Deciding where to eat in Toronto can be overwhelming because there are so many drool-worthy places to choose from. But you can thank some of Toronto's local foodies for making that process a little simpler.
Toronto foodie influencers spend their days finding and trying Toronto restaurants to tell their followers where to eat next time they are on a search.
Narcity asked five Toronto foodies to share the best restaurants in Toronto, and they had a lot to say. And so, here are 12 Toronto restaurants to add to your 2024 bucket list that come highly recommended by locals.
Foodie #1: Jordan Shore
Jordan Shore is a Toronto influencer who focuses on food, comedy and travel. He creates content on Instagram and TikTok, sharing the most drool-worthy spots that everyone needs to try at least once. Here are his top three recommendations.
Overpressure Club
@jordshore the strip on bloor street between ossington and crawford is becoming such a cocktail haven - could it be the next big neighborhood?? 👀 #overpressureclub #toronto #torontobar #newtorontobar #bloorstreetwest #torontococktails #besttorontococktails #torontotok #torontolife #torontofood #torontosnackbar #todotoronto #openonmonday #gigglewater #fyp
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Address: 815 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
What Local Foodies Say: Shore told Narcity that Overpressure Club is one of his favourite restaurants at the moment.
"The interior aesthetic is so modern and cozy, with a stunning wrap-around bar and LED lighting. The Japanese-inspired share plates are delicious and the cocktails, even on tap, are crafted to perfection," he shared.
Simpl Things
@jordshore <<< smashburger bao, i mean COME ON #toronto #simplthings #fatbao #baobun #parkdale #trevorlui #chinesefood #dumplings #chefcollab #torontofood #torontodinner #torontodateideas #torontofoodie #fyp
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Italian by day, neo-Chinese by night.
Address: 269 Dunn Ave., Toronto
What Local Foodies Say: Shore said Simpl Things "has one of the coolest concepts in the city. By day, Italian lunch, and by night, a neo-Chinese snack menu. The interior is so vibrant, filled with colour, mirrors, unique fixtures and funky seating.
"Their food is also always on point. They just rolled out a new dinner menu in collab with Fat Bao, and it was one of my best meals of 2024. You gotta try the Pork Smash Bao. It's life changing," he recommended.
Bitter Melon
@jordshore >> probably the only restaurant that will give you permission to use a mallet at dinner 🔨😉 #bittermelon #toronto #torontofood #chinatown #torontofoodie #spadina #torontotok #torontolife #datenight #dinnerdate #foryou #foryoupage #fyp
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Chinese
Address: 431 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON
What Local Foodies Say: Shore calls Bitter Melon a "hidden gem in Chinatown" and an "absolute knockout."
"Their cocktails blew me away, especially their cocktail for two, which was jam-packed with so much flavour," he added.
"The interior is super chic and industrial, and their food is really inventive. Smashing open a clay bowl to reveal a full hen, marinated, wrapped and ready to eat, was one of the most unique dining experiences I've ever had," the foodie shared.
Bitter Melon Menu
Foodie #2: Tiana Jayatunga
Tiana Jayatunga is a foodie who loves finding hidden gems and sharing them. Her page is filled with drool-worthy restaurants that you need to add to your bucket list. And if you're looking for cheap eats, she's got you covered with budget-friendly date nights too. Here are two spots she says can't be missed.
Mayrik
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Armenian
Address: 1580 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON
What Local Foodies Say: Jayatunga said that she rarely ever leaves the downtown core for restaurants but makes an exception for Mayrik.
"When I say you can TASTE THE LOVE in the food, I'm not overselling this in the slightest. It's actually all the recipes of the owner's mother, who you may sometimes find cooking in the back," Jayatunga said.
She says you must try their dip trilogy with baba ghanoush, muhammara and hummus: "Order it and just hold on to it the whole meal, honestly."
She says she "also loved their homemade mante dumplings, which is a very traditional Armenian dish; the crispy kibbeh was so juicy inside and had that perfectly crispy shell; and the sujuk gnocchi was saucy, meaty, and the gnocchi was super fluffy."
Little Sister
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Dutch Indonesian
Address: 2031 Yonge St. & 102 Portland St., Toronto, ON
What Local Foodies Say: The Toronto foodie says that Little Sister "has now become a Toronto staple, and for good reason. You don't find many Dutch Indonesian fusions, and I always enjoy the dishes here."
"The interior is stunning, it kind of transports you out of the city, which I love, especially when it's cold out. Dishes I can never get enough of are their satay skewers, whichever one you order — lamb, chicken, shrimp (I get all 3 always) — it's busting with flavour with all those aromatic spices," Jayatunga shared.
And if you are looking to have a drink afterward, the Portland Street location has a speakeasy downstairs, and Jayatunga said the "drinks there deserve its own paragraph."
Foodie #3: Brian O.
Brian O. is the creator behind the popular Toronto Food Instagram page that features a lot of the city's best and most hidden gems in the downtown core and the GTA. When we asked them to share some of their favourite Toronto restaurants, they said it was "definitely a lot harder than I thought," but they got the assignment done. Here are a few of their faves.
Black Camel
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Sandwiches
Address: 4 Crescent Rd., Toronto, ON
What Local Foodies Say: Brian said Black Camel "is an intimate grab-and-go restaurant with a few areas to eat inside," and that it "probably has one of the best beef brisket and pulled pork sandwiches in the city."
"The food here is consistently great, the service is always friendly and you'll always feel satisfied when leaving. This is why they've been able to be open for so long. Definitely recommend!" the Toronto foodie said.
Alder
Price: 💸💸💸💸
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Address: 51 Camden St., Toronto, ON
What Local Foodies Say: Alder is a Toronto restaurant by the famous Chef Patrick Kriss, which opened in 2022 on the lower level of The Ace Hotel.
The local foodie said, "Majority of the dishes here provide you with that quality meal (flavours and texture) while leaving you satisfied like a comfort meal."
"The environment is in an open space with a modern date night feel and the staff are all well informed about the dishes and are super friendly! Overall experience here every time has been great," Brian added.
Los Gyros
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: 816 Sheppard Ave. W., North York, ON
What Local Foodies Say: After finding out they have one the best tacos in the city, Brian had to make their way over there and now considers it one of their favourite spots.
"This place is always busy, and you may need to wait for a seat, but it's 100 percent worth it! They have multiple special hot sauces for different levels of taste and spice, which goes great with all their dishes," the foodie said.
"The tacos here are second to none in the city, from the flavouring of the meat to the tortillas they use, every bite leaves you wanting more. Overall, the environment is a fun and welcoming one, which makes you not only enjoy your food but also the environment you're in," they added.
Foodie #4: Sofia Beg
Sofia Beg is the Toronto influencer behind @sofiaexplores, which not only focuses on food but also on lifestyle, travel and fashion. She's been to so many places in the world, but still has some favourites in the city that she couldn't wait to share with us. Here are her top picks.
LOUIX LOUIS
Price: 💸💸💸💸
Cuisine: French
Address: 31st floor, 325 Bay St., Toronto, ON
What Local Foodies Say: Beg says LOUIX LOUIS is one of her favourite dinner spots, especially for their steaks.
"We often go for celebrations, so it's a spot I've created special memories at. Awesome for birthdays with their signature 13-layered chocolate cake," she shared.
Pizzeria Badiali
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Pizza
Address: 181 Dovercourt Rd., Toronto, ON
What Local Foodies Say: The question of the best pizza in Toronto is a hot-button issue, with lots of strong contenders in the race. But for Beg, Pizzeria Badiali is always the answer.
"Best pizza in town! My husband's second name is pizza, so when it comes to ensuring he'll be satisfied with his meal — this is my go-to."
Foodie #5: Mary Sidhom
Mary Sidhom is the creator behind Piggies TO on Instagram, and not only does she post about some of the most magical restaurants in Toronto, but she also cooks and shares recipes on her platform. Here are her top spots.
Pastiche
Price: 💸💸💸💸
Cuisine: Bar
Address: 59 Ossington Ave., Toronto, ON
What Local Foodies Say: Sidhom believes that going out for dinner doesn't just have to be about the food — "It's the entire experience."
"Pastiche, a not-so-secret secret restaurant and bar on Ossington, offers an incredible blind tasting menu as well as a unique list of cocktails. Every dish comes with an over-the-top presentation (smoke, fire, bubbles, etc.) as well as incredible and unexpected flavours in each dish," she added.
"The atmosphere and the energy inside Pastiche was absolute perfection. The romantic decor, the lighting, the music and the overall ambiance. Perfect for a night out with friends, or a romantic date night!" the foodie said.
Pastiche Menu
Nuna Kitchen & Bar
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Peruvian
Address: 1265 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON
What Local Foodies Say: Sidhom wasn't the only influencer who brought up Nuna Kitchen & Bar as one of their favourites in the city. Tiana Jayatunga also mentioned it as a must-try.
Sidhom called it a "cozy Peruvian restaurant" that "brings traditional flavours and ingredients of Peru to Toronto."
"I was mindblown by the explosive flavours I experienced with each bite," she said. "Not to mention the attentive service, the romantic ambiance and the colourful cocktails that definitely left a lasting impression on me. The ceviche is the best one I've had in the city!"
Jayatunga said she "loved their pisco sour, and their striploin is exceptional. Easily one of my favourites in the city. It's ridiculously juicy and has these citrusy notes, which really adds to the tenderness of the steak."
"What I truly loved about this restaurant though was that the owners' passion is to share their Peruvian culture with Toronto, and they don't shy away from tradition. I loved chatting with them and asking about the culture, there's so much variety in the cultural influences of Peruvian food. By the way, If the ceviche is available, definitely order that too!" Jayatunga added.
Nuna Menu
