Toronto’s dynamic food scene has added a new milestone with the inclusion of louf, a Palestinian restaurant, in Toronto Life’s prestigious 2025 Best New Restaurants list. Ranking No. 7 out of 20, louf is the first Palestinian establishment to be recognized in the magazine’s 43-year history of compiling the annual list. The announcement was made during a celebration held on May 12 at the Evergreen Brick Works.
The restaurant’s placement reflects the growing appreciation for refined, globally influenced dining in Toronto, as well as the rising profile of Palestinian cuisine. Located near Casa Loma, louf was opened in November 2024 by Chef Fadi Kattan and co-founder Nicole Mankinen, who have been intentional about integrating tradition, storytelling, and sustainability into every aspect of the restaurant.
A Celebration of Palestinian Identity and Hospitality
“I’m proud of my co-founder and the team at louf for having all made this possible, for having made louf’s recognition from Toronto Life as part and parcel of the food scene in Toronto,” said Kattan. “Where we are the first restaurant to be proud of our Palestinian identity, to be proud of using locally sourced, sustainable Ontario produce, and to have a unique beverage list that caters with crafted nonalcoholic drinks and a beautiful selection of wines and cocktails to everyone. I am proud that louf today in Toronto symbolizes the truth of Palestinian hospitality, which is proud hospitality, welcoming everyone.”
The restaurant’s name, meaning “to turn” or “to revolve” in Arabic, signifies the cyclical nature of seasons, stories, and cultural legacies. louf has embraced that ethos by crafting a menu that reflects centuries-old Palestinian culinary techniques using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Signature Dish Highlights Culinary Innovation
As part of Monday’s celebration, louf joined some of Toronto’s most acclaimed restaurants in showcasing its culinary approach. Chef Kattan prepared khubz bil zaatar w labaneh, a standout dish made with house-made Palestinian zaatar bread, artisanal local labaneh, Ontario-grown blood sorrel, grape molasses reduction, and sumac imported from Palestine. The dish encapsulates louf’s fusion of heritage and innovation.
“This is a watershed moment for Palestinian culinary representation in Toronto,” said Mankinen. “I am grateful to those who recognised the need to put Palestine on the culinary map in Toronto through Chef Fadi’s cuisine, and the craft of hospitality that is intrinsic to Palestinian culture.”
A Warm Welcome with Global Reach
Since its opening, louf has drawn both local and international diners eager to experience its uniquely curated hospitality. Located just steps from the city’s iconic Casa Loma, the restaurant offers more than just food—it serves stories, traditions, and cultural expression on every plate.
The ambiance is equally curated to reflect the values of openness and warmth that are central to Palestinian traditions. Every detail—from the nonalcoholic beverages to the locally sourced produce—has been crafted to ensure an inclusive and memorable guest experience.
Expanding the Experience with Summer Events
As the summer season begins, louf is expanding its offerings through a series of special events and menu highlights that further showcase its culinary vision. The restaurant has opened its seasonal patio and launched multiple themed dining experiences.
On weekends, guests can enjoy a traditional Palestinian brunch. Weekday visitors are invited to the bar, where they’re served complimentary Palestinian-spiced nuts alongside a curated drink menu. Tuesday evenings are designated for steak night, where a 12-ounce Ontario-sourced striploin is basted in zaatar-infused ghee and topped with spicy shatta. Thursdays feature a $80 per-person date night menu designed to offer guests a full immersive culinary experience.
Beyond flavour, louf is committed to deepening understanding of Palestinian identity through the lens of food. Every dish is accompanied by thoughtful storytelling, whether about the origin of an ingredient or the family recipe that inspired its preparation. This narrative-driven approach helps elevate louf from simply a restaurant to a cultural touchstone within Toronto’s multicultural dining landscape.
