minicucci.

For a Tasting-Menu Splurge

Radici Project in Little Italy, from Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, offers a tasting menu that combines Italian and Japanese cooking. It is the finalist best suited to a celebration or a long, unhurried dinner.

For Neighbourhood Charm

Bar Eugenie in Harbord Village opened in September 2025 and cooks wood-fired dishes built around a single ingredient each; it comes from chef Rebekah Bruce, co-owner Ronnie Fishman and bartender Lee Bonds, all former Alo staff. Seahorse, on Yonge Street in Summerhill, is a seafood bistro, a good pick when you want something lighter.

For Global Flavours

Antylia in Bloorcourt, from Aldo Camarena and Ashley McKay, blends Mexican and Ecuadorian influences. Oldeseoul Tavern in the Beaches, from Leemo Han, serves Korean tavern fare and is the one finalist well outside the downtown core, making it a natural pairing with a lakeside walk.

How to Choose

Planning a date or milestone dinner? Look at Radici Project, Bar Eugenie or Liliana, and book early since Liliana is small. Feeding a group that wants to share? N.L. Ginzburg, Sammarco or Oldeseoul Tavern suit that format. Craving something different from the usual? Try Antylia. Finalist status brings crowds, so reserve ahead, confirm current menus and hours directly with each restaurant, and check the Top 10 announcement on November 16 if you are tracking the winners.