Toronto Life Restaurant Reviews Explained
How we do it
• All the starred restaurants on torontolife.com are recommended by our anonymous reviewers. We do not review restaurants that we do not recommend.
• Restaurant bills are paid by Toronto Life, and the reviews have no connection to advertising.
• Reviewers award stars for food and wine quality, as well as presentation, service, atmosphere, ambition and originality.
• All of our restaurant reviews can be found at torontolife.com/restaurants.
Price ratings
The price rating of a restaurant is determined by the average cost of a three-course meal for two people, not including tip, tax or alcohol.
$ INEXPENSIVE
Two people can dine at these restaurants for under $90.
$$ MODERATELY PRICED
Two people can dine at these restaurants for under $130.
$$$ EXPENSIVE
Two people can expect to pay over $130 at these restaurants.
What the stars mean
$30 GOURMET
Reviews marked with this symbol are for restaurants that allow one person to dine well for $30 or less, including tax and tip. They are not star rated, but Toronto Life does recommend them.
GOOD
There is something special about one-star restaurants: the location, the decor, the service, the originality of the cooking, or the prices. Ingredients are unquestionably fresh, and the service is, at minimum, efficient.
VERY GOOD
A two-star restaurant shows flashes of excellence and ambition. It’s striving to be better than its peers and in many ways succeeds by using uncommon techniques and ingredients. Service is knowledgeable and efficient.
EXCELLENT
A three-star restaurant stands above its peers. The flavours and ingredients complement and build on each other, and many dishes contain happy surprises. Service meets every expectation without being snobbish.
EXTRAORDINARY
A four-star restaurant presents an exquisite food experience. The food is exciting in taste and presentation, and the chef routinely breaks new ground. Service is impeccable.
PERFECT
A five-star restaurant presents a flawless, utterly original and unparalleled dining experience.
