Air Canada announces 2025 Best New Restaurants, Halifax's Mystic takes top spot

Air Canada has released its 2025 Best New Restaurants list, with Halifax's Mystic claiming first place, followed by Montreal's Le Violon in second and Toronto's aKin in third.

The awards, now in their 24th year, recognize culinary innovation across Canada. 

More than 30 restaurants were evaluated by an anonymous culinary expert based on all aspects of the dining experience.

Mystic, led by chef Malcolm Campbell, features tasting menus that combine Maritime ingredients with global techniques in a waterfront setting. 

The restaurant's seafood-forward menu highlights sustainable, locally sourced ingredients from Nova Scotia waters.

Montreal's Le Violon, helmed by chef Danny Smiles, presents a hyper-seasonal menu rooted in Quebec's French culinary heritage with locally sourced ingredients and bold flavour combinations.

Toronto's aKin celebrates the city's multicultural identity through globally inspired dishes that push the boundaries of modern Canadian dining.

The top 10 list spans four provinces, with Vancouver claiming four spots: Sushi Hyun Omakase, Nero Tondo, Sumibiyaki Arashi and Niwa. 

Toronto earned three positions with aKin, Maven and Yan Dining Room, while Montreal secured two with Le Violon and Pasta Pooks. 

Halifax's Mystic represents Atlantic Canada.

"This year's winners remind us of the bold creativity shaping the Canadian culinary scene today," said Andy Shibata, vice president of brand at Air Canada. 

"Whether it is the reinvention of Canadian classics or a chef pouring their heart into an omakase experience, each restaurant reflects its community in a different way."

The winners were announced at an event at Ricarda's in Toronto on November 17, where chefs and teams from the top 10 restaurants received their awards and shared dishes from their menus with industry professionals, Air Canada guests and members of the public.

American Express Canada serves as the national partner for the program.

"Our collaboration with Air Canada continues to champion the creativity and innovation that define Canada's culinary landscape," said Kim Kuzmak, vice president of lifestyle benefits, partnerships and brand at American Express Canada. 

"At American Express, we're passionate about connecting Cardmembers with experiences that highlight Canada's culinary talent."

The complete top 10 list:

1. Mystic (Halifax, NS)
2. Le Violon (Montreal, QC)
3. aKin (Toronto, ON)
4. Sushi Hyun Omakase (Vancouver, BC)
5. Maven (Toronto, ON)
6. Nero Tondo (Vancouver, BC)
7. Yan Dining Room (Toronto, ON)
8. Sumibiyaki Arashi (Vancouver, BC)
9. Pasta Pooks (Montreal, QC)
10. Niwa (Vancouver, BC)

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