Winnipeg 
Air Canada has unveiled the top 10 restaurants in Canada for 2023, with Toronto’s Kappo Sato claiming the prestigious first position.
Kappo Sato in Toronto named Canada’s Best New Restaurant. (CNW Group/Air Canada)
Kappo Sato, led by chef Takeshi Sato, is known for its Kappo-style Omakase dining experience, where the tasting menu is skillfully prepared right in front of guests. In second place is Whistler’s Wild Blue, a lavish steakhouse offering an exquisite selection of meats and seafood. Victoria’s Marilena Café and Raw Bar secured the third spot, serving upscale seafood in a relaxed atmosphere on Vancouver Island.
Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2023 showcases the finest dining establishments that have opened between late spring 2022 and May 31, 2023. These restaurants excel in food quality, service, and culinary innovation. Per the news release, this ranking employs a single anonymous reviewer, making it the longest-running cross-country restaurant ranking at 22 years.
Amy Rosen, food critic and author of Canada’s Best New Cookbook, was responsible for selecting the top 10 after a month-long, undercover journey across Canada. She visited over 30 nominated establishments recommended by industry experts.
The list of Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2023 includes notable names like Rizzo’s House of Parm in Fort Erie, Petit Socco in Winnipeg, Bonheur D’Occasion in Montreal, Folke in Vancouver, Le Molière par Mousso in Montreal, Espace Old Mill in Stanbridge East, and Darlings in Bloomfield.
List of Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2023:
- Kappo Sato (Toronto, ON): A tranquil omakase experience where Chef Takeshi Sato prepares a tasting menu in front of guests.
- Wild Blue (Whistler, BC): A luxurious steakhouse in Whistler offering prime meats and seafood.
- Marilena Café and Raw Bar (Victoria, BC): An upscale seafood restaurant in a relaxed setting.
- Rizzo’s House of Parm (Fort Erie, ON): A restaurant in Chef Matty Matheson’s hometown, known for saucy, cheesy Parms.
- Petit Socco (Winnipeg, MB): An intimate restaurant offering a four-course dinner with inventive dishes.
- Bonheur D’Occasion (Montreal, QC): A generous meal experience known for its kindness and mille-feuille dessert.
- Folke (Vancouver, BC): A vegan restaurant offering inventive and delicious plant-based cuisine.
- Le Molière par Mousso (Montreal, QC): A classic brasserie in a new Quartier Latin space with unique doré meunière.
- Espace Old Mill (Stanbridge East, QC): A countryside inn and restaurant offering delicious dishes.
- Darlings (Bloomfield, ON): An upscale pizza restaurant with fresh-made Stracciatella and sugar pie.
