The top 30 restaurants for a first date in Toronto by neighbourhood

The top restaurants for a first date in Toronto might just help you get to date number two. If dinner is on the table, you'll want somewhere fun, not necessarily fancy, and of course, there should be drinks to help instill enough courage to go in for a kiss.

Make a good first impression with a pick from this list organized by Toronto neighbourhood.

See also

The top 10 restaurants for a first date in Toronto
The top 10 coffee shops for a first date in Toronto
10 unusual ideas for a first date in Toronto

ANNEX
The Harbord Room offers a sultry setting for a first date, and it maintains a sophisticated vibe without being too formal. Scrupulously crafted cocktails will help break the ice.

THE BEACHES
Take your hot tamale to Xola for a casual but intimate night out. The tiny Mexican restaurant is the perfect spot to let sparks fly over tacos and spicy cucumber margaritas.

BLOORDALE
The Burdock is the place to go if beer and live music are listed among the six things your date could never do without. The bar/restaurant/music hall/microbrewery has it all.

BLOOR WEST VILLAGE
Cured meats and olives, beef carpaccio and pillowy gnocchi are all very good reasons to take your next date to Campo. The restaurant on Jane has got a cozy and cool vibe and a volume level that'll let you get to know each other sans screaming.

CABBAGETOWN
It can get a little loud inside Kanpai when the draught cocktails start flowing, so expect to have to lean in real close to talk while you share Taiwanese snack foods like fried chicken and potato slaw.

CHINATOWN
People's Eatery is a friendlier date destination than its sister restaurant 416 Snack Bar. Both snack bars offer a great vibe, nibbles, and cocktails, but the Spadina spot takes resos!

CHURCH & WELLESLEY
Bespoke cocktails and steak tartare are a match made in heaven at Smith. With any luck, and perhaps a couple Paper Plane cocktails, love will be in the air.

THE DANFORTH
Show off your best self with a little liquid courage from The Wren. This spot can get a little loud, so get cozy over a couple pints and an order of gauc and chips.

DISTILLERY DISTRICT
El Catrin is an upmarket Mexican restaurant where tacos and tequila shots will set the tone for a fun night out with the object of your affection.

DUNDAS WEST
Strong drinks, sharable dishes, and a candle lit room are what makes Mr. Flamingo a great date destination. The menu is ever changing, but look forward to fresh shucked oysters and made-to-order burrata.

EGLINTON WEST
Ceviches, mini tacos, and ample vegetarian options make Frida a hot spot for a first time rendez-vous.

ETOBICOKE
Plan your date for a Friday night at Anatolia and hit it off over a mixed grill platter while taking in live Turkish music and a performance by belly dancers.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT
Meet for drinks at the bar of the Drake One Fifty and play things by ear before moving to a table to nibble on baked oysters an crispy duck wings. If things look promising, be sure to visit the photo booth - it's the perfect spot to steal a kiss and could be a memento to show your future grandkids.

THE JUNCTION
Let sparks fly at The Hole in the Wall where live music will give you good reason to lean in a just a little closer. The bar is well stocked with craft beers, while the kitchen is famous for its crispy calamari and duck confit wings.

KING EAST
Maybe you can have a Lady and the Tramp moment over a plate of Spaghetti Ca' Pummarola N'Goppa at Terroni on Adelaide. If that's just too cheesy, stick to strong negroni cocktails.

KING WEST
The attraction of Bar Buca begins with a dimly lit dining room and drinks-focused menu, but it's dishes like stuffed burrata, and crisp squash blossoms that might just steal your heart.

LESLIEVILLE
Woo your love interest at Dundas & Carlaw where a coffee date has the potential to turn into drinks, an assemblage of snacks, and maybe even a life long love affair.

LITTLE ITALY
Show off your playful side at Snakes & Lagers over board games and bites. Start with something quick and fun like Pit (great game) before deciding if you'll commit to a cheese plate and a game of Carcassone.

MOUNT PLEASANT
Neapolitan pizzas are the primary passion at Viva Napoli and the feelings are infections. Prized pies like the Margherita are capable of melting hearts.

OSSINGTON
Foxley is an eclectic bistro that serves up stellar ceviche and pan-Asian plates. The cozy ambience is just right for a first date, not to mention, there's a secluded back patio.

PARKDALE
Want to get lei'd? The Polynesian flavours at Miss Thing's set the right tone while Island-inspired cocktails including rum punch and pina coladas can't hurt.

QUEEN WEST
Lamesa is an intimate spot on Queen West where you can court your latest love interest over plates of salmon escabeche and halo halo parfaits.

RIVERSIDE
Unsure if your date eats meat? Play it safe at Tabule where an all accommodating menu lists ample options for vegetarians. Start with a spread of mezze and mojitos before committing to stay for a second course.

RONCESVALLES VILLAGE
Cast in warm candlelight, The Ace is perfect place for a dinner date. The menu bills a daily crudo along with starters like crostini topped with figs, ricotta and honey.

WEST QUEEN WEST
The cocktails at Swan by Rose and Sons are dangerously easy to drink while vinyl records contribute to the warm, convivial vibe. The cuisine here looks towards California for inspiration, so expect bright colours and clean flavours on each plate.

YONGE & DUNDAS
Sabai Sabai is a Thai restaurant and bar that features a relaxed atmosphere and exotic cocktail list that'll put both parties at ease. Test the waters with squash fritters and crispy taro rolls before moving on to spicy curries and stir-fry dishes.

YONGE & BLOOR
The warm and inviting interior at Wish is ideal for couples to get to know one and other. The eclectic menu offers something for any appetite and the wine list boasts bottles and by the glass selections.

YONGE & EGLINTON
Little Sister is a fun street hawker-inspired snack bar that serves up a assemblage of shareable plates including satay skewers and rendang tacos. The place can get packed, so impress your date by booking a table in advance.

YONGE & ST. CLAIR
Freshly prepared dim sum at Kwan is a delightful way to enjoy dumplings, savoury pancakes, and buns with not just a cup of customary tea, but also, alongside wine and beer.

YORKVILLE
Kasa Moto is a swank setting for sushi and a variety of other seafood-centric dishes. It's no doubt a splurge for a first date, so perhaps, reserve this one for a "sure thing".

What did I miss? Disagree with my selections in the comments.

Lead photo of Lamesa.

by Liora Ipsum via blogTO