My take: Skip the restaurants with English-only menus on the main tourist drag. In Toronto the best food is in neighborhoods where the waiters don't chase you from the door. I test every recommendation by asking "where would your family eat for a birthday?" — that's the list below.
3 Dishes You Have to Try
Peameal bacon sandwich (St. Lawrence Market classic)
Butter tart (Canadian pastry staple)
Pad Thai and dumplings from the city's world-class Asian kitchens
Best Neighborhoods for Restaurants in Toronto
🍽️ Downtown Core
CN Tower, financial district, Eaton Centre shopping. Expect traditional Canada kitchens and casual wine bars.
🍽️ Kensington Market
Bohemian grocers, vintage shops, patio bars. Expect traditional Canada kitchens and casual wine bars.
🍽️ Queen West
Design galleries, indie boutiques, craft cocktails. Expect traditional Canada kitchens and casual wine bars.
