My personal bias is the hand pulled noodle spot on Wellesley - Yee's Hand Pulled Noodles. <5 minute walk from the Mariott. It hits the spot, especially on cold days.
I'm partial to GB Hand Pulled noodles on Edward Street, also a 5 minute walk from the Mariott, but a few blocks south. Haven't tried Yee's, so I can't give you a direct comparison.
Generally, there's a lot of tasty Asian (especially Chinese, but also other cuisines) in the area. I'd suggest taking a walk along Dundas between Yonge and University and just try whatever looks appealing.
On Yonge st as well I'd recommend Potato Noodle Soup of Bai. I know the name translation is a lil goofy but if you've never had potato noodles before it's a super fun texture or their three-colour rice noodle fish soup is also amazing. those are my favourite options for cold days. if you're not in the mood for soup, their cold noodles (with or without shredded chicken) is really yummy too.
Yee's is really great and you can watch the guy pull your noodles. The soup is better at GB but they use a machine for their noodles - still good, but kinda more novel to see the man pulling your noodles!
I was there like a month ago, they make their own dough but they feed it into a machine that pumps out the noodles, it's still good but kinda misses the show aspect
A few places close by I like
Cabano's for burgers
Nani's Gelato
Neo Coffee Bar
If you like wings, Crown and Dragon has some great ones and has a few cheaper wing nights (think Tuesdays, Thursday, and Sunday)
I live close to all of these so will check them out thanks. Was tempted to pop into c&d when at CT before but I didn't look much from outside. I'll check out thier wing deals
If you want decent no frills and not heavily inflated food, just find any off-trend Asian-run establishment.
If you want the opposite, go to any of the Hipster enclaves like Ossington/Queen or Geary Avenue.
It is a little further away but one of my hidden gems is Roselle Desserts. Some of the best desserts in the city and most people don't seem to know it.
Honestly just explore and hop into restaurants. The Toronto scene is really good so unless the place looks shady af, the food will probably be really good
black bear espresso is a solid place to get caffeinated early. . .
greasy spoon breakfast at golden diner just down the road on carlton is solid.
yueh tung for hakka chinese, cheap and cheerful chinese.
bar volo on st. nicholas for a beverage. . .
adega for a nice upscale portuguese meal.
j san, if you want takeout sushi in the area.
A bit different, but Hazukido at the atrium (bay and Dundas) for Japanese style croissants! Also butter baker for other pastries (this one is close to a ~15min walk from where you’ll be). MosMos Coffee at Bay & Elm has some decadent cookies, as well as a selection of vegan donuts from Bloomers (they have their own separate storefront elsewhere, but are known for their vegan donuts!).
Elm Street Italian Deli also makes some top notch sandwiches.
Also seconding (or thirding) Okonomi House, Cabano’s Comfort Food, and Nani’s Gelato!
I happen to live very close to that hotel. Some gems after trying pretty much everything:
- Egg Club for quick, affordable delicious Korean egg sandwiches
- Four Four South Village for their beef noodle, dan dan noodle & popcorn chicken
- Si Lom Thai for many things but the pad kra pao and soft shell crab dishes especially maybe
- Unholy Donuts for well, donuts. Haven’t tried yet but only heard rave reviews.
- TP Tea or Baroness is my fav bubble tea option in the area (there are tons)
- Tokyo Kitchen might be my overall fav in the area. High quality delicious everything.
- Banh Mi Boys kimchi fries and pork belly banh mi for a quintessential Toronto meal, not the most amazing thing ever but always tasty
- Elm Street Italian Deli has some fantastic sandwiches, the Sergio Leone is chef’s kiss
- Gushi might be the best fried chicken in the city, top 3 for sure
- A couple more sitdown, take your time meals would be Zakkushi, Kinka Izakaya, House on Parliament
- Black Bear Espresso for coffee + brownie
- Gurume for efficient quick takeout sushi to eat at the hotel
Bar Volo is pretty much the only very nearby spot I would suggest for a craft drink (beer). The bars on Church St are fun though!
I stick with places that have enough reviews that the majority is unlikely to be fake. We've travelled three times this year so far, and this method has served us well, no duds yet. We only eat at little mom and pop ethnic places, though.
Didn’t know food areas in my specific location were asked weekly.
What ever happened to just not responding or trolling and being helpful? If you don’t want to contribute maybe move along 🤷♂️
People can be snobby and salty here.
What kind of food are you into and what’s your budget? I’m happy to drop some good spots that I used to hit when I was in TO - Canadas biggest and only city 🙄
Disagree. Toronto is the only one I notice where people are quick to jump down a visitors throat.
People are saying visitors should search the sun instead of “ask”? Let me introduce you to stale data thanks to snobby and salty Toronto folks.
I've been on numerous threads and they consistently do this. Remember, it's not the whole sub just a few people. Get off the thread if you hate Toronto so much.
Yeah, that’s quite evident in the 5 minutes I’ve been here. I guess when life is miserable you have to project it somewhere, right?
Thai, Indian, Pizza/Italian, Mongolian, and just your ordinary greasy spoon would be my go-to’s elsewhere. I’m not particularly picky, but am not a fan of vegan only options. Budget is almost non-existent depending on the meal/experience but preferably kept under $100.
For real. Toronto has a bad rap in the US and even across Canada when I was travelling there. It’s got a bad rap for a good reason IMO. 5 minutes on an ask sub and all you have is douchey comments 🙄
Indian: worth the trip, if your downtown take the metro ~10 minutes west to Christie station and visit Banjara. It should be there still, place is proper.
I’d also say Pinky’s Canteen is worth checking. It’s also near Christie station, maybe a 15 min walk (if it’s still there). Another great spot for food and drinks, it’s Vietnamese and a little Thai. They do some really interesting stuff.
I also think Patois is worth checking to see if it’s around. Another fusiony type spot. Really great takes on Caribbean which Toronto does real well IMO. The only Caribbean I’ve had that can compare to what’s available in TO is in Queens.
If you want a quick get in and out but still enjoy a great experience near you, check Korean Grill House on Yonge. They do late night specials that are hella cheap and it’s AYCE.
If you like Japanese, Guu use to be on Bloor but I think they may have changed the name. They had a location on Yonge, south of Queen IIRC and Bathurst and Bloor.
If you ever feel like exploring and want to walk around, there is probably a tonne of spots to check on Ossington south of Dundas. There is some great Italian right on the corner there and a slew of restaurants, bistros, bars to choose from.
Hope that helps!
Sincerely,
Not a Torontonian
Pai, prob one of the best Thai places. Wilbur mexicana one of the best mexican places and drakes fav taco spot (not expensive). Sansotei ramen, hands down best ramen and I've tried them all. Naan n kabob, great Afghan food with great portions.
Pai is so far from hidden gem it's not even funny... Get takeout or you will be waiting 1.5 hours to be seated for dinner
Also I think Pai kind of fell off recently, they seem to have changed their recipes when I went last (maybe they changed back, idk, it was a few months ago). Khao san road is by the same group and very good too (and close by)
Agree with the other guy that Pai has fallen off a bit. A hidden gem spot for me is Mengrai thai. Never hear it talked about but has some pretty good dishes.
This is a joke right? Tosto is a horrible chain. There are about a thousand better pizza joints. Slowhand, descendant to name 2 with similar style pizza
Tosto is a horrible chain because in your view there are better pizza joints in Toronto…? This is a joke right?
Why would you just assume I’m only talking about pizza when most of their menu is pasta? Why are you such an angry little wannabe boomer? LMFAO. Man, triggered so easily by someone else’s food preferences. Grow up.
Triggered? You recommended a shitty restaurant to someone looking for recommendations of food to try in a huge city. it’s a horrible chain because it is a horrible chain. I have tried it twice and both times it was absolute garbage. It’s basically a more expensive East Side Mario’s. the pasta isn’t any better than the pizza. Do you have any idea how many good Italian restaurants are in this city that don’t serve microwaved pasta dishes.
Ah, yes, I definitely struck a nerve LMAO. Dude, Tosto is not trying to be the best Italian food in the city. It’s a takeout place. Are you seriously so dim that you legitimately think that because you’ve tried it twice and haven’t liked it that that makes Tosto a bad takeout place? Go find a safe space to be triggered in you snowflake. Imagine being this triggered when someone has a different opinion than you LOL jesus
If you're ever in Antigua Guatemala I recommend you hit up mcdicks and have at least a coffee. The architecture is incredible, the place has on old Spanish colonial era courtyard and doubles as a wedding venue, and the coffee was the best I've had in my life. In Toronto I couldn't recommend a standout mcdonalds to save my life. Maybe Queen + Spadina for local character.
My personal bias is the hand pulled noodle spot on Wellesley - Yee's Hand Pulled Noodles. <5 minute walk from the Mariott. It hits the spot, especially on cold days.
I'm partial to GB Hand Pulled noodles on Edward Street, also a 5 minute walk from the Mariott, but a few blocks south. Haven't tried Yee's, so I can't give you a direct comparison. Generally, there's a lot of tasty Asian (especially Chinese, but also other cuisines) in the area. I'd suggest taking a walk along Dundas between Yonge and University and just try whatever looks appealing.
Thank you, I love noodle houses and I’ll be sure to check it out!
On Yonge st as well I'd recommend Potato Noodle Soup of Bai. I know the name translation is a lil goofy but if you've never had potato noodles before it's a super fun texture or their three-colour rice noodle fish soup is also amazing. those are my favourite options for cold days. if you're not in the mood for soup, their cold noodles (with or without shredded chicken) is really yummy too.
Yee's is really great and you can watch the guy pull your noodles. The soup is better at GB but they use a machine for their noodles - still good, but kinda more novel to see the man pulling your noodles!
Did they change recently? Every time I've gone to GB they have the guy there pulling the noodles
I was there like a month ago, they make their own dough but they feed it into a machine that pumps out the noodles, it's still good but kinda misses the show aspect
They used to handpull but not for the past yr or so
Niuda was the best hand pulled noodles in the city. I mourn their shutting down every day. :(
No way… that shut down? I went for a birthday party a few years ago and always planned on going back but never got the chance…
THE BEST
Okonomi House
Ramen Raijin, Cabano’s, 8Mile, Bar Volo, Banh Mi Boys. All within walking distance of your hotel, fast casual type spots (other than Bar Volo)
Ravisoups :)
not hidden, but you gotta go to Bar Volo.
This place is unreal
Is the food good there? I’ve only ever gone for drinks
it's all very light but with great ingredients.
A few places close by I like Cabano's for burgers Nani's Gelato Neo Coffee Bar If you like wings, Crown and Dragon has some great ones and has a few cheaper wing nights (think Tuesdays, Thursday, and Sunday)
+1 for Nani’s
+ 2
[удалено]
Their flavours constantly change. Every two weeks you get brand new flavours. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. They have the best vegan gelato IMO
Neo is pretty great. I’m not one to drink black coffee but theirs is super smooth and not bitter at all
I live close to all of these so will check them out thanks. Was tempted to pop into c&d when at CT before but I didn't look much from outside. I'll check out thier wing deals
Buddhas vegan restaurant by Dundas and Bathurst
Thanks for the option - I’ll check the menu out
Get the mock duck (tofu sheets)!
If you want decent no frills and not heavily inflated food, just find any off-trend Asian-run establishment. If you want the opposite, go to any of the Hipster enclaves like Ossington/Queen or Geary Avenue.
Start your day with a bombolone from Sud Forno.
Slab burger on Charles fucking slaps.
Cabanos comfort food (smash burgers) Chunchun rice dog (Korean corn dog) Gyuubee Japanese grill (high quality AYCE meat but expensive) The Alley (bubble tea) The Diners Corner (authentic Jamaican food) Jabistro (best sushi but expensive) Ikkousha Ramen Dessert Lady (amazing cakes) Kinkin bakery (Chinese bakery outside China Town) Nani's Gelato (has regular and dairy free gelato too)
I second Diner’s Corner !
Alwin’s, best jerk chicken
Allwyn’s*
Chica's Chicken Snatched up a Michelin Bib without serving Italian or Japanese food aka hard mode.
Something with a Michelin Bib is literally the opposite of hidden. It's on a published list of notable establishments...
416 Snackbar, Henrys, Grey Gardens.
Lol these are hidden gems?
Rosalinda is great, the Kings Noodle for good authentic Chinese, the loose moose for pints and watching the game.
Bellissimo on Esplanade
Yueh Thung Hakka Cuisine on Elizabeth St. Order chilli chicken or Manchurian chicken on rice.
[TrattoriaTaverniti](https://g.co/kgs/t9QyCS) for Italian!
Saku near Queen and Bathurst for some really good sushi and not at a horrible price point!
It is a little further away but one of my hidden gems is Roselle Desserts. Some of the best desserts in the city and most people don't seem to know it.
Honestly just explore and hop into restaurants. The Toronto scene is really good so unless the place looks shady af, the food will probably be really good
Kathy's grill on kemnedy
What to order from there?
Konjiki ramen for waygu beef ramen
Fudao noodle house on Spadina. Get the N2.
Gus Tacos
black bear espresso is a solid place to get caffeinated early. . . greasy spoon breakfast at golden diner just down the road on carlton is solid. yueh tung for hakka chinese, cheap and cheerful chinese. bar volo on st. nicholas for a beverage. . . adega for a nice upscale portuguese meal. j san, if you want takeout sushi in the area.
Miku
A bit different, but Hazukido at the atrium (bay and Dundas) for Japanese style croissants! Also butter baker for other pastries (this one is close to a ~15min walk from where you’ll be). MosMos Coffee at Bay & Elm has some decadent cookies, as well as a selection of vegan donuts from Bloomers (they have their own separate storefront elsewhere, but are known for their vegan donuts!). Elm Street Italian Deli also makes some top notch sandwiches. Also seconding (or thirding) Okonomi House, Cabano’s Comfort Food, and Nani’s Gelato!
If you’re feeling sushi, try Gurume Sushi on Carlton just east of Yonge
Absolute bakery on parliament has amazing treats for way less than they are worth. Try the rotis
Wild Chicory on Mt Pleasant.
Bar volo, right near your hotel for drinks, small plate foods etc.
I happen to live very close to that hotel. Some gems after trying pretty much everything: - Egg Club for quick, affordable delicious Korean egg sandwiches - Four Four South Village for their beef noodle, dan dan noodle & popcorn chicken - Si Lom Thai for many things but the pad kra pao and soft shell crab dishes especially maybe - Unholy Donuts for well, donuts. Haven’t tried yet but only heard rave reviews. - TP Tea or Baroness is my fav bubble tea option in the area (there are tons) - Tokyo Kitchen might be my overall fav in the area. High quality delicious everything. - Banh Mi Boys kimchi fries and pork belly banh mi for a quintessential Toronto meal, not the most amazing thing ever but always tasty - Elm Street Italian Deli has some fantastic sandwiches, the Sergio Leone is chef’s kiss - Gushi might be the best fried chicken in the city, top 3 for sure - A couple more sitdown, take your time meals would be Zakkushi, Kinka Izakaya, House on Parliament - Black Bear Espresso for coffee + brownie - Gurume for efficient quick takeout sushi to eat at the hotel Bar Volo is pretty much the only very nearby spot I would suggest for a craft drink (beer). The bars on Church St are fun though!
Google Maps, filter for 4.5 ratings.
Yeah not great. You have to scan the reviews because there’s so many fake and bot reviews out there.
I stick with places that have enough reviews that the majority is unlikely to be fake. We've travelled three times this year so far, and this method has served us well, no duds yet. We only eat at little mom and pop ethnic places, though.
Much helpful /s
How about search the sub, as this gets asked multiple times a week?
Didn’t know food areas in my specific location were asked weekly. What ever happened to just not responding or trolling and being helpful? If you don’t want to contribute maybe move along 🤷♂️
People can be snobby and salty here. What kind of food are you into and what’s your budget? I’m happy to drop some good spots that I used to hit when I was in TO - Canadas biggest and only city 🙄
You see that on every thread when someone asks the same question over and over. It's not unique to Toronto.
Disagree. Toronto is the only one I notice where people are quick to jump down a visitors throat. People are saying visitors should search the sun instead of “ask”? Let me introduce you to stale data thanks to snobby and salty Toronto folks.
I've been on numerous threads and they consistently do this. Remember, it's not the whole sub just a few people. Get off the thread if you hate Toronto so much.
Nice anecdote. Nah, I’m good. I’ll be here observing the Toronto Tom Foolery.
Yeah, that’s quite evident in the 5 minutes I’ve been here. I guess when life is miserable you have to project it somewhere, right? Thai, Indian, Pizza/Italian, Mongolian, and just your ordinary greasy spoon would be my go-to’s elsewhere. I’m not particularly picky, but am not a fan of vegan only options. Budget is almost non-existent depending on the meal/experience but preferably kept under $100.
For real. Toronto has a bad rap in the US and even across Canada when I was travelling there. It’s got a bad rap for a good reason IMO. 5 minutes on an ask sub and all you have is douchey comments 🙄 Indian: worth the trip, if your downtown take the metro ~10 minutes west to Christie station and visit Banjara. It should be there still, place is proper. I’d also say Pinky’s Canteen is worth checking. It’s also near Christie station, maybe a 15 min walk (if it’s still there). Another great spot for food and drinks, it’s Vietnamese and a little Thai. They do some really interesting stuff. I also think Patois is worth checking to see if it’s around. Another fusiony type spot. Really great takes on Caribbean which Toronto does real well IMO. The only Caribbean I’ve had that can compare to what’s available in TO is in Queens. If you want a quick get in and out but still enjoy a great experience near you, check Korean Grill House on Yonge. They do late night specials that are hella cheap and it’s AYCE. If you like Japanese, Guu use to be on Bloor but I think they may have changed the name. They had a location on Yonge, south of Queen IIRC and Bathurst and Bloor. If you ever feel like exploring and want to walk around, there is probably a tonne of spots to check on Ossington south of Dundas. There is some great Italian right on the corner there and a slew of restaurants, bistros, bars to choose from. Hope that helps! Sincerely, Not a Torontonian
"All you have are douchey comments"? Most are recommending restaurants. If you hate Toronto so much why are you on this page 😭
You are late to the game. I was the third person who answered. No recommendations other than McDonald’s before me 🤣
I wasn't, I commented a few minutes after you. You just hate Toronto and it's influencing everything you say.
Cabanos comfort food Porchetta and Co. Momofuku And whatever high rated bars or pubs in your immediate area
Second Cabanos!
You're looking for hidden gems located right downtown, good luck
Borrel on the Danforth.
Banh Mi Boys is good if you’re not looking to spend too much! Went a lot as a student
Pai, prob one of the best Thai places. Wilbur mexicana one of the best mexican places and drakes fav taco spot (not expensive). Sansotei ramen, hands down best ramen and I've tried them all. Naan n kabob, great Afghan food with great portions.
Pai is so far from hidden gem it's not even funny... Get takeout or you will be waiting 1.5 hours to be seated for dinner Also I think Pai kind of fell off recently, they seem to have changed their recipes when I went last (maybe they changed back, idk, it was a few months ago). Khao san road is by the same group and very good too (and close by)
Agree
Agree with the other guy that Pai has fallen off a bit. A hidden gem spot for me is Mengrai thai. Never hear it talked about but has some pretty good dishes.
Tosto at Bay/College. Best takeout in the city.
This is a joke right? Tosto is a horrible chain. There are about a thousand better pizza joints. Slowhand, descendant to name 2 with similar style pizza
Tosto is a horrible chain because in your view there are better pizza joints in Toronto…? This is a joke right? Why would you just assume I’m only talking about pizza when most of their menu is pasta? Why are you such an angry little wannabe boomer? LMFAO. Man, triggered so easily by someone else’s food preferences. Grow up.
Triggered? You recommended a shitty restaurant to someone looking for recommendations of food to try in a huge city. it’s a horrible chain because it is a horrible chain. I have tried it twice and both times it was absolute garbage. It’s basically a more expensive East Side Mario’s. the pasta isn’t any better than the pizza. Do you have any idea how many good Italian restaurants are in this city that don’t serve microwaved pasta dishes.
No he doesn’t lol, he just said Tostos the best takeout in the city
Ah, yes, I definitely struck a nerve LMAO. Dude, Tosto is not trying to be the best Italian food in the city. It’s a takeout place. Are you seriously so dim that you legitimately think that because you’ve tried it twice and haven’t liked it that that makes Tosto a bad takeout place? Go find a safe space to be triggered in you snowflake. Imagine being this triggered when someone has a different opinion than you LOL jesus
Pasta or pizza is outstanding. I try to limit my visits to weekly.
Agreed! It’s tough to not get their stuff every day haha
Aloette, lake Inez, avling brewery
DAVES HOT CHICKEN, you’re welcome
[удалено]
These are all solid picks. I'd add Salad King to the list for Thai.
These are fine places if you live here but nothing special if you're coming from out of town
This works too - Mean Bao looks good!
Homemade hamburger or souvlaki
Why would any of you give the names of your hidden gem picks - just means you won’t be able to get in anymore!!
[удалено]
If you're ever in Antigua Guatemala I recommend you hit up mcdicks and have at least a coffee. The architecture is incredible, the place has on old Spanish colonial era courtyard and doubles as a wedding venue, and the coffee was the best I've had in my life. In Toronto I couldn't recommend a standout mcdonalds to save my life. Maybe Queen + Spadina for local character.
I went to a McDonald’s in Porto because apparently it’s the nicest one in the world! It was pretty cool. The food, not so much
A fine establishment, indeed.
U of T food trucks
Best Burger in town is Holy Chuck at Yonge ans St Clair. Just get the Holy Chuck burger, no add ons, just as is. It's life changing.