Top 12 Restaurants in Canada and the USA

Some of which offer stunning views and an ambiance that truly complements the dining experience. Whether you're searching for the coziness of locally sourced culinary delights, the excitement of cutting-edge dishes, or the homely atmosphere of long standing family-owned restaurants with traditional recipes passed down through generations, our curated list promises to cater to every preference.

Here are some of our favorites for dining in Canada and the US—where every meal is a journey, and every dish tells a story.

1. SAGA Restaurant

Location: Manhattan, New York City, USA

Situated in the bustling Financial District of New York City, the Relais & Châteaux two-Michelin-starred SAGA Restaurant is on the 63rd floor of a landmark Art Deco skyscraper. Chef James Kent skillfully curates a dynamic seasonal menu that blends traditional European techniques with international influences. The culinary adventure includes courses paired with creative wine and cocktail selections, inviting diners to indulge in an unforgettable dining affair enhanced by sweeping panoramic views of The Big Apple from the outdoor terrace.

Must-try dishes: Seasonal seven-course or four-course meal.

Wine-pairing optional.

2. AP Restaurants

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

AP Restaurant is a high-altitude restaurant on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre on Bloor Street, offering impressive panoramic views of the iconic CN Tower and Toronto's skyline. This is Montreal chef Antonio Park's first restaurant in Toronto, and it is set to impress diners with its Japanese and Pan-Asian-inspired flavors. Each dish on the menu draws upon Chef Park's eclectic mix of culinary experiences and diverse backgrounds spanning various cultures, including Korea, Japan, and Canada, with a touch of Latin flair.

Must-try dishes: Bluefin tuna tataki and Kimchi fried rice.

3. Comma Restaurant

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

This cozy family-owned restaurant, nestled in the bustling center of downtown Toronto on Queen St. W. serves dishes that take a playful approach to Korean flavors. Comma symbolizes a never-ending exploration of the culinary realm and its rich cultural tapestry. The menu features a variety of creative dishes crafted to pair beautifully with a variety of drinks such as cocktails, rice wine, and scotch whisky, inspired by chef Victoria Kim’s aim to elevate Korean bar snacks - a departure from the usual beer or Soju offerings at most Korean establishments.

Must-try dishes: Spicy or soy raw marinated crab, cilantro rose tteokbokki, and Korean pancakes.

4. Stirrups Restaurant

Location: Ocala, Florida, USA

Nestled inside The Equestrian Hotel within the World Equestrian Center (WEC), Stirrups Restaurant provides a sophisticated steakhouse dining experience accompanied with a unique view. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy a glimpse of an equestrian performance while dining either indoors or on the terrace. Gourmet meals can be enjoyed in a stylish dining space with modern decor, art, and wood accents, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Grand Outdoor Arena–perfect for horse lovers.

Stirrups prides itself on being a Southern steakhouse and also offers fresh sustainable Florida seafood, emphasizing comfort dishes served with top-notch hospitality. Operating from morning till night, the restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, and dinner.

Must-try dishes: Cream onion soup, roasted diver scallops, 22 oz. prime bone-in-rib-eye with a side of blue crab.

5. Rhythm & Howl

Location: Canmore, Alberta, Canada

Rhythm & Howl finds common ground between nature lovers and food connoisseurs by offering locally sourced dishes with a Mediterranean flair against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. Set in MTN House Hotel By Basecamp, a luxury resort that provides an immersive experience incorporating elements of the local scenery. The menu, led by award-winning BC-born chef Jason Leizert, skillfully evokes emotions through flavors. The artfully plated dishes transport diners to the Rockies' mountains and waters, sourcing local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients with a farm-to-table focus. A wood-burning forno centerpiece pays homage to heritage.

Must-try dishes: Turkish flatbread, duck confit, and steelhead trout.

6. Cobra

Location: Columbus, Ohio, USA

Cobra is an Asian-American local "night bar" in the Columbus, Ohio, Brewery District neighborhood. Owned by four culinary industry experts, including Chef Jack Dale Bennet Jr. and cocktail experts Alex Chien, Josh Spiers, and David Yee, this Taiwanese and Japanese-inspired neighborhood bar brings bold flavors into fusion Asian cuisine. Indoor and seasonal outdoor seating are available, and they are best known for their cocktails with playful names like "snake juice" and "banana bread," all inspired by Asian flavors.

Must-try dishes: Shanghai-Noon burger, Dan Dan noodles, and Mama Chien’s dumplings.

7. Next Door Restaurant (for Good Neighbour Brewing)

Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Founded by Morgan Wielgosz and Amber Sarraillon–the city’s first all-female (and 2SLGBTQ+) owned-and-operated brewery in the West Broadway area of Manitoba, Good Neighbour Brewing stands out as one of the rare women-owned breweries in the entire country. Adding to its charm a dining establishment called Next Door has made its debut. The menu, created by Stefan Lytwyn, Nyk Bielak, and Jesse Angers, the masterminds behind the offerings at Kosmos Food Cantina at The Beer Can, features their exceptionally crafted burger. Diners can expect familiar comfort foods with a creative twist.

Must-try dishes/drinks: Patatas bravas with waffle fries, eggplant parm, and pastrami’d short rib.

8. The Pink Adobe

Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

The Pink Adobe, a Relais & Châteaux restaurant, is located in Santa Fe's historic Barrio De Analco neighborhood – one of the oldest neighborhoods in the US. Its name is inspired by the distinctive pink adobe plastering on the restaurant's exterior. The restaurant continues to attract guests with its delicious dishes that combine Creole and Southwest influences. Savor a variety of New Mexican Cajun dishes. Don't miss The Dragon Room bar, where you can expect to hobnob with local artists, musicians, and politicians over a range of tequila-based cocktails such as the standout Silver Coin Margarita.

Must-try dishes/drinks: Tacos (birria, chicken tinga, Baja fish, and Jackfruit Sofrito), jumbo lump crab cake, and fire-roasted chile relleno.

9. Les Delices de Awa LLC

Location: Madison, Wisconsin, USA

Scheduled to launch in April 2024, Les Délices de Awa LLC began its journey as a catering business and food cart on the bustling streets of Madison, Wisconsin. Here, diners can explore the flavors of West African cuisine through flavorful dishes. Awa Sibi, born and raised in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, inherited her love for cooking from her mother. Her culinary creations reflect the flavors of Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, and the Mediterranean region.

Must-try dishes: Suya lamb, cassava and sweet potato leaves, peanut stew and poulet braise a l'ivoirienne.

10. Soban

Location: Los Angeles, California, USA

Soban serves authentic Korean dishes prepared using traditional techniques and showcases a selection of freshly made banchan every day. Located in the western portion of LA's Koreatown, it has been in business for 14 years. This Michelin Guide-recognized authentic Korean restaurant provides some of the best seafood and BBQ dishes in town.

11. Ajja

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

Ajja, a restaurant founded by the celebrated Chef Cheetie Kumar, business partner Paul Siler, and chef Chris Gamble, derives its name from the Hindi/Urdu word "Ajja," meaning a festive and welcoming space. Featuring a focus on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, the restaurant is situated in the Five Points neighborhood of Raleigh. It emphasizes sustainability, art, music, and local farm support, while embracing cultural influences in a warm and inviting dining setting.

Must-try dishes: Moroccan hummus, grilled king trumpet mushrooms, charred broccoli raab and chicken kabab.

12. BOSK (Shangri-La Toronto Hotel)

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Nestled within the Shangri-La Toronto hotel, Bosk celebrates its connection with nature and its commitment to using locally sourced Canadian ingredients that expertly blend the tastes of Italy. The recommended dishes, thoughtfully selected by Executive Chef John Ross Woodland and Chef De Cuisine Troy Cabarios, beautifully capture Bosk's passion for cuisine and dedication to northern Italian flavors.

Must-try dishes: “Marc’s Mushrooms” porcini, foie gras crostini, carrot delight