Toronto’s food scene is a mix of old-school classics and bold new flavors. There’s no way to eat it all in one trip, but the adventure is trying.
You’ll find everything from Chinatown hole-in-the-walls to trendy, chef-driven kitchens. This city does “global food” right—every block brings new eats from somewhere different.
If you like discovering food the locals actually eat, Toronto’s the kind of place where you’ll always be hungry for one more meal. Seriously, loosen your belt.
What to Eat in Toronto
Peameal Bacon Sandwich
This is Toronto’s signature snack—a roll stuffed with juicy, cornmeal-crusted pork. You can find the OG version at St. Lawrence Market, but lots of diners sling a great one too.
Originally invented here, it’s a rite of passage for any food traveler. Go early if you want the freshest one.
Jamaican Beef Patty
Toronto has a massive Caribbean community, and this flaky, spicy beef pastry is everywhere. Look for local chains and bakery counters—every version is a little different.
Expect bold flavors and a bit of heat, perfect for grabbing on the go.
Butter Chicken Roti
This mashup of Indian and West Indian cuisines is an absolute staple in Toronto. Think soft, chewy roti filled with rich, creamy butter chicken.
You’ll find great versions in neighborhoods like Little India and around Kensington Market. Don’t be afraid to get messy.
Soup Dumplings
Toronto’s Asian food scene is the real deal. Soup dumplings—those delicate, juicy purses of goodness—are beloved both in Chinatown and North York.
The best spots fill up fast, so arrive early or order lots. Worth burning your tongue for.
Butter Tart
Not just a Toronto thing, but you’ll see these sticky-sweet Canadian desserts in bakeries everywhere. Perfect with coffee or as a late-afternoon treat.
Deciding who bakes the best is a local debate—your tastebuds can help settle it.
Foodie Neighbourhoods in Toronto
Kensington Market
This hippie, colorful neighborhood is crammed with casual eats—Jamaican bakeries, Latin American grills, vegan cafés, and indie cheese shops.
The vibe is always lively, with tons of street art and vintage shops mixed in. It’s a hot spot for street food and food walks.
Chinatown
If you want steaming noodles, dim sum, or those legendary soup dumplings, head here first. Chinatown is always bustling with late-night energy and some of the best cheap food in town.
You can snack all day for not a lot of cash, then wander through traditional markets and bakeries.
Ossington Strip
This short stretch of Ossington Ave. is stacked with chef-owned spots serving modern Mediterranean, small plates, and creative cocktails.
The energy is cool without trying too hard. Perfect for a night out or Sunday brunch.
Queen West
Queen West nails the mix of hip coffee shops, global snacks, and plant-based food. There’s always something new to try.
It’s also prime for people-watching and shopping after you eat.
Little Italy
Classic pizzerias sit next to espresso bars, pasta joints, and modern trattorias. It’s one of the best neighborhoods for snacks and a bar crawl.
If you want pasta after midnight or a perfect Negroni, this is the place to go.
Budget Restaurants in Toronto
Juicy Dumpling
Home of legendary $3 soup dumplings, Juicy Dumpling serves comfort food fast in the heart of Chinatown.
Expect a no-frills vibe and lines out the door—totally worth the wait for fresh, juicy buns.
Big Trouble
A cozy Chinatown snack bar with fun late-night bites, from pork buns to inventive cocktails. The lounge upstairs is a sweet spot to hang out.
Perfect for sharing plates with friends or starting your night in Toronto.
Table Fare + Social
Trendy food hall in Union Station that pulls together affordable favorites from all over the city.
If you’re traveling with friends or can’t decide, everyone finds something here.
Karine’s
Famous for massive brunch plates—think shakshuka, hummus, pancakes, and fresh fruit.
Karine’s is totally vegetarian but seriously filling, with students and families loving the prices.
Papa Chang’s Express
This spot dishes up Taiwanese-style fried chicken, bubble tea, and street snacks at wallet-friendly prices.
Quick service, late hours, and big portions make it popular with locals after work.
Mid-Range Restaurants in Toronto
PAI
Authentic Thai flavors are the main draw at PAI, from punchy curries to tangy papaya salad.
The place is lively and packed most nights. Reservations help, but you’ll still feel the energy.
Richmond Station
Led by a Top Chef Canada winner, this vibrant restaurant serves Canadian classics and creative small plates.
Perfect date spot or celebratory dinner that won’t drain your wallet.
Bar Isabel
This Spanish-inspired spot has a buzzy, neighborhood-hangout vibe, with killer tapas and creative cocktails.
Reserve ahead, especially if you want to sit at the central bar.
Mamakas Taverna
For Greek food done right, Mamakas combines modern style with old-world flavors. Don’t miss the grilled octopus.
Atmosphere feels both casual and just a bit fancy.
Dailo
Asian-fusion gets seriously fun here, with creative dim sum, fried rice, and cheeky cocktails.
Great with a group—try lots of different dishes to share.
Luxury Restaurants in Toronto
Alo
This Michelin-starred spot sits at the top of “best in Canada” lists—modern French tasting menus, perfect cocktails, and killer downtown views.
It’s a splurge but worth it for a special occasion or food bucket-list night.
Canoe
With its skyline views and creative Canadian cuisine, Canoe is the spot for when you want to feel fancy in Toronto.
It’s ideal for business dinners, anniversaries, or anyone out to impress.
Sushi Masaki Saito
Omakase at Sushi Masaki Saito is an experience—ultra-fresh ingredients, perfect technique, and only a few exclusive seats a night.
If you land a reservation here, bragging rights come included.
Edulis
This cozy fine-dining spot crafts seasonal tasting menus built from foraged and local ingredients.
Perfect for a slow, special meal that really highlights the best Canadian flavours.
Aburi Hana
A showcase for Kyoto-style kaiseki, Aburi Hana feels more like being in Japan than downtown Toronto.
The whole night is careful, elegant, and memorable, especially for sushi fans.
Best Coffee Shops in Toronto
Boxcar Social
Boxcar Social is a go-to for serious coffee geeks, with a rotating cast of rare roasts and a relaxed wine bar vibe.
Great spot to hang out and get a little work done too.
Fahrenheit Coffee
Tiny but famous, Fahrenheit has world-champion baristas and a devotion to perfect espresso.
Their cortado will ruin you for regular coffee elsewhere.
Jimmy’s Coffee
This local chain is low-key and homey, with friendly vibes and iconic yellow cups.
Each location feels super neighborhood-y—like you’re a regular after one visit.
Ethica Coffee Roasters
Ethica keeps the minimalist style and pushes flavor boundaries with unique single origin beans.
You’ll find creative latte art and a bright, clean layout that’s pure Instagram bait.
Mercury Espresso Bar
Reliable, no-nonsense spot for excellent espresso and small-batch beans on Queen East.
Local favorite for takeout and early-morning fix.
Markets in Toronto
St. Lawrence Market
This indoor market has stood since the 1800s—come early to sample Ontario cheeses, charcuterie, produce, and legendary peameal bacon sandwiches.
Plan for a Saturday morning wander (and maybe lunch while you’re there).
Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market
One of the most beloved community markets, with organic veggies, homemade preserves, and a true neighborhood energy.
It runs year-round with different vendors each week—go for seasonal specialties.
Annette Village Farmers’ Market
Smaller but packed with quality local produce, baked goods, and fresh bread.
People come here for the friendliest farmers and a real small-town market feel.
Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market
With live acoustic music and a super welcoming crowd, Cabbagetown’s market has some of Toronto’s freshest organic fruit and veggies.
It’s neighborhood-focused—expect lots of regulars and a familiar feel week after week.
Underpass Park Farmers’ Market
This funky under-the-bridge location hosts vendors selling crafts, preserves, honey, and produce.
It’s worth the trip for a photo or to find something new—never the same market twice.
Budget Accommodation in Toronto
Planet Traveler Hostel
Located near Kensington Market, Planet Traveler offers affordable beds, a rooftop patio, and a cool, social vibe.
Great option for solo travelers or anyone who wants to meet new friends in the city.
The Only Backpacker’s Inn
This friendly hostel includes breakfast with your bunk, plus a lively bar downstairs and a great east-end location.
Easy walk to Greektown and steps to the subway.
HI Toronto Hostel
If you want to stay downtown on a budget, HI Toronto Hostel has dorms and private rooms, communal kitchen, and daily events for guests.
Perfect for exploring the Financial District on foot.
Toronto Travellers Home
Super central, basic but reliable—private and shared rooms for a great price close to Chinatown and Queen West.
You won’t get luxury, but you will get location, especially if you’re out all day.
Neill-Wycik Backpackers Hotel
Hostel-style rooms with kitchen access, walkable to the Eaton Centre and Ryerson campus, perfect for students or longer stays.
Simple, secure, exactly what you need if you’re just looking for a place to crash.
Mid-Range Accommodation in Toronto
The Drake Hotel
Trendy and boutique, the Drake Hotel brings unique rooms and cool bars to Queen West. You’ll be surrounded by cafés, shopping, and nightlife.
Rooms are artsy and the rooftop is a neighborhood hangout in summer.
The Broadview Hotel
Historic red-brick hotel in Riverside, with stylish rooms and one of the best rooftop patios for watching sunset over the city.
Easy to hop on the streetcar for exploring everything downtown.
The Sutton Place Hotel
Classic, comfy hotel that’s steps from the Eaton Centre and Yonge St. shopping.
Good value for a quieter night’s sleep right in the middle of the action.
Chelsea Hotel
The biggest hotel in downtown Toronto is actually a solid value, with spacious rooms, a pool, and walking distance to everything you want to see.
Families and solo travelers both dig the location and ease.
Ace Hotel Toronto
This design-first hotel is new, modern, and packed with character. Expect comfy beds, inventive events, and a great location on Camden Street.
It’s a cool choice if you like stylish, independent hotels over big chains.
Luxury Accommodation in Toronto
Fairmont Royal York
This landmark hotel is right across from Union Station and has been hosting travelers since the 1920s.
Rooms blend heritage charm with modern upgrades, and there’s a historic lobby, spa, and multiple restaurants onsite.
The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto
Floor-to-ceiling views of downtown and Lake Ontario set the tone for a splurge stay. Rooms are plush, roomy, and just steps to the CN Tower.
Foodies love the high-end restaurants and cocktail lounges on site.
Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
Five-star luxury in Yorkville, with a sleek spa, suite upgrades, and Michelin star dining on-site. If you want to be close to Toronto’s best shopping and restaurants, this is your spot.
Service is pro-level and rooms are spacious.
Hotel X Toronto
This 5-star resort is right by the lake at Exhibition Place, with tennis courts, huge pools, and insane skyline views. It’s got the amenities of a resort, but just minutes from downtown action.
Perfect if you want to combine city and leisure.
The Hazelton Hotel
Tucked into Yorkville, this small luxury hotel is known for high-end rooms, a quiet vibe, and great people-watching from the lobby bar.
Celebrity sightings are not rare, but the real star is how comfortable the beds are.
