Because we love to eat, and eat well, the release of OpenTable’s top 100 restaurants in Canada for 2022 earlier this month, selected using more than 1 million reviews left by OpenTable diners, is a resource we’ll be relying heavily on. We chatted with Matt Davis, country director of OpenTable Canada, to taste, er, we mean learn, more. —Noa Nichol
What is OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants list, how does it work and why is it noteworthy?
The Top 100 Most Beloved Restaurants 2022 celebrates Canadians’ favourite restaurants from coast-to-coast. The list provides an insight into the year’s most beloved dining spots based on over one million reviews left by OpenTable diners. The restaurants that made this year’s list offer a range of cuisines, from elevated Japanese eateries to French bistros, and they all share a commitment to delivering wonderful food and drink experiences, alongside exceptional hospitality at every turn.
What are some of the top restaurants on this year’s list? What cuisines do they serve and where are they located?
Canada’s culinary diversity is strongly reflected in this year’s selections. We’re seeing that Canadian diners are embracing exceptional dining experiences at varying price-points, ranging from elevated Michelin Star establishments and neighbourhood gems to mom-and-pop shops. You’ll find some long-time favourites on the list like Osteria Salvio Volpe and Botanist. Beloved neighbourhood gems like Zarak by Afghan Kitchen in Vancouver are also featured.
Any surprises, from your perspective this year?
I was happy to see some smaller, local eateries make the list this year. Storey Cafe in Richmond stood out. It’s an independent non-profit that employs people recovering from addiction to help them transition back into the community.
What eateries were you most excited to see on the list this year?
I was excited to see Haven Kitchen & Bar on the list. This is a family-owned restaurant that embodies the post-pandemic spirit of the industry in the country right now. Forced to delay their opening in 2020 after years of work, they are now open and one of the most beloved restaurants in the country!
In B.C., did any of the newly anointed Michelin Star restaurants make the list?
The list celebrates the restaurants that Canadians loved the most on OpenTable this year, and all the selections are determined by reviews left by diners. This year’s Top 100 list does not feature any Michelin Star restaurants from British Columbia, but there is always next year!
Any return winners?
Several top B.C. restaurants landed on the list again this year. Miku and Minami in Vancouver are back on the Top 100. They’ve long been considered Vancouver’s premiere spots for beautifully plated sushi and sashimi and seasonally driven contemporary Japanese cuisine.
Top tips for securing seats at these winning restaurants?
I always recommend booking a reservation early, especially if you’re trying to dine at a popular restaurant in a major city. OpenTable’s Year in Review data shows that the number of seated diners who booked online has increased 45 per cent compared to 2019. More and more restaurants and diners are relying on online tools to secure their reservations, so it’s important to be proactive if you plan to dine out. You can also try booking tables at less sought-after time slots. Our Year in Review data indicates that 6 p.m. to 6:59 p.m. was the most popular dining window in 2022. You’re more likely to secure a reservation at trendy eateries if you book for lunch or an early or late dinner.
Tough question, but do you have a personal favourite Canadian restaurant?
The last couple of restaurants I have visited included PiDGin in Vancouver and Matty Matheson’s Vietnamese joint in Toronto, Cà Phê Rang. However, given the wonderful breadth of styles, cuisines and experiences the hospitality industry in Canada offers, it would be impossible to choose a favourite!
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