Top 10 New Restaurants in Canada for 2025 Announced by Air Canada

The culinary scene in Canada has received a fresh spotlight with the announcement of the Top 10 New Restaurants for 2025 by Air Canada. Topping the list is Mystic, a restaurant located on the scenic Halifax waterfront, renowned for its immersive tasting menus that showcase the flavors of Nova Scotia’s rich maritime resources. Opened in late September 2023, Mystic has quickly made a name for itself under the guidance of Chef Malcolm Campbell.

According to Air Canada, Mystic “blends coastal warmth with refined elegance, delivering a seafood-forward menu rooted in Nova Scotia’s rich waters.” The restaurant emphasizes sustainability, utilizing locally sourced ingredients while merging innovative cooking techniques with traditional maritime flavors. This combination has set a new standard for dining experiences in the region.

Highlights from the 2025 List

Following closely behind at No. 2 is Le Violon, located in Montreal. This establishment, led by Chef Danny Smiles, has garnered attention for its homage to the city’s French culinary heritage. With a menu that is hyper-seasonal, Le Violon offers a dynamic blend of bold flavors and refined presentations. The restaurant even hosted notable figures such as former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and pop star Katy Perry earlier this year, further elevating its profile.

Taking the third spot is aKin in Toronto, which celebrates the city’s multicultural identity. This fine dining venue pushes the boundaries of modern Canadian cuisine with globally inspired dishes that reflect the diverse culinary landscape of the nation.

The remainder of the top ten includes notable establishments across Canada, with four in Vancouver, three in Toronto, two in Montreal, and one in Halifax. The complete list features:

• Sushi Hyun Omakase, Vancouver – No. 4
• Maven, Toronto – No. 5
• Nero Tondo, Vancouver – No. 6
• Yan Dining Room, Toronto – No. 7
• Sumibiyaki Arashi, Vancouver – No. 8
• Pasta Pooks, Montreal – No. 9
• Niwa, Vancouver – No. 10

Determining the Best

The selection process for this year’s winners involved an anonymous culinary expert who assessed Air Canada’s list of 31 finalists from various cities, including St. John’s, Winnipeg, and Burlington, Ontario. The assessment incorporated a rigorous evaluation of every aspect of the dining experience, ensuring that only the best made it to the final list.

Now in its 24th year, Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants program stands as the longest-running new restaurant ranking in Canada. It aims to inspire Canadians to explore the nation’s culinary diversity through food. The announcement of the 2025 top 10 list took place on November 17, 2023, adding excitement to the country’s vibrant dining landscape.

For those planning a culinary adventure, the selection of these new restaurants promises an exciting journey through Canada’s rich culinary heritage and modern innovations.