Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Sorry! We don't have any recommendations for Toronto right now.
Toronto’s calling card—its ethnic diversity—offers up a potent mix of cuisines. But with that base, the city’s chefs are now pushing into new territory. Gone are the days of chefs gunning for white linen tablecloths; now pop-up vendors such as Fidel Gastro’s Lisa Marie and Seven Lives Tacos Y Mariscos draw a cult following big enough to open up brick-and-mortar locations.
And it’s not enough to have consistently good food: kitchens are pushed to be creative and embrace food trends. Spanish tapas and Korean fusion have replaced French and Thai as the newest crazes in the city and izakayas are out while ramen is in. Farm-to-table shows no sign of slowing down, with many menus citing the source of their meats and produce. While Toronto is still young as a foodie travel destination, it’s drawing in the crowds, or at a minimum world-famous chefs such as Daniel Boulud and David Chang, who have landed in Toronto with Café Boulud and Momofuku. And as locals will tell you, first come the chefs, then come the savvy foodie travelers, always posting a tweet or photo to Instagram at the city’s newest hot spots.
This local mini-chain is faithful to the central Texas style of barbecue, producing all manner of meats—brisket, sausages, turkey, and even halal chickens—from a 7,000-pound smoker. The protein is obviously the main attraction, but sides like mac and cheese and sweets like banana pudding have their share of fans.
The scent of smoky Texas-style barbecue from Carbon Bar’s wood firepit immediately hits your nose and activates your salivary glands when you enter the spacious, sophisticated, yet laid-back spot. Ordering the Pitmaster barbecue platter is a must: it comes with five types of meat and is worth sharing with a group or tackling alone if you dare. Friendly waitstaff easily rhyme off the restaurant’s drink menu and they’re proud to share that the Carbon Bar has one of the largest bourbon listings in Toronto—no surprise that it's popular with the after-work and weekend crowd.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
Thank you for your interest!
