3 Best Restaurants in Toronto, Ontario

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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.

Khao San Road

$ | Entertainment District Fodor's choice

Named for a street in Bangkok bursting with nightlife and excellent street eats, Khao San Road lives up to its moniker. The squash fritters are a head-turning crispy delight that you'll want to order when you see them show up at another table. For heartier dishes, try for the khao soi, a dish of egg noodles in a rich coconut milk sauce, or try the warming massaman, a tamarind-infused curry with peanuts, potatoes, and deep-fried shallots.

11 Charlotte St., Toronto, ON, M5V 1P7, Canada
647-352--5773
Known For
  • Ingredients sourced directly from Thailand
  • Busy, vibrant atmosphere
  • All of the noodle dishes are standouts
Restaurant Details
No lunch Sun.
Reservations not accepted

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Kiin

$$$$ | Entertainment District

Chef Nuit Regular, Toronto's powerhouse Thai restauranteur, invites diners to a rare taste of Baan Lao cuisine, a seven-course tasting menu of specialties that have been served over centuries to the Thai royal family (and there's a vegan version as well). Don't expect fiery curries but rather a sophisticated and textural experience of imaginative dishes fit for a regal palate. An à la carte menu is available but most diners opt for the main event. Dishes ramp up from bite-sized flower-shaped dumplings to substantial fusions like five-spice–infused braised beef short ribs, or coconut milk-coated charcoal-grilled sablefish steak topped with carved coconut flowers and basil leaves on a red curry custard puree. The playful cocktail menu features Thai-infused ingredients, and you'll want to try more than one.

326 Adelaide St. W, Toronto, ON, M5V 1R3, Canada
647-490--5040
Known For
  • Tasting menu is essential for the full experience
  • The Dead Fish Martini with a dried anchovy garnish
  • Artful platings
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch

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Salad King

$ | Sankofa Square

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.

340 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M5B 1R8, Canada
416-593–0333
Known For
  • Quirky spice scale peaks at "may cause stomach upset"
  • Communal seating means getting to know the locals
  • Colorful atmosphere

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