Toronto’s Distillery District is far more than the Winter Village/Christmas Market – it’s home to some of the city’s most exceptional dining experiences. From European style bistros to masterful Spanish tapas, Toronto’s Distillery District restaurants offers a remarkable collection of upscale restaurants and cafes that blend world-class cuisine with the charm of Victorian era architecture.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a romantic evening, or getting together with friends – we recommend experiencing Toronto’s culinary excellence in this stunning historic setting. After two decades of guiding visitors through these historic streets, these are the restaurants we genuinely recommend to friends, family, and fellow food lovers.
Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie
Why Visit: Step into this modern French bistro and you’ll immediately understand why Cluny has become a cornerstone of the Distillery District’s dining scene. The restaurant deftly combines classic French & Moroccan techniques with contemporary flair, all housed within beautifully restored heritage architecture.
We’re particular fans of weekend brunch at Cluny – and their bank style seating is perfect for sinking into with a mimosa before digging into their fantastic Chocolate Pain Perdu – or for savoury fans, try the Potato and Onion Galette.
Their dinner menu showcases French cuisine with dishes that change to reflect the best available ingredients. Their menu also features a number of gluten-free and vegetarian plates. The impressive wine selection emphasizes French varietals alongside thoughtful Ontario choices – but we’re often drawn to their exceptional cocktails & mocktails.
The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between elegant and approachable – sophisticated enough for special occasions yet comfortable for an evening out with friends.
Budget Planning
- Price range for brunch without drinks | $30 – 50 per person
- Price range for brunch with drinks | $50 – 75 per person
- Price range for dinner without drinks | $34-60 per person
- Price range for dinner with drinks | $60-90 per person
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Madrina Bar y Tapas
Why Visit: Madrina elevates Spanish cuisine to an art form, offering an authentic tapas experience that goes far beyond typical small plates. With a nod from Michelin, this is the Distillery District’s premier dinner spot. Located in the stunning Stone Distillery heritage building, the restaurant creates an atmosphere that feels both intimate and vibrant, with warm lighting and rustic elegance that perfectly complements the Spanish-inspired menu.
Their tapas selection is extensive and expertly crafted, featuring unique dishes like Tortilla de Patatas and their Piquillo Pepper Tart. For a more filling course, their steak tartare on roasted bone marrow is iconic and worth trying even if you’re not a bone marrow fan.
The wine program focuses heavily on Spanish selections, with knowledgeable staff who can guide you through perfect pairings. If beer is more your speed, try Barcelona’s own Estrella Damm. The cocktail menu also deserves special mention, featuring creative interpretations of classic Spanish drinks alongside house specialties. For fans of rhubarb, the Barcelona Gin Sour is particularly notable.
Budget Planning
- Price range for dinner without drinks | $55-75 per person
- Price range for dinner with drinks | $80 – 110 per person
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Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill
Why Visit: For seafood lovers, Pure Spirits represents the pinnacle of fresh, expertly prepared maritime cuisine in the Distillery District. The restaurant’s commitment to sourcing the finest oysters, fish, and shellfish has helped maintain their reputation as a top seafood restaurant in Toronto’s east end – with a menu that changes based on the best available catches.
For raw bar fans, their extensive collection of oysters and mussel dishes will keep you salivating. Once you move on to the main course, we recommend trying the Maritime Lobster Roll or Pure Reuben. For salad fans, try the Shrimp Cobb.
The beverage program emphasizes fresh flavours in both their craft cocktails and an impressive selection of white wines and champagnes. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through both the menu and wine pairings to create a memorable dining experience.
Budget Planning
- Price range for dinner without drinks | $30-45 per person
- Price range for dinner with drinks | $55-70 per person
- Add on oysters | $15-20 per person
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El Catrin Destileria
Why Visit: El Catrin brings authentic Mexican cuisine to the Distillery District. Their patio is iconic, comfortable, and features almost year-round availability. The restaurant’s commitment to traditional techniques and premium ingredients creates dishes that honor Mexican culinary traditions with a few twists that truly elevate the restaurant’s food program.
Dinner is fantastic at El Catrin – but we think their lunch menu truly shines. Their selection of small bites is sure to please every palate. Baja and Hongos tacos are great shared or as a main. For a more filling meal, try the Chicken Torta or Quesabirria Quesadilla.
Their mezcal and tequila selection is among the best in the city, with knowledgeable bartenders who can introduce you to small-batch spirits you won’t find elsewhere. You can even take bottles home by ordering through their Agave Bottle Shop.
The atmosphere is vibrant and sophisticated, with Day of the Dead-inspired décor that creates a festive but elegant dining environment. It’s perfect for families and corporate groups (book a Walking Tour before or after your lunch!) looking to share multiple dishes and explore different flavors together.
Budget Planning
- Price range for dinner without drinks | $25 – 40 per person
- Price range for dinner with drinks | $45 – 60 per person
- Add shareables | $15-20 per person
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Experience The Best of the Best: Our VIP Food Tour
Want to taste the best of the Distillery District’s culinary scene in one unforgettable evening? Our Distillery District VIP Food Tour takes you to multiple award-winning Distillery District restaurants for an exclusive tasting journey featuring fresh oysters, Spanish tapas, French desserts, and premium cocktails.
This curated 3-hour experience includes tastings at several of these exceptional restaurants, guided by local experts who know the stories behind each dish and the history of every heritage building. It’s the perfect way to explore the district’s best culinary spaces.
Many of our partner restaurants are featured above, giving you insider access to their signature dishes. Book Your VIP Food Experience
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More Great Distillery District Restaurants
Mill Street Brewpub
Why Visit: While known for their craft beer, Mill Street’s kitchen delivers classic pub fare that pairs perfectly with their award-winning brews. For light bites their MASSIVE PRETZEL and Deep Fried Pickles are both fantastic. For a full meal, their Loaded Nachos and Brewmaster’s Burger are both local classics. Their menu features suggested beer pairings with their core line of brews – try a pairing or make your own.
Budget Planning
- Price range for dinner without drinks | $25 – 35 per person
- Price range for dinner with drinks | $40 – 55 per person
- Add shareables | $15-20 per person
Boku Japanese Eats + Drinks
Why Visit: This sophisticated Japanese restaurant offers fantastic Takoyaki as a starter. Their Boku Curry and Black Garlic Ramen are local favourites. Boku’s sake and cocktail selection is impressive, and the intimate atmosphere makes it perfect for date nights or small group celebrations. Their outdoor boat patio is great for people-watching in the Summer.
Budget Planning
- Price range for dinner without drinks | $25 – 35 per person
- Price range for dinner with drinks | $40 – 55 per person
- Add shareables | $10-15 per person
SpiritHouse Toronto
Why Visit: A premium spirits-focused establishment that takes cocktails seriously while offering elevated bar food. Spirithouse is an elegantly designed space with a bustling patio contrasted with a moody but inviting interior. Their Street Corn Guac & Chips is a favourite – if you’re a smash burger fan, their maple bacon blue cheese beef slider packs a flavour punch. Booze free? Try the Bramble Sour!
Budget Planning
- Price range for dinner without drinks | $15 – 25 per person
- Price range for dinner with drinks | $40 – 55 per person
- Add shareables | $10-15 per person
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Tips for Your Distillery District Dining Experience
- Make Reservations: Popular Distillery District restaurants fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Book ahead to secure your preferred dining time.
- Explore the Wine Programs: Each restaurant has carefully curated wine selections that showcase both international excellence and Ontario’s growing wine scene.
- Consider the Atmosphere: Each restaurant offers a different ambiance – from Cluny’s French elegance to El Catrin’s vibrant Mexican energy.
- Plan Your Evening: The Distillery District is perfect for strolling between dinner and drinks, with many bars and lounges open late.
- Book a Walking or Segway Tour with us beforehand to work up an appetite and learn the history behind these heritage buildings!
- Combine with Culture: Many restaurants are within walking distance of galleries and performance venues, making it easy to plan a complete cultural evening. Explore the full Distillery District Business Directory.
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Planning Your Perfect Visit
Best Times to Visit: Weeknight dinners often provide a more intimate experience, while weekends buzz with energy and special events. Many restaurants offer prix fixe menus or special tasting events throughout the year.
What Type of Service to Expect: These establishments pride themselves on exceptional service, with knowledgeable staff who can guide you through menus and wine pairings. Expect attention to detail in both food preparation and presentation.
Dress Code: While not overly formal, restaurants in the neighbourhood appreciate guests who dress for the occasion. Evening formal to smart casual is appropriate for most establishments.
Ready to experience Toronto’s most sophisticated dining neighborhood? These Distillery District restaurants showcase why the neighbourhood has evolved into one of Canada’s premier culinary destinations. Each offers something unique, but all share a commitment to excellence that makes every meal an occasion worth celebrating.
The Distillery District’s fine dining scene represents a celebration of historic preservation and culinary innovation working together to create a special atmosphere. These aren’t just the restaurants we visit for work – they’re the places where our team celebrates special occasions and brings visiting friends. We hope you’ll enjoy them as much as we do.
