A table full of bowls of different dishes

Destination Toronto

Places to eat in the Greater Toronto Area

A table full of bowls of different dishes

Destination Toronto

Each restaurant, market and food tour has a different story to tell, adding to the rich assortment of flavours and menus that make up the city. Explore the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) one bite at a time.

Where to eat in the GTA

The GTA extends from the Toronto’s bustling downtown into neighbouring regional municipalities of Halton, Peel, York and Durham that include the communities of Mississauga, Brampton and Markham. Here are a few highlights from the wide selection of foodie experiences.
 

Get your caffeine fix in Toronto East | Gerrard Street East

Nicknamed ‘Gerrones’ after the busy intersection at Gerrard and Jones Streets, coffee lovers are willing to travel across the city for a cuppa in this trendy neighbourhood. Gerrard Street East is filled with restaurants, bars and really great coffee shops. Take one block west on Galt Avenue is Dineen Outpost, a gorgeous coffee shop with an outdoor patio looking out over Gerrard Street East. Locals will confirm that the coffee is always worth the trip and there is also a nice selection of baked goods and sandwiches.

For something a little different, try the Hailed cappuccino with cardamom syrup at Hailed Coffee.
Explore more in Gerrard Street East.
 

Savour your way through the St. Lawrence Market | Old Town

Named by National Geographic as “the best food market in the world”, St. Lawrence Market has a long history of foodie experiences. Sign up for the VIP tour of St. Lawrence Market with Culinary Adventure Co., which takes you behind the scenes to see the oldest origins of the market.

Explore more at the St. Lawrence Market.
 

Sweeten the deal with chocolate | King Street West and Queen Street West

This is for all the dedicated chocolate lovers out there. Good quality chocolate can be hard to find; especially if you are looking for something extra special with a local touch. Tasty Tours has the ultimate chocolate tour, visiting chocolatiers across King West, Queen West and Dundas West. The tour includes a special chocolate tasting lesson along with a demonstration of how the local chocolates are made. From chocolate bars to chocolate truffles, and a visit to award-winning SOMA Chocolates, foodies will love this delectable experience.

Explore more on Queen Street West.
 

Boho fusion | Kensington Market

One of Toronto’s most eclectic and colourful neighbourhoods, Kensington Market is home to several intimate eateries serving deceiving amazing fare, considering the hole-in-the-wall appearance. Tucked away between army surplus and vintage clothing shops, retro furniture, unique home accessories and specialty food stores, discover some of the tastiest take-away treats and quick eats in the city.

Sample Baja-style tacos at Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos, authentic Chilean empanadas and humitas at Jumbo Empanadas, Italian-Jamaican fusion favourites at Rasta Pasta, healthy, plant based Asian cuisine from King’s Café, vegan and gluten-free baked goods at Bunner’s Bakeshop and homemade pastries at Wanda’s Pie in the Sky. If you’re hankering for dim sum, noodle soups or pork buns instead, Toronto’s largest Chinatown is just one street over.

Explore more in Kensington Market.


Food made with tradition | Mississauga

Mississauga is a cosmopolitan city with various restaurants, pubs, bakeries that will delight. The Social Bakeshop is a peanut-free bakery in the waterfront village of Port Credit, and your go-to for delicious vegan, gluten-free and ketogenic goodies. Nearby, Papa Giuseppe's Pizza & Pints is a local favourite that creates traditional Italian pizza from a stone oven. If you have a soft spot for delicious warm breads, be sure to visit Bread & Salt Afghan Cuisine, where the locally sourced food is prepared with love and represent the homemade Afghan recipes that have been passed down for generations. Avani Asian Indian Bistro is another local favourite known for its delicious spicy dishes and where you can watch the skilled chefs effortlessly prepare mouthwatering creations.

Explore more in Mississauga.
 

Sweet and savoury | Brampton

There’s no shortage of amazing dining options in Canada’s ninth largest city. If you’re looking for something to heat your palate, don’t be shy to request something spicy or try blended homemade spices infused in Caribbean meals at Pepper on the Side Roti and Doubles. Vegetarian options are also available. Pretzels lovers will enjoy the gourmet pretzels from Das Brezel Haus that are traditionally made. Sweet varieties of pretzels, such as chocolate and s’mores are also available. If you have a penchant for pastries, macaronZ has an assortment of colourful and delicious macarons. You can also purchase gift boxes of macarons and donuts.

Explore more in Brampton.
 

Multicultural cuisine | Markham

Head north of Toronto City and discover the multicultural foodie scene in Markham. From plump shrimp wonton noodle soup at the Wonton Hut to the Peruvian delicacy ‘lomo saltado’ at Los Chicos Brasa, Markham is a culinary destination for diversity. Discover mouthwatering Asian food, like traditional Taiwanese dishes at Mabu Generation or refreshing sushi and Japanese cuisine at Zen Japanese Restaurant. Markham also features a range of other cuisines from around the world, including Indian and Caribbean. If you’re looking for dessert afterwards, Old Firehall Confectionery offers a range of ice cream, plus cupcakes, fudge, truffles and chocolates. 

Explore more in Markham.
 

Embrace the chef upstairs | Vaughan

For the foodies who want to bring the Toronto experience home with them, The Chef Upstairs offers a unique cooking class experience, suitable for adults, teenagers and kids. Every menu features fresh local ingredients paired with wine (for the adults) or smoothies. It is a great opportunity to learn more about your favourite meal and how you can recreate your foodie experience at home.

Explore more in Vaughan.
 

Continue the culinary adventure in Ontario—savour more great food from Ontario chefs, bakers and winemakers.

Last updated: October 19, 2023

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