Air Canada Announces the 2024 Best New Restaurants Longlist
Air Canada has named its Best New Restaurants 2024 longlist, spotlighting 30 standout places to eat from 18 cities. It’s a snapshot of how wide and inventive Canada’s dining scene has become—different regions, different voices, one lively table.
What Sets This List Apart
Launched in 2002, Best New Restaurants is the longest-running restaurant ranking in Canada. Its distinctive method hasn’t changed: one anonymous reviewer travels the country, eats widely, and files an unvarnished report. That single perspective keeps the experience consistent, helps avoid hype, and gives deserving restaurants meaningful exposure.
Spotlight on Rising Talent
Andy Shibata, Air Canada’s Vice President of Brand, said the list aims to shine a light on Canada’s emerging culinary talent. Food is culture—on the plate and in the room—and the goal is to invite both local and international guests to embrace Canadian cuisine and the creativity restaurateurs bring to it.
How the Selection Works
A panel of food experts first recommends noteworthy new openings. From there, one undercover writer sets out on a month-long trip across Canada, eating through the recommendations, comparing experiences, and capturing what makes each restaurant sing. Those notes inform the final rankings.
Nominees for 2024
Listed alphabetically, these restaurants are on the 2024 longlist:
Ancestor Café; Bar Gigi; Bar Henry; Bar Prima; Bernadette's; Black Cat Pizzeria; Bravo; Bread & Cheese Inn Restaurant; Buvette Daphnee; Café Malabar; Caméline; Casavant; Conjeo Negro; Contrada; Crumb Queen/Andy's Lunch; Dovetail Restaurant; F&B Restaurant; Fat Rabbit; Gary's; Heni; Juliette Plaza; Lila Restaurant; Maison de Soma; Martine's Wine Bar; Mhel; Osteria Elio Volpe; Parapluie; Sabayon; Takja BBQ House; The Starlight.
A Celebration of Craft and Care
Each nominee was chosen for more than just a great dish. These restaurants deliver memorable food, attentive service, and menus that take smart risks. Together, they show how Canadian dining keeps evolving—thoughtful, curious, and welcoming.
Support from Sponsors
This year’s longlist is supported by Diageo Canada, a returning gold-level sponsor. Their continued involvement underscores the value of pairing respected brands with culinary excellence.
What’s Next
The Top 10 will be announced in Toronto in November 2024. Winners will also be featured in the November issue of Air Canada enRoute magazine and across digital platforms—another chance to meet the teams behind the menus.
About Air Canada
Air Canada is the country’s largest airline, connecting travelers within Canada and across six continents through a network that includes more than 180 airports. It’s a member of Star Alliance and is working toward net zero emissions by 2050. For frequent flyers, the Aeroplan program offers rewards that make trips—short or long—more rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best New Restaurants longlist?
It’s Air Canada’s annual roundup of 30 notable new restaurants from 18 cities, highlighting the breadth and invention of Canada’s dining scene in 2024.
Who decides which restaurants make the list?
A panel of food experts recommends new openings. Then one anonymous writer travels for a month, eats at the contenders, and informs the final rankings.
When and where will the Top 10 be announced?
In Toronto, in November 2024. The winners will also appear in the November issue of Air Canada enRoute magazine and online.
What do the nominees have in common?
Standout food, service that cares about the guest, and menus that show fresh thinking—qualities that add up to a memorable meal.
Who sponsors the initiative?
The program is supported by various sponsors, including Diageo Canada—a returning gold-level sponsor.
