2 Best Restaurants in Toronto, Ontario

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Toronto’s calling card—its ethnic diversity—offers up a potent mix of cuisines. But with that base, the city’s chefs are now pushing into new territory. Gone are the days of chefs gunning for white linen tablecloths; now pop-up vendors such as Fidel Gastro’s Lisa Marie and Seven Lives Tacos Y Mariscos draw a cult following big enough to open up brick-and-mortar locations.

And it’s not enough to have consistently good food: kitchens are pushed to be creative and embrace food trends. Spanish tapas and Korean fusion have replaced French and Thai as the newest crazes in the city and izakayas are out while ramen is in. Farm-to-table shows no sign of slowing down, with many menus citing the source of their meats and produce. While Toronto is still young as a foodie travel destination, it’s drawing in the crowds, or at a minimum world-famous chefs such as Daniel Boulud and David Chang, who have landed in Toronto with Café Boulud and Momofuku. And as locals will tell you, first come the chefs, then come the savvy foodie travelers, always posting a tweet or photo to Instagram at the city’s newest hot spots.

GG's Burgers

$ | The Beach

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.

Matty's Pattys

$$ | Ossington

Local celebrity chef/often-shouting TV personality Matty Matheson always has a number of spots opening and closing in Toronto, but if you want to try the delectable smash burgers that made him famous, Matty's Pattys is the place. Called a "burger club," it's a no-frills mostly-takeout spot with single, double, and triple cheeseburgers (or plant-based burgers), milkshakes, and chili cheese fries.

923A Queen St. W, Toronto, ON, M6J 1G5, Canada
416-546--8091
Known For
  • Smash burgers made from triple AAA beef brisket and chuck
  • Local craft beer and chocolate milkshakes
  • Popular takeout spot for nearby Trinity Bellwoods Park