You're Not A True Torontonian Unless You've Tried 6 Of These 12 Hidden Gem Restaurants
Finding hidden gems in Toronto and keeping it to yourself is probably what most Torontonians ar tempted to do, but we're not going to gatekeep. We're here to let you know about some of the best places to eat in the city, that are far too underrated.
Sometimes the best Toronto restaurants aren't always the glitziest and fanciest spots. Instead, it's the holes in the wall that serve authentic foods with the most affordable pricing that makes them so special.
So next time you want to impress your date, maybe take them to one of these hidden gem restaurants in Toronto.
With that in mind, we compiled a list of 12 Toronto restaurants that are considered hidden gems because although not many people know about them, they're serving up some of the best eats around.
Without further ado, if you've been to six out of these 12 hidden gems in Toronto, then according to our books, you can consider yourself a "true Torontonian."
Good luck foodies.
Grandma Loves You
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Sandwiches
Address: 1084 Yonge St., Toronto
Why You Need To Go: To try huge sandwiches filled with the freshest ingredients, it'll feel like your grandma made it for you at home. The prices are also so affordable and they have a lot of options to choose from.
Also, the sandwiches are freaking huge and make for a pretty Instagram post because the veggies are so colourful.
Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: 72 Kensington Ave., Toronto
Why You Need To Go: Nested in Toronto's Kensington Market, this taco spot is delicious and super flavourful. Only true locals know about this taco spot and have been talking about it since 2012.
The Spicy Shrimp and Cheese taco is literally the best thing ever and if you like seafood, you must get it.
La Cubana
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Various locations.
Address: Cuban
Why You Need To Go: This classic Cuban restaurant has comfort food that would be perfect for the winter. They have two restaurants in Toronto, one in Roncesvalles Village and the other on Ossingon Avenue, and both are so aesthetic.
The family-run restaurants have sandwiches that will knock you off your feet!
Gaucho Pie
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Argentinian
Address: 346 Westmoreland Ave., N Unit 105, Toronto
Why You Need To Go: This Argentinian bakery in Toronto has some of the best empanadas in the city.
This bakery has options for nearly everyone, from traditional beef empanadas to pork, chicken, lamb, fish, vegetarian and vegan pastries.
Famiglia Baldassarre
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 122 Geary Ave., Toronto
Why You Need To Go: This Italian restaurant offers a menu that changes every single day with new additions and flavours to try. The lunch-only spot serves pasta straight off the production table, to the boiler, to your plate and into your mouth.
So if you're looking for a cozy Italian restaurant that's both affordable and tastes spot on, then check out Famiglia Baldassarre.
Juicy Dumplings
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Chinese
Address: 280 Spadina Ave., Toronto
Why You Need To Go: Dumpling-lovers listen up because this spot is serving up some of the best ones around. You won't want to miss trying out Juicy Dumpling, which is a pretty low-key spot that has some big flavours.
They have a whole bunch of options to choose from, including pan-fried, steamed, buns, soup and more.
Golden Turtle
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Address: 125 Ossington Ave., Toronto
Why You Need To Go: This Vietnamese restaurant has one of the best pho in the city and true Torontonians know that.
Tucked away in Ossington Ave., this spot is not to be missed, especially during the cold months because a warm bowl of pho is always a good idea.
Allwyn's Bakery
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Jamaican
Address: Various locations.
Why You Need To Go: If you like Caribbean food and haven't been to this bakery yet, you've got to fix that ASAP. Allwyn's Bakery will definitely satisfy all your Jamaican food cravings.
They've got everything from Jerk chicken to Jamaican patties, oxtail and more.
La Salumeria
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Deli
Address: 2021 Yonge St., Toronto
Why You Need To Go: Even though this European deli might be known for their meat, cheese and groceries, those who know, know that their sandwiches are some of the best in Toronto.
Even though they don't have a website available, it looks like their sandwiches are filled with some of the freshest ingredients and juicy deli meats.
Queen Mother Cafe
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: International
Address: 208 Queen St. W., Toronto
Why You Need To Go: Where do you go in Toronto if you're in the mood for everything? Well, that Queen Mother Cafe.
They have a menu filled with so many different things that if your date wants dumplings but you want pasta, you'd find both options. But, many of their dishes are Laotian and filled with flavour you won't want to miss out on.
Then & Now Restaurant
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Asian-Fusion
Address: 1316 Queen St. W., Toronto
Why You Need To Go: If you've always complained about the stress when asked to tip on a card machine at a restaurant, this Toronto restaurant is for you.
Then & Now Restaurant offers a living wage, which means they don't accept tips. It won't even show you the prompt on the card machine.
So if you like Asian-fusion food, like Lobster Truffle Bao and Ricotta Dumplings, you might want to check out this place.
Then & Now Restaurant Menu
The Hole in The Wall
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: International
Address: 2867A Dundas St. W., Toronto
Why You Need To Go: This Toronto restaurant is an actual hole in the wall, but don't underestimate its size because the menu is loaded with so many things that look absolutely delicious.
From Wild Leek Burrata to Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad and Spicy Chinatown "Style" Calamari, there are so many food items on the menu that will satisfy your tastebuds.
The restaurant also has live music and a bar with refreshing cocktails that would pair nicely with dinner.
