If you’ve been following me on Instagram @TravellingFoodie, you know how much I eat around Toronto. In this food guide, I’m dishing some must-try food and drinks in and around Toronto!
This list includes specific eats and drinks from some of the best and new restaurants in Toronto including hidden gems, cafes and more. Let the food tripping begin!
Also Read: Top Restaurants in Toronto
Alchemy Coffee
Chicken and Waffles ($15.5) : Crispy chicken with spicy sauce, house salad
Comments: Big portions of waffles and fried chicken. The chicken is really tender and juicy!
Website / Address: 4361 Hwy 7, Unionville, Ontario L3R 1M1
Bar Raval
Steak & Onions ($19.75)
Comments: A most flavourful combination you have to try!
Website / Address: 505 College St, Toronto, Ontario M6G 1A4
Also Read: Alo Restaurant, Michelin Star Tasting Menu Restaurant in Toronto
Bar Reyna
Lamb Shank Baklava ($10) : kataifi, lamb shank, saffron & burnt honey aioli
Comments: One of my favorites at Toronto Taste 2017.
Website / Address: 158 Cumberland St, Toronto, Ontario M5R 1A8
Bella’s Lechon
Pork Sisig ($11)
Comments: It’s really the best pork sisig in Toronto! I also love the fact that they include the egg (for ala carte) without paying extra.
Website / Address: 1145 Morningside Ave #17&18, Scarborough, Ontario M1B 0A7
Benihana (Closed)
Shogun Feast ($72/$88) : Chateaubriand 8oz/10oz with Lobster Tail
Comments: Delicious surf and turf cooked right in front of you with a show!
Website / Address: 100 Front St W, Toronto, Ontario M5J 1E3
Brothers Food + Drink (Closed)
Sweetbreads ($24) : with savoy, apple, taragon
Comments: Check out my review of Brothers Food & Drink.
Website / Address: 1240 Bay St, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2A7
Also Read: Est Restaurant, Tasting Menu & Cocktail Restaurant in Toronto
Bulldog Coffee
Rainbow Latte ($6)
Comments: My favourite latte from my favourite barista!
Website / Address: 111 Richmond St W, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2G4
Cacao 70
Black Sesame Dipped Vanilla Ice Cream Cone ($5.25)
Comments: It’s not common to find black sesame dipped ice cream. The one here has a strong black sesame taste that I love.
Website / Address: 300 Borough Dr, Toronto, Ontario M1P4P5
Cakeview Bakery and Café
Ham and Egg Pineapple Bun
Comments: Sometimes the simple things are the best things, and this ham and egg pineapple bun hit the spot.
Address: 4188 Finch Ave E, Scarborough, Ontario M1S 5C2
Canis (Closed)
Tasting Menu ($88) : 8-course tasting menu
Comments: One of Toronto’s best tasting menu restaurant! Check out my review of Canis.
Website / Address: 746 Queen St W, Toronto, Ontario M6J 1E9, Toronto, Ontario M6J 1E9
Also Read: Le Baratin, Must-Try French Restaurant in Toronto
CC Lounge
Whiskey Sour ($12) : 2oz J.p. Wiser’s Deluxe, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Shaken With Egg Whites, Topped With Red Wine
Comments: The best place for whisky sour in Toronto!
Website / Address: 45 Front St E, Toronto, Ontario M5E 1B3
Chaplus Bubble Tea
Sesame Bubble Waffle ($4.9 (waffle) + $2 (black sesame ice cream))
Comments: Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside and with roasted white sesame
Website / Address: 505 Hwy 7 E, Unit A1, Markham, Ontario L3T 7P6
Cheese Garden
Baked Cheese Tart ($8.75) : Freshly baked, plump cheese tart with molten cheese
Comments: My favourite cheese tart in the city
Website / Address: 5291 Yonge St, North York, Ontario M2N 5R3
Congee Queen
Fried Chili Turnip Patties ($9.25)
Comments: It sounds simple, but it’s highly addicting
Website / Address: 895 Lawrence Ave E #8, North York, Ontario M3C 3L2
Also Read: 98 Aroma, Northern Chinese Restaurant in Toronto
Congee Wong
Spice & Papper Salt Squid ($11.5)
Comments: I always get this here!
Website / Address: 10 Ravel Rd, North York, Ontario M2H 1S8
Daldongnae
Beef Short Plate ($18.99)
Comments: Best of all, everything around the meat in this photo is all you can eat! That includes the cheese corn ??
Website / Address: 6034 Yonge St, Toronto, Ontario M2M 3W5
Enat Buna
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony ($10) : For two people. Served with popcorn.
Comments: A must-try experience for coffee lovers
Website / Address: 175 Queen St E, Toronto, Ontario M5A 1S2
Enat Buna
Beg Tibs ($12.95) : lamb with onion, tomato, jalapeño, green and red peppers, and Ethiopian spices
Comments: The spicy sauce and Ethiopian spices makes the tender lamb very flavourful.
Website / Address: 175 Queen St E, Toronto, Ontario M5A 1S2
Also Read: Must-Try Toronto Restaurants For Takeout and Delivery
Eva’s Original Chimneys
Matcha Crunch Cone ($9.75) : house-made matcha sauce, layered with Matcha KitKat crumble and a piece of Matcha KitKat
Comments: Perfect for matcha lovers like me. Started as a food truck, Eva’s Original Chimneys now have a store-front.
Website / Address: 454 Bloor St W, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1X8
Fat Ninja Bite
Chicken Katsu (Dark Meat) ($9.50)
Comments: Check out my review of Fat Ninja Bite.
Website / Address: 3517 Kennedy Rd, Scarborough, Ontario M1V 4S4
Fishman Lobster Clubhouse
Lobster Mountain in H.K. Style ($16.99/lb) : with fried anchovies and garlic
Comments: A must for lobsters! …and for your instagram! The lobster at FIshman Lobster Clubhouse are consistently fresh and sweet.
Website / Address: 680 Silver Star Blvd, Scarborough, Ontario M1V 4S5
Good Taste Casserole
Casserole Rice (~$10.99)
Comments: Delicious comfort food with huge portions at such a good price! It’s not common to find this in Toronto too.
Address: 8392 Kennedy Rd A9, Unionville, Ontario L3R 0W4
Also Read: Fabbrica by Chef Mark McEwan in Toronto
Gyubee
All-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ ($19.99 Lunch)
Comments: Perfect for meat lovers! Check out my review of Gyubee, my favourite spot for Japanese BBQ.
Website / Address: 7100 Woodbine Ave #100, Markham, Ontario L3R 5J2
Hollywood Gelato
Rocky Rocher ($5.50 (Small))
Comments: Hollywood Gelato is one of the better places uptown for gelato. If you love hazelnut or Ferrero Rocher, you’ll love this!
Website / Address: 1640 Bayview Ave, Toronto, Ontario M4G 3B7
Holy Cannoli
Cannoli ($2-$6 depending on size)
Comments: Best cannolis in Toronto!
Website / Address: Festivals/Events/Partner Restaurants around Toronto
Home of Hot Taste
Wings with Five Flavours ($20 (Large)) : dry crispy with five spice
Comments: I found they have the best boned Korean chicken wings in Toronto
Website / Address: 5 Glen Cameron Rd #3B, Thornhill, Ontario L3T 5W2
Also Read: Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto, High-end Japanese Tasting Menu in Toronto
Hot Black Coffee
Coffee: Any!
Comments: Another go-to for coffee. No wi-fi on the café to encourage customers to connect with one another instead of their phones.
Website / Address: 245 Queen St W, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1Z4
Istanbul Café
Turkish Coffee ($4) : Comes with two pieces of turkish delight
Comments: Another coffee experience for coffee lovers: very finely ground beans are mixed with cold water then served just before boiling when it begins to froth.
Website / Address: 174 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto, Ontario M4P 1A6
Jatujak
Gaeng Panang ($12.95) : Red panang with peanut, basil, red & green peppers and kaffir lime leaves
Comments: You don’t find a lot of panang curry in the city. The curry was very flavourful that I was drinking it like a soup in the end.
Price is very reasonable and portions are good.
Website / Address: 1744 Victoria Park Ave, North York, Ontario M1R 1R4
Katsuya
Cheese Katsu Curry ($15.75) : Traditional Japanese style curry made with braised onion and chicken broth
Comments: Deep fried pork with cheesy goodness. The free refills of rice and cabbage slaw is a bonus.
Website / Address: 6048 Yonge St, North York, Ontario M2M 3W5
Kiin
Khao Yum ข้าวยำ ($24) : Jasmine rice with white turmeric, long beans, lemongrass, sawtooth coriander, kaffir lime leaves, cucumber, toasted coconut, pomelo, fried chilli, sunflower sprouts, edible flowers, tamarind and soy bean sauce
Comments: Probably the prettiest and most delicious rice dish you’ll find.
Website / Address: 326 Adelaide St W, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1R3
Also Read: Frilu Toronto, Michelin Star Tasting Menu Restaurant
Kiin
Yum Tua Plu ยำถั่วพลูู ($15) : Blanched wing beans, chilli shrimp paste, toasted coconut, peanut, soft boiled duck egg
Comments: Very rare to find wing beans in restaurants. And this one was so good and flavourful with the chili shrimp paste when combined with the duck egg.
Website / Address: 326 Adelaide St W, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1R3
Konjiki
Signature Clam Broth Ramen ($14) : with full-bodied clam, shellfish, chicken & pork clear soup base
Comments: Check out my review of Konjiki.
Website / Address: 5051 Yonge St, North York, Ontario M2N 5P2
La Chilaca Taqueria
Chorizo Taco ($3)
Comments: Homemade and full of flavour. As you can see, portions are generous with the chorizo taking half the taco when folded. Their homemade sauces are a must-try too especially the spicy one!
Website / Address: 214 Augusta Ave, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2L8
La Palma
Opel Valley Lamb Chops ($26) : yogurt tahini, preserved lemon and dill
Comments: Tender and juicy lamb chops. You’ll want to smear the lamb with the yogurt tahini.
Website / Address: 849 Dundas St W, Toronto, Ontario M6J 1V5
Lai Wah Heen
Crispy Foie Gras & minced chicken wonton ($12) : in clear truffle consommé
Comments: You can’t go to regular fried wontons after this
Website / Address: 108 Chestnut St, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1R3
Also Read: Diwan Restaurant in Aga Khan Museum in Toronto
Little Pebbles
Matcha Daqouise ($3.75)
Comments: It’s like macaron, but with almond meringue!
Website / Address: 160 Baldwin St. Store #4, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3K7
Meet Fresh
Meet Fresh Signature ($8.7) : Herbal Jelly+Herbal Blended Ice+Taro Ball
Comments: They have the best grass jelly and taro balls
Website / Address: 5315 Yonge St, North York, Ontario M2N 5R4
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen
Mrs. Biederhof’s Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes ($16) : served with a wild blueberry compote, Lanark County maple syrup & whipped cream
Comments: The best buttermilk pancakes in Toronto
Website / Address: 85 Hanna Ave, Toronto, Ontario M6K 3S3
Mos Mos Coffee
Mango Chai Latte ($4.87 (Large))
Comments: This unique drink has a taste of mango and chai in one. The fusion is mindblowing.
It’s hard to describe. But everyone I’d recommended this too has been addicted to it.
Website / Address: 25 King St W, Toronto, Ontario M5L 2A1
Mymy Chicken
Curry Boneless Korean Fried Chicken ($29)
Comments: I find they have the best boneless Korean Fried Chicken. I love the curry flavour because it is dry curry, and you don’t see this flavour in other places.
Website / Address: 9 Spring Garden Ave, North York, Ontario M2N 3G1
Also Read: Bandit Brewery in Toronto
Olde Yorke Fish & Chips
Fish & Chips ($13+)
Comments: Check out my review of Olde Yorke Fish & Chips.
Website / Address: 96 Laird Dr, East York, Ontario M4G 3V3
Olde Yorke Fish & Chips
Onion Rings ($5.25)
Comments: The best onion rings in Toronto!
Website / Address: 96 Laird Dr, East York, Ontario M4G 3V3
Otto’s Bierhalle
Schweinshaxe ($29) : Roasted Crispy Pork Hock
Comments: Good to share. Crispy skin with tender meat. Great with beer!
Website / Address: 1087 Queen St W, Toronto, Ontario M6J 1H3
Peking Duck Kitchen
Peking Duck ($39.99) : includes: Scallions, Sweet Paste, Pancake sheets & Cucumber
Comments: My favourite place for Peking Duck. The owner used to work fo Quan Ju De in Beijing.
Website / Address: 1 Glen Watford Dr, Scarborough, Ontario M1S 2B7
Petit Potato
Special Teppan Pepper Rice with Sliced Beef ($9.99) : with fried egg (+$1.50)
Comments: They have the best version of this. Adding the egg makes a big difference.
Website / Address: 10 Ravel Rd #1-2, North York, Ontario M2H 1S8
Petit Potato
Red Bean Matcha Special Golden Toast ($16.99) : french honey golden toast
Comments: The matcha was surprisingly strong which I love. I also like the fact that it’s not sweet.
Website / Address: 10 Ravel Rd #1-2, North York, Ontario M2H 1S8
Also Read: Day Trip in Toronto’s Bloor-Yorkville Neighbourhood
Pi Co Pizza
Neapolitan Pizza ($13) : Craft yours with unlimited toppings
Comments: For lovers of Neapolitan Pizza, you’ll want to try this! Unlimited toppings with a good variety.
Please don’t compare it to Blaze Pizza, but to other Italian restaurants.
Website / Address: 1200 Bay St #4, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2A5
Richmond Station
Station Burger ($22) : lettuce, beet chutney, aged cheddar, milk bun, rosemary fries, dill pickle, garlic aioli
Comments: The best gourmet burger in Toronto!
Website / Address: 1 Richmond St W, Toronto, Ontario M5H 3W4
Roll N Bowl
Legend Spider Maki Roll ($15.95) : 9pcs, Spicy Scallop on Spider Roll with dried shrimp powder
Comments: This is such a great maki roll! They are big pieces so it’s actually quite filling.
Website / Address: 1157 Ellesmere Rd, Scarborough, Ontario M1P 2X6
Saryo Café
Uji Matcha Rare Cheesecake ($5.5) : with red bean
Comments: Check out my review of Saryo Cafe.
Website / Address: 5051 Yonge St, North York, Ontario M2N 5P2
Tendou Matcha
Matcha Softserve ($4-6.50)
Comments: If you love strong matcha taste, you’ll love the matcha softserve here. You taste more umami matcha than sweet.
Website / Address: 3621 York Regional Rd 7, Markham, Ontario L3R 0G6
The Cups
Injeolmi Bingsu ($11 (Large))
Comments: My favorite bingsu is Injeolmi (Korean rice cake) – so simple but soooo good! I find The Cups serves the best one.
Website / Address: 5 Glen Cameron Rd, Thornhill, Ontario L3T 5W2
Also Read: Sustainable Dim Sum Event in Toronto
The Pho Restaurant
Canh Ga Chien Bo ($8.5) : Deep Fried Chicken Wings with Butter Sauce
Comments: That butter sauce makes all the difference!
Website / Address: 11 Fairburn Dr Unit 16-17, Markham, Ontario L6G 0A4
Tinuno
Kamayan ($15) : shrimp, mussel, squid, grilled pork belly, pork bbq skewer, and two kinds of fish on a bed of rice
Comments: The best kamayan (in regards to the food) in Toronto! You’ll need to make reservations to be sure.
Website / Address: 31 Howard St, Toronto, Ontario M4X 1J6
Xin Jiang Restaurant 西域食府
Xin Jiang Lamb Skewer ($2.49, or $1.49 with VIP card)
Comments: This Northern Chinese restaurant serves my favorite lamb skewers in Toronto!
Address: 3636 Steeles Ave E Unit106, Markham, Ontario L3R 2Z5
Zen Japanese Restaurant
Seared Ocean Trout Sushi ($9.5)
Comments: Check out my review of Zen Japanese Restaurant.
Website / Address: 7634 Woodbine Ave, Markham, Ontario L3R 2N2
MAP: Must-Try Toronto Food & Drinks
Hope this food guide helps you decide must-try food and drinks in Toronto and the GTA! I’m always eating around the city and would love to hear your recommendations.
Let me know where you find are the best restaurants in Toronto and what food/drinks to try. Thanks!