by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 8:25 AM ET, Tue November 18, 2025
Air Canada has unveiled its 2025 Top 10 Best New Restaurants in Canada, honouring Halifax’s Mystic with the top spot at a celebration event held in Toronto on November 17.
Led by Chef Malcolm Campbell, Mystic earned first place for its immersive tasting menus that blend Maritime terroir with global technique, in a waterfront setting.
Montreal’s Le Violon placed second, followed by Toronto’s aKin in third.
“This year’s winners remind us of the bold creativity shaping the Canadian culinary scene today,” said Andy Shibata, VP, 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.”
2025 Top 10 Best New Restaurants in Canada
1. Mystic (Halifax, NS)
A seafood-forward tasting experience rooted in Nova Scotia waters, emphasizing sustainable, locally sourced ingredients and inventive technique.
2. Le Violon (Montreal, QC)
A French-influenced fine dining spot offering hyper-seasonal dishes and bold flavour combinations that reflect Quebec’s culinary heritage.
3. aKin (Toronto, ON)
Known for globally inspired dishes that mirror Toronto’s multicultural identity and push the boundaries of modern Canadian dining.
4. Sushi Hyun Omakase (Vancouver, BC)
A meticulously prepared omakase experience using sustainable Pacific Northwest seafood and Japanese craftsmanship.
5. Maven (Toronto, ON)
Chef Shauna Godfrey reimagines Jewish and Eastern European dishes through a modern lens, creating a warm neighbourhood dining experience.
6. Nero Tondo (Vancouver, BC)
Handmade pastas, bold sauces, and thoughtful wine pairings define this contemporary Italian restaurant.
7. Yan Dining Room (Toronto, ON)
An eight-course neo-Chinese dining experience by Chef Eva Chin, built on seasonal ingredients and elevated interpretations of traditional techniques.
8. Sumibiyaki Arashi (Vancouver, BC)
A 14-seat yakitori-focused omakase restaurant specializing in binchotan-charcoal cooking and seasonal flavours.
9. Pasta Pooks (Montreal, QC)
A playful, counter-service pasta spot offering handmade noodles with creative twists.
10. Niwa (Vancouver, BC)
A nature-inspired dining experience featuring Pacific Northwest ingredients prepared with Asian techniques, emphasizing simplicity and artistry.
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