This year marks Canada’s 150th anniversary and the long list of nominations feature the cultural diversity of Canadian cuisine highlighting excellence in innovation, creativity and inspiring memorable dining experiences for its guests.

Based on the recommendations from a panel of food experts, Air Canada sends one writer on an anonymous month-long dining marathon from coast to coast to determine the most notable new openings which become contenders for the coveted annual Top 10 list.

“On the Fairmont Pacific Rim’s glammed-up mezzanine, now lush with greenery in planters and living walls, big flavours from the open kitchen push the menu beyond hotel restaurant. Be sure to try the hand-cut beef tartare topped with umami-rich parmesan foam and an egg yolk “smoked” in apple-wood-infused olive oil. After sundown, join jet-setters and Coal Harbourites in the cocktail lab for avant-garde Manhattans that incorporate mushroom-infused rye, spiced maple and moss.”

The annual Top 10 list will be showcased in the November issue of Air Canada enRoute magazine. Discover the country’s top openings at CanadasBestNewRestaurants.com