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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.
Egg Club’s breakfast sandwiches are hailed as some of the best in the city because of their expertly folded eggs, which are housed in a sweet and soft Japanese milk bread called shokupan. Sandwiches are made in an open kitchen before your eyes and sauces are also created in-house. Add the hash brown to your order to experience a sweet and savory, heavenly potato creation.
Located smack in the middle of Kensington Market, locals flock to this highly versatile cultural hub that effortlessly merges brunch restaurant, gelateria, and evening cabaret. The sprawling front and back patio make it an ideal location for soaking in local culture over an umami-rich Japanese omelet and pink sakura latte, or cocktails paired with late-night Latin-themed bites. The choices are truly endless.
This local mini-chain does a brisk business in fresh, slow-cooked rotisserie chicken, sold as part of a combo meal, atop customizable salads and bowls, or stuffed into sandwiches and wraps.
For generations, hungry Torontonians have ended up at this reliable diner for classic breakfasts and greasy-spoon dishes. Burgers and Benedicts are staples, but the menu makes room for a variety of comfort food crowd-pleasers like lasagna, meat loaf, and steak. Save room for rice pudding.
Aside from European-style baked goods and all-day breakfasts, this spot also serves Old World recipes like cabbage rolls, schnitzel, and potato-cheese pierogi slathered with sour cream. It's beloved by the pastry-and-coffee crowd and by students wanting generous portions from early morning until late at night.
A neighborhood favorite with serious cult status, this Parkdale sandwich stop punches well above its weight. The tiny space (and even tinier menu) focuses on a handful of craveable classics: the eggy Gold Standard breakfast sandwich, delicious burgers, and vegan-friendly options are all crowd-pleasers. With most items under $10, it’s a budget-friendly gem for breakfast or lunch on the go. Seating is minimal, so plan to stroll with your sandwich in hand.
For two generations, this family-run Chinese restaurant has served flavorful dishes inspired by China’s diverse regional cuisines. Hong Shing has deep community roots—locals say it offers the city’s best crispy beef and General Tso’s chicken, and hometown celebrities Drake and Simu Liu are regulars. It also features Toronto’s first baijiu-focused bar, pouring creative cocktails made with China’s potent national spirit. In 2024, Hong Shing opened Yan Dining Room, a 26-seat private space offering Chef Eva Chin’s seasonal, eight-course neo-Chinese tasting menu—advance reservations are essential.
Toronto is filled with quick bubble tea—including many chains from Taiwan and other parts of Asia—but Icha Tea is a slower, homegrown shop that brews high-quality loose-leaf teas.
In a neighborhood where the bohemian vegetarian lifestyle is the norm, King's Café has become a mainstay for artists, students, and young professionals seeking vegan grub with an Asian accent. The setting is a serene and airy eatery with wide windows looking out onto bustling Augusta Avenue.
Since opening in 2009, this izakaya has helped define Japanese pub-style dining—small plates and drinks—for Torontonians. The atmosphere stays lively with an open kitchen and ultra-friendly staff. Standout dishes include the truffle carbonara udon, topped with mushrooms, onions, a soft-boiled egg, and fragrant truffle oil.
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 smashburgers that made him famous, come here. Called a "burger club," it's a no-frills mostly-take-out spot with single, double, and triple cheeseburgers (or plant-based burgers), milkshakes, and chili cheese fries.
This hot-pink patisserie is a top destination for Torontonians with a sweet tooth. Long glass cases are filled with French macarons, cakes, and fanciful pastries, as well as savory options like croissant sandwiches and salads, while the walls are lined with a candy shop's worth of sweets (all made in-house). There's delicious espresso, as well as ice cream offered in a second storefront around back.
Whether you're in need of an espresso, a hojicha tea latte, a sandwich, or a gorgeous slice of cake, this modern Japanese café has you covered.
Located on a quiet side street, the beloved café is known for its quality coffees, teas, and seasonal, Japanese-inspired fusion pastries. Since opening in 2015, the shop’s beautiful space has seamlessly blended Japanese and Scandinavian design, featuring warm wood finishes, concrete surfaces, and minimalist furniture, earning it design accolades. Beyond its aesthetics, it serves as a cozy, hip community hub with a loyal clientele, thanks to its friendly service and commitment to using high-quality, organic ingredients. Popular menu items include the matcha latte, roll cakes, and a rotating selection of seasonal drinks and pastries. There are several other locations across Toronto.
Known for hefty, soft-centered cookies, from Oreo and s'more to Filipino-inspired delicacies, this bakery also ships its wares across Canada and the United States (in case you get a craving once you're back at home).
Otto’s brings a nightlife-worthy spin to street snacks. The owners are former club promoters who fell in love with Berlin’s most popular street eats and set about bringing them to Toronto. You can sample shaved-meat-stuffed pita wraps, kebabs, and currywurst (sausages smothered in a ketchupy curry sauce).
This legendary deli has been serving kosher-style kishkes, knishes, and oversize smoked-meat-on-rye sandwiches since 1957.
This fast-casual take-out spot is an offshoot of one of the city's top catering companies, the Food Dudes---and though the salads and proteins here are produced in massive quantities, everything is handled with a deft, flavorful touch. Pick a combo size, then choose from the daily mix of multicultural offerings in the display case. Favorites include moist grilled salmon, various types of chicken (jerk, peri peri, shawarma, etc.), and hearty sides like truffle mac and cheese.
This Egyptian take-out spot is a welcome herbivore-friendly destination on this souvlaki-heavy strip. Many 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 popular take-out joint serves up New York--style pizza by the slice, with a focus on simplicity and quality. Whether you're going for the signature vodka pie with its creamy rosé sauce or sticking with a timeless Margherita, no choice is the wrong choice. It's the perfect spot for a quick, affordable bite. Heads up: seating is scarce, so consider enjoying your pizza on a nearby park bench.
This laid-back neighborhood institution has been popular with art students and broadcast-media types since the 1980s. The food is international, leaning toward Southeast Asian with European accents.
Located where the Annex's western edge blends into Koreatown, this quirky café offers spins on Vietnamese sandwiches and mains, plus coffee and baked treats.
One of the city's fave ramen joints has the distinction of being one of a select few eateries invited to serve their wares at the presitigious ramen museum in Yokohama, Japan. 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.
The longtime favorite for students and shoppers seeking an affordable meal occupies a second-floor dining room above Yonge Street. The menu features a wide range of curries and stir-fries, with favorites including classic pad Thai and Islamic noodles—a secret menu item made with coconut Panang curry sauce poured over a generous platter of noodles and vegetables.
In a city filled with independent "third wave" coffee bars, competition-trained espresso guru Sam James is a pioneer of lovingly made cappuccinos and lattes. The big, open, black-and-white styled Parkdale shop is filled with friendly local characters, a laid-back vibe, and an on-site bakery with freshly baked bread and pastries.
Tucked just behind its big-brother restaurant Fat Pasha, Schmaltz is a love letter to the Jewish appetizing shops of yore, turning out fresh bagel sandwiches with traditional toppings like smoked lox and whitefish salad.
In operation since 1948, this diner holds the distinction of being Toronto’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. It’s a go-to spot for the pre-theater crowd, families, mildly hungover locals, and everyone in between. The menu features classic staples such as Caesar salad, chicken pot pie, and freshly squeezed juices at brunch.
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