
DaiLo
An acclaimed Asian brasserie blending traditional Chinese flavors with French technique. Experience innovative dishes and impeccable service.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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DaiLo

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An acclaimed Asian brasserie blending traditional Chinese flavors with French technique. Experience innovative dishes and impeccable service.
Book Ahead
Make reservations in advance, especially for weekends or special occasions, to ensure your spot.
Consider Tasting Menu
Try the DaiLo's Choice tasting menu for a diverse culinary experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
New Asian Classics
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Creative Asian Fusion Dishes
Experience unique dishes like pumpkin dumplings & smoked trout betel leaf. A gastronomic adventure with unexpected flavors.

Impeccable Service and Ambiance
Enjoy top-notch cocktails and attentive service in a welcoming, upscale, and vibey dining setting.

The Summelicious Tasting Menu
A curated journey through the restaurant's best offerings, with unexpected flavors and perfect textures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Make reservations in advance, especially for weekends or special occasions, to ensure your spot.
Consider Tasting Menu
Try the DaiLo's Choice tasting menu for a diverse culinary experience.
A La Carte Option
If you prefer more control, opt for ordering a la carte instead of the tasting menu.
Quieter Dining
Visit earlier in the evening to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Make reservations in advance, especially for weekends or special occasions, to ensure your spot.
Consider Tasting Menu
Try the DaiLo's Choice tasting menu for a diverse culinary experience.
A La Carte Option
If you prefer more control, opt for ordering a la carte instead of the tasting menu.
Quieter Dining
Visit earlier in the evening to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
DaiLo offers a unique and memorable dining experience, celebrated for its creative 'New Asian Classics' that blend traditional flavors with modern techniques. Diners rave about the inventive dishes, impeccable service, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts. While most praise the quality and presentation, some find certain dishes, particularly Thai-inspired ones, to be overly salty.
"We went for the premium tasting menu and while it was great, I think I would stick with the regular tasting menu next time. While I loved the beef we were served, caviar is not worth it for me personally. That being said I would definitely come back, the courses were so fun, really appreciated how the waitress would tell us how to eat the dishes, and above all very delicious. Would recommend! Favourites were the dumplings, beef, DESSERT! Least favourite was the spicy green vegetable served with the main."
Penny P
"We came for the regular tasting menu. Some dishes were amazing like the squash dumplings and eggplant. But some were so so salty, specifically all the Thai themed ones. Otherwise the flavours were strong and the presentation and ingredients quite innovative.
Definitely a fairly homey vibe rather than fine dining, and decor was pretty nice. We enjoyed it for a Friday date night.
I would go again but go for a la carte instead of the tasting menu"
Tanya Nguyen
"DaiLo delivers an exceptional dining experience, seamlessly blending tradition with modern creativity. The food embodies a fresh, innovative take on favorite dishes from across Asia, offering a contemporary twist that surprises and delights. Every plate is a thoughtful fusion of familiar flavors and unexpected elements, making the meal both nostalgic and exciting.
The service matches the quality of the food—warm, attentive, and knowledgeable. Staff members are well-versed in the menu, guiding diners through the unique offerings with enthusiasm. Their expertise enhances the overall experience, ensuring every guest feels welcomed.
One of the standout moments is the dessert—a remarkable Asian-inspired tiramisu. It stays true to the essence of the beloved classic while infusing new layers of flavor that make it unmistakably unique.
DaiLo is a must-visit for anyone craving modern Asian cuisine done with finesse. Whether you're a longtime fan of these flavors or new to the experience, the restaurant delivers a well-balanced combination of innovation and authenticity."
Jassdeep Sidhu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
DaiLo is known for its 'New Asian Classics,' a creative fusion of traditional Chinese flavors with French culinary techniques and local ingredients.
Yes, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for weekends, as the restaurant can get crowded.
Popular choices include the pumpkin dumplings, smoked trout betel leaf, and the truffle fried rice. The tasting menu is also a great way to sample many dishes.
Yes, DaiLo can accommodate vegetarian and vegan preferences, with some menus featuring entirely vegan multi-course options.
DaiLo offers different tasting menus, including a premium option and a regular tasting menu. Some reviews suggest the regular tasting menu might be preferred for better value.
Yes, DaiLo is often recommended for date nights due to its unique atmosphere, creative food, and excellent service.
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DaiLo is one of my favorite restaurants in the city, hands down. An amazing complexity of flavors and textures; Asian influences with great use of bright, bold flavors and seasoning. The truffle fried rice is a must-have, as well as their delicious pumpkin dumplings.
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DaiLo’s New Asian cuisine blends traditional Chinese flavours with a French twist, inspired by Chef Liu’s Canadian upbringing with Hakka parents and using local and sustainable ingredients. The restaurant’s name means “big brother,” embodying a deep respect for elders and a strong connection to the future with heritage dishes that Chef Liu’s ancestors have been eating and cooking for hundreds of years. DaiLo believes that eating well is living well, where thoughtful, high-quality ingredients create not only more delicious meals but also better lives.
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Nick Liu’s hip four-year-old kitchen on College is a love letter to old-school Chinese eats that’s infused with plenty of new-world technique and the chef’s signature sense of fun. We’re willing to bet Liu never ate pumpkin-stuffed dumplings topped with truffle oil, chili and smelted White Rabbit candies ($17) growing up – but it’s a perfect fall dish, with sweetness, heat, richness and spice all locked in a big, ecstatic dog pile. If you’re somehow still peckish afterward, head upstairs to sister bar LoPan for a cocktail and a Big Mac bao ($7).
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Nick Liu is not a fan of the term ‘fusion,’ but what he’s doing with Asian cuisine on College Street is far from traditional (and we mean that in the best way possible). Almost a decade after opening, this relaxed Little Italy restaurant, outfitted with Chinese watercolour murals, exposed brick and eccentric decor, is a humble home for the anything-but-basic-cuisine. Liu, who grew up as the son of Hakka parents in Canada, frequently wows palates at DaiLo with his unique brand of Chinese food made with French cooking flair.
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Opened in 2014, DaiLo has been a Toronto staple when it comes to alternative Asian restaurants, or as Head Chef and Owner Nick Liu describes the food, “New Asian Classics.” Liu had operated multiple pop-ups over a few years leading up to the opening, tweaking his recipes and finding the best team to bring his vision to life. “We make dishes with all the Asian flavours that people are used to. We play around with a lot of different cultures to ensure the food provides an elevated experience.
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JUDGE ROGER MOOKING OF FOOD NETWORK CANADA: “Food is an evolving art form in real time and few restaurants step in and out of this authenticity and evolution dynamic as gracefully and tastefully as DaiLo.”. STREETS OF TORONTO’S TAKE: Chef Nick Liu, the genius behind the critically lauded DaiLo, takes his inspiration from classic dishes and ingredients and adds creative twists. Located in Little Italy, the restaurant has garnered rave reviews since opening in 2014.
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You can now enjoy Nick Liu’s New Asian dishes in the comfort of your own home. And while your living room may not be able to compete with the restaurant’s fun and funky atmosphere, at least the food will be the same. The DaiLo tasting menu to-go, available on Tock for pickup or delivery, changes weekly but may include crispy octopus tacos, trout on truffled fried rice and dim sum, a trio of fun bites like Hakka shiu mai and Liu’s popular Bic Mac Bao.
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This experimental Cantonese restaurant in Little Italy consistently delivers exciting plates from its kitchen. Available for both pickup and delivery on Tock, chef Nick Liu features a rotating tasting menu consisting of thoughtful and bold pairings. Currently, on offer, DaiLo is showcasing a completely vegan multi-course menu comprised of Thai Herb Salad Betel Leaf, Fresh Watermelon Salad, General Tao Cauliflower, Burmese Tofu and Aloe Sorbet.
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Dailo, one of the city’s most recognized Chinese restaurants, uses a combination of traditional Chinese cuisine and French culinary techniques to create their menu. Get a great sample of all of Dailo’s popular dishes to help with your New Year’s Eve in Toronto. This year, Dailo has a decadent and hearty tasting menu planned for the celebrations with multiple courses of smaller plates and dishes, including dessert plates.
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Highly celebrated for its imaginative cuisine, DaiLo is a bit more upbeat than the other restaurants on this list. In a dimly lit, teal and gold setting, flavourful plates pack a punch by blending traditional Asian dishes and ingredients with French techniques. Let the chef pick your meal if you want to go all out, but a flexible menu means you can eat as much or as little as you want.
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For a unique fusion of Indian and Chinese flavors, don’t miss the top Hakka restaurants in Toronto. DaiLo, located in Toronto’s Little Italy, is a unique Chinese restaurant that seamlessly blends traditional Chinese flavors with modern culinary techniques. This innovative eatery is known for its vibrant and eclectic ambiance, complete with colorful decor and a lively atmosphere.
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Dailo has used traditional Chinese cuisine with a modern twist, making it one of the best Chinese restaurants in Toronto. Chef Nick Liu is a son of Hakka parents in Canada and has been highly successful in offering authentic Chinese cuisine in the Little Italy Neighbourhood. The interesting fact about Dailo is that they have a French twist in their methodology and flavours.
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DaiLo is a culinary gem in Toronto, specializing in modern Asian cuisine with a creative twist. With a focus on Chinese flavors, DaiLo offers an innovative menu that combines traditional dishes with contemporary flair. Its stylish atmosphere, attentive service, and exceptional flavors make DaiLo a must-visit, and one of the best Asian restaurants in Toronto.
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Si vous aimez la cuisine asiatique, vous devez vous arrêter au restaurant Dailo lors de votre prochain passage à Toronto. Cette destination gastronomique a déjà été nommée comme l’un des 100 meilleurs restaurants au Canada en 2017. On vous promet que vous n’allez pas être déçu de votre visite et que vous allez probablement avoir le goût d’y retourner!
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DaiLo serves up unique Chinese dishes with French techniques, and their food is absolutely incredible. They’re also one of the best Chinese restaurants in Toronto, serving up everything from Sweet & Sour Pork Hock to Truffle Fried Rice. Enjoy the DaiLo’s Choice tasting menu for $108 per person, with optional wine pairings.
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Chef and television host Roger Mooking said his top restaurant to go to is none other than DaiLo in Little Italy. "Nick, Trevor and the team there make some of the most delicious food on the planet," Mooking told Narcity. "The ambiance is transformative and their dedication to unobtrusive and attentive service is stellar.
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Another standout Asian-fusion restaurant in a city of exceptional Asian restaurants, DaiLo is named after a Cantonese term of endearment and respect, which makes sense as their dishes are a combination of perfectly served traditional meals with some modern twists, to give the food a distinctive yet delicious character.
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DaiLo writes a bold new chapter for Chinese restaurants in Toronto by blending heritage with high design. Located on College Street, Chef Nick Liu’s kitchen reimagines Chinese food with global influence and sharp technique. The menu leans on nostalgia but updates it with local ingredients and French-inspired touches.
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Dailo’s new Asian cuisine is predominantly Chinese fare but it follows the French tradition. At the heart of the menu is a love and respect for the dishes Chef Nick Liu ate growing up as the son of Hakka parents in Canada. But importantly, they are the dishes his ancestors have been eating for hundreds of years.
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DaiLo is a modern fusion restaurant that beautifully combines Chinese, French, and Southeast Asian influences. For me, it is among the best Asian restaurants in Toronto. I was fascinated by the Crispy Octopus Taco—a fun twist on flavors with red braised pork belly and sambal aioli snuggled in a jicama shell.
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🗓️ Tuesday-Sunday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM. For a high-end dining experience, DaiLo on College Street in Toronto offers innovative Asian fusion cuisine. With dishes like Smoked Duck Bokkeum ($56) and a 90-Day Dry Aged Rib Eye ($71), it’s perfect for special occasions.
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At DaiLo, they believe eating well is a fundamental part of living well, and how they cook reflects how they live. Thoughtful and high quality ingredients lead to better lives and more delicious meals. Their New Asian Cuisine is predominantly Chinese fare, but it follows the French tradition.
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Dailo: Nick Liu is a very creative man, and his take on modern Asian food has made a mark on the Toronto dining scene. For your first visit, make sure to order his signature Big Mac Bao. The primary location is on College Street, but there is also a Little Dailo in Assembly Chef’s Food Hall).
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Celebrate your special someone by sharing dishes, like the exquisitely flavourful Singapore Curry Cauliflower, featuring purple fingerling potatoes, heirloom carrots, garlic scapes, and almonds. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by DaiLo: New-Asian Cuisine (@dailo.to)
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Expect dishes like a 90-day dry-aged rib roast with truffle pomme puree and braised shiitake mushroom master bordelaise sauce. That was a lot of words, but all you really need to know is that the menu spares no expense when it comes to impressing you. Where: 503 College St
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DaiLo, a stylish hotspot in Toronto, offers New Asian Cuisine blending Chinese/Cantonese with French flair. Their menu modernizes classic dishes, many passed down through the chef’s family. Try their Fried Watermelon—warm, and juicy, with pickled melon rind and pork floss.
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Picture this - a blend of French and Cantonese culinary traditions, residing harmoniously in Little Italy on College Street, Toronto. That's the lively reality at DaiLo. Its menu boasts popular choices such as truffle-infused pumpkin dumplings and an exotic jellyfish slaw.
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Chef-owner Nick Liu has christened his cooking style New Asian Cuisine. For Liu, that means he is pulling from Korean, Thai, and Chinese traditions, and executing plates with modern French flair. The menu oscillates between fun food (a Big Mac bao that stuffs pork, beef,…
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (239 reviews) - Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (5.0/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (5.0/5) - Type of cuisine: Chinese, Asian - Price: $$ - $$$ - Address: 503 College St, Toronto, Ontario M6G 1A5 Canada - Read more on Tripadvisor
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We trust everything Chef Nick Liu does so it’s no surprise Dailo is on this list. He’s a master in the kitchen, what can we say?. His wontons are stuffed with minced pork and shrimp, sprinkled with chopped almonds and topped with his house-made XO sauce.
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At DaiLo, they believe eating well is a fundamental part of living well. Thoughtful and high quality ingredients lead to better lives and more delicious meals. Their New Asian Cuisine is predominantly Chinese fare, but it follows the French tradition.
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DaiLo specializes in Chinese cuisine, but they also infuse a few French influences to keep things interesting. So far, I’ve loved the sunchoke dumplings, which are made of uni and sunchoke chips. I like that they have a subtle sweetness from the uni.
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Their Sweet & Sour Pork Hock and 90 Day Dry Aged Butcher Shoppe Rib Eye are unlike anything you’ve tried before. It’s a must-visit spot for foodies looking for the best Asian restaurants in Toronto that serve delectable dishes.
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This highly acclaimed romantic restaurant in Toronto is known for its innovative Asian cuisine and upscale service. DaiLo offers a unique dining experience that combines traditional flavours with modern twists.
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Holistic restaurant built on a "eat well; live well" philosophy. The venue serves a creative menu of New Asian cuisine with French influences. DaiLo is equally popular as a location for drinks.
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DaiLo gets your taste buds buzzing with an exciting blend of Chinese flavours and French techniques. Hats off to Chef Nick Liu for his culinary genius!. Now, what’s up with DaiLo?
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At DaiLo, the wine program emphasizes versatile bottles that harmonize with their modern Chinese menu, including several of our recommended Champagnes and Burgundian whites.
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Book on @OpenTable, check the @Dinr.App for last minute cancellations or call us at the restaurant (647) 341-8882 to book your reservations!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit