If Toronto isn’t one of the cities on your radar for outstanding food yet, it needs to be. The international city is packed with cuisine from around the world, plus incredible interpretations of fusion completely unique to Canada’s capital. So the real question is: where to eat in Toronto?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Where to Eat in Toronto
Bar Raval
Spanish Tapas • Little Italy
We’re going to start right at the top. Bar Raval simply has to be on your where to eat in Toronto list. It’s one of the best restaurants in the city and most beautiful, too. The stunning wood paneled interior is meant to mimic Spanish architect Gaudi’s famous masterpieces while the menu mimics Spain’s traditional tapas. The wine list elevated the spot to the top of the best bars in Canada but don’t worry, the food inspired the 49th spot on the best restaurants list, too.
Order :: everything! Our meal at Bar Raval was a dinner to remember (read about it here) and everything was incredible from start to finish.
Related :: A Dinner to Remember at Bar Raval in Toronto
Cibo Wine Bar
Italian • Three Locations
Cibo Wine Bar is another bar-slash-restaurant serving delicious dishes. You may come in for the wine but you’ll definitely come back for the food. The menu has all your favorite traditional Italian dishes like pasta and pizza, but the execution is far above the average Italian joint.
Cibo Wine Bar has three locations in Toronto, plus two in Miami. The Yorkville Avenue location is lively and energetic, so you’ll stick around long after dessert. And with 2,500 bottles of wine, there’s plenty to enjoy there!
Order :: the lasagna. The giant piece of housemade meat, cheese, and pasta will make you question if you’ve ever really had lasagna before.
Momofuku Noodle Bar
Japanese • Financial District
David Chang’s Momofuku restaurant empire spans several countries and dozens of restaurants — and for good reason. The Toronto outpost of the Momofuku Noodle Bar serves Chef Chang’s take on ramen, which he explains is meant to be unique instead of identical to ramen in Japan. Either way, the hearty bowls of broth, noodles, and pork are delightful. Pair it with one of Momofuku’s famous pork belly buns and you’re set. (Here’s more on a bowl of Japanese ramen in Toronto.)
Order :: What else — ramen! But skip the chilled shrimp buns and opt for the classic pork belly for the best side dish.
Related :: A Bowl of Japanese Ramen in Toronto
Poutini’s House of Poutine
Canadian • Two Locations
Canadians love poutine. And why wouldn’t they? The signature dish is practically the definition of comfort food: crispy fries mixed with cheese curds and topped with brown gravy. Poutine was created in Quebec in the 1950s and has since traveled across Canada (and the northern U.S.), evolving into crazy and creative concoctions along the way.
Poutini’s House of Poutine was famously mentioned by the late great Anthony Bourdain, who said it makes for a perfect post-bar, preemptive hangover cure. But I bet Canadians would argue poutine is great at any time of day. The poutine-only shop has two locations (one that’s cash only) that are open late (til 3:30 am on weekends).
Order :: Poutini’s Traditional Poutine with cheese curds and beef gravy. Or get wild and Canadian with the Bacon Poutine — traditional poutine with bacon and maple syrup.
The Queen & Beaver Public House
British • Downtown
The first thing that struck me at the Queen & Beaver is the adorable exterior, with blooming flower pots adorning the windows and a cute patio. The next thing I noticed was how British it is, from the interior to the food. It reminded me of all the pubs I loved in London!
Besides being an adorable example of a traditional British pub, the food is outstanding. Again, it’s all identical to food found on the other side of the pond and equally as delicious. They make their burger in-house and it’s obvious the patty is hand-ground. And whatever you do, don’t miss the crunchy, crispy fries.
Order :: The fish and chips. Not only are you at a British pub so you should order a British staple, theirs is a giant slab of white fish fried in a light batter, perfectly served with tartar sauce.
Related :: 7 Foods to Eat in London
Le Petite Déjeuner
Belgian • St. Lawrence Neighborhood
Another adorably cute restaurant to add to your where to eat in Toronto list is Le Petite Déjeuner. The tiny spot serves Belgian-Canadian comfort food from the owners’ family recipes. Even better: the menus are seasonal to emphasize local ingredients they get from local farmers.
We went to brunch to try their Belgian waffles and left more than satisfied. And the place was packed, so we weren’t the only ones hankering from waffles! (Note: they only accept reservations for dinner.)
Order :: the Authentic Belgian Waffle served with local organic maple syrup (after all, you’re in Canada!). Pair it with a Bailey’s Latte for a perky start to your day.
Dim Sum in Chinatown
Chinese • Chinatown
The Greater Toronto area has six Chinatowns and the one in downtown Toronto is one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. So not only is it a must-see as a tourist, Chinese food is a definitely must-have in Toronto. (Chinatown is also home to many Thai, Japanese, and Vietnamese restaurants, too.)
One of the most popular dishes to eat in Chinatown is dim sum. The Chinese take on small plates with bite-sized morsels of food is traditionally served during the day, but many Chinatown spots serve it around the clock. I can’t possibly pretend to know which of the many dim sum spots are the best in Toronto, so I recommend Toronto Tourism’s suggestions and CultureTrip’s recommendations.
Order :: everything! Even the unidentifiable dishes. One of the great things about dim sum is the variety and the portions. The little bites make dim sum perfect for expanding your culinary horizons (or ordering tons of your favorites).
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I know in a food city this spectacular I couldn’t cover all the best restaurants, so comment with your recommendations for where to eat in Toronto!
Related :: Exploring Toronto’s Neighborhoods, Ramen in Toronto, Bar Raval in Toronto, and a Day Trip to Niagara from Toronto.
