With roughly three million residents, Canada’s largest city is packed with international influences and diverse neighborhoods which leads to not only the coolest neighborhoods in North America, but great eating and drinking spots. From quick bites in hole in the wall places to elegant sit-down fine dining experiences and impressive ethnic areas, here are some of the top foodie neighborhoods in Toronto where you can get your Toronto food fix.
Start the morning off with a hot cappuccino and lemon poppy biscotti (one of several flavors) at Café Diplomatico. A Little Italy institution since 1968, “the Dip,” as the locals call it, is a great option any time of day, with robust breakfast, panini, pizza and pasta.
At Il Covo on College Street, your party can share small plates, or cicchetti, which range from eggplant fried in prosecco batter with citrus-whipped goat yogurt and lemon to crusty focaccia-style pizza with roasted duroc pork belly and salsa verde. Prix fixe menus come in three price levels.
For a quick taste, make your way to the pizza counter at Bitondo’s Pizzeria on Clinton Street, and order a slice with a Brio, a locally made Italian-style soda. After dinner, take the whole family out for fresh gelato at the city’s oldest gelateria, Sicilian Sidewalk Cafe.
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The good news: you probably traveled through East Chinatown and Little India just to get here, so if you’re not already full, head over to Wynona for an ever-changing menu that offers an elevated, Italian-influenced meal.
Just up the road, at Lake Inez, they keep things lively with changing in-house dining menus that feature locally sourced ingredients with a Filipino flair, plus “mystery” patio menus.
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Located in Toronto’s west end, Ossington food options range from no-frills dives to buzzy patio experiences. The heated and covered patio at Union, for example, offers French cuisine and a great wine list. Menus change daily and feature staples like steak frites and oysters, plus more surprising fare, from elk sliders to grilled mackerel.
For a satisfying bowl of Vietnamese pho, try Rùa Vàng Golden Turtle, a favorite among locals since 1987. Start with an order of fresh shrimp rolls, then choose from a large list of hearty rice noodle soup options.
Try La Cubana for a far-away taste of Cuba. Run by a couple of brothers who serve up quality house-made breads and desserts, it’s also known for its top-notch rice and beans and other specialties, like the guava BBQ beef short ribs.
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In close proximity to the University of Toronto, it’s no surprise to find a thriving nighttime food market. Grab authentic Asian street food, cocktails and desserts influenced by the cuisines of Japan, Korea, Indonesia and more at the playful Superfresh, a Bloor Street West food hall that spotlights the area’s Asian businesses.
Close by in Harbord Village, head over to Piano Piano for wood-fired pizza options like The People’s Champ—tomato, Grana Padano cheese, prosciutto, arugula and olive oil—plus rich pastas like the mushroom cavatelli and signature entrees. For $65 per person, order the family-style meal, which includes a shared sampling of the house favorites. At Rasa, samples from an array of internationally inspired tapas in a cozy atmosphere. House margaritas and cocktails are also a draw here.
For other quick-bite stops in the area, try Matha Roti for east Indian fare; Harbord Fish N Chips for fried haddock, halibut, and more; Harbord Bakery, known for challah bread and other freshly baked treats; and Almond Butterfly for all-day breakfast and lunch bagels, including vegan options.
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Explore Little Jamaica, along Eglinton Avenue West and don’t stop until you’ve sampled Jamaican patties, a flaky hand-pie packed with beef, chicken or vegetables, and a Caribbean delicacy with a loyal following in Toronto. At Rap’s, try specialties like the jerk burger, pepper shrimp and oxtail dinner. Sun-Light Bakery serves fresh Jamaican baked goods and hard-dough or “hardo” bread. (A bit farther northeast in the Scarborough district, stop by Patty King, a family-owned spot that’s been serving Jamaican patties since 1981.)
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Toronto’s historic St. Lawrence Market, located in a building which dates back to the early 1800s, is a worthy stop to satisfy any taste. With over 120 vendors and lots to smell and see, it’s also just a cool place to walk around. Try the barbecue chicken sandwich at Churrasco’s, a cash-only stall that’s been in the same spot since the 1980s, where the birds are grilled on-site daily and come with a “heap-o-fries” on the side.
At the Carousel Bakery, pretty much anything is in play, but locals love the Peameal bacon sandwich. Hundreds of bread options are also available at this spot, which has been in the same location for over 30 years.
Scheffler’s serves a wide range of small plates, with options ranging from cheeses and cured meats to pickles and an olive bar. Fish and chips, bagels, and more are all options at the market.
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