Toronto

If you want to take a culinary world tour without getting on a plane, train or automobile there is arguably no better place on earth than Toronto. Toronto restaurants represent every region of the planet; it’s hard to find a cuisine that’s not available somewhere in this wonderful city. And what’s most enticing is that Toronto’s best restaurants aren’t just high end offerings. Get to know the city’s myriad neighbourhoods and you’ll find gems in all price ranges offering up dishes that compete with the world’s best. We’re excited to share some of the best restaurants in Toronto that we have discovered!

The fact that over 50 per cent of the residents of Toronto are not from Canada, that is always a good thing, creatively, and for food especially. That is easily a city's biggest strength, and it is Toronto's unique strength.
Anthony Bourdain

Each of these restaurants holds a special place in our hearts. Often, it’s more than just the food itself. It’s the richness of culture, the wonderful people behind the scenes, the way a spot makes us feel at home.

Sushi Kaji

Sushi Kaji is one of the best sushi restaurants in North America. More than just great food, Kaji is a feast for the senses to satisfy the most discerning foodie.

La Palette

La Palette has a special place in our hearts. French bistro fare done right, where regulars are treated like family. Our favourite restaurant in the city!

Sugo

Sugo is one of our favourite spots in Toronto. They serve fresh and delicious Italian food in a vibrant and welcoming space. You’ll leave full, and happy.

Pomegranate Restaurant

Pomegranate has mastered the complex aromas and flavours of Persian cuisine, justifying its reputation as one of Toronto’s finest Persian restaurants.

Latin World

Latin World serves up some of Toronto’s most authentic Mexican cuisine. A new location and expanded menu elevates their already great game. Love this place!

Love to cook too? Check out our list of Toronto's Best Markets!

We get that “best ever” is subjective, but for us these really are the best we’ve had – so far. Feel free to challenge us and suggest options!

Best Ever Chicken and Waffles

This Best Ever selection has a sad caveat. The creator of this magic – Stockyards Restaurant – closed its doors under tragic circumstances in 2022. So consider this an homage to a truly fabulous restaurant and one of its most iconic dishes.

Best Ever Shwarma Pizza

This small but mighty Bloordale shop serves up exceptional, takeaway Shawarma Pizza. Good quality ingredients (get the extra sauces!) and truly affordable prices will keep you coming back.

Xiaolongbao at Yummy Yummy Dumplings

This small, walk-down spot in the Downtown Chinatown is not to be missed. All their food is made to order and delicious. Best Xiaolongbao in the GTA.

The Nima Sandwich at Aunty Lucy’s Burgers

Yes, “Burgers” is in the name, and they’re good. But the real star of the show is the Nima Sandwich. It’s one of the best chicken sandwiches in Toronto and worth a visit.

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We have eaten at each of these places, and genuinely loved our experience!

Hyderabad Spices Indian Cuisine

Don’t miss this small Etobicoke spot. Located a short walk from the Islington TTC, they serve up delicious and less commonly seen South Asian dishes that are well worth a subway ride.

Junction Grill

This small spot in the heart of The Junction is easy to miss, but that would be your loss. Junction Grill is an IYKYK kind of place, serving great breakfasts and lunches at very affordable prices.

Kanto by Tita Flips

The OG Kanto at Market 707 brought Filipino street food to Toronto. Their Junction restaurant brings the same attention to quality and freshness to their delicious Filipino dishes. Trust us – just go!

King Slice

This is an old school, value-for-money, pizza by the slice shop in a not-at-all trendy part of Bloor St. W. HUGE slices, tasty crust, nicely sweet-tart balanced tomato sauce and good toppings.

Yip’s Kitchen

Located in the lower level of Toronto’s famous St. Lawrence Market, this small but mighty Chinese food buffet offers up truly tasty food at a very fair price. There’s always a line-up for a reason!

The Donlands Diner

This is one of Toronto’s few remaining authentic, old-school diners. Everything here is excellent: the food; the prices; the decor; and, the vibe. If you’re a diner fan, go. If you’re not, go anyway and be converted!

Summary

Festivals

Toronto Food and Drink Fest

3 days of incredible food, drink, culinary demos, shopping, music + much, much more! Taste the very best from local chefs, restaurants, winemakers, spirit, beer and cider companies, quality culinary products plus get all the latest food & drink trends.

Toronto Food Truck Festival

Woodbine Park has never tasted this delicious before. Back for another year, The Toronto Food Truck Festival is serving up some real must-eats! As always, admission is free and there’s something for everyone. Entertain yourself with some of Toronto’s best local talent, participate in our live-eating challenges and enjoy a cold beer!

The Toronto Chocolate Festival

TCF creates and incorporates all kinds of chocolate-related events that are entertaining, educational and just plain fun for the attendees and the participating chocolatiers, pastry and restaurant chefs. This has resulted in a number of experimental and traditional events – all powered by the one ingredient: chocolate!

Food and Drink Fest

This Hamilton-based festival is an annual celebration of everything to do with the best local restaurants, exciting food trends, talented chefs, craft breweries, wineries, spirits and live local entertainment. It’s a fun-filled event where you can sip, sample and experience the best the region has to offer.

Elmira Maple Syrup Festival

Enjoy demonstrations, activities… and of course pancakes and real maple syrup! Lots of family-fun activities

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Know of a restaurant we should add?

So much more to explore!

Costa Rica Restaurants

Don’t let anyone tell you that Costa Rica doesn’t have good food. Every time we visit this amazing country we discover fabulous dishes that make us yearn for more.

Restaurants All Over Canada

We’ve been lucky enough to dine at many superb restos across this great country. Here are just a few of our favourites for you to check out.

Other Foodies

We know some amazing foodies – both virtually and “in the real”. They inspire us with recipes, insights into food culture and, of course, delish food!

Our Favourite Foodie Resources

Who is Samartang?

One of our fav Insta-buddies, Sara M. Tang is a superb cook, is passionate about Malaysian cuisine, and loves making connections. Say hi from us!

Foodhism Magazine

“Toronto: One Bite at a Time” Toronto’s largest food and drink magazine with long reads, new restaurant profiles, recipes and more! One of our go-to’s.

Toronto Life

Food and drink of course, but a whole lot more! Check them out to keep tabs on Toronto events, social issues and our city’s vibrant culture and diversity.