Toronto is one of those cities that seems to have a bit of everything. From amazing neighbourhoods, districts and history, it’s got a little something for everyone. In fact, that’s what attracted me to Toronto in the first place. Now, one thing that did surprise me whilst I was there was how many delicious foody spots and some of the best restaurants in Toronto, I literally had no clue that the food scene was that big.
Anyway, without rambling on, I wanted to share some of the very best restaurants in Toronto that you have to try. There’s a whole diversity of restaurants in Toronto, which is a great thing for us visitors. It literally means that there’s something for everyone, every budget and every taste. Just make sure to visit hungry… trust me on this! 🤣
Take a look at some of the best restaurants in Toronto that you have to try 🇨🇦
1.) A hip place: Figures
So, this is one of my favourite and pretty unassuming little spots in possibly one of the best restaurants in Toronto that’s hidden in plain sight. Figures is located in the Yorkville neighbourhood of Toronto and a spot you don’t wanna miss.
Totally hidden behind an unassuming (almost secret) door is a comic book restaurant that serves some of the coolest food in the city. I loved it here and probably ate far more than I should have who cares, it’s a holiday, right?!? 🤣
Once inside, make sure to try their TV Dinner for the main course, It’s made with buttermilk fried chicken, taleggio whipped Yukon potatoes – all served on a luminous TV dinner tray. For pudding, make sure to order their freshly made doughnuts – all washed down with some tasty cocktails.
Top tip: Make sure to book before you rock up, it can get quite busy!
Read our full blog post on visiting Figures, here
2.) A French place: Alo
Perched at the top of a heritage building within the centre, Alo is often talked about as one of the best restaurants in Toronto for French food. Now, there are two different ways to eat at Alo, one being through a reservation to eat within Alo’s Dining Room (reserve a table, here). Though, be prepared, this books up super-fast).
Alternatively, rock up at Alo’s Cocktail Bar that is only walk-ins. They serve truly classic cocktails and a tasty á la carte menu with dishes like; Ora King Salmon and their Sea Urchin with Black Truffle.
Top tip: If you can get a reservation, go with Alo’s Dining Room, especially for a special occasion.
3.) A Neighbourhood place: Richmond Station
Richmond Station is a neighbourhood eatery and one of the best restaurants in Toronto that focuses on good quality food in an unstuffy and community feel spot. It really is lovely.
For some of their tastiest dishes, make sure to try the epic charcuterie boards (with added cheese)… life never has enough cheese! 🤣 Alternatively, try their maple-cured Trout that’s outta this world.
Top tip: If you’re arriving on the weekend, make sure to book a table, here.
Read more on what to do in Toronto, here
4.) A Dumpling place: Dumpling House
So this was a total surprise for me, after strolling around China Town, I’d worked up a pretty hefty appetite and ran right into a place I’d heard was good. I wasn’t disappointed at all! Dumpling house is one of the best restaurants in Toronto if you’re struggling to choose a good eating spot in China Town.
From the outside, Dumpling House (at 328 Spadina Avenue) looks pretty ‘run-of-the-mill’ and almost like a cafe. Don’t let that bother you, the food is everything here. Totally unpretentious and unassuming, this place is all about the amazing (and relatively cheap) food. Their fried and steamed dumplings are everything.
Top tip: Make sure to take cash with you, they don’t accept card payments.
5.) A Mexican place: Seven Lives
Perched on Kensington Avenue, Seven Lives is a rock-up restaurant and takeaway joint that is always busy (so expect a line). Totally chilled and unpretentious, Seven Lives is easily one of the best restaurants in Toronto if you’re looking for Mexican food.
Personally, I think these guys serve up some of the best fish tacos I’ve ever tasted and cost around $6 for a taco. Yes, it’s a few dollars more than some other spots but it’s quality of quantity, am I right?
Top tip: Arrive for an early lunch or mid-week if you want to queue less.
6.) An Eastern Mediterranean place: Byblos
So, Byblos is a gorgeous spot to visit for some of the tastiest Eastern Mediterranean cuisines in all the city! Hands down, I have no reservations in telling you it’s one of the best restaurants in Toronto for Baklava (Yup, I have a real thing for these sweet treats). 😋
You can reserve your table, here.
Top tip: Make sure to see if they have their Turkish Manti Dumplings on the menus, they’re so good!
7.) A seafood place: Joso’s
So, Joso’s is a pretty established spot and one of the best restaurants in Toronto for good seafood. Opened about 40 years ago, Joso’s is still going strong.
Top tip: Make sure to try their delicious Octopus Salad and their grilled fish (Dalmatia Style). 🐙
8.) A Shellfish place: Rodney’s Oyster House
Rodney’s Oyster House has been going for over 20 years and possibly one of the best restaurants in Toronto for shellfish. Plus, it’s one of my favourite places for New England Clam Chowder and oysters!
As you’re in Canada, make sure to try Rodney’s Caesar, too. It’s amazing and comes with shrimp!
Top tip: Rodney’s Oyster House is closed on Sundays, so plan your visit around this.
9.) A Japanese place: Miku
Perched down by the harbourfront, Miku is one of the best restaurants in Toronto for totally fresh and tasty Japanese cuisine. Although prices can be a little steeper than some other spots in the city, it’s well worth it for the quality of the food.
Top tip: Make sure to try their sushi and sashimi selection. It’s delicious.
Read more on what to do in Toronto, here
10.) A Sweet place: Bang Bang Ice Cream
Nestled on Ossington Ave, Bang Bang is most definitely the best restaurant in Toronto for ice-cream sandwiches. Having much more of a cafe and takeout vibe, Bang Bang is the type of place you grab something and go. Honestly, run to this places, it’s amazing! 🍦
Top tip: Bang Bang have Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan ice cream, too. Meaning, there’s something for everyone.
11.) A Bruch place: Eggspectation
This place is just totally eggs-ellent for brunch! Based on Bay Street, it’s a really easy spot to get to for those weekend brunches when you’ve had a long night enjoying the city. 🍳
Top tip: Once you’ve rocked up, make sure to try their blueberry pancakes and their chicken and waffles… they’re delicious.
Read more on the best things to do in Toronto, here
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