Celebrity chef Chuck Hughes and Air Canada dish on Canada’s next big restaurants

Canada is home to many top-notch restaurants, with chefs across the country redefining what Canadian cuisine can be.

In celebration of that culinary innovation, Air Canada is back with its Best New Restaurants Awards for 2025. Now in their 24th year, the awards spotlight exciting new restaurants from coast to coast that are raising the bar for creativity, quality, and service.

We caught up with the host of Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants’ event, Chef Chuck Hughes, to dish on the 31 finalists and what these awards say about the ever-evolving landscape of Canadian dining.

What it takes to make the cut 

General Republic Toronto/Air Canada Best New Restaurants

Each year, new restaurants are independently nominated by a national panel of culinary voices, but only a few make it to the prestigious finalist rounds. For Hughes, restaurants need to offer more than just a tasty meal to make the cut.

“I believe that the restaurants that become finalists on the list have to embody the spirit and rigour of the program. It’s about more than food, it’s about originality, their wine and cocktails, ambiance, and hospitality,” he tells Daily Hive.

When it comes to the ranking, every nomination is carefully reviewed before each restaurant is experienced. To ensure an authentic experience, an anonymous culinary expert visits each restaurant — just like any other guest. Each detail is assessed within a rigorous framework to help select the finalists and Top 10, shaping Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants.

“The panel considers sustainability, support of local growers, workplace culture, and how each restaurant honours cultural heritage and diversity,” Hughes says.

Meet the 31 finalists 

Limbo Montreal/Air Canada Best New Restaurants

For 2025, Hughes says every finalist embodies the cultural identity of its city and origin —  setting the standard for what’s new and innovative and defining what’s next in the meaning of Canadian cuisine.

In Toronto, Maven, Akin, Yan Dining Room, General Public, and Linny’s made the cut — along with Burlington’s No. 8 representing just outside the city.

Out west, Vancouver’s culinary scene shines with Selene, Elem, June, Niwa, Tondo, Sumibiyaki Arashi, and Sushi Hyun Omakase, joined by Victoria favourites Rabbit, Rabbit and Janevca.

Montreal brings its signature flair with Bona Fide, Sushi Nishinokaze, Molenne, Le Violon, Pasta Pooks, Panacée, Rôtisserie La Lune, Restaurant Limbo, and Claire Jacques all earning well-deserved nods.

Further across the country, Baby Baby and Shirley’s represent Winnipeg, alongside Rabble from St. John’s, Olia from Edmonton, Tribute and Mystic from Halifax, and Calgary’s own Dopo and Bar Rocca rounding out the list.

Hughes sums it up perfectly: “Each restaurant on the list embodies a blend of imaginative artistry and bold culinary evolution, inspiring travellers to explore Canada’s diverse dining culture coast to coast.” 

Canadian cuisine, served hot 

Tribute Halifax/Air Canada Best New Restaurants

With more than 20 years as a chef and restaurant owner, Hughes has witnessed firsthand the evolution of Canada’s culinary scene. “There’s a level of craftsmanship that has become unparalleled in this country’s restaurants,” he said.

It’s that ever-growing talent, Hughes believes, that deserves to be celebrated — calling the list “so important to showcase Canada’s rich and varied food culture.”

As a program ambassador, Hughes has had the chance to explore some of the country’s best new dining spots and see firsthand how recognition can transform a restaurant’s future. “Air Canada’s list gives chefs and restaurants a platform to show that their food is worth flying across the map for,” he said. 

Speaking about a recent dining experience at finalist restaurant Bona Fide, he adds: “They are already feeling the effects of Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants. I’ve spoken with the owner, who was really happy with the buzz they’ve gotten.”

Explore Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants 

Sushi Nishinokaze Montreal/Air Canada Best New Restaurants

See how it all goes down on Nov. 17 in Toronto, where the Top 10 restaurant winners will be announced at Air Canada’s Best New Restaurant event. Hosted by Hughes, it’s guaranteed to be a cause for culinary celebration. 

Learn more about the 31 finalists and stay tuned for the winners to be announced and shared on Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants website. Best of luck!