Toronto’s Winterlicious festival returned this month with more than 220 restaurants offering fixed-price menus as food enthusiasts look for more affordable ways to eat out.
The two-week culinary event runs from Jan. 31 to Feb. 13 and features three-course lunch and dinner menus across the city, organizers said.
Winterlicious is an annual celebration designed to showcase Toronto’s diverse dining scene and boost the hospitality industry during slower winter business periods.
Lunch menus range from $20 to $55, while dinner prices range from $25 to $75, according to the City of Toronto’s special events department, which organizes the program.
Restaurants across multiple neighbourhoods are participating, allowing guests to try a variety of cuisines without paying regular menu prices.
Several attendees said the fixed prices make dining out feel more predictable and accessible.
“As a food lover, we’re always looking to try great food, and it helps when it’s at a pocket-friendly price point,” Richi Naik, of Toronto, said. “The fixed price menus take away the surprise of a big check at the end of the meal.”
Another diner said the event encourages them to visit restaurants they would not normally choose.
“It makes going to a fancy place less intimidating because everyone is there for Winterlicious,” Rajvi Chavada, of Toronto, said, adding that the service and menu options improved the overall experience.
Others said the set menus help stretch their budgets in an expensive city.
Some visitors said they used the event to explore restaurants such as Gusto 101, Café Zuzu, Bridgette Bar, Lulu Bar, Honey Chinese and Louix Louis.
Moya Simpson/Winterlicious coverage
Festival goers have also been sharing their experiences online, posting reviews and recommendations on platforms such as TikTok as interest in the event grows.
The festival continues through mid February at participating restaurants across Toronto, city officials said.
