Visitors to Toronto may be aware of the vibrant food scene in this Midwestern Canadian city, but they might be surprised at just how vibrant it is. The food in Toronto is one of the best parts of visiting or living here.
Featuring a wide variety of Canadian foods and other regional cuisines, Toronto's thousands of restaurants range from regional specialties like poutine to other popular foods like simple sandwiches or pizza.
If you're planning a trip to Toronto, the city has so much to offer in terms of experiences, but don't forget to find the perfect balance between seeing and eating your way through this incredible city by trying some of Toronto's famous foods.
How To Experience Toronto's Culinary Scene the Right Way
Food preferences are subjective. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to finding your favorite food in Toronto. However, experiencing the regional cuisine is essential to getting a feel for the soul of a city and understanding what draws people from all over the world.
When you visit any foreign city, it's highly recommended that you do research to gain an understanding of the kinds of food you'll encounter there and where you can find the most authentic foods. If you want to try the best food in Toronto while you're in Canada, you've come to the right place, as this article lays out a curated list of some of the city's best restaurants.
It also features a wide variety of food offerings that ensures everyone you're traveling with will be happy. In addition, this list features some of Toronto's best local spots, which means you won't just end up at the tourist traps featuring overpriced and mediocre entrees. Instead, these local eateries offer the best of the best Toronto food.
Coffee and Pastries at Casa Loma's Liberty Caffé
If you're an architecture nerd, movie buff, history fanatic, or full-blown foodie, you'll want to be sure you stop by the Liberty Caffé at Casa Loma. Located in the heart of Toronto, Casa Loma is an enormous castle turned museum, movie set, and tourist destination.
Casa Loma is not only incredibly beautiful, but it also provides visitors with the rare opportunity to be exposed to a grand and historic Gothic castle in North America.
Nestled within this beautiful castle is Liberty Caffé, the museum's coffee shop, where you can take in the sights while enjoying a warm cup of coffee, a pastry, or a simple sandwich.
Carousel Bakery's Peameal Bacon Sandwich
An authentic Toronto experience, any visitor to the area should stop by the Carousel Bakery to try their peameal bacon sandwich. These meat sandwiches are served in an unassuming environment that allows you to enjoy a meal and some people watching, all at the same time.
A local favorite, Carousel Bakery is located in St. Lawrence's Market and offers counter service only and a small selection of trusted favorite food items. The peameal bacon sandwich is the restaurant's classic dish, but if you're feeling adventurous, you can try a chicken sandwich or any of the restaurant's other offerings.
Be aware that Carousel Bakery is an extremely popular destination amongst tourists and locals alike, and patrons should be prepared to stand in a long line. But trust us, the sandwiches are worth it!
Dinner With a View at the CN Tower
If you've ever seen pictures of Toronto's skyline, you've noticed the beautiful CN Tower hovering above all the nearby skyscrapers, defining the city's waterfront. The building is 1,885 feet tall (553 meters) and is incredible to observe not only from below but from above as well.
Visitors to the CN Tower can choose to take in the sights from the observatory deck or get their adrenaline pumping by trying the famed EdgeWalk. While the observatory provides views from the safety and comfort of the indoors, the edge walk allows brave visitors to strap into a harness and walk around the exterior of the building.
No matter how you experience the CN Tower, make sure you leave time for dinner. 360 The Restaurant is an upscale dining experience near the top of the CN Tower that features panoramic views and spectacular dishes.
Sweet Treats at Bang Bang Ice Cream and Bakery
If you have a sweet tooth, stop by Bang Bang Ice Cream and Bakery for some of the best desserts in the city. Featuring unusual ice cream flavors like burnt toffee, cinnamon toast, and London fog, this spot is a favorite amongst Toronto locals.
You'll find the perfect dessert at Bang Bang Ice Cream and Bakery, regardless of your preference — delicious cookies, a custom ice cream sandwich, or a scoop of ice cream with chocolate sauce.
The Carbon Bar's Beef Brisket
Although you may not have considered heading all the way to Toronto for Texas-style barbecue, The Carbon Bar does this regional cuisine justice. Although the menu features fresh seafood and incredible meat dishes, there's no denying that this restaurant's crown jewel is the smoked beef brisket.
Smothered in their signature house sauce and served with a side of coleslaw and pickles, this dish will have you wanting to return to the Carbon Bar every night of your vacation.
Enjoy a Meal at Toronto's Top Attractions
Toronto is a lively and beautiful city that features the perfect blend of culinary experiences, stunning architecture, and a welcoming atmosphere. If you're planning an upcoming trip to this Canadian city, make the most of your time by trying one or more of the above dining experiences.
In addition to these delicious restaurants, consider saving nearly 40 percent on some of Toronto's top destinations when you purchase CityPASS® tickets. With CityPASS® tickets, you can save on admission to Toronto's biggest attractions.
Toronto Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in Toronto, we recommend finding lodging near Toronto's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Booking.com