Air Canada has unveiled the finalists for the 2025 Best New Restaurants list, featuring 31 emerging dining destinations that capture the creativity and diversity shaping Canada’s culinary culture. Spanning 10 cities from St. John’s to Victoria, these restaurants represent the energy and vision defining the country’s evolving food scene.
According to Andrew Shibata, Vice President of Brand at Air Canada, the program continues to honour the people and places influencing how Canadians experience food and travel. The finalists were chosen for their quality, service, and innovation, each bringing a distinct approach rooted in local ingredients and cultural inspiration.
Restaurants considered for the 2025 list opened between May 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025. Nominations came from a national panel of culinary voices, and an anonymous expert evaluated the contenders. In collaboration with DINR, the process identified restaurants that deliver exceptional dining experiences.
2025 Air Canada Best New Restaurants Finalists
Toronto
- aKin
- General Public
- Linny’s
- Maven
- Yan Dining Room
Montreal
- Bona Fide
- Claire Jacques
- Le Violon
- Molenne
- Panacée
- Pasta Pooks
- Restaurant Limbo
- Rotisserie La Lune
- Sushi Nishinokaze
Vancouver
- ELEM
- June
- Nero Tondo
- Niwa
- Selene
- Sumibiyaki Arashi
Victoria
- Janevca
- Rabbit Rabbit
Halifax
- Mystic
- Tribute
Winnipeg
- Baby Baby
- Shirley’s
Calgary
- DOPO + Bar Rocca
Edmonton
- Olia
Burlington
- No. 8
St. John’s
- Rabble
Each finalist will be featured through DINR, which partners with the program to connect diners with exclusive reservations, culinary content, and events highlighting Canada’s best restaurants.
Since launching in 2002, Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants has remained the country’s longest-running dining ranking, offering a platform that celebrates innovation in Canadian cuisine.
The Top 10 restaurants will be revealed on November 17 in Toronto at a special event hosted by chef Chuck Hughes.