Now that you’ve survived the daunting moving process and settled into your new life in Toronto, there’s a whole new world you’re about to discover – and it’s one of the biggest perks about living in such a diverse city: the food.
Acquaint yourself with the wonderful foodie scene in your new home city by making time to visit the following restaurants. Yes, these are just a handful of the options you will come to adore once you’ve fully explored the city, but they’re notable Toronto foodie favourites that you’ll want to check off your list as soon as possible.
Khao San Road
Khao San Road and its sister restaurant Nana have quickly become the beloved authentic Thai food restaurant of choice for food obsessives across the city, so much so that they’ve had to close down the original location to build a new, a larger space. The former location did not allow reservations, meaning wait times for a table could be over 2 hours long on a busy night.
Bar Isabel
This Spanish influenced bar set in the heart of Little Italy is known for serving up an unexpected menu, allowing Torontonians to order deep-fried whole sea bream ceviche without having to head to the old-world. The drink menu is also one of the best in the city.
DaiLo
Serving up a mix of French inspired Chinese-Canadian cuisine and classic dim sum, DaiLo takes the art of plating seriously. You will be instagramming every dish you order since you won’t find anything like it elsewhere.
Fring’s
Drake has done a lot for Toronto, and it seems his goal is to have a foot in everything happening in the city. He opened Fring’s with celebrity chef Susur Lee to ensure the cities food scene gets the same international attention he brought to its music and sports scene. Be ready to drop some cash here, but it might be worth it if you’re hoping for a Drake spotting.
R&D
Another celebrity chef endeavor, MasterChef Canada winner Eric Chong and his mentor, Michelin starred chef Alvin Leung came together to create this destination spot for Asian-fusion dishes in the heart of Chinatown. Try the BBQ pork buns and the curry while you’re there.
The Black Hoof
Meat lovers, welcome to your new home away from home. The Black Hoof is famous for offering up bone marrow and charcuterie options you won’t find elsewhere. If you’re looking to expand your pallet with a unique cut of meat you likely haven’t tried before, you’ll want to eat here.
Momofuku
Beloved NYC chef David Chang brought his famous food to Toronto with Momofuku, a multilevel restaurant empire in the downtown core, housed in a glass cube. Featured inside are a noodle bar, a milk (dessert) bar, and three upscale lunch and dinner options (Daisho, Shoto and Nikai).
Hogtown Vegan
If you’re a vegan for ethical or food allergy reasons, but you miss eating the comfort food you grew up on, you’ll find a new favourite spot at Hogtown Vegan. They’ve found a way to make meat free “wings” and “unchicken and waffles” that fulfill your craving for the real thing. No, seriously.
Bang Bang Ice Cream
For dessert, head to the ice cream place everyone in the city has been raving about for the past few summers, and order a custom ice cream sandwich. Choose from original flavours like London Fog, Burnt Toffee and Cinnamon Toast.
Sweet Jesus
If soft-serve is more your style, the most recent dessert obsession in the city is Sweet Jesus. Opening to massive lineups out the door on a daily basis last summer, their soft serve ice cream is served with topping combinations so insane you won’t actually know how to eat it.
