Where to Eat: Toronto
Toronto is a diverse food city with endless hidden gems
Though I’m not a Torontonian, it’s the nearest big city to my small hometown and I’ve spent countless hours working and exploring here. Eating my way through its abundance of bakeries, restaurants, bars, and provision shops is a pass-time I’ll never grow tired of and, like most big cities, the food scene here is constantly evolving.
Canada prides itself on being culturally diverse and the Toronto food scene is no exception. Here, you can find just about everything, from omakase restaurants serving world-class sushi, to bakeries making incredible laminated pastries, to tapas that makes you feel like you’re in the heart of Barcelona. This is my guide to the bakeries, restaurants, cafes, and food shops that I think are worth a visit when you’re here. Anything with a * is especially wonderful.
Grocers/Provision Shops:
In addition to farmer’s markets—which can be found in neighbourhoods around the city during the summer—these shops offer a selection of amazing ingredients and pantry items:
Alamentari Italian Grocery: Alamentari is where I go for amazing taralli and other Italian pantry staples, plus a selection of prepared salads, pizza, fresh pasta, and focaccia.
Arz: Here you’ll find olives, baklava, dolmadakias, and so much more piled high in displays across the store, plus an astonishing selection of the best Middle-Eastern products.
Cheese Boutique: Since the 1970’s, Cheese Boutique is a family operation providing a variety of excellent cheese (including some of the oldest wheels in the world according to their site!), cured meat, and artisanal food products to Torontonians.
Fiesta Farms: In addition to having anything and everything you might need during a regular grocery shop, Fiesta is a reliable source for the some of the best organic produce and specialty items in Toronto year-round. I love coming here and browsing their sprawling store.
Fresh from the Farm: The owners here partner with family farmers in Ontario to provide the best produce and products to shoppers. Their goal is to bridge the growing gap between producer and urban consumer. I usually come here to buy exceptional quality flours, among other things.
St. Lawrence Market Located in the heart of the city next to Union Station and open year round, St. Lawrence Market combines myriad farmer stands selling produce and vendors selling pantry items and freshly prepared foods.
Bakeries and Sweet Things: