Top food and wine articles of 2024

January 4, 2025

A celebration of culinary innovation, immersive dining, and exceptional wine programs across Canada, these were readers’ favourite restaurant stories of the past year

From the vibrant food and wine culture of Montreal to the cutting-edge culinary experiences found in Halifax, Toronto, and Quebec City, 2024 has been an extraordinary year for gastronomic exploration. This selection of standout stories showcase the creativity, innovation, and passion driving Canada’s culinary scene forward.

Read Also: Top wine features of 2024

Alongside immersive dining experiences (Arvi) and celebrated newcomers (Mystic, Blue Bovine), we revisit some of the year’s most talked-about culinary personalities, including Chef Daniele Corona, and explore a new wave of elevated hotel lobby bars that are redefining social spaces. Whether you’re a dedicated wine enthusiast, a foodie seeking the next unforgettable meal, or simply someone who appreciates the art of great hospitality, these features are sure to inspire your palate and spark your culinary curiosity. Click on each headline below for the full stories, and sign up for our Vine & Dine Newsletter for the latest food and wine news in 2025!

An insider’s guide to top food and wine experiences by sommeliers and industry pros from Canada’s second city.

15 top Montreal restaurants for (and by) wine lovers

In 2024, VineRoutes followed up on its Top Ontario Restaurants features from 2023 and 2022 respectively, and explored Montreal’s vibrant food and wine culture. This insider’s guide features the city’s top 15 restaurants, as chosen by local sommeliers, food writers, and industry experts. The curated list highlights establishments where exceptional cuisine and thoughtfully curated wine programs come together to create unforgettable dining experiences. From the refined minimalism of Bouillon Bilk to the playful elegance of Mon Lapin, the guide captures the diversity of Montreal’s culinary scene, showcasing everything from Italian-inspired wood-fired dishes at Elena to classic French bistro charm at L’Express.

Each restaurant offers something unique, with an emphasis on quality, creativity, and pairing perfection. These places are celebrated not just for their food and wine but for the harmony between the two, making this article a must-read for any wine lover visiting Montreal.

Posted October 21, 2024

Mystic is a refined dining experience blending local ingredients with global techniques.

Mystic: Halifax’s newest culinary gem opens in Queen’s Marque District

Mystic, the latest addition to Halifax’s Queen’s Marque District, opened on September 27 under the leadership of Chef Malcolm Campbell. Operated by Freehand Hospitality, the restaurant emphasizes sustainability, ethical sourcing, and Nova Scotia’s terroir with two seasonal tasting menus—Flora (plant-based) and Fauna (land and sea proteins). The wine program features 165 selections, highlighting Nova Scotia wines and global pairings. Designed by DesignAgency, Mystic blends modern elegance with natural elements, offering Atlantic Ocean views and an open kitchen. It also serves as an exclusive event space from Sundays to Tuesdays.

Posted October 2, 2024

The Michelin-starred chef discusses his relentless pursuit of culinary excellence in Toronto’s dynamic dining scene.

Chef Q&A: DaNico’s Daniele Corona talks culinary fusion, innovation, and tradition

Chef Daniele Corona, raised in Naples, Italy, blends traditional Italian culinary techniques with modern Asian influences at his fine-dining restaurant, DaNico, in Toronto. After earning a Michelin star for Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto in 2022, Corona launched DaNico in September 2023, focusing on sustainable, seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes like “Italy in a Bite.” His philosophy emphasizes premium ingredients, creativity, and maintaining a strong kitchen team. With a deep passion for Italian culinary traditions and global exploration, Corona earned DaNico a Michelin star in September, officially marking it as a world-caliber destination.

Posted September 3, 2024

Today’s top lobby bars have a renewed dedication to customer service and a food and beverage experience that is paramount.

4 Canadian hotel lobby bars elevating the food and drink experience

Hotel lobby bars are undergoing a revival, blending stylish designs, elevated food, and innovative cocktails to attract both guests and locals. Highlights include Clive’s Classic Lounge in Victoria with European-inspired dishes and adventurous drinks, Stanley in Montreal with a flexible menu and signature cocktails, Mossop’s Social House in Toronto featuring Mediterranean flavours and a unique bar-desk concept, and 43 Down in Toronto offering theatrical mixology and a rotating menu. These spaces redefine the lobby bar experience as vibrant social hubs.

Posted August 28, 2024

Hospitality icon Liberty Entertainment Group and celebrity investors unveil Toronto’s newest culinary gem.

Blue Bovine Steak and Sushi House opens at Toronto’s Union Station

Blue Bovine Steak and Sushi House, located in Toronto’s Union Station, is a fine dining destination blending steakhouse and sushi concepts with a modern-industrial design. Spearheaded by Liberty Entertainment Group’s Nick Di Donato, alongside investors Kevin O’Leary and hockey star player Mitch Marner, the restaurant features locally sourced ingredients, an innovative menu inspired by BlueBlood Steakhouse, and an extensive wine program with over 3,000 bottles.

Designed by Nadia Di Donato, the space combines sleek modernism with historic charm, highlighted by a 1,500-pound bronze bull sculpture. Blue Bovine aims to serve diverse clientele, from corporate diners to post-game fans, offering an elevated yet accessible experience.

Posted February 19, 2024

More than the feeling of simply dining out, Arvi provides an event-like experience.

Arvi: Breaking boundaries between kitchen and table

Arvi, a 30-seat restaurant in Quebec City’s Limoilou neighborhood, offers an immersive, human-centric dining experience where the kitchen and dining space merge seamlessly. Opened in 2018, the restaurant’s team serves as chefs, storytellers, and sommeliers, presenting a five-course tasting menu with thoughtful wine pairings. Chef-owner Julien Masia combines fine dining precision with bistro warmth, emphasizing fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. The minimalist yet complex dishes and a curated beverage menu reflect a deep connection to producers. Arvi’s signature brioche with foie gras and birch syrup embodies its welcoming yet refined ethos. Its name, meaning “see you soon,” captures the promise of a return-worthy experience.

Posted February 2, 2024

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