1. Kwan Dim Sum

Rating/Price: 5.0 $$
Why? Elevated dim sum, lovely service, elegant interior, dishes perfect for sharing
Must Order: Shrimp Dumplings, Rice Roll
Good For? First dates, midtown location, refined Chinese food

 

2. La Carnita

Rating/Price: 4.5 $$
Why? Well priced, delicious tacos, cozy seating
Must Order: In Cod We Trust, Dessert
Good For? Casual date, dinner before another activity

 

3. The Good Son

Rating/Price: 5.0 $$$
Why? Intimate dining area, great tasting menu, good cocktails
Must Order: Charcuterie and Cheese Board, Seasonal Cocktails
Good For? Special occasions, trying to impress, foodies

 

4. Koyoi

Rating/Price: 4.5 $$
Why? Good food, located downtown, hidden gem
Must Order: Sashimi Salad, Beef Tataki
Good For? Casual date, pitchers of beer

 

5. Oyster Boy

Rating/Price: 4.5 $$$
Why? Fresh oysters, intimate seating, amazing pasta
Must Order: Oysters, Papperdelle Pasta
Good For? Seafood lovers, special occasions

 

6. Pizzeria Libretto

Rating/Price: 4.5 $$
Why? Delicious pizzas, also available for take away
Must Order: Duck Confit Pizza, Calamari
Good For? Casual date, pizza lovers

 

7. Sake Bar Kushi

Rating/Price: 4.5 $$$
Why? Intimate booths, traditional izakaya decor, many menu choices, perfect for sharing
Must Order: Ebi Mayo, Yakitori
Good For? Izakaya experience without the yelling, midtown location

 

8. Pai Northern Kitchen

Rating/Price: 4.0 $$
Why? Takes reservations, best Thai food in the city
Must Order: Squash Fritters, Papaya Salad
Good For? Casual date, dinner before going out

 

9. Bestellen

Rating/Price: 4.5 $$$
Why? Intimate seating, good wine list, wonderful service, great steak without breaking the bank
Must Order: Dry Aged Steak
Good For? Foodies, special occasions

 

Honourable Mentions:

• DaiLo – 4.0 $$$
• Fonda Lola – 4.5 $$
• Sabai Sabai – 4.0 $$
• Porzia – 5.0 $$$
• Enoteca Sociale 4.0 $$$

Still TBE (To be Eaten):

• R&D
• Lee
• Furlough
• Dandylion
• Bar Raval
• Buca

Did I miss your favourite restaurant? Let me know in the comments. Last Updated: 10/02/2015  

My love of ramen started with a package of Mr. Noodles when I was in elementary school. I always drank all of the broth (yes, salt, I know!) and of course ate the noodles raw, crushed, and shaken with the seasoning. As my family moved around Canada and eventually settled in Toronto, suddenly I had access to so many more brands and types of instant noodles. Nong Shim, Nissin, kimchi flavour, udon noodles; needless to say I was a happy girl. The cup noodle has a special place in my heart for it’s convenience and ability to brighten my lunch in a compact package but I’ll always love cooking instant noodles and adding my poached egg. During my two trips to Japan, my diet consisted of sashimi and ramen and for once I didn’t get odd looks for drinking all my broth!

xiaoEats at the Cup Noodle Museum in Japan

What I look for in a bowl of ramen are three things:

1. The noodles – are they chewy? has a good texture? not doughy and not over done?
2. The broth – is it rich? how much fat is there? is it bland? and even for me, is it too salty?
3. The toppings – what’s included? is there an egg? how’s the meat cooked? garlic paste? bamboo? seaweed? is there a good portion and balance?

Based on these criteria, here’s my ranking of Toronto Ramen shops (as of Jan. 30th 2014)

1. Sansotei – 5.0 $ @ 179 Dundas St W
2. Santouka – 4.5 $ @ 91 Dundas St E
3. Niwatei Ramen – 4.5 $ @ 3160 Steeles Ave E
4. Kinton Ramen – 3.5 $ @ 51 Baldwin St
5. Ramen Raijin – 3.5 $ @ 3 Gerrard St E
6. Touhenboku Ramen – 3.5 $ @ 261 Queen St W
7. Ryoji Ramen – 3.5 $$ @ 690 College St
8. Kenzo – 3.5 $ @ 4860 Yonge St

Still to come:

1. Momofuku Noodle Bar
2. Ryus Noodle Bar
3. Ramen Isshin