In an illustrious celebration of culinary artistry, Air Canada has bestowed the honour of the ‘Top 10 Best New Restaurants of 2023’ upon the most deserving establishments across the Great White North. This esteemed recognition not only underscores the prowess of these gastronomic havens but also brings to the forefront the unparalleled talent and innovation that permeates Canada’s vibrant food scene.

The venerable title of ‘Canada’s Best New Restaurant’ has been triumphantly claimed by Kappo Sato, a Toronto-based gem led by the culinary virtuoso Chef Takeshi Sato. This exquisite dining establishment epitomizes the Kappo-style Omakase tradition, presenting a sensory feast where the culinary ballet unfolds right before the patrons’ eyes. Guests are enveloped in an intimate atmosphere, bearing witness to the alchemy of ingredients transforming into gastronomic masterpieces.

Nestled in the heart of Whistler’s scenic mountain scape, Wild Blue stands proudly in second place, redefining the parameters of fine dining. Chefs Alex Chen and Derek Bendig orchestrate a symphony of flavours, showcasing a prime selection of meats and seafood, leaving an indelible mark on the palates of discerning diners. Victoria’s Marilena Café and Raw Bar captures the third spot, enchanting guests with its upscale seafood offerings, served in a relaxed yet refined setting on the picturesque Vancouver Island.

For over two decades, Air Canada’s ‘Best New Restaurants’ program has championed the culinary arts, spotlighting emerging talent and innovative cuisine. This initiative has seamlessly intertwined the worlds of dining and travel, fostering economic growth within communities and encouraging culinary exploration. “Dining and travelling are significant economic contributors within our communities, and part of our objectives every year is to help new businesses flourish and for our travellers to see the possibilities of where culinary experiences can take them,” articulates Andy Shibata, Vice President, Brand at Air Canada, capturing the essence of this grand culinary odyssey.

This year’s Top 10 encapsulates the crème de la crème of establishments that have blossomed between late spring 2022 and May 31, 2023. These dining destinations have been meticulously evaluated on the brilliance of their cuisine, the excellence of service, and their unwavering commitment to culinary creativity. The prestigious list is uniquely curated by a lone, incognito reviewer, ensuring impartiality and authenticity in the selection process.

Amy Rosen, a distinguished food critic and author, took on the mantle of the anonymous reviewer, returning to the program she first graced from 2002-2003. Over an enigmatic month-long journey across Canada, Rosen discreetly dined at over 30 nominated establishments, each vying for a coveted spot on the list.

Without further ado, here is the definitive list of Canada’s Best New Restaurants of 2023:

1. Kappo Sato (Toronto, ON): Chef-owner Takeshi Sato, an alumnus of Tokyo’s Michelin-starred Ukai, orchestrates a sublime two-and-a-half-hour Kappo Omakase in a serene setting, ensuring an intimate and immersive dining experience.
2. Wild Blue (Whistler, BC): This opulent steakhouse, under the culinary stewardship of Chefs Alex Chen and Derek Bendig, serves up succulent cuts of meat and a lavish assortment of seafood, setting a new standard in mountain resort dining.
3. Marilena Café and Raw Bar (Victoria, BC): Chef Kristian Eligh and his team redefine Vancouver Island hospitality, balancing upscale offerings with a welcoming ambience, delivering a seafood-centric feast for the senses.
4. Rizzo’s House of Parm (Fort Erie, ON): Chef Matty Matheson introduces his hometown to his latest culinary venture, where hearty mozzarella sticks and generously topped Parmesan dishes reign supreme.
5. Petit Socco (Winnipeg, MB): This intimate dining haven, helmed by co-owners and life partners Adam Donnelly and Courtney Molaro, offers a four-course extravaganza featuring a medley of flavours from tempura shishito peppers to a lavish seafood tostada.
6. Bonheur D’Occasion (Montreal, QC): Chef-owner Philippe Gauthier curates a generous feast complemented by the sweet mastery of pastry chef Victor Adnet, creating a dining experience wrapped in kindness and culinary excellence.
7. Folke (Vancouver, BC): Co-owners Colin Uyeda and Pricilla Deo invite diners to a plant-based paradise where vegan cuisine ascends to new heights, culminating in a chocolate cake that is nothing short of a masterpiece.
8. Le Molière par Mousso (Montreal, QC): Chefs Antonin Mousseau-Rivard, Daniel Vézina, and Samuel Sauvé-Lamothe breathe new life into the classic brasserie, offering a menu that both honours and innovates, with desserts that are a must-try.
9. Espace Old Mill (Stanbridge East, QC): Jean-Martin Fortier’s idyllic inn and restaurant offer a countryside escape, complete with Chef Éric Gendron’s exquisite dishes from the freshest local ingredients.
10. Darlings (Bloomfield, ON): Jesse Fader’s upscale pizza haven in Prince Edward County promises a culinary adventure with house-made Stracciatella and sugar pie slices that are the talk of the town.

In addition to the Top 10, Air Canada’s program features special mentions, celebrating various aspects of the dining experience, from trailblazing chefs to standout dishes and exceptional design. The complete list of honorees and special mentions can be found at CanadasBestNewRestaurants.com.

The crescendo of this gastronomic celebration was the Awards Celebration held in Toronto on November 1, 2023. The event was a grand affair, with chefs and teams from the Top 10 establishments gathering to receive their well-deserved accolades and showcase their signature dishes to an audience of over 600 guests, including industry professionals and Air Canada patrons. This culinary showcase, along with the comprehensive coverage in Air Canada’s enRoute magazine and on CanadasBestNewRestaurants.com, ensures that the brilliance of these establishments is shared far and wide, inspiring a new generation of food enthusiasts and travellers alike.

Air Canada extends its heartfelt gratitude to Diageo Canada, the gold-level sponsor, for their unwavering support and commitment to enriching Canada’s culinary landscape. Their partnership plays a pivotal role in fostering the celebration of culinary excellence across the country.

The ‘Top 10 Best New Restaurants of 2023’ underscores Air Canada’s enduring commitment to uplifting the Canadian culinary scene, celebrating the masterful chefs, innovative cuisine, and exemplary dining experiences that make Canada a gastronomic powerhouse. With this annual celebration, Air Canada continues to elevate the nation’s culinary profile on the world stage, igniting the passion for gastronomy and travel in the hearts of Canadians and global travellers alike.

Written by: Don Power

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