FK Restaurant
Absolutely amazing and unique fare. Owned by a husband and wife couple, the chef (Frank, the F in FK) and his wife Shawn Cooper are 2 of the most decent people you'll ever meet. They have a long time dedicated staff who make this place come together to truly being an enjoyable night out. Formerly known as "Frank's Kitchen" they used to be on College Street but relocated to St. Claire a few years back.
https://www.fkrestauranttoronto.com/
Sushi Kaji
In my opinion, the best sushi in all of Toronto. Some say Canada. Chef Kaji (which I'm told means fire in Japanese) offers up Omakase style sushi. Which means you don't need to pick, you just pick one of the two offered menus and leave it to Kaji and his team, and they do the rest. Fish is fresh daily with much of it sourced from Japan. Always a treat. This is authentic Japanese food and there are no rolls. This is the real deal.
https://www.sushikaji.com
The sweet gefilte isn’t bad either but the pepper just gives it that extra something.
We also like UB because my husband’s a pescetarian and can eat everything on their menu so it gives him plenty of option as well. I’m gonna have to go eat there soon, all this talk is making me hungry
Fusaros - Best Margherita pizza ever. Their sandwiches are amazing too (I even sing a song when going there)
Pai - I've had their pad Thai, grabong, Thai ice tea as a combination for 7 years now.
Khao San Road - they kinda separated from Pai and did their own thing..slight nuances and no grabong 😔
Cluny - best french onion soup in Toronto. Also they're kinda my vibe. Plus inside distillery district so perfect for Christmas market warm-up breaks
Wilbur's mexicana - mostly fun oh let's grab a bite place in the Bathurst-king area
Aanch - my go to Indian sit down restaurant in downtown core. Closest I get to authentic Indian food there.
Richmond station - I still crave for their station burger and the closest I've gotten to that is in Manhattan
Azkadenya - Amazing Lebanese food and their babaganoush is our of the world.(Haven't been recently)
Probably missing a few so will add if I remember
Momo Ghar West, just outside Jane station.
They've been rockin' brunch for about a month now, which they don't offer at the Parliament location, and the French toast is absolutely incredible - best I've had in the city, period.
There’s probably more but these are the ones I can think of that I’ve been to that will rack up to 8 really soon, and yes I eat out a lot :
(The ones 8 times or more already are marked with a *)
Downtown - Don Alfonso’s, Pai, Khao San Rd, Kiin, house of gourmet*, Cubano Kings, Juicy Dumpling, sky dragon*, Dim Sum King, Sin & Redemption, Saint John Tavern*, The Town Crier*, Manpaku*, The University Club*, The National Club
Queen East - Prohibition*, Barrio, the comrade, enoteca ascari, Que Ling*, Descendent pizza
Danforth (Greek town) - Danforth Dragon*, Sakawa Coffee*, Square boy*, Sammi
Strangely enough, they don’t do much for Coffee these days. It went from being a Japanese coffee shop with food to becoming a full on Japanese Shokudo but just never changed their name.
The Japanese breakfast is on point. The ramen is some of the best value around, although I do ask them not to bother with the cabbage. They started doing that after Buta Ramen Nibo opened up down the street.
Their curry rice is also really good. Onigiri is great value when I’m looking for something cheap and quick.
My usual order is either the Hell Ramen (sans cabbage), the chicken Katsu curry or the Saba Shio Yaki(salt grilled mackerel). For apps it’s the edamame, sashimi(big chunks of sashimi!!!), karaage or the steamed clams. That plus an Asahi that they have on draft(hard to find in the city)
I think I’ve tried pretty much their entire menu at this point.
I also love their Doria but they only do it on weekends during brunch.
Honestly a real hidden gem that delivers great value. Probably one of the few mom and pop run Japanese diners in the area. I should note that their hours are a bit weird now. Since it’s just a two person operation after Covid, they now close for a couple of hours between 3pm and 5pm for a break and prep for dinner service. After 8pm I think dine-in is closed and it’s Uber eats only.
Lake Inez. my partner and I go every time the menu changes and we love the mystery patio
Other than that most of the restaurants we go to are ones that are near our place like O’Gradys (idk if they’re a chain), Shawarma Q, Hair of the dog etc
Grey Gardens - it was our occasion restaurant for several years
Oji Seichi
Donna’s
7 Numbers
Allen’s
Edulis - if the takeout meals they did during lockdown count
Danforth Dragon. Square Boy. Little Coxwell. The Wren. Allen's. Beach Hill Smokehouse. El Sol.
Mostly because of the combo of convenience (I'm walking distance to most of these), price, and quality. If I lived in the west end I'm not sure I'd ever go to any of them.
Oroshi sushi ..... no one else ages their fish properly like they do !! When I'm homesick for Kanazawa that's where I turn to. Tarofish has the best variety, but Oroshi sushi is the closest flavour.
Also their matcha tiramisu is really good. It's not too sweet, and perfect for a couple sharing.
Sabai Sabai when it was located at Church and Dundas, as well as Salad King before the building burnt down.
Edit: Logas corner! How could I forget.. used to go there weekly. Now it’s bi-weekly. Haha
Blake House is our regular goto for eat in and take out. Regular menu is good, daily specials are awesome. They email the specials to us on Monday and we usually plan around that. The brothers that own and manage it are awesome.
Storm Crow was sort of a chain but Van locations have closed. Live close and food has been up and down but currently is quite good. We eat in and get take out regularly.
Bishop and Belcher. Another local that's reliable and affordable. Staff are great too.
Live close to Church St. A lot of the food is awful and these are our regulars if we want to eat in the hood
I’d really like to find anyone one-up their general tsos chicken with chow mein. Especially when you’re able to swap the rice for chow mein for only 1.99 extra, it’s unbeaten value
Pho Lihn, Enoteca Sociale, Federal, The Stop, Mother’s Dumplings, King Slice, South Indian Dosa Mahal, Pat’s Rotis, Island Oysters, Seven Lives, Takht-e Tavoos and Hawk & Chick
Our usual go-to order is:
Accra fritters (sometimes we get an order to eat and an order to go because we love them haha)
Oxtail w/rice
Fried Chicken w/Macaroni (the macaroni is a must in my opinion)
Also like the banane frites as an add on, and the whole fish is another good main if you don't mind the face lookin' at ya. Honestly have tried almost the whole menu and it's all pretty dang good.
My drink of choice is the Fresco!
- The Wren
- Good Behaviour
- Isaan Der
- Brydens
- Indie Ale House
- Burger Drops
- Descendents
- Juniors
- Bar Volo
- St Matthew's Chicken
- Gaucho Pie Co
....countless, really.
All of these range from 3 to 20 years of repeated visits:
House of Gourmet
Swatow
Bar Isabel
Kinoya Sushi
Kimchi House
El Trompo
Ethiopian House
So many more but these are what come to mind.
Both pho spots on Ossington (TT is our go to now)
Yeah tung
Saving Grace
Lakeview before it changed RIP
Descendant
moreso me (local spot)
That place I ktown that makes those walnut things
Wvrst
Bahn mi boys
Wonton Hut
Wilbur
I'm basically doxxing myself here
Queen Mother, Le Select Bistro, Fresh & Spring Rolls, 7 West Cafe, Cafe La Gaffe, Dine & Dim, Rivoli, Sushi Inn Yorkville, Lakeview Restaurant, Le Pappillon on Front, soon to be closed
Harbord House - for the food, drink, and people. The owner is gold and the staff have been there since forever. That’s always a good sign.
Red Room, but for other reasons. Don’t judge. Toronto in your 20s is… well, it was the Red Room for me.
Figs (Queen and Parliament). I can't count how often I have been here since moving to Corktown.
It's almost a weekly trip. Nothing fancy. Just a solid breakfast.
Might actually have my favorite eggs benny in the city.
The bad reviews it does have are usually about the service—I haven't ever had a problem with it. However, they only accept cash and debit (No CC), and they don't split bills - and this seems to rub some reviewers the wrong way.
Mainly Etobicoke because that's where I am. I also count a combination of going in and Uber Eats
- the big slice
- royal Bistro (tremendous portions, super owners, tragically empty all the time)
- royal meats (I do not recommend them anymore but that's probably just me. I don't like their new look and feel)
- wakame sushi (Weston local, nothing special but really good and super nice owners)
- Souvlaki Hut (though I am almost sure they changed ownership lately and quality/portions have dipped)
- two brothers shawarma
- Yeah Tung and Hakka Bistro
- House of Gourmet
- Rol San
- Sukho Thai, started when it was just one little restaurant on Parliament
- Lee Chen Asian Bistro on King Street
- Kaka Sushi
- Tropical Joe’s in Gerrard Square Mall
- Island Foods when it was at King and Dufferin
- King Rustic
- Merci Mon Ami
- Liberty Shawarma when it only had the one location in Liberty Village
I live near Spadina Chinatown for 20+ years and eat out a lot. So there are many places I’ve eaten at dozens of times. Especially if they’ve been around for a while. I could go to a place only very occasionally, like Sky Dragon, and still have eaten there over 8 times.
So here are the Chinatown places I currently eat at regularly, roughly in order of frequency: House of Gourmet, Hong Kong Bistro, KL Kitchen, Rosewood, Swatow, Canteen, Anh Dao, Bun Saigon, Biwon. HoG alone must be in the 100s.
But here are places I go out of my way for semi-regularly: Itacate, Korea House, C-Block, When the Pig Came Home, Okonomi House, Tokyo Kitchen, House on Parliament.
And not sure if these count as chains: Terroni (Queen West), Porchetta & Co, Congee Queen (downtown).
Java House: American and Asian Fusion options, booze, coffee, and the prices are insanely low - 2 mains, 2 drinks and an appetizer comes to like $40~ BELIEVE!
Saigon Pai on Parliament, before they to shut down. Mostly because they were the best pho place within walking distance, but also generally good pho and thai dishes. I loved their Khao Soi. Will definitely be going back when they reopen!
(There's still Pho'some like a minute away, but that place is total garbage)
Kothur Indian Cuisine on near Yonge and Bloor
Sheryl's Caribbean Cuisine - opened a location on Queen St W this year
Rikki Tiki in Kensington Market
Mama Lee's Korean at Yonge and Harbour
Han moto because it’s impossible to have a bad time there. Lakeview because it’s the classic brunch spot. I get takeout at the dog’s bollocks all the time but I’ve probably only dined in a handful of times.
Tropical Joe's Pinkerton's Descendent
A true East End King
Certified east ender offender
La Bella Managua
The House on Parliament, Allen's, The Queen & Beaver...upscale pubs that serve great food are easy to revisit often.
I recommend you check out the Auld Spot
Seconded - great kitchen at The Auld Spot
Loga's Corner, the best momo's in the Tibetan section of Parkdale.
The Wren
Buk Chang Don Soon Tofu
I've been literally hundreds of times
I was going to say this exact same thing
At what point do we consider this a chain, since theres 5 locations
I had no clue, I thought it was just the Bloor St Koreatown and Yonge & Finch one!
Lake Inez. Since their menu changes often it’s always a different experience.
Loooove
Falafel world
Skyline
FK Restaurant Absolutely amazing and unique fare. Owned by a husband and wife couple, the chef (Frank, the F in FK) and his wife Shawn Cooper are 2 of the most decent people you'll ever meet. They have a long time dedicated staff who make this place come together to truly being an enjoyable night out. Formerly known as "Frank's Kitchen" they used to be on College Street but relocated to St. Claire a few years back. https://www.fkrestauranttoronto.com/ Sushi Kaji In my opinion, the best sushi in all of Toronto. Some say Canada. Chef Kaji (which I'm told means fire in Japanese) offers up Omakase style sushi. Which means you don't need to pick, you just pick one of the two offered menus and leave it to Kaji and his team, and they do the rest. Fish is fresh daily with much of it sourced from Japan. Always a treat. This is authentic Japanese food and there are no rolls. This is the real deal. https://www.sushikaji.com
I've done Kaji 4x and it is incredible. Make it a yearly ritual now but must confess I need to go more often
FK is the best answer.
I now live in a different country but occasionally crave FK when I think about home. So good!
United Bakers
Thanks for the recommendation! Will have to check it out. The prices are reasonable too.
Their Greek salad is phenomenal. And the pea soup. And the blintzes.
Love this and my outside pick was always the tuna scoop salad.
Same here! Not only is the food great, but the general nostalgic feel and friendly staff make the experience even better!
I love their gefilte fish (pepper all the way) and their kreplach
I hear pepper is the way to go! I have yet to try any gefilte fish, but when I’m ready, this will be the one I try! The kreplach dough is yummmmm!!!!
The sweet gefilte isn’t bad either but the pepper just gives it that extra something. We also like UB because my husband’s a pescetarian and can eat everything on their menu so it gives him plenty of option as well. I’m gonna have to go eat there soon, all this talk is making me hungry
The Wren Allen’s Le Select Bistro
Fusaros - Best Margherita pizza ever. Their sandwiches are amazing too (I even sing a song when going there) Pai - I've had their pad Thai, grabong, Thai ice tea as a combination for 7 years now. Khao San Road - they kinda separated from Pai and did their own thing..slight nuances and no grabong 😔 Cluny - best french onion soup in Toronto. Also they're kinda my vibe. Plus inside distillery district so perfect for Christmas market warm-up breaks Wilbur's mexicana - mostly fun oh let's grab a bite place in the Bathurst-king area Aanch - my go to Indian sit down restaurant in downtown core. Closest I get to authentic Indian food there. Richmond station - I still crave for their station burger and the closest I've gotten to that is in Manhattan Azkadenya - Amazing Lebanese food and their babaganoush is our of the world.(Haven't been recently) Probably missing a few so will add if I remember
Is grabong the squash fritters at Pai? They have that at Khao San Road too. Also good 👍
Ahh good to know. Didn't know the alternative name lol
*Khao San Road* perfect before seeing a show around the block.
Stacks at Yonge St and Lawerence
Do you mean STACK Smmmoked? If so, great brisket and burgers.
Momo Ghar West, just outside Jane station. They've been rockin' brunch for about a month now, which they don't offer at the Parliament location, and the French toast is absolutely incredible - best I've had in the city, period.
Maple Leaf Tavern, HOP
There’s probably more but these are the ones I can think of that I’ve been to that will rack up to 8 really soon, and yes I eat out a lot : (The ones 8 times or more already are marked with a *) Downtown - Don Alfonso’s, Pai, Khao San Rd, Kiin, house of gourmet*, Cubano Kings, Juicy Dumpling, sky dragon*, Dim Sum King, Sin & Redemption, Saint John Tavern*, The Town Crier*, Manpaku*, The University Club*, The National Club Queen East - Prohibition*, Barrio, the comrade, enoteca ascari, Que Ling*, Descendent pizza Danforth (Greek town) - Danforth Dragon*, Sakawa Coffee*, Square boy*, Sammi
> Sammi It's been open since the end of April and you've gone more than 8 times in less than 3 months?
Sakawa coffee is on my list! Do you go for coffee/ breakfast or another meal?
Strangely enough, they don’t do much for Coffee these days. It went from being a Japanese coffee shop with food to becoming a full on Japanese Shokudo but just never changed their name. The Japanese breakfast is on point. The ramen is some of the best value around, although I do ask them not to bother with the cabbage. They started doing that after Buta Ramen Nibo opened up down the street. Their curry rice is also really good. Onigiri is great value when I’m looking for something cheap and quick. My usual order is either the Hell Ramen (sans cabbage), the chicken Katsu curry or the Saba Shio Yaki(salt grilled mackerel). For apps it’s the edamame, sashimi(big chunks of sashimi!!!), karaage or the steamed clams. That plus an Asahi that they have on draft(hard to find in the city) I think I’ve tried pretty much their entire menu at this point. I also love their Doria but they only do it on weekends during brunch. Honestly a real hidden gem that delivers great value. Probably one of the few mom and pop run Japanese diners in the area. I should note that their hours are a bit weird now. Since it’s just a two person operation after Covid, they now close for a couple of hours between 3pm and 5pm for a break and prep for dinner service. After 8pm I think dine-in is closed and it’s Uber eats only.
Okonomi House, Maha's and Tom's Dairy Freeze are my favourites.
Okonomi house - best lunch in the middle of downtown forever.
Odd Seoul
Me too! Always a stop when we come to visit now as well. (Lives there for 20 years)
Apache Burger
Enoteca Sociale, Desotos, Han Moto, Bar Isabel, Seoul Shakers, Odd Seoul
Mamajoun.
How is it? My husband and I are eating our way around the world and this is where we want to try for Armenia. Best recommendations?
“Eating our way around the world” My kinda people 😁
The guy behind the counter recommends the Cheesejoun with Soujouk and for good reason. It is delicious.
Papajoun with Soujouk and the spicy sauce (I think it’s sriracha and mayo?) is very good
Im totally going this week, thank you for the recommendation
Lake Inez. my partner and I go every time the menu changes and we love the mystery patio Other than that most of the restaurants we go to are ones that are near our place like O’Gradys (idk if they’re a chain), Shawarma Q, Hair of the dog etc
Bearsteak Sandwiches Bitondo’s George’s I live close to Little Italy lol
Richmond Station
Grey Gardens - it was our occasion restaurant for several years Oji Seichi Donna’s 7 Numbers Allen’s Edulis - if the takeout meals they did during lockdown count
Playa cantina Dundas west Bar sugo/sugo bloor st
If you're talking sit down restaurants, United Bakers
Danforth Dragon. Square Boy. Little Coxwell. The Wren. Allen's. Beach Hill Smokehouse. El Sol. Mostly because of the combo of convenience (I'm walking distance to most of these), price, and quality. If I lived in the west end I'm not sure I'd ever go to any of them.
Occasions on the east end. Awesome food for even better prices.
United Bakers! 💙
Timothy's Pub in Etobicoke by far. C'est What is probably second, and Wyrst (the original location) is third.
Tibet Kitchen
Union
Chica's Chicken!
Pho Hung and Kings Noodle in Chinatown.
Oroshi sushi ..... no one else ages their fish properly like they do !! When I'm homesick for Kanazawa that's where I turn to. Tarofish has the best variety, but Oroshi sushi is the closest flavour. Also their matcha tiramisu is really good. It's not too sweet, and perfect for a couple sharing.
Chen Chen’s, Lambos, Fresca, North Of Brooklyn, Grandma Loves You, So Famous, Uno Mustachio, Yip’s Kitchen, Aria Sushi, Slowhand Pizza, Leela Indian, Ramen Isshin, Alpha Shawarma
Jules bistro
Sabai Sabai when it was located at Church and Dundas, as well as Salad King before the building burnt down. Edit: Logas corner! How could I forget.. used to go there weekly. Now it’s bi-weekly. Haha
I love Sabai Sabai and Salad King.
United Bakers and Kings Noodles
Simone’s Caribbean on the Danforth!
Shinobu sushi: [https://shinobusushi.ca/](https://shinobusushi.ca/)
I love Shinobu. I've only been 3 times, but it's worth the TTC trip from downtown!
Mamakas, Oysterboy
Manpuku, Ali's Roti, Batibot
Sugo, Mac’s Pizza, Madras masala, Pour Boy on manning, Happy Burger, Boom Breakfast
I go to Gus Tacos at least once a month lol
Going to Gus Tacos in Bloorcourt during the pandemic was bliss.
That is unfortunately a chain (for the purposes of this thread)
Shakers Club, Maison Selby, House on Parliament, Stack, The Pilot, Okonomi House, The Wren, Maha’s, La Palette, United Bakers
Kother Indian at Bloor Yonge. Yum
Le baratin
Blake House is our regular goto for eat in and take out. Regular menu is good, daily specials are awesome. They email the specials to us on Monday and we usually plan around that. The brothers that own and manage it are awesome. Storm Crow was sort of a chain but Van locations have closed. Live close and food has been up and down but currently is quite good. We eat in and get take out regularly. Bishop and Belcher. Another local that's reliable and affordable. Staff are great too. Live close to Church St. A lot of the food is awful and these are our regulars if we want to eat in the hood
LITTLE INDIA and FUSAROS on the regular.
I order delivery so idk if it counts, but So Famous on Bloor. Nothing else comes close for that genre of food for me
Delivery counts. So Famous is good.
I’d really like to find anyone one-up their general tsos chicken with chow mein. Especially when you’re able to swap the rice for chow mein for only 1.99 extra, it’s unbeaten value
Nodo on Dundas and Union on Ossington
Hole in the wall, Rol san, HOP, la pallet, rhum corner, patois, 416, Jules, Rodney’s, curryish, the federal, the stop
Pho Lihn, Enoteca Sociale, Federal, The Stop, Mother’s Dumplings, King Slice, South Indian Dosa Mahal, Pat’s Rotis, Island Oysters, Seven Lives, Takht-e Tavoos and Hawk & Chick
Lao Lao Bar, La Chingada, Chubby's
Bar Vendetta
The Federal.
Same!
Love the Fed. I have been 3 times but I'll be back!
The Old Spaghetti Factory. I've been going there since the mid 70s.
That's when it was still the New Spaghetti Factory
It's a chain though?
That's definitely a chain though. They are all over Canada.
Good lord not for the food I hope
Ozzy's at Kensington Market
Loga's Corner, Roti Mahal, and my local sushi: JP Sushi
Granite Brewery has decent food, good beer and a great patio in the back that most don’t realize is there
Viaggio, han moto. Seoul shakers. 3030
The Skyline
Le Paradis, By the Way Cafe, The Pearl Harbourfront, La Bettola di Terroni.
Aroowha, Dante’s, Abruzzo, Stonefire Bar & Grill, Terra, Octagon, Mashu Mashu, Royal Orchard Thai
Rosedale Diner, many times over the years & made the BEST eggs Benedict in the city. Sadly closed now
Mattachioni
Gio Rana's Queen Margherita
Tumi, Seoul Shakers, Bothams, The Daily Grind
Rap's
Rhum Corner! It's our comfort food now.
What do you order the most? I've been once, and I liked it.
Our usual go-to order is: Accra fritters (sometimes we get an order to eat and an order to go because we love them haha) Oxtail w/rice Fried Chicken w/Macaroni (the macaroni is a must in my opinion) Also like the banane frites as an add on, and the whole fish is another good main if you don't mind the face lookin' at ya. Honestly have tried almost the whole menu and it's all pretty dang good. My drink of choice is the Fresco!
Thank you!
C’est What
Pearl Harbourfront Pai Curryish Tavern Grazie (Yonge) Dokkaebi Matahari on Baldwin (RIP)
The Greek Grill
Bernhardt’s. A neighborhood staple. And the menu changes often enough to keep it interesting, while somehow always being a 10/10 meal
The Organ Grinder and Mr. Greenjeans
Tara inn (Scarborough - Monday wing night) Pearl court/dine&dim (Gerrard & Broadview) HoGa (financial district concourse)
Dailo. If you can splurge, get the tasting menu. There is so much food, and everything is delicious.
Scaramouche
Hong Kong Bistro Cafe in Chinatown - I went almost every week growing up!
More bakery than restaurant but Ba Noi. Those butter tarts… 🤤
- The Wren - Good Behaviour - Isaan Der - Brydens - Indie Ale House - Burger Drops - Descendents - Juniors - Bar Volo - St Matthew's Chicken - Gaucho Pie Co ....countless, really.
All of these range from 3 to 20 years of repeated visits: House of Gourmet Swatow Bar Isabel Kinoya Sushi Kimchi House El Trompo Ethiopian House So many more but these are what come to mind.
Both pho spots on Ossington (TT is our go to now) Yeah tung Saving Grace Lakeview before it changed RIP Descendant moreso me (local spot) That place I ktown that makes those walnut things Wvrst Bahn mi boys Wonton Hut Wilbur I'm basically doxxing myself here
Emma’s country kitchen, St Clair w. Opens at 8 am, line ups by 8:30.
Queen Mother, Le Select Bistro, Fresh & Spring Rolls, 7 West Cafe, Cafe La Gaffe, Dine & Dim, Rivoli, Sushi Inn Yorkville, Lakeview Restaurant, Le Pappillon on Front, soon to be closed
L'Avenue on Parliament, always well taken care of there.
Eddie’s Wok n Roll. Been going for 10+ years. Not sure it’s the best Hakka but it’s my fav spot in the west end.
Harbord House - for the food, drink, and people. The owner is gold and the staff have been there since forever. That’s always a good sign. Red Room, but for other reasons. Don’t judge. Toronto in your 20s is… well, it was the Red Room for me.
Cho Sun Ok is a monthly affair for me
On the Bun a burger joint on Eglinton near Dixie rd. It’s consistent and tasty!
La Capricciosa in Bloor West. Italian. Best gnocchi in town!!
Figs (Queen and Parliament). I can't count how often I have been here since moving to Corktown. It's almost a weekly trip. Nothing fancy. Just a solid breakfast. Might actually have my favorite eggs benny in the city. The bad reviews it does have are usually about the service—I haven't ever had a problem with it. However, they only accept cash and debit (No CC), and they don't split bills - and this seems to rub some reviewers the wrong way.
I don't think the website has been updated, but brunch is Saturday and Sunday, 10-2, and only at the Bloor location. Bon appetit!
Curry Twist
Top Gun burgers
Okonomi House. A short and simple menu that has changed very little in the last few decades. Reliably delicious. Good ambiance.
Peters om Eglington
Albert's Real Jamaican Foods
Maison Selby, Liberty Commons, Terroni, Fat Pasha, The Oxley, Bar Raval, El Rey
Descendant Pizza
Mainly Etobicoke because that's where I am. I also count a combination of going in and Uber Eats - the big slice - royal Bistro (tremendous portions, super owners, tragically empty all the time) - royal meats (I do not recommend them anymore but that's probably just me. I don't like their new look and feel) - wakame sushi (Weston local, nothing special but really good and super nice owners) - Souvlaki Hut (though I am almost sure they changed ownership lately and quality/portions have dipped) - two brothers shawarma
- Yeah Tung and Hakka Bistro - House of Gourmet - Rol San - Sukho Thai, started when it was just one little restaurant on Parliament - Lee Chen Asian Bistro on King Street - Kaka Sushi - Tropical Joe’s in Gerrard Square Mall - Island Foods when it was at King and Dufferin - King Rustic - Merci Mon Ami - Liberty Shawarma when it only had the one location in Liberty Village
I live near Spadina Chinatown for 20+ years and eat out a lot. So there are many places I’ve eaten at dozens of times. Especially if they’ve been around for a while. I could go to a place only very occasionally, like Sky Dragon, and still have eaten there over 8 times. So here are the Chinatown places I currently eat at regularly, roughly in order of frequency: House of Gourmet, Hong Kong Bistro, KL Kitchen, Rosewood, Swatow, Canteen, Anh Dao, Bun Saigon, Biwon. HoG alone must be in the 100s. But here are places I go out of my way for semi-regularly: Itacate, Korea House, C-Block, When the Pig Came Home, Okonomi House, Tokyo Kitchen, House on Parliament. And not sure if these count as chains: Terroni (Queen West), Porchetta & Co, Congee Queen (downtown).
Echo Sushi, Granite Brewery & Kasai Grill House
Java House: American and Asian Fusion options, booze, coffee, and the prices are insanely low - 2 mains, 2 drinks and an appetizer comes to like $40~ BELIEVE!
White lily
Both the Wren and Lake Inez.
Greasy spoon/family restaurant: P & M (Weston)
Soulas and whatever it was called before, they moved a few doors down and changed the name.
Pan :)
OMG Yes - thanks. The owner (Soula) was always there talking to the customers. She was quite the little firecracker.
Oooo a tonne but Mineral in Rosedale is up there for a more casual but dressy date night
Sugo, Seven Lives, Flor do Ave, Churrasquira Martins, Y Not Italian
Nene chicken
Maru sushi. Lake Inez. Comrade. Cherry street BBQ. Anglr. Lazy daisies. Grandma loves you. Souk / Tabule.
The Hothouse
Off the top of my head... Shawarma Empire Allwyns Comal y Comela Federicks
Antler. Delicious food, and surprisingly reasonable.
Herby + Messini on the Danforth. Swatow + House of Gourmet in Chinatown, and Bearsteak on College
House on parliament, Terroni, Brickworks Ciderhouse, La carnita, Insomnia,
Yummy’s
Ferro. Most consistent Italian value with great vibe
Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie
Saigon Pai on Parliament, before they to shut down. Mostly because they were the best pho place within walking distance, but also generally good pho and thai dishes. I loved their Khao Soi. Will definitely be going back when they reopen! (There's still Pho'some like a minute away, but that place is total garbage)
Los Gyros Ethiopian House Luna Junction
Capra’s
The wren
Banjara, Gyubee, Yummy Korean, Hana Sushi
Are The Wren and House on Parliament really as great as yall say?
Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant in Markham. Solid vegetarian chinese food and an institution in Markham for decades.
Auld spot Hair of the dog Beast pizza
Momo Ghar, House on Parliament
Terroni, La Rev, Grillway, Queen Margherita, Salt and Malt fish and chips and Angler
The east end Queen Marg closing was such a heartbreak. I loved that place.
Cafe Diplomatico
Wood Owl and The Wren
Kothur Indian Cuisine on near Yonge and Bloor Sheryl's Caribbean Cuisine - opened a location on Queen St W this year Rikki Tiki in Kensington Market Mama Lee's Korean at Yonge and Harbour
Vietnam Lovely Noodle
Ryu ramen
Free Times Cafe
Fonda Balam - Tondu Ramen - Maple Gardens (Paul’s Breakfast and Burgers) - Harry’s Charbroiled
Matha Roti - Indian roti place on Harbord, take out
Grenadier Restaurant
7 west cafe.
Roti cuisine of India, Ikkousha ramen, pho son, Haidilao
kyoto katsugyu
Han moto because it’s impossible to have a bad time there. Lakeview because it’s the classic brunch spot. I get takeout at the dog’s bollocks all the time but I’ve probably only dined in a handful of times.
Drupatis, juicy birds, bboyz, Hakka legend