Toronto, Canada's largest city, is often celebrated as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with over 50% of its population born outside of Canada. This remarkable diversity has created a culinary landscape that's unparalleled in its breadth and authenticity. From mom-and-pop eateries serving traditional family recipes to innovative fusion restaurants reimagining global cuisines, Toronto's food scene offers a tantalizing journey through the flavors of the world—all without leaving the city limits.
Neighborhood Food Adventures
To truly experience Toronto's culinary diversity, one must explore its distinct neighborhoods, each with its own cultural identity and food traditions.
Kensington Market
This eclectic neighborhood is a microcosm of Toronto's diversity. Within just a few blocks, you can sample Jamaican patties, Portuguese egg tarts, Mexican tacos, Tibetan momos, and Vietnamese banh mi. Pedestrian Sundays in the summer see the streets closed to traffic, transforming the area into a festive atmosphere with food vendors, music, and outdoor dining.
The colorful storefronts and vibrant street life of Kensington Market
Chinatown
Toronto is home to not one but several Chinatowns, with the downtown location along Spadina Avenue being the largest. Here, you'll find everything from Cantonese dim sum to spicy Sichuan hot pot, hand-pulled noodles, and bubble tea shops. Venture into food courts hidden inside unassuming malls for some of the most authentic and affordable Chinese cuisine in the city.
Little Italy and Little Portugal
College Street's Little Italy and Dundas West's Little Portugal offer a taste of Southern European culinary traditions. Sample traditional pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, espresso at sidewalk cafes, and Portuguese classics like salt cod (bacalhau) and custard tarts (pasteis de nata). These neighborhoods are also hotspots for trendy new restaurants that combine Old World traditions with contemporary approaches.
Greektown on the Danforth
This vibrant stretch along Danforth Avenue is home to Toronto's Greek community and hosts the annual Taste of the Danforth festival. Enjoy traditional souvlaki, moussaka, and saganaki (flaming cheese) at family-run tavernas, or pick up fresh pastries and olives at specialty shops. The area comes alive during summer evenings with al fresco dining.
Markets and Food Halls
Toronto's markets offer a concentrated dose of the city's culinary diversity, bringing together various food traditions under one roof.
St. Lawrence Market
Named the world's best food market by National Geographic, this historic market dates back to 1803. Over 120 vendors offer everything from fresh produce and meats to prepared foods. Don't miss the iconic peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery, a Toronto culinary institution, or the diverse array of international cheeses, charcuterie, and baked goods.
The historic St. Lawrence Market, a food lover's paradise
Kensington Market
Beyond its street food, Kensington Market is home to specialty grocery stores where you can find ingredients from around the world. Latin American, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, and Asian shops offer spices, produce, and pantry items that might be hard to find elsewhere in the city.
Assembly Food Hall
This modern food hall in the Financial District brings together some of Toronto's most beloved local food vendors under one roof. It's the perfect place to sample different cuisines in one visit, from Japanese onigiri and Caribbean roti to Mexican tacos and Filipino barbecue.
Signature Toronto Food Experiences
Dim Sum Brunch
Weekend dim sum is a Toronto institution, particularly in the city's multiple Chinatowns and suburban Chinese enclaves like Markham and Richmond Hill. Join locals in the traditional tea meal featuring steamed dumplings, buns, and small plates wheeled around on carts. Lai Wah Heen and Dynasty in downtown offer upscale dim sum, while Rol San and Crown Princess provide more traditional experiences.
Multicultural Food Tours
Several companies offer guided culinary tours of Toronto's diverse neighborhoods. These tours provide not just delicious samples but also cultural context and history. Explore Little India's spice shops and sweet makers, or discover the hidden gems of Koreatown with expert guides who can help navigate unfamiliar cuisines.
Summerlicious and Winterlicious
These citywide culinary festivals feature prix-fixe menus at hundreds of restaurants, making it an affordable way to explore Toronto's high-end dining scene. Many participating restaurants showcase their cultural heritage through specially designed menus that highlight traditional ingredients and techniques with a contemporary twist.
Toronto's Contribution to Global Cuisine
Beyond preserving food traditions from around the world, Toronto has developed its own unique contributions to global cuisine through innovation and fusion.
The Toronto Sandwich Scene
Toronto has developed a reputation for outstanding sandwiches that draw inspiration from global cuisines. The peameal bacon sandwich is a local classic, but you'll also find global influences in creations like banh mi-inspired creations at Banh Mi Boys, Italian-Asian fusion sandwiches at Porchetta & Co, and Caribbean-influenced options at The Dirty Bird.
Canadian-Asian Fusion
Chefs like Susur Lee have pioneered Chinese-French fusion cuisine, while restaurants like DaiLo blend Chinese techniques with Canadian ingredients. This distinctive Toronto style of fusion respects traditional techniques while embracing local, seasonal ingredients and multicultural influences.
Dessert Innovations
Toronto's diverse dessert scene ranges from Portuguese egg tarts and Hong Kong-style egg waffles to Persian ice cream and Filipino halo-halo. Unique creations like the "DavidsTea Ceremonial Matcha" soft serve at Tsujiri and the Toronto-born "beaver tails" (fried dough pastries) show how the city continues to innovate in the sweet department.
Practical Tips for Food Explorers
Getting Around
Toronto's public transit system (TTC) connects most major food destinations, making it easy to explore without a car. Consider purchasing a day pass if you plan to visit multiple neighborhoods. Many food-rich areas like Kensington Market, Chinatown, and Little Italy are within walking distance of each other.
Best Times to Visit
Summer brings numerous food festivals, outdoor markets, and patio dining opportunities. Fall offers harvest-inspired menus featuring local ingredients. Winterlicious in January/February provides opportunities to try high-end restaurants at reduced prices. Weekday lunches often offer better value and smaller crowds at popular establishments.
Dietary Restrictions
Toronto's cosmopolitan food scene is exceptionally accommodating to dietary restrictions. You'll find numerous vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, and gluten-free options across the city. Many restaurants clearly mark these options on their menus, and staff are generally knowledgeable about ingredients.