Lai Wah Heen

Lai Wah Heen, a landmark of Toronto’s fine-dining scene since 1995, has returned to its original home on the second floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton. The reimagined space caters to business professionals and discerning diners seeking an upscale, cartless Cantonese experience. Under new ownership and the guidance of internationally trained chefs Heyden Sin and Huang Zhenqing, the kitchen crafts visually stunning, lifelike dim sum alongside refined mains. The restaurant prioritizes local sourcing, utilizing organic produce grown on the owner's Ontario farm, Canadian Prime beef, and heritage pork.

Guests can expect attentive service informed by traditional Chinese table customs, with meals paired with an exceptional tea selection brewed over open flames. For business lunches or celebrations, the venue offers several private and semi-private rooms equipped with private bars and boardroom setups. Practical perks include its downtown location near two subway stations and complimentary two-hour validated parking in the hotel garage.

While diners delight in the artistic presentation of dishes like the koi-shaped dumplings, the premium experience comes with a trade-off. Guests should note that prices can be steep, particularly for the newly introduced afternoon high tea. However, visitors consistently find the investment worthwhile, praising the smooth, well-paced service and the remarkably flavorful, expertly executed dishes.