Best Date Spots in North York
You do not have to drive downtown for a good date. I have been proving this to people for years.
Quick Takeaway: North York covers the full range. Auberge du Pommier for the big occasion, 12 Tables and PAESE for a serious dinner, Nomé Izakaya for a fun casual night, and Cafe Landwer or Yonge Cafe and Bistro for a relaxed first date.
For a Special Occasion
Auberge du Pommier, 4150 Yonge Street
French fine dining in a converted pair of 1860s cottages. Terrace seating in warm months. This is the anniversary and proposal restaurant of North York. Book well ahead and expect fine dining pricing. Closed Sundays.
For a Serious Dinner
12 Tables, 1552 Avenue Road
Small Italian room, fresh pasta, quiet enough to actually talk. The kind of place that remembers you the second time.
PAESE Ristorante, 3827 Bathurst Street
Italian, generous portions, strong wine list, comfortable booths. A neighbourhood institution that consistently delivers.
For a Fun Casual Night
Nomé Izakaya, 4848 Yonge Street
Japanese izakaya, open late, lively. There is a happy hour menu that makes it easy to order a lot of small plates and share. Open until 1am or 2am most nights.
Cactus Club Cafe, 4841 Yonge Street
Reliable, busy and easy. Good for a low pressure first date because nobody feels overdressed or underdressed.
For a Daytime or First Date
Cafe Landwer, 5000 Yonge Street
Mediterranean, big menu, patio on Yonge, open from 8am. Low commitment and easy to leave or extend.
Yonge Cafe and Bistro, 5000 Yonge Street
Family run, Mexican brunch menu, and live Latin music some Saturday evenings. Underrated.
Q&A for Fast Answers
Q: What is the most romantic restaurant in North York?
A: Auberge du Pommier at 4150 Yonge Street is the top special occasion choice, offering French fine dining in restored 1860s cottages with terrace seating in warmer months.
Q: Are there good restaurants in North York or do you have to go downtown?
A: North York has a full range without going downtown, from fine dining at Auberge du Pommier to Italian at 12 Tables and PAESE, izakaya at Nomé, and casual Mediterranean at Cafe Landwer.
The best part of living here is that you stop driving downtown for everything. Book your free consultation with Felipe Lopez, REALTOR® at RE/MAX Realtron, and I will show you the pockets where that is actually true.