The Big Chill
If you're craving a specific ice cream flavor or topping, chances are this long-standing ice cream parlor will have it ready to go.
11 Best Restaurants in Toronto, Ontario
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.
Bindia Indian Bistro
Bindia serves mouthwatering North Indian cuisine that will delight your taste buds from the first bite of juicy meats and freshly baked naan straight from the tandoor oven. A beloved neighborhood staple, it’s conveniently located in the heart of St. Lawrence Market, offering casual, warm, and friendly service. Whether you choose to dine inside or enjoy a table on the patio during the warmer months, you’ll be able to people-watch and soak in the vibrant sights and sounds of the local community.
Breakwall BBQ
This neighborhood watering hole offers year-round beach-town atmosphere. The kitchen mostly deals in pub food, but (as the name suggests) the thing to get here is the BBQ—brisket, moist pulled pork, chicken wings, and tender ribs, available in sandwiches or hefty platters. Breakwall stays open late—a rarity in this sleepy part of town—in case you’re looking for somewhere to grab a pitcher in the wee hours.
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Duff's Famous Wings
At this classic Toronto wing joint, crispy flats and drumettes are served with pristine celery sticks and ranch, dill, or blue-cheese dressing (though the menu is not all wings). The "medium" sauce is still fairly hot—but for those truly willing to tempt fate, the options go all the way up to "armageddon."
EDO-ko
Open in one form or another since the 1980s, this neighborhood eatery strives to capture both contemporary and authentic Japanese washoku-style cooking. Think tempura, teriyaki, sushi, sashimi, poke bowls, and creative maki rolls. Hot pots and udon noodle bowls are a great way to warm up in the colder months.
Hong Shing
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.
Pizza Banfi
No matter what day or time, it's usually busy here, so reservations (which are now taken) are recommended. While the decor is slightly cliché, with Renaissance-style wall paintings, the classic Italian food is actually quite good, but the pizzas are the real attraction. With thin-crust, the pies are tossed in full view of the appreciative crowd, then baked to perfection.
Robo Sushi
Experience the future of food service at this all-you-can-eat Japanese joint where most items are brought to your table by real robots with storage compartments for bellies.
Summer's Ice Cream
Yorkville is filled with ice cream and gelato shops, but Summer's is the most beloved. A family-run shop since the '80s, this ice cream parlor doesn't do anything fancy or trendy but excels with the classic, made-in-house flavors. There are always at least 26 of them, with favorites like chocolate fudge brownie, pralines 'n' cream, and Toronto Pothole (a little bit of everything) often seen on cones throughout the village.
Terroni
Open shelving lined with Italian provisions decorates this cool pizza joint, but it's the thin-crust pies, bubbled and blistered to perfection, that keep diners coming back. The menu suits all pizza lovers—from the simple Margherita to extravagant options like the Bruma, a white pizza with pancetta, egg, and black truffles. Daily pasta specials can be hit or miss, but desserts—like a warm, oozing round of flourless chocolate cake—are universally delicious.
Terroni and Bar Centrale
Local Italian mini-chain Terroni has several locations around the city but this one, with the ground-floor Bar Centrale wine bar inspired by Italian train stations, is especially popular. Head upstairs to the bi-level Terroni for locally beloved thin-crust pizzas, seafood spaghetti, and Italian cheeses and mushrooms, along with stunning views. Service is particular: no substitutions, no cheese on seafood dishes, and they won't cut your pie for you. Some find it a deal breaker; others say it adds to the Italian authenticity.
