Mentioned by OpenTable Blog
21 Restaurants That Define Toronto Dining
"You had a busy morning planned so you just ate a granola bar for breakfast - but now it’s five hours later and you’re starving. Head to The Stockyards, especially during the non-peak hours, since the small space usually makes it hard to get a seat. You’ll find a short menu of Southern classics like fried chicken and waffles, pimento cheese burgers, and brisket sandwiches, and if you come on a Tuesday, Friday, or Sunday, you can get their excellent ribs and smoked chicken."
"Despite demand from customers, the owners of this little smokehouse/diner haven't enlarged the space, expanded the brand, or even gotten a liquor license. Instead, they’ve stayed the course, satisfying the neighborhood with juicy fried chicken, burgers, and, on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, smoked ribs."
"Out of all of the burgers, I have currently tasted, I would have to say that if you want a beefed up classic burger like The Stockyard’s Beast Style (their version of the Big Mac), it’s the most affordable at $7.50 (for a single patty. A double..."
"Donuts baked fresh daily, hand-cut fries, from-scratch onion rings—at Uncle Betty’s Diner it’s all about homemade. With a family-friendly vibe in a bright colourful space, this place also has an ice cream parlour attached. When: Monday closed; Tuesday to Wednesday, 11:30 am to 8:30 pm; Thursday to Friday, 9:30 am to 8:30 pm; Saturday to Sunday, 8:30 am to 8:30 pmWhere: 2590 Yonge Street, Toronto"
"This friendly neighbourhood diner has all the essentials of a diner to meet your breakfast and brunch needs. What’s most important is their famous ice-cream sandwiches. These sandwiches are made with Greg’s or Kawartha’s Dairy ice cream, sat pretty between two halves of their famous doughnuts."
"Red Lobster is known as the foremost expert in fresh seafood. Our commitment to serving quality seafood starts long before you sit down at our restaurant."
"For coffee, tea, and sweet lovers, Brazil Bakery and Pastry is the perfect place and they have a variety of delicious sweets, deserts, sandwiches, coffee, tea, and main dishes for your afternoon tea and dinner. Their pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) is the best one I have ever had, and it costs next to nothing. They also make everything from scratch and the service is fast and friendly, not to mention it is extremely affordable."
"When you walk in, you’ll be immediately greeted by tall wire racks of freshly baked loaves and buns but delve a little further and you’ll discover their tantalizing baked goods. One of the must-tries is the pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart), which locals swear by with their flaky shell and balanced custard that isn’t overwhelmingly sweet."
"What is it: A southern French café and bakery originally from New York City, in the heart of First Canadian Place in the city's Financial District that serves locally sourced breakfast and lunches to a daily throng of area suits. Bonus points for the freshly baked artisan breads, quiches, cookies, croissants and all of the other French, buttery bites Maman turns out that make any morning better. Try the pistachio loaf, trust us."
"If you have a thing for uber-cute French patisseries, get thee over to First Canadian Place in downtown Toronto. Maman hails from New York and is the place to grab a slice of lavender blueberry loaf cake and an on-point latte to get on with your day. Or, if you want to be more European, grab a seat at one of their rustic wooden tables and stay awhile."
"Originally from Manhattan, Michelin Star Chef Armand Arnal brought the chic café to Toronto. With a superstar chef at the helm it’s no wonder Maman expanded North of the border. The Toronto location offers items from the south of France like savoury tarts, croissants, pistachio cake and madeleines."
"Sud Forno is part of the Terroni Group, a family of Italian restaurants and bakeries in Toronto. They have multiple locations across the city, but their Queen West location is where you’ll find their authentic Italian gelato. They have flavours like Limone and Pistacchio, as well as daily special gelato flavours!"
"I’m a fan of all their flavours, but the limone, nocciola and pistacchio are my go-tos. Let this be a warning: you’ll likely walk out with more than just gelato. Their famous bombe and other Italian treats are alluring."
"What is it: A sleek, well-designed, two-level space that’s oh-so-sophisticated. On the main floor, grab to-go paninis, sweets and coffees. Upstairs, expect a sit-down dining room."
"COO Café has nice bright white walls, colourful chairs and a chalkboard menu listing the available desserts, as well as amazing food!. This restaurant serves Japanese cooking combined with a European menu. COO has amazing brunch specials as well as daily meals."
"Located in the heart of the Annex neighbourhood, the Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church became one after the two congregations, St. Paul’s Avenue Road United Church and Trinity United Church, joined together in 1887-89 to serve the community. The building was erected in 1889 and has since undergone several renovations, which have improved accessibility and acoustic sound."