Toronto’s Best Under $100 Dining Spots, Picked by Top Chefs

As a bookshop owner in Toronto, I’ve seen the city’s dining scene evolve. One thing that’s clear is that high-end dining is on the rise, but not all great meals have to come with a hefty price tag. To help you find the best spots where dinner for two stays under $100, we turned to the city’s top chefs and asked them to share their favourite restaurants.

The result is a definitive guide to Toronto’s 100 best restaurants under $100, as selected by 80 of the city’s best chefs. Here are the top two:

1. Occhiolino

Price: $499
Location: 499 Bathurst St.
Description: Think delicious shareable appetizers, some of the best pasta in the city, and soft serve ice cream to finish. This collaboration between Luke Donato, once Drake’s personal chef, and Nick Manzone of the elite wholesale brand Pastificio Double Zero, has stripped the space back to its bones, creating a light-filled concrete piazza that feels like a deliberate gallery, while the soul of the place remains unmistakably unpretentious “cucina povera.” Manzone’s pasta is the star, split between “fatto a mano” (handmade) and “al bronzo” (extruded) varieties. A must-try is the zucca fritti paired with an Amaretto Sour, a sweet and salty combo that perfectly anchors the restaurant’s balance of city edge meets Italian warmth.

2. Côte de Bœuf

Price: $299
Location: 1075 Ossington Ave.
Description: Stepping into Côte de Bœuf is an immediate escape from the Toronto grey. Part butcher shop, part pint-sized bistro, this Ossington staple ignores the trend cycle for something far more durable: a zinc bar, a tiled ceiling, and the heavy scent of dry-aging beef. Chef Teo Paul, an alum of Michael Stadtländer’s, brings a unique and timeless menu that celebrates traditional French bistro cooking. The standout dish is the steak, cooked to perfection, with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and a glass of red wine. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a casual night out.

This guide is not just about finding a good meal; it’s about discovering new neighbourhood gems and value-packed destinations. Whether you’re a local expat or a digital nomad, these restaurants offer a taste of the best of Toronto without breaking the bank. So, next time you’re in the city, consider these top picks for a memorable dining experience.