“I don’t think you can find a more diverse selection of high-quality food anywhere in the world,” says executive chef Luke Haines. “You can have world-class food from almost anywhere you can think of (in Toronto).”
His own establishments are part of the vanguard; the Michelin-recognized Bar Raval has been dubbed not just one of the best bars in Canada, but the world. “Bar Raval is super-unique in that we have world-class cocktails and food. I don’t think there are a lot of top cocktail bars that also have the food accolades that Raval has collected,” he says.
Now he presides over the next star in Grant van Gameren’s empire: Martine’s. The menu is always evolving at this new farm-to-table spot, with produce straight from van Gameren’s spread and other local suppliers. “It’s exciting and inspiring to constantly tweak dishes or make new ones based on what’s available, and it keeps people coming back because there’s always something new to try,” he says.
Want something new to try yourself? Check out one of Haines’ recos for the best places to eat and drink in Toronto.