Dreyfus Toronto

Dreyfus sits at 96 Harbord Street, within reach of the University of Toronto. It holds the no. 14 spot on the list of Canada’s 100 Best, serving a contemporary take on classic French cooking.

While the surrounding area often reflects the academic bustle of the university or the high-gloss shine of Yorkville, this spot rejects that frantic pace. The room runs smart and elegant, but it avoids the stiff, heavy formality typically expected of French dining in the city. You choose Dreyfus because it balances rigorous technique with an unpretentious quality, making it a better pick for an understated night out than the traditional institutions nearby.