The good thing about living in a big city like Toronto is that you have an almost endless supply of restaurants to try. And among them, you have atypical restaurants that will change you from your traditional ones… Here’s my selection of 5 unique restaurants in Toronto for an unforgettable experience! Feel free to add your suggestions in the comments.
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Onoir – Dining in the dark
Onoir is the first restaurant in North America to offer a dining experience in total darkness. The idea of this restaurant is to eat by focusing on textures, tastes and smells. Not on the visual.
I’ve been there twice, and really recommend it. When you enter the restaurant, you’ll have access to the menu. You have the option of choosing the surprise menu and you don’t know what you’re going to eat. I played the game to the hilt by choosing the surprise menu. Once you’ve made your choice, you’ll be accompanied by one of the waiters into the dining room where the tables are located. From then on, you’ll be in total darkness. You’ll be guided to your seat. It’s worth noting that most of the team on site are blind.
Honestly, it’s a pretty intense experience, and one that can arouse certain anxieties in some people. After a moment of adjustment, you become aware of how your other senses become heightened when one is suppressed. But also how simple things like eating feel different without sight. This experience has given me a lot of empathy and respect for people who are blind or have difficulty seeing.
When your food arrives, you’ll discover a whole new set of sensations, relying on touch, for example, to guess what’s in front of you rather than sight.
Address: 620 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2G2 | Website | Instagram
A toi – The secret restaurant
Toronto has many secret restaurants. I had the opportunity to try 2 of them. And this one is my favorite. From the outside, it’s just a normal café. I won’t spoil the surprise by telling you more. I’ll just share the story they tell on their website. The hotel was built in 1920 by a French millionaire. Sadly, he died during construction, but his wife decided to continue the work. The name À toi is a message from one to the other.
We had booked online, but you can also try to go without a reservation. Just turn up at reception and ask to eat in the secret restaurant.
We were then guided to the secret entrance and transported back to the 1920s. I loved the way they really immersed us in history.
Please note that photos are forbidden except in one room.
Address: 214 King St W Basement Level 1, Toronto, ON M5H 3S6 | Website | Instagram
NBA Courtside Restaurant – The NBA restaurant
Granted, this place isn’t one of the most unique concept restaurants in Toronto compared to the previous two concepts. And yet I wanted to include it. You may know that I used to work with Toronto sports teams, only to be let go in a matter of minutes like in the movies. So today I have a different perspective on the sports industry. All this to say that the NBA Courtside restaurant opening in Toronto in 2023 is the first and only one of its kind in the world.
If you’re a basketball fan, I suggest you go there. Not only do you have big screens to watch the games. But you also have several collectibles tracing the history of the NBA. I had a great time walking all around, reading all the signs and admiring the basketball-inspired art pieces. What’s more, chef Erica Karbelnik won season 9 of Top Chef Canada. Personally, I was pleasantly surprised by the food.
Check my reel for a full tour.
Address: 15 Queens Quay E #101, Toronto, ON M5E 0C5 | Website | Instagram
Storm Crow Manor – Toronto Geek Restaurant
Calling all video game fans! If you’re looking for a video game-themed restaurant: I’ve got just what you’re looking for. Located in the heart of the Village on Church Street, the restaurant offers a unique experience. It’s full of references to science fiction films and board games for a fun evening out with friends. They describe themselves as the equivalent of a sports bar for geeks.
I’ve been there several times, and their terrace is really cool in summer! Not only are the drinks and food top-notch, but the place is also really hot. Open since 2019, it’s located in an old abandoned mansion.
Address: 580 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2E5 | Website | Instagram
The Keg Mansion – Most haunted restaurant in Canada
I warn you … the history of this restaurant can give you goose bumps. And I’ve eaten there several times too. Without knowing the story. So here goes my latest suggestion for a unique restaurant in Toronto.
The Keg is a chain of restaurants specializing in meat. They have dozens and dozens of restaurants across Canada and the United States. So far, so good. But if I tell you about this one, it’s because you get to eat in a haunted mansion. The building is really beautiful. It was built in 1867. In 1873, the Massey family (the same as Massey Fergusson tractors) moved into the house. Their stay was far from tranquil. The family’s young daughter was ill and died in the house, and one of the family’s employees committed suicide here too. Some time later, a little boy died after falling down the stairs. The house has been haunted ever since.
In 1976, the Keg bought the building and converted it into a restaurant. Since then, paranormal fans have visited the premises regularly. And several people have reported strange activity during their visit. Personally, I didn’t see anything suspicious – I was just there to eat in a mansion. I had no idea of the history of the place. And I’m not going to lie … it’s a good thing I didn’t know beforehand.
I’ll let you read the article here from an interview with one of the restaurant’s managers.
Address: 515 Jarvis St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2H7 | Website | Instagram
I hope you enjoyed this article on unique concept restaurants in Toronto and that you’ll like these restaurants! Feel free to leave your recommendations in the comments.
