The latest Michelin Guide has been released and for the first time, its recommendations includes eateries in the region beyond the GTA borders.
“The boundaries for Toronto and region, which were under consideration for the 2024 selection included the city of Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham and as far out as Collingwood, Hamilton, Cambridge, and Niagara Falls,” a Michelin spokesperson told Metroland.
“While these were the areas (where) the inspection team conducted their field work, it does not guarantee restaurants in these areas are included within the selection.”
This year, four new restaurants in the region were given a one-star rating.
One-star ratings are given to restaurants considered to have high quality cooking and to be worth a stop.
Two-star ratings are given to those with excellent cuisine and worth a detour, green star ratings are given to restaurant sustainability leaders and the Bib Gourmand rating is given to eateries considered to offer good food at a moderate price.
Sushi Masaki Saito, located at 88 Avenue Rd. in Toronto, was the only area restaurant to be awarded a two-star rating.
No restaurants in the region were given the guide’s top rating of three stars (exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey).
A look at the ratings given to Toronto and Region restaurants in this year's Michelin Guide.
By Iain Colpitts screenshotFull restaurant ratings for the region, including can be seen on the guide's website.
Here are Toronto and region's newest one-star restaurants, with some notes from inspectors.
DaNico — 440 College St., Toronto
“Wondering if DaNico is worth a stop? You can take it to the bank — quite literally, as the restaurant is nestled inside a former bank building. Inside, dark colours, linen tablecloths, and plush seating set a sophisticated tone, but the irreverent artwork proves they don't take themselves too seriously. Chef/partner Daniele Corona cooks Italian food with a global influence.”
Hexagon — 210 Lakeshore Rd. E, Oakville
“This stylish restaurant in downtown Oakville could get by on looks alone with its sliding patio doors, wraparound terrace, and an interior that is at once cool and casual. But for Chef Rafael Covarrubias, he’s got a lot more in mind. The menu reads familiar — beef tartare, oysters, fish — but what emerges from the kitchen are beautiful, soigné works that are refined, original, and substantial.”
Covarrubias was named the recipient of Michelin's Young Chef/Culinary Professional Award.Restaurant Pearl Morissette — 3953 Jordan Rd., Jordan Station
“This 42-acre destination in the picturesque Niagara region is the full experience. A restaurant, winery, orchard, farm, and bakery, Restaurant Pearl Morissette is a powerhouse. With great pride for Canadian ingredients and respect for the seasons, Chefs Daniel Hadida and Eric Robertson make the most of their surroundings to enhance their spontaneous tasting menu's dishes.”
This restaurant was also awarded a Michelin green star.The Pine — 7535 County Rd. 9, Creemore
“Located in charming Creemore, north of Toronto in Simcoe County, find this culinary landmark housed in a chic space that was formerly a gas station. Run by Chef Jeremy Austin and his wife, Cassie, The Pine is a distinct dining experience that is informed by the chef's years working in China.”
The Pine’s co-owners, Jeremy and Cassie Austin, in front of their Creemore restaurant.
By The Pine photoThe Michelin Guide was first published in France at the turn of the 20th century as brothers André and Édouard Michelin — founders of the renowned tire company — wanted to boost tire sales by giving practical advice to motorists.
It has since expanded to include hotel and restaurant recommendations and made its foray into North America in 2005, with New York serving as its first North American market.
Toronto and Vancouver were the first Canadian markets included in the guide in 2022, while Quebec is a new entry for 2024.
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