Joso's

Joso's

202 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 1J2, Canada

+1 416-925-1903

Seafood restaurant
(794)
Share Your Experience

About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Toronto’s vibrant Yorkville neighbourhood, Joso’s stands as a cherished gem for seafood aficionados craving authentic Mediterranean flavours with a Croatian twist. This beloved seafood restaurant infuses each dish with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and time-honoured recipes, creating a dining experience that is consistently lauded by both longtime supporters and first-time visitors alike.

From the moment you step inside Joso’s, you’re greeted by a warm, old-school charm that sets a relaxed yet sophisticated tone. The intimate setting, enlivened by striking surrealist artwork, invites you to settle in and savour each bite without pretension. The friendly and knowledgeable staff, including the ever-gracious host Paul and attentive servers like Alison, enhance this welcoming atmosphere with impeccable service that genuinely feels like being welcomed into a family tradition.

The menu at Joso’s reads like a love letter to the sea, bursting with sensory delights. Start your culinary journey with their famed Calamari & Shrimp Kornati, lightly floured and perfectly crisp, delivering a delicate crunch that gives way to tender, fresh seafood beneath. Fans of pasta will find unmatched satisfaction in offerings like the Spaghettini Siciliana — a uniquely crafted squid ink pasta simmered in cuttlefish ink, celebrated as some of the best pasta in Toronto; its earthy, briny depths resonate beautifully with the sea’s essence. The Pescatora Risotto and Grilled Octopus continue the symphony of flavours with mouthwatering textures and bold, fresh notes of garlic, lemon, and olive oil.

For those who appreciate the art of seafood dining, the Catch of the Day Selection presents an interactive element where guests can select the freshest seafood before it’s expertly prepared, ensuring every meal is truly tailored and bursting with oceanic freshness. Other highlights include buttery Oysters, rich and tender Mussels & Shrimp in a vibrant red sauce perfect for dipping crusty bread, and the luscious Tiramisu or refreshing Mango Sorbet that elegantly close your meal on a sweet, satisfying note.

What truly sets Joso’s apart, however, is not only the impeccable quality of its fare but the heartfelt hospitality woven into every visit. Reviews echo a common sentiment: decades of dining reveal a steadfast dedication to excellence and an atmosphere that feels like returning home. Whether celebrating special milestones or seeking a sophisticated yet unpretentious night out, Joso’s continues to be a cornerstone of Toronto’s seafood scene — a place where tradition, flavour, and genuine care converge beautifully.

Service options
Outdoor seating Dine-in Delivery Takeaway
Highlights
Great cocktails Great coffee Great wine list
Popular for
Dinner
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Healthy options Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy Historic Romantic Trendy Upmarket
Crowd
Groups Tourists
Planning
Reservations required Dinner reservations recommended Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Parking
Paid street parking Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Thursday
    05:00 PM - 10:30 PM
  • Friday
    05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Saturday
    05:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Jaime HRodriguez
    4 week ago

    Been dining at Joso’s for decades. The t had been years since the last time. And it did not disappoint. The food is as delicious as ever and the place still has the magic that Joso Spralja created a long time ago and his family continued to this day. Shout out to Paul who greeted us as nicely as ever.

  • C
    1 month ago

    Dined here this past Saturday for my partner’s birthday. Joso’s has been our go-to restaurant in Toronto for celebrations. Sumptuous seafood, excellent suggestions and service, and relaxed setting that isn’t snobby which is typical for most Yorkville establishments. Recommend their squid ink pasta (Alla Siciliana) which frankly is THE best pasta I’ve had in a while in the city and their clam pasta (Alla Marinara). Highly recommend this restaurant which has been around for decades. 11 out of 10!!!

  • Mamadou Sakho
    1 month ago

    Me and the wife were in Toronto and went here for our 1st wedding anniversary. The atmosphere was simply delightful from the host, waitress, and servers. They gave us a glass of champagne on the house since they knew it was our anniversary. The food was simply fresh and excellent. They bring the catches of the day so you can pick out your option while they prepare it. It’s also like being in a museum with all the colorful decor and artwork that truly symbolizes what this establishment caters too which is seafood. I forgot also this is the same restaurant of the Take Care album cover which I forgot to inquire about. Definitely hoping to be back when Wes re in Toronto.

  • Mar Yvette
    1 month ago

    Joso’s is a seafood lover’s dream with the added bonus of impeccable service, cozy old-school charm, and eye-popping surrealist art. I was here for my birthday two years ago and when my husband and I knew we were coming back to Toronto, this was the first rezzie we made. Paul is the consummate host while Alison and the other servers are so friendly and knowledgeable. As for the food, it doesn’t get better: fresh, flavorful, and proof that simplicity does not mean boring. From the smoked trout appetizer and Joso salad to the pick-your-fish platter (you can’t go wrong with firm + flaky grilled sea bream) and Croation potato salad (boiled with just salt, olive oil and parsley), every gastronomic note is perfection. I’d be remiss not to mention all the boobies on display (think R-rated Dali). But even if you’re uptight, don’t let that stop you from dining here. It’s art, it’s fun, and at the very least a conversation starter. The energy and volume definitely pick up as the night goes on, but the vibe remains the same: cool and classic. This place is considered a landmark for good reason and we can’t wait to come back.

  • W N
    1 month ago

    Took my cousin to Joso’s for her 18th birthday — a Croatian seafood spot that’s been on my list for years. We started with smoked trout salad (fresh and not too salty) and shared clams, mussels, and shrimp in rich red sauce — perfect for dipping bread. The grilled octopus was smoky and tender, with lemon juice bringing out the flavour, though the thinner parts were a bit bitter. Then came the main event: the pink rockfish. Lightly seasoned with just salt, it was all about the freshness — crispy skin, buttery meat, and lemon on the side if needed. We also got the squid ink pasta and it was a pleasant surprise — my cousin’s pick for best dish of the night. Finished off with tiramisu, and the server even brought it out with a birthday candle — a sweet little touch. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, the Croatian white wine goes really well with the seafood.

  • Ran “Tony” Cheng
    2 month ago

    Intimate restaurant with an eclectic (in a good way) decor. Food was excellent, service was excellent. I originally ordered the Filetto, but they had just sold out, and our server recommended the lamb chops instead. Absolutely delicious. The only thing to note about Joso's is that their kitchen closes at 9pm, even though their hours of operation go until 11pm.

  • Lina Toma
    3 month ago

    From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed so nicely and made to feel right at home. We were even given the famous upstairs table by the window, which instantly made the experience feel special. The lovely girl with curly dark hair and glasses (I wish I remembered her name!) was absolutely amazing- so friendly and knowledgeable. She told us about how Drake’s album cover photo was taken there, which completely made my hubby’s night. He was so excited that we had to recreate the photo ourselves. The food was great as well. My hubby doesn’t usually eat seafood, but he really enjoyed trying the deep-fried calamari, which says a lot. He also said the steak was amazing, which was a nice supris. Everything we tried was well cooked and full of flavor. The décor was very interesting in the best way; unique, cosy, and full of character. It really adds to the overall charm of the place and makes you want to stay longer. Unfortunately, we were way too full to try the tiramisu, which I’m still a little sad about, but that just gives us a reason to come back. Overall, a very cosy place with good food, wonderful service, and a fun, memorable atmosphere. We truly loved our experience.

Share Your Experience

Your Rating

Discover What Travelers Love About This Place

Real experiences, honest impressions, and insights shared by the Wherevi community to help you explore with confidence.