Toronto Dining Guide
A curated guide to excellent restaurants at every price point
My home city is also one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting culinary destinations. Multicultural Torontonians (roughly half of them foreign born) create a ideal environment for inventive cuisine — in fine dining, affordable eats and everything in between.
I currently live in Denver but return regularly to Toronto to visit family, and always make time to enjoy the city’s fantastic food. If you are planning a trip to Toronto I want you to enjoy it as much as I do, so I’ve gathered a selection of my favorite restaurants, as well as some acclaimed spots that are atop my wishlist. I’ve tried to keep them to central locations, the areas where most tourists explore (with a couple of exceptions).
I’ll be in Toronto this summer and intend to try some new spots. I will keep this updated to reflect my latest experiences.
NOTE - I will do my best to keep this list current but things change in the world of restaurants. I am not listing specific hours and days because they fluctuate. Rather, I am including website links where available, so you can check the latest relevant details yourself — location, hours, prices and reservation availability.
Around the world in one tasty city
Amal (Lebanese) $$$ 131 Bloor St.W, 2nd Floor website
Centrally located on Bloor Street, just west of the main intersection at Yonge Street, this gorgeous room will transport you with it’s airy Arabian-Med decor and modern presentations of Lebanese and Middle Eastern classics.
Bar Raval (Spanish) $$ 505 College St. website
Spanish wines and small plates/tapas in a cozy room that make you feel like you are in Barcelona. The menu is small but creative. Extended hours, 1 pm to 1 am daily, make this a handy spot for just a drink or a meal on your own schedule. It has a lively patio as well.
Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen (Jamaican) $$ 104 Portland St. website
Toronto has a vibrant Jamaican population and this is said to be the best place in the city for Jamaican food. Expect a menu showcasing a variety — burgers, fish, and even sweet ‘tings, but the main event is the jerk chicken which takes four days to prepare. The brunch menu is also creative.
DaiLo (Asian-French) $$$ 503 College St. website
A “Big Mac” bao bun and other culinary riffs keep your brain and tastebuds entertained at this cozy yet sophisticated restaurant with vintage teahouse flair. I highly recommend the tasting menu which I experienced when I dined here. Or create your own by sharing an array of small plates with your fellow dinners. You can’t go wrong.
Giulietta (Italian) $$$ 972 College St. website
Its sister establishment, Osteria Giulia (134 Avenue Rd), holds one Michelin star, but this Italian spot in Toronto’s west end shines even without one. Modern takes on classic Italian dishes in a stylish dining room. Inventive pasta and delicious pizza.
The Cottage Cheese (Indian) $$$ 64 Oxford St. website
Toronto has terrific Indian food so if you love it like I do, take advantage. “Cottage cheese” is a reference to the Indian cheese paneer; the chef combines flavors from all over the world to classic Indian dishes. My husband loves this place and I hope to visit on my next trip. It’s found in the Kensington Market neighbourhood which is an experience in itself. This gives you a delicious reason to go.
Chiang Mai (Thai) $$ 171 E Liberty St., Unit 144 website
There are now multiple locations around the city of this popular Thai restaurant, with good reason. The decor is lovely, food is delicious and prices are fair. They also have fancy cocktails that will make you feel like you are on vacation. The location most central to downtown is in Liberty Village. If you find yourself west end-ish, this is a good option for a fun affordable dinner.
Sunny’s Chinese (Chinese) $$ 60 Kensington Ave., website
Toronto’s Kensington Market is a global mélange of cuisines and market shops that has evolved with the immigrant groups that call it home. (My grandmother used to send my dad here to buy butter and spices for her eastern European cooking). A culinary adventure awaits down a hall that appears to go nowhere. Discover Sunny’s array of dishes inspired by regions of China from Sichuan to Guangdong to Hong Kong, in a buzzy atmosphere. I’ve made a note to try the Hong Kong French Toast with black sesame jam and oolong condensed milk.
Queen & Beaver Public House −$ (British) 35 Elm St. website
They call themselves the best British pub in Toronto and I won’t disagree. This gastropub features inventive cuisine while maintaining pub classics and the atmosphere is charming — herringbine floors, green leather banquets and nice lighting. Plus just enough whimsy to suggest you are visiting your grandparents at their country house. The owner is also a sommelier so non-beer enthusiasts rejoice. This pub has a great wine list and well-made cocktails. Of course, this is a good place to watch football (aka soccer) and other sports. Brits longing for a taste of home will find much to be excited about including a Sunday Roast.
Pricey & splurge worthy
Canoe Restaurant & Bar (Canadian) $$$$ 66 Wellington St. W, (TD Bank Tower), 54th Floor website
Seasonal cuisine celebrates flavors and ingredients from across Canada in a sky-high location with outstanding views of the Toronto skyline. Yes, you’re in an office tower in the financial district. But you’ll forget all that the moment you arrive. Tasting menu or a la carte options. TIP - drinks, bites and those views are also available from the bar where walk-ins are welcome.
Sotto Sotto (Italian) $$$$ 120 Avenue Road website
A celeb favorite (come during the Toronto International Film Festival to glimpse the stars enjoying a bowl of spaghetti alle vongole) or anytime to posibly catch Drake, this Toronto institution is owned by an Italian-Canadian woman originally from Rome. Be transported to Italy with authentic Roman cuisine. Buon appetito.
Adrak (Indian) $$$$ 138 Avenue Road website
Found in fancy Yorkville (one of the neighbourhoods I suggest as an option for shoppers) I’d love to go for a leisurely lunch (Monday to Friday) or dinner. Discover elevated and inventive Indian food in a fine dining package. You’ll find good value at the lunch prix-fixe — 2 courses $55, 3 courses $65.
Quetzal (Mexican) $$$$ 419 College Street website
Upscale Mexican dining featuring wood-burning grills and hearths which give the food an earthy smokiness. This is considered one of the top restaurants in Canada. Seafoods are especially good here and it’s a great place for a fancy cocktail. Tasting menu available.
Michelin-star tasting menus ⭐️
Edulis (Mediterranean) $$$$ 169 Niagara Street website
Highly acclaimed dining (including a Michelin star) in an intimate setting. A quaint house and garden will make you forget you’re in a city, let along one of the largest in North America. The set multicourse menu ($200, paid at time of booking) is Mediterranean inspired with a focus on Spain. Seasonal flavors that change often while maintaining a focus on seafood, vegetables, and wild mushrooms. A multicourse lunch is also available on Sundays ($100). Must reserve ahead; reservations for the coming month open on the 15th of the previous month at 6 pm EST and book quickly (ie. September reservations will open August 15).
Alo (French) $$$$ 163 Spadina Avenue, 3rd Floor website
Fine French using seasonal ingredients served in a chic dining room on historic Spadina Avenue. Choose between a 4, 6 or 10-course tasting menu. ($110-$245 per person) Last-minute reservations are sometimes available.
Cheaper Eats
Tasty isn’t always correlated to price. Here are a few of my affordable favorites.
Banh Mi Boys (Vietnamese Sandwiches) $ 392 Queen Street West website
Banh mi is the Vietnamese word for bread — in this case the baguette used for delicious sandwiches. The banh mi was introduced to Vietnam in the mid-19th century, becoming a staple street food in Saigon. It appeared in Toronto in 2011 and became a beloved addition to the quick-service food scene. Sandwiches feature braised, grilled, and fried meat ( & vegetarian options) with savory sauces. Bao buns are also offered. Great for a quick, yummy lunch.
Renaissance (Pizza) $ 809 Dundas St. West website
If I am not having excellent Napoli-style pizza in Toronto I’ll opt for Detroit-style. The best is just like this — thick crust, crispy and cheesy. Choose from classic pepperoni or Canadian and creative options like Tandoori Paneer. Full pies or individual square slabs are available to go.
Kinton Ramen (Japanese) $ 402 Queen Street West (and other locations) website
There are a plethora of excellent Ramen places in Toronto but some of the best aren’t centrally located. And I am partial to suggesting Kinton Ramen because it was the OG. It has grown exponentially into a full-fledged chain which means multiple downtown/central locations, offering visitors convenient access.
Mother’s Dumplings $ 421 Spadina Avenue website
The owners of this homey spot make dumplings using the recipe their mother brought to Canada from NorthEastern China. These handmade little flavor bombs are tender and delicious. I loved the pork and dill and the mushroom and tofu for a veg option. Apparently the crispy green onion pancake is also delish. Say yes to the complimentary hot jasmine tea they offer when you sit down.
Breakfast & Brunch
Carousel Bakery $ (Canadian) cash only 92 - 95 Front St East (St. Lawrence Market, main floor)
Come to Toronto’s oldest market to experience the bustle and try a quintessential breakfast sandwich of peameal bacon on a soft bun. For a less frantic experience, visit on a weekday (except Monday; it’s closed).
The Lakeview (Diner) $$ 1132 Dundas St. West website
A Toronto institution (est. 1932), go for the authentic old-Toronto diner vibes as much as the food.
Kōst (Brunch with a view) $$ 80 Blue Jays Way website
Rising 44 stories above Toronto’s entertainment district is the Bisha Hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Kōst. Unparalleled city and lakeshore views accompany fresh seasonal cuisine. Also come for lunch, apero or dinner.
Emmer (Bakery/Café) $-$$ 61 Harbord St. website
Exceptional croissants and breakfast sandwiches. The place to go if you were “over-served” the night before.
BB’s (Filipino/Global) $ website
A hip filipino diner in Toronto’s west-end area of Parkdale. (Are you sensing my affinity for the west end?) Not worth a trip out as it’s not on the subway line, but if you happen to be staying out here.
If you are headed to Toronto, I wish you an wonderful and delicious visit! If you have tried any of these restaurants or have another Toronto favorite you’d like to share, please comment below.