Toronto is known for it's cute cafes, delicious dessert bars, raving restaurants and bustling bars! So the real reason you visit Toronto is to eat and drink!
With a hipster vibe similar to that of Melbourne, you'll definitely satisfy your taste buds in this buzzing city. From endless Ramen noodle houses to a Starbucks on almost every street to rooftop restaurants with panoramic city views, Toronto sure has it all!
Here's the top 10!
1. Momofuku
If you like Japanese food then Toronto is the place for you! Teeming with Ramen noodle houses, sushi shops and Japanese cheesecake cafes, you might as well be walking through Tokyo.
Founded in 2004 by the legendary David Chang, Momofuku (meaning 'Lucky peach') has gained worldwide recognition with branches throughout the cities of New York, Sydney, Washington DC, Las Vegas and Toronto so it's pretty much one of Toronto's main attractions. With only 4 Ramen flavours on the menu, you don't even have to waste time deciding! We opted for the traditional pork Ramen and it certainly lived up to the hype!
Momofuku has expanded to include Milk Bar, a bakery run by chef and owner Christina Tosi, famous for it's unique ice cream flavour 'cereal milk' and gooey butter and oat 'crack pie'. Why not head here for dessert just up the stairs!
2. Kost
Looking for breath taking panoramic views of Toronto's city skyline? Forget the $38 fee to ascend the CN tower and head to the beautiful, bright and pretty fancy 'Kost' instead! Just pay for a coffee, glass of wine or meal and enjoy the view for free! #budgettravel
The lunch menu is quite limited and expensive (similar to Sydney prices) but I came here just for the views so sat there drinking a latte, gazing across the city skyline and getting lost in my own thoughts, all for $5!
In Summer, they open up the balcony and place sofas outside so you can relax and enjoy even more of the view while getting your tan on! What a perfect way to spend an evening, right?
Lavelle: If you're looking for more views of the city skyline then Lavelle is another option. With quite a pricey menu and an outdoor pool, you can engage #luxurymode and enjoy a glass of bubbly with that spectacular view in the background. Makes for the perfect #instapicoftheday! ...#yolo
3. Fresh
If you're into health foods that are filling, refreshing and delicious then there are plenty of 'Fresh' restaurants around Toronto. With a bright and spacious set-up, this restaurant definitely gives off a 'fresh' vibe.
With plenty of space to sit and plenty to choose from, you're guaranteed to enjoy your meal here. If you really want to get a bang for your buck then order the tacos as they are massive and you get two! #winning
4. Eggspectations
If you're an egg fanatic like me and fancy a cracking meal then raise those eggspectations as this is where you will find all sorts of benedicts, omelettes, scrambles - all the dishes are EGGCELLENT! Such an extensive menu that is also filled with pancakes, burgers, sandwiches, desserts, steaks, even lobster mac n cheese...I am NOT YOLKING! Every dish is served with their signature Lyonnaise-style potatoes, fruit salad or healthy grains so eggspect to leave with a full stomach!
5. St Lawrence market
Ranked the number 1 food market in the world by the renowned National Geographic magazine, this traditional public market is open every day except for Sundays and Mondays. They even put on a farmer's market on Saturdays!
Over 120 local vendors sell everything from cheese, fish and meat to fresh pasta, olives and egg custard tarts! Located in Toronto's old town, you'll be spoiled for choice so come here for a browse around, lunch or just an overwhelmingly good time!
6. Taiyaki
Another famous cafe that started as Taiyaki NYC in 2016, this is a super cute Japanese dessert bar that sells the traditional 'Taiyaki', a Japanese fried fish-shaped waffle. Select from an array of ice-cream flavours to fill your fish-shaped waffle cone including Mango Vanilla, Matcha black sesame, chocolate oreo or you can opt for the traditional red bean filling! Other fillings include custard, chocolate, cheese or sweet potato and top all that sweetness off with some mochi, chocolate sprinkles or a wafer!
In true Japanese style, this cafe has set you up perfectly for the ultimate #cute #catchoftheday Instagram shot with their variety of aesthetic backgrounds to pose and pout with your fish!
7. Scaddabush
Well-known for it's colourful, exceptionally large and very tasty Bellinis, this rustic Italian restaurant/bar is spacious and cosy at the same time! Inspired by passion and generosity, you can enjoy a large serving of traditional, home-made, Italian pasta (with hand stretched mozzarella), pizza, meatballs, desserts OR just come for the drinks!
'Scaddabush' is Italian slang for 'a little bit of everything' so come here to share and try a little of everything! And by everything I mean white, red, rose, sparkling, sangria and cocktails!
8. Warehouse
Expect a wait here but the reason why this dimly lit, chill and fun bar is so popular is because it is not only located at the student-heavy strip but is known for it's $5.95 all day, every day food menu!
Featuring a vast array of tacos, burgers, sandwiches and salads, you can also choose from a multitude of fun and affordable cocktail flavours, with single, double or triple shot varieties! The TVs blaring music and the quick, friendly service creates a buzzing atmosphere that is perfect for catching up with new or old friends. Don't forget to try their signature 'Red-eye Corona' - classic warehouse 'Caesar' cocktail with a corona sitting upside down in the glass! Strange, right?
9. Crews and Tango
This is by far the BEST place to party in Toronto! Okay, don't be put off by the fact that it is a drag queen bar. This was where I had the most fun in Toronto. Besides the glam, sparkles and extravagance, the music is great to dance and sing along to, the performances are super entertaining to watch and there is great audience engagement so you definitely will NOT be bored here. You'll be guaranteed to make friends while watching one of the funniest performances you will find in Toronto!
10. Pai
Best Thai food in Toronto! If you've ever been to Pai in Thailand then you'll feel like you're there again in this unique and hip restaurant/bar! Expect a short wait here and a full restaurant (even on a Tuesday!) because the food is simply that amazing! Try a cocktail or a plate of spring rolls while you wait for a table (Winter Dog and Lowry are my personal faves).
They excel at all the classics here so you can't go wrong with a Pad Thai, Khao Soi or Green curry (served true Thai style in a fresh coconut) or opt for a Laap salad and don't forget to give the big plate of squash fritters a try!
So there are my Top 10 BEST places to eat, drink and be merry in Downtown Toronto but here are a few more recommendations!
Chinatown
Juicy Dumpling: Offering traditional Shanghainese dumplings, this place is cheap, quality and quick in a convenient setting located right in the centre of Chinatown, Downtown Toronto.
Goldstone Noodle restrauarant: Nothing like a large bowl of juicy noodle to warm the soul.
Chongqing liuyishou hot pot: Need a nice and big steaming bowl of tastiness to warm you up from the icy Canadian weather? You will be welcomed with open arms.
Bun Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant: Looking for that Viet fix? Head nowhere else!
Kensington market
A hipster part of town with everything from sushi shops to health food stores to vegan bakeries. For more info on Kensington market check out my latest blog post 'A weekend in Toronto'.
More cafes
The Bugernator: Best place to get your burger fix!
Livelhood cafe: A non-profit organisation focused on dignity, solidarity, resilience, diversity, responsibility and story, you will feel great when you enter this cute cafe!
Bunner vegan and gluten free bake shop: Guilt-free and tasty desserts that are healthy?!
The Vegan Extremist: Whether you're a vegan or not, you will not be disappointed by this flavoursome south Asian cuisine!
Seven Lives: Come here for the Baja tacos!
Wanda's pie in the sky: Cosy and quirky with top notch pies!
Dolce gelato: Over 60 different flavours!
Sugar and spice: This is a health food store.
Other outstanding restaurants to try in Toronto city
Banh Mi boys: Hunnay, do you lai the pork baguette? Whatever you lai, we do for you! Just sit down, only sic dolluh! ...that pretty much sums up this Vietnamese sandwich place. With 3 locations in Toronto city, this place has quick and friendly service and offers Vietnamese baguettes, tacos and steamed bao.
Sansotei Ramen: One of many scrumptious Ramen joints in Downtown Toronto. Made with their signature pork-bone broth, this cosy setting combines passion, creativity and dedication. With Ramen joints spread all over Ottawa and soon to open in North America and Asia, you will leave this place more than satisfied!
So there you have it, plenty to choose from! Enjoy your foodie adventure in Toronto city and for handy tips on what to do in a short amount of time in this awesome city, check out my latest blog post 'A Weekend in Toronto'.
