Are you a Francophile looking to explore the best French restaurants in Toronto? Are you looking to indulge in some European comfort food? Or you want to bask in the typically romantic experiences surrounding French dining.
Some magnificent French restaurants in Toronto offer all that and more. But what are the best ones that must be tried?
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Why is Toronto a Great City for French Cuisine?
It’s no secret that Canada has a significant French influence, being one of the country’s national languages. The country’s settlers dominated a substantial portion of the east for a long time, so it’s natural that their cuisine became an integral part of Canadian life.
Yes, the most notable French influence lies in Quebec. However, as Canada’s largest city, it’s easy to see why some of the best local cuisines could find their way into Toronto. As it so happens, there are world-class French restaurants in the city.
We’re here to highlight the creme de la creme!
How Did We Determine the Best French Restaurants in Toronto?
But how did we find the best French restaurants when there are so many to choose? We used a particular set of criteria to filter the outstanding establishments from the hundreds of venues in the Greater Toronto Area, including:
- Quality of French cuisine
- Standards of customer service
- The overall atmosphere within the restaurant
- General customer feedback
- Range of available dishes
So with that in mind, we explored some of the most recommended French restaurants throughout the city and found some we’ll remember for life.
| Best French Restaurants in Toronto | Google Rating | No. of Google Reviews |
| Le Select Bistro | 4.5 | 2,043 |
| Auberge du Pommier | 4.5 | 1,751 |
| Alo | 4.7 | 1,507 |
| Scaramouche Restaurant | 4.7 | 1,176 |
| La Palette | 4.5 | 998 |
| Maison Selby | 4.5 | 964 |
| Le Baratin | 4.7 | 860 |
| Le Paradis | 4.5 | 605 |
| Jules Bistro | 4.5 | 603 |
| Le Swan | 4.6 | 529 |
Discover the 10 Best French Restaurants in Toronto in 2023
Google My Maps Link:
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Without further adieu, let’s unveil the best french restaurants in Toronto this year.
Le Select Bistro
“Savor the traditional French classics”
The perfect pairing of food and wine at Le Select Bistro. (Image Source: Le Select Bistro Instagram)
You can’t get more French than a restaurant with gorgeous decor, outstanding quality food, and a wine library of over 1,000 bottles, each complimenting the varied menu. Le Select Bistro is one of Toronto’s favorite spots for a reason, offering the perfect dining experience to celebrate a splendid occasion.
A drizzle of red wine jus on our carré d’agneau at Le Select Bistro (Image Source: Le Select Bistro Instagram)
Le Select Bistro is top of the range for French cuisine in the city. The venue is well-known and revered for the perfectly cooked steak and fries and the flavorful classics like escargot.
If you’re looking for the best, you don’t need to look further than Le Select Bistro.
Pricing: Entrees start at $19.00
Pros:
- Great range of classic French dishes
- Beautifully presented both in interior and food
- Welcoming to families, even with young children
Cons:
- Instances of miscommunication with reservations
- The seafood was not up to some customer’s expectations
- Pricier than other establishments
Location: 432 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1E3
Google Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (2,043 reviews)
It’s hard to argue why Le Select Bistro shouldn’t be a contender for the best French restaurant in Toronto. The venue has the most reverence of any other establishment specializing in the cuisine, with over 2,000 reviews awarding it a 4.5-star average.
Auberge du Pommier
“Enjoy the romance of suburban Paris”
Auberge du Pommier’s elegant decor sets the tone for a sophisticated dining experience. (Image Source: Auberge du Pommier Instagram)
Another gem in Toronto’s plethora of Francophile locations is Auberge du Pommier, offering what many would consider the idyllic French dining experience. There’s an aura of romance about the place, making guests transcend into a suburban Parisian locale, creating an atmosphere with elegant decor and some fantastic wines.
The presentation of the food at Auberge du Pommier is as impressive as the taste. (Image Source: Auberge du Pommier Instagram)
Of course, we can’t forget how the food compliments that sophisticated vibe. There’s particular praise for the seafood and the steak tartare, with many guests unable to take photos of each course because of the immaculate presentation.
Pricing: Entrees start at $24.00
Pros:
- Dish presentation is a suburb
- Knowledgeable staff to help you curate your perfect meal
- An elegant atmosphere perfect for a romantic occasion
Cons:
- A costly meal out
- Meals can take a while to come out
- The dishes are small
Location: 4150 Yonge St, North York, ON M2P 2C6
Google Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (1,751 reviews)
Auberge du Pommier is another French cuisine location that could easily rank as one of the best in Toronto. Visitors have a pleasant experience almost exclusively, highlighting that it’s worth the cost.
The venue has received over 1,700 reviews with a 4.5-star average to highlight its culinary significance.
Alo
“An upscale dining experience”
From the food to the plating, Alo pays meticulous attention to detail. (Image Source: Alo Instagram)
Alo has been the hot ticket for French cuisine in recent years, with many guests mentioning that the previously mentioned restaurants may have some real competition on their hands. Visitors highlight the flawless complete experience, from the attentive service to the delicious, varied tasting menu.
The exquisite plating at Alo is almost too beautiful to eat! (Image Source: Alo Instagram)
The upmarket restaurant has all the features that could get it a Michelin star; eye-catching decor, meticulous attention to detail, and world-class tastes that match the remarkable presentation. Alo could raise the table to be a citywide favorite!
Pricing: Starts at $95.00 per Pax
Pros:
- The taster menu offers all the French culinary classics
- Potential for Michelin accolades
- Regular menu changes entice guests to return regularly.
Cons:
- Hard to get a reservation
- Long waits both to be seated and for meals
- Bill will be around $200+ per person
Location: 163 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5V 2L6
Google Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5 (1,507 reviews)
Alo’s upscale, quality reputation is undoubtedly reflected through customer feedback on trust platforms. The restaurant sees one of the highest scores in the city, with a 4.7-star average singing its praises under 1,500 reviews.
Scaramouche Restaurant
“Where skyline views meet French haute cuisine”
A feast for the eyes and the palate at Scaramouche Restaurant. (Image Source: Scaramouche Restaurant Instagram)
Suppose the ambiance matters just as much as the quality of your meal. In that case, Scaramouche offers one of the more appropriate French dining experiences. It’s a perfectly balanced atmosphere offering elements of sophistication but laid back in its charm, allowing guests to feel relaxed while soaking in the skyline views.
Grab a plate of delicious halibut at Scaramouche Restaurant. (Image Source: Scaramouche Restaurant Instagram)
Scaramouche Restaurant specializes in French haute cuisine, guaranteeing gourmet presentation and incredible flavors. Let’s not forget the service who tend to be walking wine encyclopedias, never failing to pair your meal choices with the perfect glass of white or red.
Pricing: Main Courses start at $35.00
Pros:
- Fantastic skyline views of the city
- A relaxed, pleasant atmosphere for guests
- Specialists in luxury French cuisine
Cons:
- Portions smaller than customer expectations
- Guests feel rushed sometimes
- Advertised as casual but not accommodating to families
Location: 1 Benvenuto Pl, Toronto, ON M4V 2L1
Google Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5 (1,176 reviews)
The haute cuisine and the breathtaking views are the two driving factors in making Scaramouche Restaurant a French favorite. The location receives a 4.7-star average, with nearly 1,200 reviews loving their visits.
La Palette
“Casual ambiance and classic French cuisine”
Cozy and casual ambiance at La Palette. (Image Source: La Palette Instagram)
Now we venture into the side of French restaurants that have a more casual, relaxed atmosphere. La Palette has the vibe of a Norman countryside restaurant, focusing on the superb quality of food and drink, ensuring good times are shared by guests enjoying their meals.
Dive into delicious French classics at La Palette. (Image Source: La Palette Instagram)
You’ll find the standard French classics done casually at La Palette. The presentation isn’t Michelin standard, but the flavors are divine, hitting the nail as Toronto’s ultimate French comfort food.
Pricing: Entrees start at $12.00
Pros:
- A more casual, no-hassle French dining experience
- Cheaper than other upmarket French restaurants
- All French classics are cooked to perfection
Cons:
- The menu isn’t always accurate (they’ll only serve what’s in-house)
- Service can be slow and inattentive
- It’s a cramped environment that may not feel comfortable.
Location: 492 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B2
Google Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (998 reviews)
La Palette certainly wins its favor as a casual French dining experience to remember. Guests enjoy that they can pop into the restaurant and have excellent steak frites without having to dress up and pay a fortune.
The restaurant receives a 4.5-star average with just under 1,000 reviews.
Maison Selby
“Cuisine that transcends your tastebuds”
Unwind and enjoy great food and drinks at Maison Selby. (Image Source: Maison Selby Instagram)
And veering back to the more idealized French restaurant setting, Maison Selby is set up in a sophisticated, time-themed location, offering upscale bistro-style fare. Here you’ll find some extraordinary cocktails to start your evening, followed by classic cuisine that transcends your tastebuds.
Have a bite of hazelnut chiboust, dark chocolate, toffee at Maison Selby. (Image Source: Maison Selby Instagram)
Maison Selby procures the vibe of an Art Deco-era speakeasy, where guests are in a sanctuary purely built for their clandestine entertainment. Guests highly recommend the tasting menu to absorb the broad spectrum of flavors but specifically mention the scallops and oysters as highlights of their visit.
Pricing: Entrees start at $28.00
Pros:
- An upscale restaurant curating a historical theme
- Excels in their seafood dishes
- Perfect for groups of friends or a dinner date
Cons:
- Service is lacking in some areas
- Pasta dishes don’t match the quality of the meat and seafood menu
- Staff not exceptionally knowledgeable about the menu
Location: 592 Sherbourne St, Toronto, ON M4X 1L4
Google Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (964 reviews)
Maison Selby is another upmarket purveyor of French cuisine with plenty of praise to keep guests returning. The restaurant sees a 4.5-star average with over 900 reviews loving the more relevant Francophile experience, bringing the soul of Paris into Toronto.
Le Baratin
“A modern twist on traditional French cuisine”
Locally sourced and expertly prepared – Le Baratin’s dishes are a feast for the senses. (Image Source: Le Baratin Instagram)
For every historic French restaurant in Toronto, there’s another that offers the complete opposite. Le Baratin aims to break the mold of the traditional French cuisine locals in the city by bringing a modern twist into the mix, both in meals and decor.
Le Baratin’s dishes are as beautiful as they are delicious, a treat for the eyes and the palate. (Image Source: Le Baratin Instagram)
There’s an added city-style flair where all products are locally sourced, shaping them to meet the exceptional modern French cuisine standards yet infusing a taste of home. It’s safe to say that Le Baratin is one of the more unique French restaurants in Toronto. Still, its eccentric offers don’t dampen quality in the slightest!
Pricing: A two course dinner starts at $48.00
Pros:
- Small dishes to allow guests to try multiple things
- Fabulous service
- A unique location to indulge in French cuisine
Cons:
- Veers away from traditional fare, which isn’t always appreciated
- Portion sizes and meal styles may put off some
- A rushed dining experience when busy
Location: 1600 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1T8
Google Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5 (860 reviews)
Toronto is a cosmopolitan city, and with it comes a population always eager to try different takes on classic cuisines. Le Baratin scored a winner, accruing a 4.7-star rating with over 850 reviews.
Le Paradis
“Find your own piece of paradise”
Savor the moment with every bite of Le Paradis’ exceptional French cuisine. (Image Source: Le Paradis Instagram)
How can you not be intrigued by a restaurant translated as ‘paradise’? Le Paradis creates what they believe to be their take on what makes an uplifting sanctuary, including a cozy space to share the love with excellent food and drink.
Experience paradise on a plate at Le Paradis, where French cuisine meets cozy ambiance (Image Source: Le Paradis Instagram)
The romantic ambiance adds to the restaurant’s charm, and the menu’s quality is as tasteful as it is varied. Another feature visitors highlight is that Le Paradis is reasonably priced compared to other upscale locations, offering a similarly sophisticated experience for less.
Pricing: Entrees start at $25.00
Pros:
- Fresh food and a varied menu
- Reasonably priced for similar upmarket experiences
- A cozy area that procures a romantic ambiance
Cons:
- It does get busy, which can hinder the atmosphere
- Not a location that excels in delivery orders
- Some complaints of beef dishes being overcooked
Location: 166 Bedford Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2K9
Google Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (605 reviews)
Le Paradis is neatly tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing guests to escape into a more relaxed atmosphere. That aspect of the experience is undoubtedly appreciated, giving the restaurant a 4.5-star average with over 600 reviews.
Jules Bistro
“Simple, straightforward, and delicious.”
Cozy up and enjoy the simple pleasures of French cuisine at Jules Bistro. (Image Source: Jules Bistro Instagram)
Sometimes simplicity is a virtue in French cuisine, and that’s certainly the perspective Jules Bistro takes. The restaurant specializes in the famed dishes of the country’s south, where the sun and sea complement the flavors of each meal.
Steak frites – a classic French dish done to perfection at Jules Bistro. (Image Source: Jules Bistro Instagram)
Jules Bistro is a French restaurant that’s refreshingly straightforward, serving up a delicious three-course meal without all the fuss and faff of an upscale establishment. Enjoy southern French comfort food in a relaxed setting, where the focus on providing a good meal certainly shows itself.
Pricing: Entrees Start at $24.95
Pros:
- A hassle-free dining experience
- Discover delicacies from the south of France
- A must-try steak frites!
Cons:
- Many instances of confusion over the bill
- Service isn’t up to standard.
- Inconsistencies in steak quality
Location: 924 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G6
Google Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (603 reviews)
Jules Bistro has built its success on being one of the most accessible French restaurants in town, welcoming anyone who has a sudden craving for steak frites or escargot. The restaurant has nearly 600 reviews awarding it a 4.5-star average.
Le Swan
“Simply enchanting”
The perfect ambiance for a romantic evening out at Le Swan. (Image Source: Le Swan Instagram)
Finally, we’ll move on to Le Swan, another rising star in Toronto’s ever-growing cauldron of French cuisine. The captivating decor and the premier quality classic dishes that guests regularly revere at this establishment, enjoying the stereotypically Parisian art-deco style and the soul-soothing comfort fare.
Seafood lovers rejoice! Le Swan’s menu will not disappoint. (Image Source: Le Swan Instagram)
If the atmosphere of Le Swan hasn’t won you over already, you’ll find their menu simply irresistible. The range of delicious dishes, including fresh seafood and dreamy fondue, could easily have been prepared by a world-class chef.
Pricing: Starts at $10.00
Pros:
- Stereotypically pleasing French art-deco decor
- More focus on comfort classics that taste amazing
- Excellent, dedicated service
Cons:
- It’s a bit on the pricey side
- Some seafood dishes are a bit salty for some’s taste
- Doesn’t meet upscale presentation standards
Location: 892 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G3
Google Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (529 reviews)
There’s a distinctive charm to Le Swan, and that’s why guests enjoy their visits so much. Over 500 reviews see the restaurant awarded a 4.5-star average, enjoying the balance between casual eating and marvelously detailed decor.
Say “Oui” to the Finest French Cuisine in the Greater Toronto Area
So are you ready to get out there and excite your palette with some of the finest French cuisine Toronto offers? You’ll never fall short of options, including world-class dining experiences that even the pickiest Parisians could approve of!
All we have to say is, “Bon Appetit!”