Toronto's Most Romantic Dining Destinations for Valentine's Day 2026
As Valentine's Day approaches, new data reveals that Torontonians are embracing broader celebrations of love beyond traditional romantic partnerships. OpenTable Canada has released its annual list of the 100 most romantic restaurants across the country, with Toronto featuring prominently among the selections.
Data-Driven Dining Discoveries
OpenTable's comprehensive analysis examined more than 900,000 diner reviews across its online reservation platform. The study incorporated multiple factors including detailed diner ratings, reservation demand patterns, and reviews specifically tagged with "romantic" descriptors. This meticulous approach identified 13 standout romantic restaurants within Toronto proper, with Ontario claiming 47 spots on the national list.
Toronto's romantic restaurant selections include:
- Auberge du Pommier
- BlueBlood Steakhouse
- Canoe Restaurant and Bar
- DaNico
- Don Alfonso 1890
- Jazz Bistro
- La Plume
- Maison Selby
- Old Mill Toronto
- Piano Piano Colborne
- REIGNS
- Scaramouche Restaurant
For those in Toronto's west end, Via Allegro Ristorante in Etobicoke also earned recognition as a bonus selection.
Evolving Valentine's Day Traditions
The data reveals significant shifts in how Canadians approach Valentine's Day celebrations. According to OpenTable's findings, 57% of Torontonians plan to dine out to mark the occasion, whether on February 14th itself or during the surrounding weekend. Perhaps more surprisingly, 61% of singles admitted they would consider using Valentine's Day as an opportunity for a first date.
Matt Davis, Senior Director at OpenTable Canada, commented on these evolving trends: "Valentine's Day isn't just about romance anymore and Canadians are embracing the cultural shift, with 51% saying it's now about celebrating all kinds of relationships, not just romantic ones."
The Rise of Galentine's and Palentine's Celebrations
This cultural transformation extends beyond romantic partnerships, with 53% of respondents agreeing that Valentine's Day has evolved to celebrate any meaningful relationship. This sentiment has given rise to Galentine's and Palentine's celebrations on February 13th, where friends gather to honor their platonic bonds.
OpenTable's research indicates that 37% of Canadians plan to celebrate with friends, while 59% intend to mark these friendship-focused occasions by dining out. Generation Z appears to be driving this trend most enthusiastically, with 59% planning Galentine's or Palentine's celebrations—22% above the national average—and 65% of them looking to commemorate these gatherings through restaurant dining.
Increased Spending and Expanded Options
Whether celebrating romantic or platonic love, Canadians demonstrate willingness to invest in these special occasions. The data shows that 33% of diners expect to spend more at restaurants this Valentine's Day compared to the previous year. This increased spending extends to friendship celebrations as well, with Galentine's Day in 2025 witnessing a 53% year-over-year increase in dining at restaurants priced at $51 and above.
For those looking beyond Toronto's core, several Greater Toronto Area establishments also earned recognition:
- Cucci Ristorante in Oakville
- DiMario's Trattoria in Burlington
- Watercolour in Markham
- MISHREE Cocktails & Cuisine in Mississauga
- Bella Notte Ristorante in Whitby
As Valentine's Day 2026 approaches, Toronto's dining scene offers numerous options for celebrating love in all its forms, from romantic partnerships to cherished friendships.
