We are spoiled for choice in the Greater Toronto Area for great food, from the fanciest Michelin star settings to the humble mom and pop authentically tasty dives. We never have an issue in finding whatever cuisine we want and usually have a number of options within close driving experience.

However, I find that lately we are feeling a bit more adventurous and love to have great experiences not just great food. Experiential eating is a new trend but there’s definitely more demand than supply in our neck of the woods, especially if you are looking for something a bit more memorable if you are celebrating a special occasion. Having said that here are a few spots what are unique in food an experience, in all cases the food is great and it really depends on what added experience do you want with your food.

I would love to hear if you discovered any more experiential diving experiences in the GTA, I’m always up for trying new ones – so please let me know in the comment section.

ONoir Toronto

• It is located at 620 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2G2.
• Blind staff serves French-Italian fare in total darkness & surprise dishes test patrons’ taste buds.
• The experience of eating amazing food in complete darkness elevates your other senses and definitely makes for a memorable experience.

Le Petit Chef – Richmond Hill:

• It is located at 115 York Blvd Unit 9, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3M3.
• Amazing experience of a multi course gourmet meal with animated graphics right onto your plate and table.
• Amazing visual effects as you go through your courses that tell a fun story.
• Very kid friendly and the food is exceptional.
• There is also another branch that opened up on 291 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M6G 1G7, but I haven’t tried it…yet!

Hibachi Teppanyaki & Bar Mississauga

• Locate at 299 Rathburn Rd W, Mississauga, ON L5B 4C1.
• If you know Benihana (which is also located in Niagara falls), this is the local equivalent.
• Asian cuisine cooked by a professional and entertaining chef right before your eyes.
• Interactive and entertaining to see how the chef’s cook your food in front of you with some amazing flair.
• The food is filling and very tasty.

Carnival | Contemporary Indian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

• It is located at 369 Keele St, Toronto, ON M6P 2K6.
• A fine dining experience even for kids with lots of visual presentations of your food.
• Great Indian cuisine with amazing presentation (expect lots of foggy dry ice and the final dessert is a must.
• Go late at night because during the day the star dishes are not made just yet.

MISHREE Cocktails & Cuisine

• Located at 825 Britannia Rd W, Mississauga, ON L5V 2X8.
• Similar to Carnival but with slightly more elegant setting and a much larger space.
• Equally great for families and kids.
• Cocktails are a must, even if you just go for those, and the presentation that comes right to your desk for those drinks is equally impressive.
• Great modern Indian cuisine with amazing presentation that makes it a great memorable experience.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

• Located at 10 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3.
• You may not think of this place as fine dining, but it is definitely an experience.
• Catering mainly to kids, but I have seen, and rightly so, adult only parties that equally enjoy the fan fair.
• Great food and very filling and the show is equally entertaining.
• The service staff is equally friendly and helpful which makes this a great experience as well.

I would have also added a couple of cat cafes in the city but I wouldn’t call them dining experience, they are more like coffee shop experience, there are also plenty of afternoon tea experiences that are equally memorable for special occasions. If you would like a list of those in the GTA, let me know.