If you’re a basketball fan visiting Toronto, NBA Courtside Restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience near the Scotiabank Arena. As the only official NBA-themed restaurant in the world, it combines American-style comfort food with an immersive basketball atmosphere packed full of memorabilia.
We visited ahead of a concert nearby to see if this unique sports dining experience lived up to the hype.
Dining at NBA Courtside:
We visited NBA Courtside Restaurant as it was conveniently located near the Scotiabank Arena, where we were heading for a concert featuring Brandi Carlile.
If you’re attending an event in the area, it’s an ideal pre-show stop — and that’s exactly what we were looking for.
Atmosphere & Setting:
This place is a must-visit for basketball fans.
The restaurant is packed with NBA memorabilia, from trainers worn by famous players to signed basketballs and game-used items — many of which appear to be linked to the Toronto Raptors.
Even the toilets are themed, which shows the level of detail put into the experience.
Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just curious about the sport, it’s a fun environment that doubles as a mini museum of basketball history.
What We Ordered:
We both opted for mains:
🍔 Dallas Smoked Bacon Burger
- Double patties
- Bacon jam
- Chipotle mayo
- Caramelised red onion
- Classic salad toppings
🍗 Blackened Chicken Sandwich
- Chicken breast
- Artisan greens
- Avocado
- Tomato
- Garlic aioli on sourdough
Both dishes were phenomenal — packed with flavour and cooked perfectly. The burger in particular stood out, loaded with toppings and full of smoky, savoury goodness.
Service & Overall Experience
Service here was top tier.
We were greeted warmly, brought water straight to the table (always a win), and the staff were genuinely engaging — asking about our day and chatting with us about the concert we were heading to.
It felt personable without being over the top.
In terms of price, it was very reasonable for downtown Toronto — around $23 CAD (~£12) per main. As with most places in Canada, you do need to factor in tax and tipping, but even with that added, it still felt like good value.
Final Thoughts:
NBA Courtside Restaurant delivers exactly what you’d hope for — great food, excellent service and a unique sports-themed atmosphere.
If you’re heading to the Scotiabank Arena for a game or concert, this is an easy recommendation for a pre-event meal. And if you’re an NBA fan? It’s a no-brainer.
Pros and Cons:
- Unique NBA experience✅
- Great quality food, especially the burgers✅
- Best enjoyed by sports fans, less appeal if you’re not into basketball❌
Gourmet Gauge: A fun and immersive NBA-themed restaurant with great food and standout service — perfect before a game or concert in Toronto.
Taste: 8/10 🥄
Presentation: 8/10 🍽️
Ambience: 9/10 🕯️
Service: 8.5/10 👨🍳
Value for Money: 8/10 💰
Total: 41.5/50 Highly Recommend!
Click here to see where they land on our Gourmet Gauge Scoresheet!
You can find “NBA Courtside” at the following location:
15 Queens Quay E #101
Toronto, ON
M5E 0C5
Canada
Have You Visited NBA Courtside Restaurant Recently?
Have you eaten at NBA Courtside Restaurant? Let me know what you ordered — and whether you spotted any cool memorabilia!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NBA Courtside Restaurant worth visiting?
Yes — especially for basketball fans. The combination of memorabilia, atmosphere and solid food makes it a unique experience in Toronto.
Where is NBA Courtside Restaurant located?
It’s located near the Scotiabank Arena, making it ideal before events.
Discover more restaurants, attractions and travel tips in our full Toronto guide!
The Taste Trekker 
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