It's always an exciting time of year at this point in the fall as Air Canada enRoute unveils its Top 10 for the annual Canada's Best New Restaurants awards.
Now in its 22nd year, the Canadian restaurant awards system saw Toronto-based food writer and author Amy Rosen traveling across the country to anonymously try 30 nominated eateries (which were decided upon by a panel of experts including folks like Mijune Pak, Eden Hagos, Stéphane Levac, Camen Cheng, and myself) before deciding which spots were deserving of the coveted Top 10.
While Toronto tops the list for 2023 with the celebrated Kappo Sato, it was great to see plenty of geographic diversity in this year's rankings such a Wild Blue in Whistler (No. 2), Marilena Cafe and Raw Bar in Victoria (No. 4) and Winnipeg's Petit Socco at No. 5.
“We are incredibly proud of Canada’s Best New Restaurants program, which for over 20 years has provided a platform to spotlight emerging culinary excellence across the country,” said Andy Shibata, Vice President, Brand at Air Canada. “Dining and travelling are important economic contributors within our communities, and part of our objectives every year is to help new businesses flourish and for our travellers to see the possibilities of where culinary experiences can take them.”
Here are Canada's 10 best new restaurants for 2023 according to Air Canada enRoute:
1. Kappo Sato (Toronto, ON)
2. Wild Blue (Whistler, BC)
3. Marilena Café and Raw Bar (Victoria, BC)
4. Rizzo’s House of Parm (Fort Erie, ON)
5. Petit Socco (Winnipeg, MB)
6. Bonheur D’Occasion (Montreal, QC)
7. Folke (Vancouver, BC)
8. Le Molière par Mousso (Montreal, QC)
9. Espace Old Mill (Stanbridge East, QC)
10. Darlings (Bloomfield, ON)
Newer to the annual awards are a mix of special mentions including Trailblazers of the Year, Dish of the Year, Dessert of the Year, Cocktail of the Year, Tableware of the Year, and Design of the Year.
A full list of nominated restaurants, Top 10 eateries and special mentions are available online.
