Air Canada Unveils Top 10 New Restaurants for 2025

Air Canada has announced its much-anticipated list of the top 10 new restaurants for 2025, highlighting culinary excellence across the country. Topping the list is Mystic, a waterfront restaurant in Halifax, Nova Scotia, recognized for its innovative tasting menus that blend local Maritime flavors with global culinary techniques. Opened in late September 2022, Mystic has quickly gained acclaim for its seafood-centric offerings.

According to Air Canada, “This waterfront gem blends coastal warmth with refined elegance, delivering a seafood-forward menu rooted in Nova Scotia’s rich waters.” The restaurant emphasizes sustainability by sourcing ingredients locally and embracing maritime-inspired flavors, combining inventive techniques with traditional methods.

Montreal and Toronto Shine

Coming in at No. 2 is Le Violon, located in Montreal and helmed by chef Danny Smiles. This establishment has already attracted notable visitors, including former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and pop star Katy Perry. Air Canada notes that Le Violon “pays homage to the city’s French culinary heritage with a hyper-seasonal menu fusing bold flavors and refined plating.”

In third place is aKin, a fine dining venue in Toronto that celebrates the city’s multicultural identity. The restaurant is recognized for its globally inspired dishes that push the boundaries of modern Canadian cuisine.

The list features a strong representation from Vancouver, with four restaurants making the top 10. These include Sushi Hyun Omakase at No. 4, Nero Tondo at No. 6, Sumibiyaki Arashi at No. 8, and Niwa at No. 10. Toronto also claims three spots with Maven at No. 5 and Yan Dining Room at No. 7. Rounding out the list is Pasta Pooks from Montreal at No. 9.

To determine the winners, an anonymous culinary expert conducted a thorough evaluation of 31 finalists across Canada, which included restaurants in cities such as St. John’s, Winnipeg, and Burlington, Ontario. This evaluation included “a rigorous assessment of every aspect of the dining experience,” ensuring that the top 10 were selected based on merit.

Now in its 24th year, Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants program stands as the longest-running new restaurant ranking in Canada. The initiative aims to inspire Canadians to explore the nation’s diverse culinary landscape through food. The 2025 top 10 list was officially announced on November 17, 2023.

As food enthusiasts look to explore new dining experiences, this list not only highlights the best new establishments but also showcases the creativity and passion of Canada’s culinary scene.