Best New Restaurant 2012

GOLD: HAWKSWORTH

Silver: Ensemble  |  Bronze: Nicli Antica Pizzeria  |  Honourable Mentions: Campagnolo Roma & Boneta

It was Dale MacKay’s bad luck to win Top Chef Canada and open his own room the same year David Hawks­worth wowed with his long-awaited restaurant. One judge called MacKay’s Ensemble (Silver) “a welcome addition with its intense flavours, skilled service, and solid wine and cocktail program.” Another praised “sophisticated, casual food, like black cod bathed in intensely flavoured pork Thai broth.” Nicli Antica Pizzeria (Bronze) also won raves: “Basically, we have this room to thank for the long-overdue pizza revolution.” Campagnolo Roma was another popular newcomer (“If this is gentrification, bring it on!”), and Boneta 2.0 earned plaudits for its cozy feel, solid bar program, and “artistry on the plate.”

Note: Ensemble is now closed

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