10 Winterlicious restaurants where you'll get the best bang for your buck

Reservation lines open on January 12 for Toronto’s annual prix fixe promotion happening citywide from January 27 to February 9.

More than 220 restaurants are participating this year, each offering three-course menus for a set price. So where should you book a table?

Well, the most coveted tables in Toronto correlate with the most enticing value on offer.

Look for menus advertising luxurious ingredients and elaborate preparations, plus typically high-end establishments that are usually reserved for special occasions, dining on the company dime, and generous family dinners sponsored by grandma.

Here are my picks for the top Winterlicious restaurants where you’ll get the best bang for your buck.

Bestsellen

Dinner $38
The prix fixe at chef Rob Rossi’s College Street tavern features favourites off the regular menu including Ontario burrata (regular $19), casarecce with fennel sausage, flat iron steaks ($32), and salmon with beluga lentils ($28).

Address: 972 College Street, Toronto
Instagram: @chefrobrossi

Bymark

Lunch $28 / Dinner $48
Look forward to kimchee-style steak tartare, burrata with roasted grapes, and braised rabbit tagliatelle among the selections at Chef Mark McEwan’s restaurant in the Financial District.

Address: 66 Wellington Street West, Toronto
Instagram: @themcewangroup

Café Boulud

Lunch $28 / Dinner $48
Indulge in elaborate French classics at chef Daniel Boulud’s Yorkville restaurants. On the menu at lunch, find selections such as salad niçoise, cassoulet de Toulouse, and éclairs, Meanwhile, the dinner menu boasts an assortment of pâté and terrine, boeuf bourguignon, and tarte aux myrtilles.

Address: 60 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto
Instagram: @cafebouludto

Canoe

Lunch $28 / Dinner $48
The top tier Toronto restaurant on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower is a complete steal at $28 for lunch and $48.

Look forward to luxe selections like foie gras parfait, or Fogo Island salt cod and crab rillettes to start, followed by Kolapore Springs trout or braised wild boar in caramel apple butter, and decadent desserts such as sticky toffee pudding.

Address: 66 Wellington Street West, Toronto
Instagram: @canoerestaurant

The Carbon Bar

Dinner $38
Start with seafood salad, or pit-smoked pork tacos before moving on to selections like brisket and ribs or blackened seabass at this upscale smokehouse on Queen East. Desserts are equally indulgent and include options like burnt Basque cheesecake and a double chocolate brownie.

Address: 99 Queen Street East, Toronto
Instagram: @thecarbonbar

The Chase Fish & Oyster

Lunch $23 / Dinner $38
Seafood studded selections including Bay Shrimp Louie, mussels on toast, and littleneck clam linguini are among the tempting dishes on offer during Winterlicious at this sophisticated seafood restaurant in the Financial district.

Address: 10 Temperance Street, Toronto
Instagram: @thechasefo

Chiado

Lunch $28 / Dinner $48
This upscale Portuguese restaurant on College Street is a bastion for old school fine dining where valet parking, white linens, and fine service are de rigour. The Winterlicious menu is stocked with seafood selections, starters like grilled sardines, salmon tartare, and lobster and shrimp bisque, and entrees starring fresh cod, skate wing, or octopus.

Address: 864 College Street, Toronto
Instagram: @chiadotoronto

Frank

Lunch $23 / Dinner $38
Book a table on a Wednesday night when admission to the AGO is free and you’ve got yourself one high-end date on the cheap. On the menu, selections like fresh ricotta crostini, white shrimp and bay scallop bucatini, and caramelized apple cake finished with almond-oat crumble and wildflower honey.

Address: 317 Dundas St W
Instagram: @agotoronto

Miku

Lunch $28 / Dinner $48

The sushi restaurant on the waterfront is an upscale destination where the Winterlicious menu is teaming with surf and turf including selections such as sashimi, sushi, and, chirashi at lunch, and standouts like miso-baked sablefish with yuzu butter-poached lobster tail, and beef tenderloin with pan seared foie gras at dinner.

Address: 10 Bay Street, unit 105, Toronto
Instagram: @mikutoronto

Ufficio

Dinner $28
The pescatarian restaurant on deals in meat-free Italian fare. The Winterlicious menu offers selections like albacore tuna crudo, white bass with cauliflower and celeriac puree, cannelloni filled with ricotta and roasted squash, and more.

Address: 1214 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Instagram: @UfficioToronto

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