The complete culinary traveller’s guide for where to eat, shop, take a cooking class and enjoy the local food and drink in Toronto.
THE BEACHES
A lakeside community just 15 minutes east of downtown, with an eclectic mix of shops, sidewalk cafés, restaurants, pubs and yoga studios. The boardwalk is a favourite place on a hot summer’s day.
BLOOR WEST VILLAGE
Bloor St West of High Park owes much of its identity to the Eastern European Community. Many European delis and bakeries remain alongside local eateries, cafés and shops.
CHINATOWNS
Everything from housewares and Asian grocers to dim sum and noodle houses in this area around Dundas Ave W. and Spadina Ave. East Chinatown at Gerrard and Broadview Ave has plenty of pho restaurants and one of the best seafood stores in the city.
THE DANFORTH
Danforth Ave from Broadview to Greenwood Ave is Toronto’s Greektown and home of the annual ‘Taste of the Danforth Festival,’ celebrating Greek food and culture. Restaurants, pubs, cafés and clubs make this area a hot spot in the evening.
DISTILLERY DISTRICT
The restored Distillery District is an ideal setting for local restaurants, design stores, cafés and art galleries. The Case Goods Warehouse is home to local artists’ studios, custom jewellery, crafts and workshops.
THE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
This area of King St West between University Ave and Spadina Ave encompasses theatres, performing arts centres, Toronto’s four major-league sports teams and an array of cultural and family attractions. Dining ranges from pubs and bars to upscale bistros.
KING ST EAST
This burgeoning restaurant district includes fine dining establishments, high-end furniture design stores and the city’s top culinary institute.
LESLIEVILLE
Historically the lighting industry and film district east of the Don River, Leslieville is now one of Toronto’s best brunch destinations and trendiest areas to dine, drink and shop. Great cafés, vintage shops and boutiques.
LITTLE ITALY
Traditional bars and cafés and the best gelato are found in this Italian community along College St West. New martini bars and clubs make this area a lively night spot.
WEST QUEEN WEST
This colorful neighbourhood on Queen West around Trinity Bellwoods Park is home to cutting edge art galleries, great eateries, specialty food stores, one-of-a-kind shops and night life hubs such the Drake and Gladstone hotels.
YORKVILLE
Toronto’s original 1960s bohemian enclave has long given way to designer boutiques, high-end hotels and restaurants. Sophisticated food shops and cafés dot this area of Cumberland and Yorkville.
KENSINGTON MARKET An eclectic mix of Latin American grocers, cafés, vintage clothing stores, restaurants, fresh produce, Portuguese bakeries, butchers, and cheese shops. Nassau St between Augusta and Bellevue. Open daily year round. www.kensington-market.ca
ST. LAWRENCE MARKET A Toronto landmark and largest indoor market in the city. Open Tuesday –Saturday year round. Farmers market, Saturday 5 am – 3 pm. Antique Market, Sunday, 5am – 5 pm. Corner of Front St. and Jarvis St. www.stlawrencemarket.com
EVERGREEN BRICK WORKS FARMER’S MARKET Saturday market featuring locally produced fruits, vegetables, wild fish, meat, cheese, milled flours, eggs and oils from over 30 local organic producers. Free kids’ activities. 544 Bayview Ave ebw.evergreen.ca
THE CHEF UPSTAIRS Intimate, interactive cooking studio with workshops. 516 Mt Pleasant Rd.
BONNIE GORDON Classes in the confectionary arts. 868 Eglinton Ave. W.
ARVINDA’S HEALTHY GOURMET INDIAN Indian Cuisine. 876 Bathurst St.
NELLA CUCINA Restaurant supply and retail store with a cooking studio. 876 Bathurst St.
LIAISON COLLEGE Recreational cooking classes and professional chef training. 205 Richmond St. W.
THE HEALTHY BUTCHER How to break down a carcass or make your own sausages. 298 Eglinton Ave. W.
VIVA TASTINGS Learn to cook with Chef Karen Viva-Haynes. St. Lawrence Market.
APHRODITE COOKS 201 Weston Rd, Ste 101.
DISH COOKING STUDIO 390 Dupont St.
CIRILLO’S CULINARY ACADEMY 4894 Dundas St. W.
Good Egg In Kensington Market at 267 Augusta Ave.
IQ Living 524 Danforth Ave.
Degrees 2588 Yonge St.
Placewares St. Lawrence Market.
Teatro Verde Cucina 2901 Bayview Ave. and 136 Yorkville Ave.
Peppermills 2098 Yonge St.
Toronto’s great tastes
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- Brick Street Bread
- Sunshine Farm Pickles
- Cumbrae Meats
- Clement’s Poultry
- Delight’s Handmade Organic Ice Cream
- Eadrey Foods
- Epi Breads
- From These Roots Jams
- Healthy Butcher
- Il Gelatiere
- Jensen Cheese
- Nude Bee Honey
- Organic Meadows Eggs
- River’s Edge Goat Dairy
- St John’s Bakery
- The Big Carrot
- Western Cream Cheese
Toronto’s great drinks
