A downtown Toronto fine dining restaurant offering modern Asian cuisine is the newest establishment in the city to receive a Michelin star.

On Thursday, Michelin Guide Toronto & Region unveiled its 2025 restaurant selection, awarding one star to aKin, which is located at 51 Colborne Street.

The restaurant’s chef, Eric Chong, was on hand to receive the recognition.

Chef Eric Chong Chef Eric Chong takes a picture with Bib during the Micheline Guide Toronto & Region ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025.

“The inspectors noted that Chef Eric has set out to do what few others in the region dare to. Drawing inspiration from across Asia, he taps into his own heritage and delivers a modern tasting menu that reimagines what is possible using top-shelf ingredients sourced from Nova Scotia to British Columbia,” host Pay Chen said during Thursday’s ceremony.

When asked how it feels to receive one Michelin star less than a year after the restaurant opened, Chong said, “I don’t know. It’s a whirlwind.

“I couldn’t have done it without my team. Honestly, I have the best team in the world.”

According to the Michelin Guide, past highlights include lobster cheung fun, char siu bao with Iberico secreto and grilled langoustine with silver needle noodles.

“Gorgeous desserts, creative cocktails and personable service enhance this memorable experience,” the guide said.

Two Michelin stars

Meanwhile, Restaurant Pearl Morissette, located at 3953 Jordan Rd., Lincoln, Ont., received two Michelin stars on Thursday, making it the lone establishment to have the recognition. They got one star last year.

Restaurant Pearl Morissette Restaurant Pearl Morissette, in Jordan Station, Ont. is shown in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout – Restaurant Pearl Morissette

“This establishment has impressed our Michelin Guide inspectors, showing exceptional growth over the past year,” Chen said.

“This achievement reflects their ongoing dedication and consistency, showcasing mastery in the art of fine dining, year after year.”

Chefs Eric Robertson and Daniel Hadida were present to receive their restaurant’s two stars.

“I think we’re just as motivated by everyone else in this room to put our head down and do the work, really be in love with doing the work, and keep our focus on the producers, the guests, the team that we have around us at all times, and make sure that that’s always the priority,” Hadida said.

Michelin star Chefs Eric Robertson (right) and Daniel Hadida (centre) take a picture with Bib during the Micheline Guide Toronto & Region ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025.

The Michelin Guide described the Restaurant Pearl Morissette as a “powerhouse.”

“Yes, there is plenty of wine available, but don’t miss the accomplished juice pairing either. The meal may conclude sweetly with a deliciously creamy hogweed ice cream sandwich followed by terrific, freshly baked madeleines. Meanwhile, the warm team keeps the tasting moving at a friendly clip,” the guide wrote.

The following 15 restaurants in the region maintained the one Michelin star they received last year:

Aburi Hana (102 Yorkville Ave., Toronto)DaNico (440 College St., Toronto)Alo (163 Spadina Ave., 3rd floor, Toronto)Don Alfonso 1890 (1 Harbour Sq., Toronto)Edulis (169 Niagara St., Toronto)Enigma Yorkville (23 St. Thomas St., Toronto)Hexagon (210 Lakeshore Rd. E., Oakville)Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto (6 Sakura Way, Toronto)Osteria Giulia (134 Avenue Rd., Toronto)Kappo Sato (575 Mount Pleasant Rd., Toronto)The Pine (7535 County Rd., Creemore)Quetzal (419 College St., Toronto)Restaurant 20 Victoria (20 Victoria St., Toronto)Sushi Masaki Saito (88 Avenue Rd., Toronto)Shoushin (3328 Yonge St., Toronto)