Toronto is a city that never runs out of places to eat, explore, and discover. From hidden neighbourhood gems to iconic restaurants, cosy cafes, creative activities, and beautiful outdoor spaces, there is always something new to experience, whether you’re a local or a tourist.
After spending time exploring the city as a local for the past 10+ years, trying new restaurants, and finding my go-to spots, I’ve put together a list of my favourite places in Toronto. This guide includes my favourite restaurants, cafes, bars, activities, and seasonal things to do (plus a few hidden gems that deserve more attention).
Whether you’re visiting Toronto for the first time or you’re a local looking for somewhere new, these are the places I always recommend, and of course, the city is always changing. Every time I walk down my street, I discover a new spot that’s opened (or closed), so I’d love to hear your recommendations too! Share them below in the comments for me to check out.
Shopping
Favourite Bookstore in Toronto: BMV
There’s nothing better than spending an afternoon browsing through a great bookstore, and BMV is one of my favourite places to get lost in the shelves. With an amazing selection of used books at affordable prices, it’s the perfect spot to discover a new read, find a hidden gem, or simply spend some time wandering around. They have multiple locations around the city, but the location on Bloor Street is by far the biggest and best.
Favourite Shopping Area: Kensington Market
Kensington Market is probably one of the hipper areas of the city. The multicultural area is centrally located just west of Toronto’s downtown core, bordered by Spadina Avenue, Dundas Street West, Bathurst, and College Street. This neighbourhood’s history dates back to 1815 and is one of the most well-known neighbourhoods in the city, as it’s filled with vintage shops, great eats, and is the perfect spot to stroll through in the summer (or any season).
👉 Check out my full guide for Kensington Market here
Fast Food or Take Out
Favourite Cafés in Toronto
If there is one thing that Toronto has no shortage of, it’s cafes. It’s hard to pick just two because you’ll find cute cafes to hang out in about every 10 feet you walk. Here are two that I’ve gone back to time and time again.
Cafe 23
What makes Cafe 23 so special is not just their delicious seasonal coffee menu, but the hidden garden oasis out back that you can sip your bougie latte in.
The Brick Room
The Brick Room has two locations in the city centre, and it truly is a cafe doing amazing, unique things that you don’t find everywhere. Yes, you can get your basic coffees and lattes here, but they also have insane seasonal menus. Their drink prices for seasonal specialties are steep, but you’ll see why. They aren’t just a latte with a shot of flavoured syrup in them; they are incredibly unique experiences.
There are a few Rooms locations in the city, but the one on Baldwin St. is a vibe. Lots of seating, mid-century modern vibe with a Japanese influence, records spinning, a cute patio out front. This spot is a great place to grab a coffee or matcha.
Favourite Matcha in Toronto
Just like every other basic girl in the city, I am a big matcha lover. However, I’m very particular about it and believe that about 90% of the cafes in the city have no idea how to make it. These three cafes below are three that I think are doing exceptional things with their matcha and truly appreciate the tradition of it.
Archi Element
Located in Toronto’s west end, Archi Element has a small menu with exceptional drinks. They serve more than just matcha, but the cute, Japanese-inspired cafe has creative matcha drinks that are so decadent and delicious.
Three Dots
A spacious cafe that’s perfect for your next coffee date, Three Dots may be known for their coffee, but they also have a great matcha menu. When I order a flavoured matcha like a jasmine matcha, I want to taste the jasmine, but I never want it to overpower the matcha. This spot finds the perfect balance!
The Brick Room
As mentioned above, this cafe has steep prices for its specialty menu, but their seasonal matcha drinks are an experience for your taste buds. You won’t find anything boring about their beverages, and you can truly tell the time and effort that goes into making them.
👉 Check out my full matcha in Toronto guide here
Favourite Burger in Toronto: Burger Drops
Find it in Liberty Village or popping up at local festivals, Burger Drops, in my opinion, is the best smash burger in the city. Simple burgers with simple ingredients, done right. Drooling even writing this!
Favourite Late Night Food: Happy Burger
If you’re looking for some drunk or greasy food to order late at night, Happy Burger is the place. With multiple locations across the city, Happy Burger has delicious smash burgers and, my favourite, a juicy chicken burger! They come served with waffle fries, and if you want a sweet treat to top it off, their banana pudding is unreal.
Favourite Pizza in Toronto
Like any major city, Toronto has a ton of pizza spots that are next level. You don’t have to go far to find decent pizza, but the two that I keep coming back to are below.
Blondies
I don’t know what makes Blondies so good, but it’s just good, simple pizza. They have multiple locations, and the Cold Drink / Hot Girl is my fav!
Descendant
Descendant Pizza is a Leslieville favourite known for thick, square pies, Detroit-style. My only wish is that it was closer to me, as they sell out quickly and you need to order early for delivery!
Favourite Doughnuts in Toronto: Bloomer’s
Bloomer’s is known for its 100% plant-based donuts, made fresh with a rotating lineup of creative and seasonal flavours. With multiple locations across Toronto and the GTA. I am not vegan, and their donuts are my fav in the city! You can’t even tell they are plant-based. Try the rose pistachio flavor! That’s my favourite.
Favourite Gelato: Mizzica
Mizzica Gelateria serves authentic gelato made fresh in-house daily using premium ingredients. They have locations on Queen West downtown and Yonge Street in Midtown, and it’s 100% worth the summer line-up.
Favourite Take-Out Sushi: Kibo
Kibo Sushi is a go-to Toronto spot for fresh sushi, with a huge menu spanning classic and signature rolls, sashimi, hand rolls, bento boxes, donburi, and shareable platters. With multiple locations across Toronto, it’s an easy and convenient pick for take-out sushi. It’s been my go-to for years!
Restaurants
Favourite Brunch Spot in Toronto: Mexhico
Mexhico is a Mexican restaurant located on Baldwin Street. I love Baldwin because it’s lined with cute restaurants in what appears to be a “suburban” neighbourhood while still being central to downtown Toronto. The brunch at Mexhico is Mexican-inspired. They offer a fantastic Mexican coffee, and I love their Chilaquiles.
👉 Check out my full brunch guide here
Favourite Sandwiches
Lambo’s
Lambo’s is a Toronto favourite for stacked Italian-style sandwiches loaded with quality meats, cheeses, fresh toppings, and yummy sauces. The portions are generous, and they are such a good, premium deli sandwich. I love visiting their Trinity Bellwoods location and taking it to the park to eat it in the summer, but there is a location in Leslieville on the East End as well.
Elm Street Deli
One of my go-to’s that I’ve been to so many times. All their sandwiches are good, but the Sammy Davis Jr. with pastrami is my personal fav. My husband loves the Sergio Leone. There is no seating in this small spot, but it’s great to order take-out or delivery. They also have a location in the Eaton Centre.
La Salumeria
This spot is a grocery store and deli in midtown, and it may seem deceiving on the outside, but pick your bun by the cash and head to the deli counter to make your sandwich. You can pick from any of their toppings, cheeses, and deli meats, but my personal fav is their house special that has spicy salami and fig jelly. It sounds like an odd combination, but trust me on this one.
Alfie’s is a small shop on Baldwin St. that makes sourdough focaccia sandwiches. They tend to sell out, so go early in the day or order in advance on Uber Eats. You can grab one to-go and go enjoy it in the nearby Grange Park on a sunny day. The perfect picnic!
Favourite Italian Spots
Sugo
Sugo is a lively Bloordale favourite serving comforting, no-fuss Italian-American classics in a casual neighbourhood setting. They don’t take reservations, so go early and expect to wait, as the spot isn’t big. They do, however, have a sister restaurant next door that seats more and offers the same menu, plus the addition of pizza.
Stelvio
Stelvio is a more elevated spot on Dundas West, and it brings the flavours of Northern Italy to Toronto. My family is from Northern Italy, so I really loved bringing my relatives here. They have handmade pastas, risotto, and all sorts of regional dishes.
Cafe Oro di Napoli
Cafe Oro di Napoli is a cozy Italian café and pizzeria known for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, which is my fav, but they also have fresh pasta and other Italian classics.
Favourite Thai Food
Pai
Pai is a fan favourite and has been a Toronto staple for as long as I can remember. It is delicious, authentic Thai food in a bustling location. They have a few locations around the city, and my personal fav item to order is the khao soi. However, you cannot go wrong with anything on their menu! It’s the perfect spot for a date night or girls’ night.
Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen
If you’re craving authentic Southern Thai flavours, Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen is another great spot on Baldwin Street. They serve bold curries, fresh seafood and dishes packed with spice and flavour. Beware that when they say “spicy,” they mean SPICY!! Both Koh Lipe and Pai are recommended in the Michelin Guide!
Favourite BBQ in Toronto: Smoque N’ Bones
With a location on Queen West and Baldwin Street, Smoque N’ Bones is one of my favs for delicious BBQ classics. Their sides, especially their mac n’ cheese, are also unreal, and you can’t miss their delicious cocktails. A great spot for a special occasion or just when you’re looking for quality BBQ.
Favourite Sushi in Toronto: KAKA All You Can Eat
KAKA is a downtown Toronto spot located by the Eaton Centre that takes all-you-can-eat sushi up a notch. They serve an impressive spread of fresh sashimi, creative rolls, aburi and oshi sushi, alongside izakaya-style hot dishes. It feels like elevated all-you-can-eat sushi, and there are so many unique things to try, on top of your regular favs.
Favourite Hidden Gem in Toronto: Heavenly Perogy
Located in a church basement off Bathurst Street, Heavenly Perogy takes the spot for one of my fav hidden gems. It’s unassuming as you walk by and enter the side door, but don’t let the dated decor fool you; their food is delicious and authentic. Get Ukrainian favs like perogies and cabbage rolls, all for a good price.
Drinks
Favourite Caesar: Score on Queen or King
There are two Score locations in Toronto, one on King East, and one on Queen West; both have the same menu, great patios, and fantastic vibes. The thing I love most here is the Caesars because you can order them with basically a whole meal on top of them as a garnish. It’s like a 2-in-1; you get a drink and a meal for a reasonable price.
Favourite Speakeasy
Gift Shop
This is one of my fav speakeasies if you want to impress someone. Located behind a barber shop, the first time I was ever brought here I wondered why the person was taking me through a closed barber shop for a drink. The menu is creative, rotating, and they can truly create magical cocktails here that you won’t find anywhere else.
After Seven
Located through a vending machine in an ice cream shop, this speakeasy serves Japanese-inspired cocktails made with Japanese whiskies, matcha, and everything in between. It’s a super cool aesthetic with delicious drinks. Make sure to make a reso as the place isn’t big!
👉 Check out my full guide on cocktail bars here
Favourite Cocktail Bar: Civil Liberties
Less speakeasy, and more just a cool cocktail bar. Civil Liberties does not have a menu. Instead, you can tell the talented bartenders what you’re feeling like, flavours you enjoy (or don’t enjoy), and wait for them to create one of the best-tasting, most creative cocktails you’ll ever have. You won’t just get a basic gin and tonic here. These guys (and girls) know what they’re doing, and that’s why you’ll find them on Canada’s 100 Best Bars list again and again.
Activities
Favourite Classes in Toronto
Korean Glass Art Design
Hosted at Jam Jam Studio in central downtown Toronto, this workshop teaches you all about KGAD (Korean Glass Art Design). You can make a clock, lamp, mirror, or calendar using colourful glass-inspired designs. It’s a fun workshop for a date night or girls’ night, and you’ll leave with a beautiful creation to hang in your home!
Let’s Make It
Located in Stackt Market, Let’s Make It offers a variety of classes such as soap making, candle making, and even making your own spa products! They have a ton of times to choose from, which is nice when planning a random girls’ night or date night any day of the week or weekend. I did a candle-making class here, and our candles turned out so nice!
👉 Check out my full guide on activities in Toronto here
Favourite Parks in Toronto
Trinity Bellwoods
Trinity Bellwoods is a given in the summertime. The large, centrally located park comes alive in the evenings and on weekends, full of all walks of life gathering to enjoy the nice weather on one of the many grassy areas. I love the vibe of Bellwoods Park. There isn’t anything quite like it, and it’s an easy, free activity to enjoy with friends in the summer. Pack a cooler and stay for the day!
The Grange
More of a “hidden” gem, and a much smaller park than Bellwoods, The Grange has always been one of my favs. It’s super central, located just near Osgoode Station, with spectacular views of the CN Tower. It has a great playground and splash pad if you have kids, but the green space is nice for rolling out a picnic blanket or having a few drinks in the summer.
Best View of the City: Toronto Island
Visitors to Toronto often spend the expensive fee to go to the top of the CN Tower to see city views, but any local will tell you that the best views of the city skyline do not come from up top the CN Tower; they include the CN Tower in it. To me, the view from Toronto Island is unbeatable. You can visit for a small fee by ferry (or water taxi in the summer), and it makes for not only great views of the city skyline, but a fantastic day trip.
👉 Check out my full guide for Toronto Island here
Favourite Things To Do in Toronto by Season
Summer Activities in Toronto
Summer is when Toronto really comes alive. We all come out of hibernation and try to cram all the fun activities into a few short months. Some of my favourite summer activities include:
- Visiting the Toronto Islands
- Exploring farmers markets
- Walking through Kensington Market
- Spending time outdoors at local parks
- Finding new patios and cafés
👉 Check out my full summer guide here
Fall Activities in Toronto
Fall is one of the best times to explore the city. The weather is cooler, the leaves are changing colour, and the city is still buzzing with lots to do but less busy than the summer months. My favourite fall activities include:
- Walking along the waterfront
- Going on a brewery crawl
- Exploring Toronto neighbourhoods
- Finding cosy cafés
👉 Check out my full fall guide here
Winter Activities in Toronto
Toronto winters can be gloomy and grey, especially since we don’t see much snow here. However, there are still lots of different activities to do here in the winter. Some of my favs are:
- Winterlicious
- Skating around the city
- Visiting holiday markets
- Cozy café hopping
👉 Check out my full winter guide here
Spring Activities in Toronto
Spring is when the city starts coming back to life! Some of my favourite spring activities include:
- Seeing the cherry blossoms
- Renting a bike and exploring the city
- Walking through Toronto’s parks
- Enjoying the first patio days of the year
Toronto always gives you a reason to explore somewhere new. Whether you’re trying a new restaurant, discovering a hidden neighbourhood gem, finding your new favourite cafe, or spending a summer afternoon by the lake, the options are endless, and that’s why I love this city so much.
This list is a collection of the places I genuinely love coming back to! The spots I recommend to friends, the restaurants I plan weekends around, and the experiences that make living in Toronto so special. Of course, this list is always growing, and it’s impossible to have tried and been everywhere, but I hope this helps get you started.
Happy exploring!
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