Halifax restaurant Mystic has earned first place honours in Air Canada’s 2025 Top 10 Best New Restaurants in Canada. Led by chef Malcolm Campbell and his team, Mystic’s immersive tasting menus marry local Maritime terroir with global technique in a beautiful waterfront setting.
In second, Montreal’s Le Violon, led by chef Danny Smiles, pays homage to the city’s French culinary heritage with a hyper-seasonal menu fusing bold flavours and refined plating. Taking third place, Toronto’s aKin celebrates the city’s multicultural identity with globally inspired dishes pushing the boundaries of modern Canadian dining.
“This year’s winners remind us of the bold creativity shaping the Canadian culinary scene today,” said Andy Shibata, vice president, Brand at Air Canada. “Whether it is the reinvention of Canadian classics or a chef pouring their heart into an omakase experience, each restaurant reflects its community in a different way. And together they show the incredible range of flavour and culture across the country. We are proud to shine a spotlight on their work and inspire more people to explore Canada through its food.”
The Top 10 Best New Restaurants of 2025 are:
- Mystic (Halifax, NS): This waterfront gem blends coastal warmth with refined elegance, delivering a seafood-forward menu rooted in Nova Scotia’s rich waters. Signature dishes highlight sustainable, locally sourced ingredients and maritime-inspired flavours, marrying inventive technique with timeless tradition.
- Le Violon (Montreal, QC): A maestro of Quebec’s culinary traditions, Le Violon pays homage to Montreal’s French influence while carving out its own bold identity. This intimate fine dining destination presents a hyper-seasonal menu built on locally sourced ingredients, with artful plating and bold flavour combinations that reflect the province’s rich gastronomic heritage.
- aKin (Toronto, ON): Celebrating Toronto’s multicultural identity, aKin presents globally inspired dishes with bold, unexpected flavour combinations. From its vibrant atmosphere to its chef-driven dishes, aKin creates an experience that redefines modern Canadian dining.
- Sushi Hyun Omakase (Vancouver, BC): Known for its meticulous preparation, Sushi Hyun Omakase offers a masterful omakase experience featuring sustainable Pacific Northwest seafood. Each course pays tribute to Japanese culinary craftsmanship with a distinct West Coast twist.
- Maven (Toronto, ON): Maven blends nostalgia and modernity by drawing inspiration from traditional Jewish and Eastern European dishes. Chef Shauna Godfrey’s recipes create a warm, neighbourhood vibe with a sophisticated twist, inviting diners to feel at home while enjoying her take on comforting flavours.
- Nero Tondo (Vancouver, BC): Handmade pastas, bold sauces, and curated wine pairings define Nero Tondo’s contemporary spin on Italian cuisine. Infused with regional influences, the restaurant’s menu offers a seamless balance of traditional techniques and innovative flavour profiles.
- Yan Dining Room (Toronto, ON): “Yan,” meaning banquet feast in Chinese, inspires this exclusive eight-course dining experience created by Chef Eva Chin. Neo-Chinese cuisine comes to life through local, seasonal ingredients and elevated reinterpretations of traditional culinary techniques.
- Sumibiyaki Arashi (Vancouver, BC): This 14-seat omakase spot elevates the art of yakitori, with each skewer cooked over binchotan charcoal for precise, clean flavours. Seasonal fish, vegetable-forward plates, and innovative textures add depth to the menu, while respecting the practice of balance and restraint.
- Pasta Pooks (Montreal, QC): A counter-service eatery with a youthful edge, Pasta Pooks combines the comfort of handmade pastas with creative twists. Bold flavours and playful presentation make this Montreal hotspot a must-visit for food lovers.
- Niwa (Vancouver, BC): Niwa merges the elegance of nature with culinary sophistication, offering dishes inspired by Pacific Northwest ingredients and Asian techniques. From serene plating to refined flavour combinations, Niwa creates a memorable dining experience that embraces simplicity and artistry.
