Best Restaurants in Canada

There are numerous reasons to travel to Canada. Natural beauty, great hockey, and diverse culture draw thousands of folks to Canada each year. But another fantastic reason to be in Canada is the wealth of excellent Canadian restaurants. But what are some of the best restaurants in Canada? AOL Travel takes a look.

The Best Restaurant in Toronto, Canada

At the top of the TD Bank Tower in Toronto is the simple yet suave Canoe. Ranked as the best restaurant in Toronto in 2009 by Toronto Life, Canoe prides itself on serving up an interesting and diverse meal grounded on solid culinary principles. But it's not the dishes alone that bring folks back: great views, prompt service, and quality wines also factor into Canoe's appeal. Actually, the only possible downside at Canoe has to be the price -- be prepared to open your wallet. Reservations are generally recommended as seats tend to fill quickly, especially on weekends. However, if you want to experience one of the best restaurants in Canada, then make the effort and experience Canoe for yourself.

Canoe: TD Bank Tower, 66 Wellington St. W, 54th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5K 1H6, Canada (416) 364-0054

The Best Restaurant in Montreal, Canada

When Jean-François and Sandrine decided to buy Le Grain de Sel in Montreal in 2008, they envisioned remaking it into a restaurant where classic French cuisine combined with Quebec flare in a warm and inviting environment. Today that vision remains strong, with an ever-growing band of diners praising the restaurant. Le Grain de Sel's menu tends to shift with the seasons, though a few quality dishes remain as year-round favorites. The service is always attentive and the ambiance pleasant. This combination of quality food (the wild mushroom ravioli is a must) with impeccable service makes Le Grain de Sel one of the best restaurants in Canada.

Le Grain de Sel: 2375 Rue Sainte-Catherine E, Montreal, Quebec H2K 2J5, Canada (514) 522-5105

The Best Restaurant in Vancouver, Canada

For owners Vikram and Meeru Vij, one of the key reasons for the success of their restaurant Vij's is the use of traditional Indian cooking techniques and spices. From their insistence on quality ghee to fresh local ingredients, the couple has made Vij's one of the most popular restaurants in Vancouver. Described as "Fusion Indian" by a reviewer on TripAdvisor.com, food isn't all that Vij's does well. Regulars rave about the quality service, with Vikram occasionally making appearances at dinner tables to talk with diners. Know this: there is frequently quite a wait at Vij's. Plan ahead before you go to what has to be considered one of the best restaurants in Canada. Consider calling ahead to get an idea of the wait time.

Vij's: 1480 W. 11th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (604) 736-6664

The Best Restaurant in Edmonton, Canada

Since 1996, the Hardware Grill in Edmonton has been serving up the complex tastes of Canada to locals and travelers alike. Consistently voted as one of the best fine dining restaurants in Edmonton by Where Magazine, Hardware Grill strives to exceed every diner's expectations. Whether it's the savory applewood smoked salmon or the perfectly roasted wild boar loin, there's bound to be something that appeals to you on the menu. In fact, a well-grounded bit of imagination seems to go into most of the dishes. With an impressive selection of wines (don't be afraid to ask for recommendations) to complement the meal, it's easy to see why people consider the Hardware Grill to be one of the best restaurants in Canada.

Hardware Grill: 9698 Jasper Ave. NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5H 3V5, Canada (780) 423-0969

Photo by Mack Male, via Flickr