Toronto’s food scene is bustling and ever evolving. (Supplied photo)
Toronto has no shortage of nationally renowned restaurants, but very few locals ever frequent the truly high-end fine-dining establishments. The city’s dynamic food scene, full of new openings, world-class chef migrations, and exceptional seasonal produce, is instead driven by those unsung and uncelebrated by major outlets.
These are the spots you only hear about from research and foodie word-of-mouth. They might be hard to book, but that stems from their sterling local reputation and a reliability that draws crowds night after night.
1. Taverne Bernhardt’s (Dovercourt Village)
From the same mind behind the decadent French bistro Dreyfus, Taverne Bernhardt’s shows Zach Kolomeir is capable of homely indulgence without the fancy pretext. Famous for succulent rotisserie chicken, a bountiful selection of natural wines, cozy decor, and some quite frankly monstrously big sandwiches, this is a spot locals will fight and die for.
No list of the best restaurants in Toronto would be complete without a nod to Kolomeir and his approach to exquisite seasonal vegetables, especially when they’re served alongside the most dangerously delicious chicken in the city.
2. Juicy Dumplings (Midtown)
Dumplings are the perfect cold-weather food, if you discount anything slathered in gravy. From the outside, Juicy Dumplings looks like your average Chinatown eatery, but venture past that generic signage, and you’ll find the most succulent buns this side of the equator. You can go steamed and fluffy or pan-seared for a delightful crunch, served in trays alongside some naughty deep-fried sides.
What locals love most about Juicy Dumplings is their quality, extremely accessible prices, and the fact that they’re open until midnight.
3. Pizzeria Libretto (multiple locations)
You’re bound to upset somebody when you claim any spot in any city has the best pizza, so instead, let’s just say Pizzeria Libretto has some truly excellent pies. The 72-hour sourdough ferment gives the dough a great tang, adding a subtle complexity that you just don’t get from your average pizzeria slice.
4. Bar Isabel (Little Italy)
The second you enter Bar Isabel’s dark, comforting embrace, you’re immediately gripped by a tremendous sense of intimacy. This is a local hotspot with some serious flair, serving up Spanish and Mediterranean specialties that blend local produce with top-shelf imports. They’re a little on the pricier side, but this is the kind of place to book on a first date to score some major brownie points.
5. Rasa (Harbord Village)
Rasa follows the tradition of Michelin-starred restaurants, regularly updating its menu to celebrate the freshest and most vibrant produce the area has to offer. You’ll find dishes inspired by all corners of the globe, designed and served to share with that special somebody. Toronto locals agree that for the quality and quantity you get from Rasa, the price is more than agreeable.
6. Itacate (St. Clair West)
Nestled behind a butcher’s shop, this tiny grab-and-go eatery is home to what locals dub “the most authentic tacos in the city”. Odds are you’d struggle to find a seat with the limited space they have available, but who wants tacos as a sit-down meal anyway? Tacos, quesadillas, tamales, and horchata, everything they serve is adored by locals and reasonably priced.
Itacate isn’t exactly bookable, but their vibrant menu and genuine flavours sure as hell do keep them busy.
7. Lake Inez (Little India)
Indoor seating at Lake Inez fills up quickly. Their patio does, too, but mostly because it seats one table and offers a unique spin on the experience with a tremendous view. Specializing in small, eclectic plates and wonderfully creative drink pairings, this restaurant is the main reason many Toronto locals take a trip out east.
8. Aloette (Spadina Avenue)
Of the two Aloette restaurants, Spanida takes the local vote for its fusion of fine-dining flair and crowd-pleasing comfort food. Great energy, fantastic burgers, and rows of barstools keep Aloette Spanida from feeling like a stuffy high-end eatery, nailing everything a humble bistro pub needs to resonate with Toronto natives. While not quite as rowdy as Grizzly Bar, it’s sure to cater to the same grub-loving crowd.
9. Sunny’s Chinese (Kensington Market)
Sunny’s captures the energetic, family-style dining of China and marries it with a deep, authentic love for one of the oldest and most diverse culinary traditions on earth. Their food is simple, prepared with respect, and fuses elements from Schezwan, Chengdu, and Hong Kong staples for a taste of the East that locals can’t stop talking about.
10. Quetzal (Kensington Market)
Quetzal is the only Michelin-starred restaurant on the list, but it earns this spot for more than its accolades. Serving up unique Oaxacan food cooked over an open flame, nothing tastes quite like what Quetzal throws together. Though their interior looks stark and modern, what comes out of the kitchen is firmly anchored in tradition and brings locals back time and time again.
Eating Like a Toronto local
That Toronto’s dining scene never sits still is what makes it such an exciting place to live and eat. Securing a spot at any of these in-demand locales can be difficult, but it’s never impossible. Stay flexible and book five to seven days in advance for the best chance at a meal you won’t soon forget.
