Jun 11, 2025

Aloette Toronto

Toronto’s best restaurant's cooler sister

""Aloette" in Toronto is an upscale bistro with a wider range of food. Their burger is definitely a staple, and their iceberg wedge salad is a sleeper hit!"

Aloette is the younger sister to Patrick Kriss’ much lauded fine dining restaurant, Alo. And, like most younger siblings, this means that while Aloette is built with the same bones – great food, service and atmosphere – it is also more casual, a bit cooler and, dare I say, more likeable? (Disclaimer #1: I am the youngest child).

I would best describe Aloette as an upscale bistro, but even then that description doesn’t feel 100% accurate. The menu is a blend of bistro classics (steak, carpaccio, tartare), comfort food classics (burger, crispy potatoes (with cheese), chocolate sundae) and, for lack of a better term, Patrick Kriss good food (sea urchin on toast, seared scallops with miso, roasted carrot salad).

The menu consistently changes but the burger is a staple and worth getting as well as the iceberg wedge salad, which I like to think is a sleeper hit (i.e. sounds boring but it is so crunchy! So fresh! So balanced!) I hear the lemon meringue pie is also a must-have but I somehow never remember to save room for dessert when I’m there.

Pro tip: Aloette does not take reservations and it is popular. Plan to arrive at least one hour before you want to dine, put your name on the wait list and head upstairs to the bar at Alo (yes, that Alo) and grab a cocktail while you wait. Alternatively, come for a late lunch/early dinner.

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Spadina Avenue 163

Entree:

C$

20

4162603444

Find your way with 145 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Toronto guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Toronto

RE Place / Poured Coffee

Low-waste for the win

From biodegradable bamboo products to personal care items that are better for both you and the planet, you can find plenty here for a more sustainable life.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Jun 13, 2025

Good Intentions

Shop to support women

It’s rare that I leave this store without having bought something, be it a beautiful ring for myself, or a unique piece of artwork to give as a gift.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Jun 13, 2025

Gia Restaurant

Plant-forward perfection

With environmental sustainability in mind, Gia is a “plant-forward” restaurant, with the goal of sourcing produce locally, and organic when possible.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Jun 13, 2025

Scout

Gift giving made easy

Besides selling goods from small, often local, independent makers and mindfully selected brands, they also help to support local charities and initiatives.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Jun 13, 2025

Philistine

Curated clothing & goods

Founded over 15 years ago as a purveyor of vintage goods at local markets and pop-ups, Philistine now has two shops of its own, both on Queen Street.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Cassandra

Della Mora

Jun 13, 2025

Gift Shop

A not-so-secret secret speakeasy

"Gift Shop" is a secret, magical, speakeasy-type cocktail bar at the back of a barber shop in Toronto. It's actually quite well known though, so get read

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Anita

Kim

Jun 11, 2025

Swatow

My go-to for hole-in-the-wall Chinese food

"Swatow" Toronto's been my go-to for that kind of Chinese food for years -- you know, the comforting, inexpensive stuff that's still plentiful & delicious.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Anita

Kim

Jun 11, 2025

La Salumeria

The perfect midtown deli

"La Salumeria" is always where I go when I need something delicious on-the-go during the day. It's a delicatessen that also makes the best sandwiches!

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Anita

Kim

Jun 11, 2025

Parallel

My fave Israeli spot for brunch

"Parallel" in Toronto makes their own tahini with a huge stone grinder and they use it in just about every dish in the menu, including the amazing hummus.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Anita

Kim

Jun 11, 2025

The One in the Only

Coffee coffee coffee

"The One in the Only" in Toronto is an eclectic coffee shop that just exudes positivity. Most of the decoration is a random mix of old photos & art prints.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Jeffrey

Wood

Jun 11, 2025

Il Covo

Α gem of a hideout in Little Italy

"Il Covo" in Toronto is an Italian restaurant that's special for every special occasion. I encourage you to order and share as many cichetti as possible!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Anita

Kim

Jun 11, 2025

The Only Cafe

Beer beer beer

"The Only Cafe" offers one of the widest selections of domestic and international beer in Toronto. After 30 years in business, it's quite iconic...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Jeffrey

Wood

Jun 11, 2025

Heading to Toronto?

145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

145 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Restaurants

Our team loves Toronto

Get to know our other Spotters from Toronto

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7300
Filters