Air Canada Unveils Top 30 Contenders for 2026 Best New Restaurants and marks 25 Years of Food Worth Flying For

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — For a quarter-century, Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants has traversed coast to coast, mapping Canada’s culinary hotspots to uncover what’s new and next, establishing its place as a leading voice in food worth flying for. To celebrate 25 years as one of the nation’s longest-running national new restaurant rankings, the airline is honouring the culinary legends who shaped modern Canadian food culture while investing directly in the industry’s next generation. That journey begins today with the reveal of the 30 finalists for 2026.

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This year’s finalists reflect the diversity, breadth and creative energy of Canada’s dining scene. Selected independently by a panel of culinary tastemakers with eyes and appetites across the country, and in collaboration with DINR, the nominated restaurants opened between May 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026, and were recognized for the quality of their food and service, as well as their contribution to Canada’s evolving culinary culture. The top 30 are:

The restaurants have been invited to join DINR, where they will be featured as Air Canada Best New Restaurant finalists. A collaborator of the program, DINR showcases Canada’s top culinary destinations and offers guests exclusive reservation access, original editorial content, and entry to sought-after culinary events.