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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.
For generations, hungry Torontonians have ended up at this reliable round-the-clock diner for classic breakfasts and greasy-spoon dishes. Burgers and Benedicts are staples, but the menu makes room for a variety of comfort food crowd-pleasers like lasagnas, meat loaf, and steak. Save room for rice pudding.
Luxurious takes on diner and brunch classics—think Benedicts and open-faced turkey sandwiches—dominate the ever-evolving menu at this cute corner eatery. There's something for everyone, including a menu for the under-10 set, but dishes like fried truffled mushrooms and smoked pork loin are decidedly refined.
Time seems to slow down at the Skyline, a classic old-school diner that's become a neighborhood hangout for tattooed youngsters and longtime Parkdale characters alike. Club sandwiches, patty melt burgers, and homemade pies make you feel like you're in a 1960s time machine, but long lines for brunch re-root you in present-day Toronto. Since finding new ownership in 2016, it's also found life as a popular spot for pints of Canadian craft beer after dark, and even weekly live Hawaiian music.
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