Air Canada has announced its 2024 list of the Top 10 Best New Restaurants in Canada during a celebratory event in Toronto, where Sabayon from Montreal claimed the top position. This restaurant, helmed by renowned pastry chef Patrice Demers alongside sommelier Marie-Josée Beaudoin, delights guests with exclusive afternoon tea and evening dining experiences, featuring seasonal ingredients sourced locally.
Toronto’s Mhel, led by co-owners Seung-min Yi and Young Hoon Ji, claimed the second spot, offering an enchanting blend of Korean and Japanese cuisine. In third place, Maison de Soma, the creation of Édith Foliot and Didier Lortie, brings a fresh take on farm-to-table dining, set against the backdrop of a sprawling 600-acre estate in the Laurentian Mountains.
“At Air Canada, we are thrilled to share the very best of our country with the world and for more than two decades, this program has shone a spotlight on Canada’s vibrant, world-class culinary scene,” said Andy Shibata, Vice President, Brand at Air Canada. “Food is an enriching part of travel experiences and through this program which supports new businesses, we hope to inspire travellers with even more compelling reasons to explore our country.”
Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants, now marking its 23rd edition, showcases dining establishments that launched across the country from late spring 2023 to May 31, 2024. Each restaurant is meticulously assessed by a single anonymous critic, who considers every facet of the dining experience, including the creativity of the menu, ingredient quality, service excellence, and the overall team dynamic.
This year’s Top 10 lineup was curated by Tara O’Brady, an esteemed cookbook author, judge on Wall of Bakers, and respected food journalist. Her extensive culinary exploration covered over 30 eateries across 16 cities nationwide, ranging from a charming cliffside inn in Bay Bulls, Newfoundland and Labrador, to a vibrant kitchen at the Victoria Public Market.
“Every restaurant I visited told an eloquent story about its community, championing local ingredients and diverse culinary traditions,” said Ms. O’Brady. “Notably, this year is the ‘year of the couple,’ with five of the Top 10 (and each of the top three spots) run by restaurateurs who are partners in both life and business.”
The 2024 Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants initiative celebrated the return of special accolades, including categories such as Dish of the Year, Dessert of the Year, Cocktail of the Year, Design of the Year, Sides of the Year, and Concept of the Year.
Air Canada’s Top 10 Best New Restaurants of 2024:
Sabayon (Montreal, QC): This intimate 14-seat dining space stands out for its meticulous approach, showcasing the expertise of pastry chef Patrice Demers and sommelier Marie-Josée Beaudoin. Attention to detail is paramount, from the custom cobalt blue cutlery holders to the Dish of the Year: grilled oyster mushrooms adorned with a caramelized arlette and an airy sabayon sauce.
Mhel (Toronto, ON): Mhel presents a vibrant open kitchen, where chefs wield six burners and dual charcoal grills to deliver a fusion of Korean and Japanese flavors. Its standout purin, a Japanese take on crème caramel, was awarded Dessert of the Year by Air Canada.
Maison de Soma (Mont-Tremblant, QC): Set on a sprawling 600-acre estate in the Laurentians, this farm-to-table restaurant sources nearly all of its ingredients on-site. Highlights include a twist on okonomiyaki and the tropical Somananas sour, which earned Cocktail of the Year recognition.
Takja BBQ House (Toronto, ON): Known for its premium Korean barbecue experience, Takja BBQ House delights with house-dry-aged meats, seafood, and seasonal vegetables. The Sides of the Year went to its banchan, featuring kimchi, mustard greens, spicy jalapeño muchim, and scallion salad.
Café Malabar (Victoria, BC): Tucked inside the Victoria Public Market, Café Malabar offers diners the taste of coastal Kerala. From fish chatty choru served in clay pots to egg puffs and lacy hoppers, every dish arrives with an authentic touch.
Parapluie (Montreal, QC): This charming bistro in Mile End pairs expertly baked breads and crispy frites with dishes like eggs in tarragon emulsion and trout in horseradish dill cream, inviting guests to savor each bite.
Bar Prima (Toronto, ON): Exuding vintage allure, Bar Prima in Toronto is recognized for its standout interior design. Selected as the Design of the Year, it serves refined classics such as beef tartare with chives, fermented chili, and a touch of sardine and bone marrow cream.
Fat Rabbit (St. Catharines, ON): A unique concept helmed by chef Zach Smith, Fat Rabbit serves as a grill house, zero-waste butcher, caterer, and grocer. Its innovative approach earned it the title of Concept of the Year.
Gary’s (Vancouver, BC): Industry veterans Bailey Hayward and Mathew Bishop bring supper club charm to South Granville, featuring dishes like crudo, gem salad, hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, and rabbit, catering to both locals and visitors.
Crumb Queen/Andy’s Lunch (Winnipeg, MB): This dual-concept spot starts the day with Cloe Wiebe’s naturally leavened bread and pastries, transitioning at lunchtime to Andrew Koropatnick’s menu of sandwiches, pastas, and salads, crafted from housemade pizza bianca.
Awards Celebration
The Top 10 restaurants were announced at an exclusive event in Toronto on November 4, 2024. Chefs and their teams gathered to accept their accolades and showcase dishes from their award-winning menus to industry peers, Air Canada guests, and special invitees.
Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2024 was made possible with the continued support of Diageo Canada as a gold-level sponsor, underscoring their dedication to elevating the Canadian dining scene.
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