Updated Fall 2023

January in Toronto means cold, snow and Winterlicious – Toronto’s favourite winter activity is back for its 20th year and, with over 200 restaurants participating, the foodie festival promises to be better than ever. Here are some Theatre District restaurants you won’t want to miss.

 Stages Restaurant

Hand-crafted cocktails, Canadian-inspired local flavours and a perfectly curated wine list…need we say more? Stages Restaurant at the Pantages Hotel is a great way to taste some of what Toronto has to offer. Start off with delectable spinach & mushroom Cones, with sautéed spinach, mushroom purée, pastry, asiago cream, balsamic pearls, radish microgreens, butternut squash, toasted spices, walnuts, crème fraîche, and fresh dill. Move on to the mains with a choice of creamy pappardelle pasta, fried chicken paillard, or the classic fish & chips. As for dessert, we’ll let that be a surprise – but you can view the full menu here.

Estiatoria Volos

Estiatoria Volos puts a modern twist on classic Greek dishes – and their Winterlicious menu (coming soon!) is the perfect opportunity to try something new. Here you can always expect the best and freshest seafood in the city – so if fresh baked halibut, sesame-crusted salmon, or fresh calamari calls to you, this is the place. Oh, and did we mention the baklava? Reserve early to avoid disappointment!

What is Winterlicious?

Originally designed to boost the restaurant trade at a traditionally slow time of year, Winterlicious and its summer counterpart Summerlicious have grown into annual celebrations of the culinary arts. The event is run by the City of Toronto, which selects the restaurants that are allowed to participate based on a number of stringent criteria. Participating restaurants must offer prix fixe menus at specific price points – prices for 2024 are coming soon! It’s a great way to experiment with new restaurants around town and to enjoy a meal at a location that may normally be out of your price range.

Winterlicious isn’t just about indulging your taste buds – it’s also about learning. Over the course of the two-week festival, you can participate in a number of culinary events, which are expected to be announced for the 2024 seasons soon.

Knowing this delicious indoor feast is just a few months away makes braving the upcoming winter weather so much easier. We can’t wait for Winterlicious 2024!