Canada’s first restaurant to have two Michelin stars is Sushi Masaki Saito. Photo: Sushi Masaki Saito
Canada’s first restaurant to have two Michelin stars is Sushi Masaki Saito. Photo: Sushi Masaki Saito
Canada’s first restaurant to have two Michelin stars is Sushi Masaki Saito. Photo: Sushi Masaki Saito
Canada’s first restaurant to have two Michelin stars is Sushi Masaki Saito. Photo: Sushi Masaki Saito

'Michelin Guide' awards its first stars in Canada to 13 Toronto restaurants


Farah Andrews
  • English
  • Arabic

The Michelin Guide has announced its first stars in Canada.

The lauded brand awarded 13 Toronto restaurants stars on Tuesday, with a total of 74 restaurants included in the guide.

Twelve venues received one Michelin star and one, Sushi Masaki Saito, was lauded with two stars. Michelin recognised 17 restaurants in the Bib Gourmand category.

Toronto now has 13 Michelin-starred restaurants. Getty Images
Toronto now has 13 Michelin-starred restaurants. Getty Images

There are several categories awarded by Michelin. One Michelin star is given to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop", two stars are given for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour" and three Michelin stars are given for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey". Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list refers to restaurants that provide “value-for-money three-course meals”, that is, venues where diners can enjoy several courses under a certain amount (which varies depending on a city’s cost of living).

While the Toronto guide spans 27 different types of cuisine, it has been criticised for focusing its search in central Toronto and primarily awarding restaurants that serve set or tasting menus.

In the list of Michelin-starred restaurants, there are five Japanese restaurants, four contemporary, two Italian, one French and one Mexican restaurant. The Bib Gourmand list includes four Mexican restaurants, two Italian restaurants and one representative of American, Middle Eastern, Asian, Spanish, Thai, Indian, contemporary, fusion, deli, gastropub, barbecue cuisines respectively.

Middle Eastern cuisine is represented by Fat Pashas, a restaurant with communal tables and a sharing concept. "Sharing is paramount here," says the guide. "Though on your own you could make a meal out of the salatim platter, which samples excellent dips like creamy hummus and smoky muhammara, fantastic falafel and grilled pita."

Vice News social media manager Evy Kwong tweeted her frustration that the Michelin inspectors had neglected large parts of the Greater Toronto Area, saying they had clearly "skipped all of Scarborough, Mississauga, Brampton, Markham and Chinatowns".

SJC Media publisher Ken Hunt said it was hard to criticise the list without "disparaging the many fine restaurants" that were recognised, but described it as a "deeply weird list".

Full list of Toronto's Michelin-starred restaurants:

Aburi Hana, Japanese/kaiseki cuisine — one star

Alo, contemporary cuisine — one star

Alobar Yorkville, French cuisine — one star

Don Alfonso 1890, Italian cuisine — one star

Enigma Yorkville, contemporary cuisine — one star

Edulis, contemporary cuisine — one star

Frilu, contemporary cuisine — one star

Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto, Japanese/kaiseki cuisine — one star

Osteria Giulia, Italian cuisine — one star

Quetzal, Mexican cuisine — one star

Shoushin, Japanese/sushi cuisine — one star

Yukashi, Japanese/kaiseki cuisine — one star

Sushi Masaki Saito, Japanese/sushi cuisine — two star

Full list of Toronto's Bib Gourmand restaurants:

The Ace, gastropub cuisine

Alma, Asian cuisine

Bar Raval, Spanish cuisine

Campechano, Mexican cuisine

Cherry St Bar-B-Que, Barbecue cuisine

Chica's Chicken, American cuisine

Enoteca Sociale, Italian cuisine

Fat Pasha, Middle Eastern cuisine

Favorites Thai, Thai cuisine

Fonda Balam, Mexican cuisine

Grey Gardens, contemporary cuisine

Indian Street Food Company, Indian cuisine

La Bartola, Mexican cuisine

Puerto Bravo, Mexican cuisine

R&D, fusion cuisine

SumiLicious Smoked Meat & Deli, deli cuisine

Wynona, Italian cuisine

In June, 11 restaurants in Dubai were awarded Michelin stars and this month, it was announced the guide is expanding its UAE reach to include Abu Dhabi in November.

Michelin-starred restaurants in Dubai — in pictures

  • Tresind Studio at Nakheel Mall has one Michelin star.
    Tresind Studio at Nakheel Mall has one Michelin star.
  • Al Muntaha, on the 27th floor of Burj Al Arab, has received one Michelin star.
    Al Muntaha, on the 27th floor of Burj Al Arab, has received one Michelin star.
  • Armani/Ristorante, at Armani Hotel Dubai, has been awarded one Michelin star. Photo: Armani/Ristorante
    Armani/Ristorante, at Armani Hotel Dubai, has been awarded one Michelin star. Photo: Armani/Ristorante
  • Hakkasan at Atlantis, The Palm, now has one Michelin star. Photo: Hakkasan Dubai
    Hakkasan at Atlantis, The Palm, now has one Michelin star. Photo: Hakkasan Dubai
  • Hoseki at the Bulgari Resort is among the few restaurants in Dubai with one Michelin star. Photo: Bulgari Hotel
    Hoseki at the Bulgari Resort is among the few restaurants in Dubai with one Michelin star. Photo: Bulgari Hotel
  • Ossiano at Atlantis, The Palm, has one Michelin star. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
    Ossiano at Atlantis, The Palm, has one Michelin star. Photo: Atlantis, The Palm
  • Tasca by Jose Avillez at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira has one Michelin star. Photo: Mandarin Oriental
    Tasca by Jose Avillez at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira has one Michelin star. Photo: Mandarin Oriental
  • Torno Subito at W Dubai - The Palm has one Michelin star. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Torno Subito at W Dubai - The Palm has one Michelin star. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • 11 Woodfire in Jumeirah has one Michelin star. Photo: 11 Woodfire
    11 Woodfire in Jumeirah has one Michelin star. Photo: 11 Woodfire
  • Stay by Yannick Alleno at One&Only The Palm has two Michelin stars. Photo: Jumana El-Heloueh
    Stay by Yannick Alleno at One&Only The Palm has two Michelin stars. Photo: Jumana El-Heloueh
  • Il Ristorante – Niko Romito in Jumeirah has two Michelin stars. Photo: Il Ristorante
    Il Ristorante – Niko Romito in Jumeirah has two Michelin stars. Photo: Il Ristorante
  • Al Khayma at Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa is in Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list, which refers to restaurants that provide 'value-for-money three-course meals'. Photo: Al Khayma
    Al Khayma at Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa is in Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list, which refers to restaurants that provide 'value-for-money three-course meals'. Photo: Al Khayma
  • Fi'lia at SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences made Michelin's Bib Gourmand list. Photo: Fi'lia
    Fi'lia at SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences made Michelin's Bib Gourmand list. Photo: Fi'lia
  • Bait Maryam in JLT is now a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant.
    Bait Maryam in JLT is now a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant.
  • Ibn AlBahr at Club Vista Mare is in Michelin's Bib Gourmand list. Instagram / @ibnalbahr
    Ibn AlBahr at Club Vista Mare is in Michelin's Bib Gourmand list. Instagram / @ibnalbahr
  • Indya by Vineet at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa is now a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant.
    Indya by Vineet at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa is now a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant.
  • Beetroot and ricotta at folly. The restaurant made it into Michelin's Bib Gourmand list.
    Beetroot and ricotta at folly. The restaurant made it into Michelin's Bib Gourmand list.
  • Kinoya at The Onyx Tower 2 in The Greens is in Michelin's Bib Gourmand list. Pawan Singh / The National
    Kinoya at The Onyx Tower 2 in The Greens is in Michelin's Bib Gourmand list. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Red umami prawns at Orfali Bros in Wasl 51 mall. The restaurant is now in Michelin's Bib Gourmand list. Photo: Orfali Bros
    Red umami prawns at Orfali Bros in Wasl 51 mall. The restaurant is now in Michelin's Bib Gourmand list. Photo: Orfali Bros
  • Goldfish at The Galleria Mall made it into Michelin's Bib Gourmand list. Photo: Goldfish
    Goldfish at The Galleria Mall made it into Michelin's Bib Gourmand list. Photo: Goldfish
  • Beef gyoza at Reif Japanese Kushiyaki at Dar Wasl Mall. The restaurant is now in Michelin's Bib Gourmand list. Photo: Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
    Beef gyoza at Reif Japanese Kushiyaki at Dar Wasl Mall. The restaurant is now in Michelin's Bib Gourmand list. Photo: Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
  • Beef garum at Teible in Jameel Arts Centre. The restaurant is now in Michelin's Bib Gourmand list. Photo: Teible
    Beef garum at Teible in Jameel Arts Centre. The restaurant is now in Michelin's Bib Gourmand list. Photo: Teible
  • Chef Daniel Boulud at his Brasserie Boulud in Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. The restaurant is in Michelin's Bib Gourmand list. Pawan Singh / The National
    Chef Daniel Boulud at his Brasserie Boulud in Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk. The restaurant is in Michelin's Bib Gourmand list. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Shabestan at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, is in the Michelin Bib Gourmand list. Photo: Shabestan
    Shabestan at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, is in the Michelin Bib Gourmand list. Photo: Shabestan
  • Ninive at Emirates Towers is in the Michelin Bib Gourmand list. Photo: Ninive
    Ninive at Emirates Towers is in the Michelin Bib Gourmand list. Photo: Ninive
The specs

Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8

Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm

Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km

Price: Dh380,000

On sale: now 

Buy farm-fresh food

The UAE is stepping up its game when it comes to platforms for local farms to show off and sell their produce.

In Dubai, visit Emirati Farmers Souq at The Pointe every Saturday from 8am to 2pm, which has produce from Al Ammar Farm, Omar Al Katri Farm, Hikarivege Vegetables, Rashed Farms and Al Khaleej Honey Trading, among others. 

In Sharjah, the Aljada residential community will launch a new outdoor farmers’ market every Friday starting this weekend. Manbat will be held from 3pm to 8pm, and will host 30 farmers, local home-grown entrepreneurs and food stalls from the teams behind Badia Farms; Emirates Hydroponics Farms; Modern Organic Farm; Revolution Real; Astraea Farms; and Al Khaleej Food. 

In Abu Dhabi, order farm produce from Food Crowd, an online grocery platform that supplies fresh and organic ingredients directly from farms such as Emirates Bio Farm, TFC, Armela Farms and mother company Al Dahra. 

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Panipat

Director Ashutosh Gowariker

Produced Ashutosh Gowariker, Rohit Shelatkar, Reliance Entertainment

Cast Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Kriti Sanon, Mohnish Behl, Padmini Kolhapure, Zeenat Aman

Rating 3 /stars

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.8-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C200rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%20from%201%2C800-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh111%2C195%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Ordinary Virtues: Moral Order in a Divided World by Michael Ignatieff
Harvard University Press

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Other ways to buy used products in the UAE

UAE insurance firm Al Wathba National Insurance Company (AWNIC) last year launched an e-commerce website with a facility enabling users to buy car wrecks.

Bidders and potential buyers register on the online salvage car auction portal to view vehicles, review condition reports, or arrange physical surveys, and then start bidding for motors they plan to restore or harvest for parts.

Physical salvage car auctions are a common method for insurers around the world to move on heavily damaged vehicles, but AWNIC is one of the few UAE insurers to offer such services online.

For cars and less sizeable items such as bicycles and furniture, Dubizzle is arguably the best-known marketplace for pre-loved.

Founded in 2005, in recent years it has been joined by a plethora of Facebook community pages for shifting used goods, including Abu Dhabi Marketplace, Flea Market UAE and Arabian Ranches Souq Market while sites such as The Luxury Closet and Riot deal largely in second-hand fashion.

At the high-end of the pre-used spectrum, resellers such as Timepiece360.ae, WatchBox Middle East and Watches Market Dubai deal in authenticated second-hand luxury timepieces from brands such as Rolex, Hublot and Tag Heuer, with a warranty.

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Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League, Group B
Barcelona v Inter Milan
Camp Nou, Barcelona
Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)

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Tips to avoid getting scammed

1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday

2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment

3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone

4) Try not to close the sale at night

5) Don't be rushed into a sale 

6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour

Updated: October 13, 2022, 8:46 AM