24 Best Restaurants in Leslieville, Greektown, Little India, and The Beach, Toronto

A Leslieville staple, this brunch spot occupies an airy two-floor space with huge windows in a converted old home just north of the main Queen East drag. It's a lovely spot for hearty, homey dishes like cheddar jalapeño waffles, washed down with coffee in vintage Corningware mugs.

From the "mindblowing chicken sandwich" to the Pharaoh's po' boy with fried shrimp, it's hard to go wrong at this cheerful, intimate family-run Egyptian brunch joint, located at Little India's eastern edge.

Bold Middle Eastern flavors and spices are showcased at Tabülè, where traditional appetizers include baba ghanoush and hummus served with warm flatbread, and standout falafel fried to a deep golden brown and served with thick, rich tahini sauce. Grilled meats and seafood are also excellent.

On the edge of a small plaza—a gathering spot for Danforth locals—sits this venerable hole-in-the-wall spot, known for serving hot, fresh gyros and souvlaki into the wee hours.

Slide into a well-worn wood booth or sit at a checkered table at this low-key steak house, complete with oak bar and pressed-tin ceiling. The steaks and Guinness-braised lamb shanks get rave reviews, but the hamburgers, ground in-house, might be Allen's secret weapon.

Pick up a frosty treat—and some truffles or chocolate bars to take home—at this ice cream shop and chocolatier just off the main Danforth drag.

This local mini-chain is faithful to the central Texas style of barbecue, producing all manner of meats—brisket, sausages, turkey, and even halal chickens—from a 7,000-pound smoker. The protein is obviously the main attraction, but sides like mac and cheese and sweets like banana pudding have their share of fans.

Known for making Pinterest-perfect cakes for some of the city's splashiest fetes, this charming bakery also offers bite-sized baked goods for a spot of on-the-go luxury.

Toronto has its fair share of delicate, thin-crust Neapolitan pizzas, but this is where the locals go to indulge their carb cravings with thick Detroit-style pies cooked in rectangular pans. Go simple with the classic pepperoni, or try an international twist with the Jaffna (a twist on Sri Lankan kothu roti) or a jerk chicken version with pineapple. The pizzas might seem small for the price, but don't let your eyes fool you: they're ridiculously dense.

This neighborhood scoop joint, featuring a long list of house-made flavors, is a hot spot for locals and families in the summer months. A second location serves Leslieville at 920 Queen Street East.

Every boardwalk needs a solid burger place—and this cute takeout counter ably covers all bases, from burger and hot dog combos to soft serve and house-made canned cocktails.

A trip to Little India isn't complete without hitting up this raucous Pakistani/North Indian spot, popular with locals and families. You might have  a long wait at peak times (generally Friday and weekend nights), but standout biryani, kebabs, tandoori chicken, and sizzling plates of tikka will be your reward.

This low-lit dining room—presided over by murals of Kate Bush and Virginia Woolf—is an east-end cult fave, thanks to its warm service and nostalgic-yet-inventive small plates.

This combination general store and barbecue joint has long been a refuge for locals in need of a poutine, breakfast sandwich, or butter chicken at odd hours.

Whether you're looking for imported pesto potato chips, a bottle of wine, a fresh cappuccino, or a hearty salad, this Italian bodega has you covered.

This long-running Greek spot has a loyal local following, thanks to consistently good food, a sizable menu, and friendly service. Classics like fried calamari and horiatiki salads crowned with flavorful feta are here, along with some unusual options like whole quail and fried smelts flown in from Greece.

Luxurious takes on diner and brunch classics—think Benedicts and open-faced turkey sandwiches—dominate the ever-evolving menu at this cute corner eatery. There's something for everyone, including a menu for the under-10 set, but dishes like fried truffled mushrooms and smoked pork loin are decidedly refined.

This Egyptian takeout spot is a welcome herbivore-friendly destination on this souvlaki-heavy strip. Most of the satisfying, delicious dishes here are vegan, with koshari (a savory lentil, pasta, and tomato dish), ful (spiced, slow-simmered fava beans) and tameya (crisp, herbaceous Egyptian falafel) the biggest draws.

Pilot is known for roasting some of the city's finest beans and running a growing mini-empire of cafés; this spacious, laid-back location was their first. (Be sure to peruse the bags of beans on display and grab a couple for your suitcase.)

This industrial-chic space with dark wooden floors and tables is all about authenticity when it comes to Neapolitan-style pizza. Perennial favorites include the classic Margherita, topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil, as well as the Dominator, with rapini, fennel sausage, and smoked mozzarella.

One of the city's fave ramen joints, Ryu's has the distinction of being one of a select few eateries invited to serve their wares at Yokohama, Japan's prestigious ramen museum. The "pork blaster" ramen with eight slices of chashu is the crowd favorite—but if you're feeling particularly extravagant, there's also a version topped with Angus roast beef.

With espresso, baked goods, bar snacks, beers, and cocktails on offer, this colorful café/bar (look for the neon pegasus sign) serves as a reliable local hangout from morning 'til night.

This meat-free Indian restaurant, tucked into a large basement just below street level, is beloved by herbivores and omnivores alike. The dosas are the thing to get here, but they also do excellent renditions of classic snacks like pakoras and bhaji, as well as curries like aloo gobi or saag paneer.

Clocking in at around just 20 seats, this colorful family-run neighborhood spot showcases the delicious nuances of classic Mexican cuisine. Dishes here are rich in flavor and composed with care, from duck confit tacos and grilled octopus to a mole dish that's been slow-cooked over eight hours.