Toronto: 10 Top Places to Eat and Drink

Toronto’s food scene reflects the beautiful diversity of the city. In fact, Toronto is frequently cited as the most diverse place in North America, so you can sample delicious foods from around the world as you explore the beautiful and eclectic capital of Ontario.  

Whether you’re in the mood for an affordable comfort meal, a polished experience, or a casual drink, this guide covers a mix of the city’s restaurants, markets, and rooftop bars. Here are the top 10 spots we’ve tried personally and a few we can’t wait to check out next time.

1. St. Lawrence Market

You should start your food tour at one of Toronto’s oldest and most famous markets. The peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery or Paddington’s is the traditional order. It includes thick slices of cured pork loin, rolled in cornmeal, and served on a soft bun with mustard. It’s simple, filling, and classic.

Pro tip: Come hungry and walk the aisles. You’ll find everything from artisanal cheeses to fresh baked goods to seasonal fruit. So, if a peameal bacon isn’t your thing, you’ll have plenty of other options.

2. Kensington Market

This artsy neighborhood combines vintage shops, murals, and global food spots. It’s one of the best places in Toronto for photography and to eat your way around the world in one day. Our favorites are:

  • Rasta Pasta: Come here for outstanding Jamaican-Italian fusion. The jerk chicken is the way to go – or you can have homemade Italian pasta.
  • Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos: The Baja fish taco is fantastic. But if you want to be bold, go for the cabeza.

Pro tip: Both spots are small, casual, and busy – so be prepared for a short wait and grab a spot outside if the weather is nice.

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3. Steam Whistle Brewery

This local brewery is located by the CN Tower in a restored railway roundhouse. Steam Whistle offers tours for those who want to see the brewing process up close, but it’s also a great place to just grab a pint on the patio and people watch.

They’ve expanded quite a bit over the years that we’ve been visiting Toronto and have several options for sampling and dining indoors and outdoors.

Pro tip: It’s an easy stop before heading to a Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre or exploring the waterfront.

4. Earls Kitchen + Bar

This Canadian chain actually has a location in Tysons Corner, Va., near our home. It’s funny that we’ve never been to that location, but we go to Earls on every trip to Canada, whether it’s in Whistler, Jasper, or here in Toronto. Earls manages to keep its food and service standards consistent from city to city and serves a variety of global flavors.

Pro tip: They make an excellent crab cake.

5. Hey Lucy Cafe

Hey Lucy has a neighborhood vibe in the heart of downtown. We usually stay at the Hyatt Regency (on points) across the street, so it’s a perfect happy hour stop to enjoy in a great atmosphere. They serve wood fired pizza, but we’ve just been in for drinks.

Pro tip: It’s a small space that can fill up quickly, so it’s a good place to start your night before moving on to dinner nearby.

6. Kinoya Sushi

For sushi that’s fresh, quick, and affordable, Kinoya is a solid choice. It’s a casual atmosphere and service is efficient. It’s perfect when you’re craving good Japanese food but don’t want to get stuck with a huge bill afterwards.

Pro tip: Happy hour brings even better prices on rolls, sashimi, and small plates.

7. Minami

If you are looking to splurge on a Japanese dining experience, Minami is an excellent option. The sleek dining room provides a nice ambiance and the dishes are elegant and flavorful. They’re especially known for their aburi sushi — flame-seared pieces that are extraordinarily delicious. The service is polished without being pretentious, and the cocktails are fantastic.

Pro tip: Book ahead, especially on weekends. This place fills up.

8. Rodney’s Oyster House

This is a downtown institution for seafood lovers that was recommended to us by locals. It did not disappoint. Rodney’s offers fresh oysters, clams, and lobster (and we even tried some fringe items like periwinkles). The atmosphere is casual and lively, making it a great place to go with friends or to settle in at the bar (which is what we did). Prices are on the higher side, but the freshness and variety of seafood make it worth it.

9. Lee Chen Asian Bistro

Lee Chen specializes in Chinese comfort food with a modern touch. The soup dumplings (xiao long bao) are the star, and the noodle dishes are consistently good. The quick service makes it an easy choice for lunch or dinner when you’re short on time.

10. Dim Sum King

This is our go-to spot in Chinatown for dim sum. Theo always orders the pickled pig’s feet, while I love the shrimp dumplings and bao buns. The dining hall is big and busy, with carts rolling by quickly, so it’s best to grab what you want when you see it. Prices are reasonable.

Pro tip: Going early helps avoid the rush.

Bonus: Swanky Rooftop Drinks

You can find many spots around the city for a rooftop drink with a great view of the CN Tower. While the rooftop restaurant we visited closed, we want to try Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel next time.  

Pro tip: Arrive before sunset for the best light and photos — but be prepared for a pricier-than-average bill. You pay for the view!

Places We’re Excited to Try Next

While the spots above are tried and true, here are a few Toronto restaurants and bars we can’t wait to try next time:

  • PAI Northern Thai Kitchen: Widely considered one of the best places for authentic Thai food in Toronto.
  • Milagro Cantina: Known for traditional Mexican cuisine and mezcal-based cocktails.
  • Cluny Bistro: A French bistro in the Distillery District with a nice dining room.
  • Kōst: A rooftop bar at Bisha Hotel on the 44th floor with a CN Tower view.
  • Petros82: A Greek restaurant known for seafood, fresh Mediterranean ingredients, and great service. Or if you want to go a little further afield, try Mamakas Taverna for modern Greek dining with a focus on shared plates.

Have you been to Toronto? What are your favorite spots for food and drinks? Let us know in the comments.

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