These are some of the best hidden gem restaurants in Toronto, according to locals
Warning: this might make you very, very hungry.
A pastry from Ba Noi. Right: A sandwich from La Salumeria.
There are loads of Toronto restaurants that are considered popular hotspots, but it can be hard to know what the hidden gems are if you've just moved here or don't go out that often.
A simple Google search on Toronto hidden gem restaurants likely won't yield the results you want given that they're meant to be hidden, but locals in the know have the knowledge, which they recently shared.
A former New Yorker recently asked the question in the r/Toronto forum explaining that he's looking for things like "that local pasta shop that makes authentic Italian pasta at a reasonable price," or "the small sandwich shop that makes the best sandwich but not everyone one knows about," and Torontonians shared all their recommendations.
Flaming Stove
Price: 💸—💸💸
Address: 21 Davisville Ave, Toronto, ON M4S 1G3
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Why You Should Go: Multiple people recommended Flaming Stove, which is literally a hidden gem as it's tucked into the back of a Hasty Market.
"I haven't had better shawarma in Toronto," a user wrote. "I love that they make their own Saj bread and the sauces, and that the wraps are big enough for 2 meals. They also make really good salads and falafel. Whenever I'm up that way for work and need a lunch, it's my go to."
"Best shawarma in the city," said another.
Loga's Corner
Price: 💸
Address: 216 Close Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 1M3
Cuisine: Tibetan
Why You Should Go: "Loga's Corner at Queen and Lansdowne for relatively cheap momos / Tibetan dumplings (they did increase their prices but basically everyone has) that comes with awesome homemade hot sauce," said one user.
"Loga's Corner at Queen and Landsowne has the best momos in the city IMO," said another.
Famiglia Baldassarre
Price: 💸—💸💸
Address: 122 Geary Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 4H1
Cuisine: Italian
Why You Should Go: "Famiglia Baldassarre is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Toronto hidden gems," recommended a Redditor. "Pretty limited hours of operation but that just makes it more special when you can actually make it."
"It’s the best fresh pasta in the city - lots of top restaurants buy their stuff," said another.
Swatow
Price: 💸—💸💸
Address: 309 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2E6
Cuisine: Chinese
Why You Should Go: "Swatow has been my spot for almost a decade and they have never disappointed," shared one person. "Often overlooked as it's in the heart of Chinatown at Dundas/Spadina."
La Salumeria
Price: 💸
Address: 2021 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4S 2A2
Cuisine: Sandwiches
Why You Should Go: "La Salumeria, just north of Davisville Station in midtown," wrote someone on Reddit. "Has been in business since '84 - it's a European grocer/deli that's also a low-key, word-of-mouth sandwich bar. You grab a bun from the bakery shelf, take it to the deli counter, and boom: magic."
Mattachioni
Price: 💸—💸💸
Address: Two locations
Cuisine: Italian
Why You Should Go: "Mattachioni bakes delicious breads, and they use it for their sandwiches," commented one person. "Highly recommend the prosciutto sandwich."
Ba Noi
Price: 💸—💸💸
Address: 806 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1L9
Cuisine: Baked goods
Why You Should Go: Multiple people recommended Ba Noi, saying that the butter tarts are incredible and sour dough bread.
"Get the butter tarts, they are Incredible," one person shared. "Like, Insane."
Enjoy!
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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