Even for those who live in Toronto, the city’s immense restaurant scene can be pretty overwhelming; and if you’re only visiting for only a few days, you probably don’t even know where to start.
But, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with a list of standout spots in the 6ix that represent the quality, diversity, and uniqueness that make Toronto’s food scene so special.
Whether you call Toronto home or you’re just passing through, here are nine Toronto restaurants you’ve just gotta add to your foodie bucket list in 2024.
Avelo
Price: 💸💸💸💸
Cuisine: Vegan
Address: 51 St Nicholas St, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Even the most hardened omnivore can’t help but be won over by the elevated, exploratory vegan cuisine at this highly regarded fine dining spot.
Avelo’s surprise prix fixe menu — with the choice of 5 or 8 mystery courses and optional wine pairings — is always changing and invites the adventurous to explore creative plant-based cuisine that proves you don’t need meat, eggs or dairy to make memorable food.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
PAI
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Northern Thai
Address: 18 Duncan St, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: It’s verging on cliché to sing the praises of this Northern Thai restaurant that’s grown to multiple Toronto locations, but that’s because it’s very worth the hype.
Traditional Thai staples like Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, panang curry, and khao soi are brought to vibrant life with quality ingredients and skillful preparation. In spite of being a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant, PAI is the furthest thing from pretentious, with all that flavourful comfort food served in a relaxed, warm setting.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Richmond Station
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Canadian
Address: 1 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: With its much-lauded menu of seasonal fare and staple favourites, Richmond Station blends exceptional ingredients and the culinary precision of elevated dining with the humble feel of a neighbourhood restaurant.
Their eponymous Stn. Burger topped with beet chutney, garlic aioli, aged cheddar, pickled onions and lettuce is always a hit.
Quite frankly, it’s hard to go wrong with anything on Richmond Station’s menu, which also has equally thoughtful dishes for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free guests.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Burger Drops
Price: 💸
Cuisine: American
Address: 116 Atlantic Ave, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Toronto’s burger game is off the charts, from the more classically thick, flame-grilled beauties to deservedly popular smash patties that manage a crispy exterior with a juicy interior.
Burger Drops is regularly cited as one of Toronto’s best for the humble handheld, and it’s not hard to see why: they smash their AAA beef blend by hand, and pile it onto a toasted potato roll before loading it tempting toppings like pickles, American cheese, griddled onions, and their tangy Drop sauce. Drool-worthy is an understatement.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Bar Raval
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Spanish tapas
Address: 505 College St, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Eclectic Spanish tapas meets expertly crafted cocktails at this gorgeous bar and eatery on College Street.
Bar Raval’s Barcelona-inspired menu and aesthetic play host to a joyous menu of small plates built for sharing and grazing; you’d be wise to order a bunch of different options, from the grilled octopus to the patatas bravas to the jamon croquettas.
Thoughtful house cocktails round things off at a spot that’s perfect for an evening of conversation with a steady stream of nibbles and sips hitting the table.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Pizzeria Badiali
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Pizza
Address: 181 Dovercourt Rd, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Calling this place a hidden gem would be like calling Taylor Swift an indie artist, but there’s good reason Pizzeria Badiali almost always has hefty lineups out the door.
This takeaway pizza joint puts serious craft and standout ingredients into their tempting range of New York-style pies, from the basic cheese pizza to choices like the vodka pie or the capicola & pineapple.
Pre-ordering a full pizza is the easiest way to skip the queue, but you may prefer to wait in line and grab an assortment of slices to try multiple flavours. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Aloette
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: French
Address: 163 Spadina Ave. 1st Floor, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Refined fast casual French dining is the name of the game at this little sister of acclaimed MICHELIN Guide restaurant Alo.
A cozy-yet-classy diner setting plays host to lunch, dinner and weekend brunch that’s a far cry from greasy spoon fare: think elevated haute cuisine like wagyu truffle burgers, foie gras parfaits, and salmon carpaccio, accompanied by thoughtful wine and cocktails.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Maha’s Egyptian Brunch
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Egyptian
Address: 226 Greenwood Ave, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: When brunch culture is so thriving in Toronto, it’d be silly to not hit up at least one bangin’ brunch spot on your next visit to the city; and this one has been garnering praise left and right.
Maha’s Brunch goes beyond standard bacon and eggs in their acclaimed range of traditional Egyptian fare that will start your morning off in unique and delicious fashion, from the Egyptian falafel with eggs to the comforting shakshuka or the legendary lentil soup.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Lake Inez
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Asian fusion
Address: 1471 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: For a more adventurous, casual fine dining experience that aims to delight, Lake Inez is a total must-visit.
Blending Asian flavours with an array of international cuisines in its contemporary menu, this relaxed, homey restaurant serves seasonal dishes à la carte, each one more intriguing than the last.
Those who feel especially bold may want to try Lake Inez’s coveted mystery patio tasting, limited to one seating per night and offering six surprise courses with wine pairings.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
This article has been updated since it was originally published in May 2024.
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