Air Canada Unveils 2025 Best New Restaurants Finalists

Air Canada has revealed the finalists for the 2025 Best New Restaurants list, which puts the spotlight on trailblazing restaurants across Canada that are shaping the country’s culinary scene.

The finalists for Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2025 are recognized for the quality of their food, level of service, and commitment to culture and culinary creativity. Each finalist tells its own story, blending personal vision with local ingredients and diverse cultural influences to deliver unique and unforgettable dining experiences.

“Food connects us to our roots, our communities, and to one another. Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants celebrates the stories and flavours that define Canada’s diverse culinary scene,” said Andrew Shibata, Vice President, Brand at Air Canada. “Year after year, we are proud to showcase the people and places shaping Canada’s culinary identity – inspiring Canadians to discover new destinations and create unforgettable trips around the country’s most exciting dining experiences.” 

Restaurants selected were new openings between May 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025, nominated independently by Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants national panel of trusted culinary voices.

The 2025 finalists for Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants are (in alphabetical order):

aKin, Toronto; Baby Baby, Winnipeg; Bona Fide, Montreal; Claire Jacques, Montreal; DOPO + Bar Rocca, Calgary; ELEM, Vancouver; General Public, Toronto; Janevca, Victoria; June, Vancouver; Le Violon, Montreal; Linny’s, Toronto; Maven, Toronto; Molenne, Montreal; Mystic, Halifax; Nero Tondo, Vancouver; Niwa, Vancouver; No. 8, Burlington; Olia, Edmonton; Panacée, Montreal; Pasta Pooks, Montreal; Rabbit Rabbit, Victoria; Rabble, St. John’s; Restaurant Limbo, Montreal; Rotisserie La Lune, Montreal; Selene, Vancouver; Shirley’s, Winnipeg; Sumibiyaki Arashi, Vancouver; Sushi Hyun Omakase, Vancouver; Sushi Nishinokaze, Montreal; Tribute, Halifax; Yan Dining Room, Toronto.

The restaurants have been invited to join DINR, where they will be featured as Air Canada Best New Restaurant finalists. A longtime collaborator of the program, DINR showcases Canada’s top culinary destinations and offers guests exclusive reservation access, original editorial content, and entry to sought-after culinary events.