Montreal’s Sabayon took the top spot in Air Canada’s 2024 Top 10 Best New Restaurants.
Led by acclaimed pastry chef Patrice Demers and sommelier Marie-Josée Beaudoin, Sabayon offers intimate afternoon tea and evening dinner services that showcase locally sourced seasonal ingredients.
In second place, Toronto-based Mhel, by co-owners Seung-min Yi and Young Hoon Ji, serves Korean-Japanese dishes with a touch of magic. Taking third place, Édith Foliot and Didier Lortie’s Maison de Soma redefines farm-to-table dining from a 600-acre property in the Laurentian Mountains.
“At Air Canada, we are thrilled to share the very best of our country with the world and for more than two decades, this program has shone a spotlight on Canada’s vibrant, world-class culinary scene,” said Andy Shibata, vice president, brand at Air Canada. “Food is an enriching part of travel experiences and through this program which supports new businesses, we hope to inspire travellers with even more compelling reasons to explore our country.”
Now in its 23rd year, Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants reviews dining spots opened across the country between late spring 2023 and May 31, 2024. Judged by a single, anonymous reviewer, the Top 10 list evaluates all aspects of the dining experience, from culinary vision and quality of ingredients to service and overall team spirit.
This year’s Top 10 restaurants were selected by award-winning cookbook author, Wall of Bakers judge and culinary journalist Tara O’Brady. Her gastronomic journey spanned over 30 restaurants in 16 cities nationwide, from a cliffside bed and breakfast in Bay Bulls, Newfoundland and Labrador, to a bustling kitchen in Victoria Public Market.
“Every restaurant I visited told an eloquent story about its community, championing local ingredients and diverse culinary traditions,” said O’Brady. “Notably, this year is the ‘year of the couple,’ with five of the Top 10 (and each of the top three spots) run by restaurateurs who are partners in both life and business.”
The 2024 Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants program saw the return of special mentions including Dish of the Year, Dessert of the Year, Cocktail of the Year, Design of the Year, Sides of the Year and Concept of the Year.
