Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
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
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
Toronto’s calling card—its ethnic diversity—offers up a potent mix of cuisines. But with that base, the city’s chefs ar
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.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Harbourfront, the Entertainment District, and The Financial District
Chinatown, Kensington Market, and Queen West
Leslieville, Greektown, Little India, and The Beach
With a 5,000-square-foot, year-round patio and stunning floor-to-ceiling murals, El Catrin is the hottest place in the Distillery District. Delicious eats include traditional tacos al pastor with shaved pork and pineapple salsa, ceviche, 24-hour-braised short rib in mole sauce, and guacamole prepared table-side. Finish the evening on a sugar high with churros rolled in sugar served with a trio of chocolate, strawberry, and dulce de leche dipping sauces.
18 Tank House La., Toronto, Ontario, M5A 3C4, Canada
If the smell of fresh bread and buttery croissants doesn't draw you into this charming bakery, the decadent sweets on display—like cinnamon buns, butter tarts, or scones—certainly will. For heartier appetites there are items like pulled pork sandwiches and steak-and-stout pie.
Enjoy classic and modern Catalan tapas at this lively restaurant where guests are taken on a tasting journey by executive chef Ramon Simarro. Shareable plates allow for maximum sampling of Madrina’s menu, alongside a large selection of Spanish wines and gins (more than 70) to complement your meal. Order à la carte to try items such as the Iberico ham croquetas or the whole fried sea bass; alternatively, the restaurant offers a nine-course chef’s tasting menu.
One of the best spots to try bier schnapps (a traditional German-style spirit that is akin to tequila), this gastropub features classics with a twist such as crispy cornish hen with Sriracha maple glaze, or ultrameaty chicken wings. Even salads are anything but boring, like the red quinoa salad with sweet and tangy sherry vinaigrette. Fondue is served up with a duo of Oka and aged cheddar with roasted beets, house-made bratwurst, apples, and mini potatoes. For dessert, opt for Nonna's sugar donuts; they're melt-in-your-mouth and pillowy soft.
21 Tank House Lane, Toronto, Ontario, M5A 3C4, Canada
Try adventurous, rich ice cream and vegan sorbetto flavors such as Mango Passion Fruit, Cajeta Swirled Goat Cheese, or Roses of Paradise at Scooped by Demetres. This spot is owned and operated by beloved Toronto dessert shop Demetres, which has been creating artisanal, handcrafted ice creams for more than 30 years. Their creations are made with the finest ingredients sourced from around the world, such as chocolates from Belgium and vanilla from Indonesia, resulting in a rotating menu of 20 decadent and memorable flavors. Make sure to get your scoop (or two) in their famous waffle cone, which is freshly made in-store.
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
Enter a sight, restaurant, hotel, or other place to find restaurants nearby.
Neighborhoods Some neighborhood filters have sub-neighborhoods that can be selected individually in a dropdown by clicking on the icon to the right of the name.
I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails.
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
By signing up for the newsletter, I agree to the Privacy Policy. You must check the box to subscribe
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.
