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Toronto food guide
Signature dishes, best food neighborhoods, and the dining etiquette that actually matters — all specific to Toronto.
What to eat in Toronto
6 signature dishes, 4 food-forward neighborhoods, and the etiquette you actually need to know.
Must-try dishes
Peameal Bacon Sandwich
A thick, unsmoked, rolled-in-cornmeal pork loin sandwich, often served on a kaiser bun. It's a hearty, uniquely Toronto breakfast or lunch staple.
Jerk Chicken
Marinated chicken, slow-cooked over pimento wood, delivering a smoky, spicy, and deeply flavorful experience. Toronto has one of the largest Caribbean diasporas outside the Caribbean, making its jerk exceptional.
Butter Chicken Roti
A rich, creamy, tomato-based curry served with tender chicken, wrapped in a flaky or soft roti. Toronto's South Asian food scene, especially in the northern suburbs, is world-class.
Banh Mi
A Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with various meats, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili. Toronto's Chinatown offers diverse and authentic renditions.
Khao Soi
A Northern Thai curry noodle soup with a rich, coconut-based broth, tender meat, and crispy fried noodles on top. Toronto's diverse Thai food scene offers excellent versions.
Montreal-Style Smoked Meat
Cured and smoked beef brisket, hand-sliced and piled high on rye bread with mustard. While originating in Montreal, Toronto has excellent purveyors keeping this deli classic alive.
Where locals eat — best neighborhoods
Bohemian, eclectic, and vibrant street market with global street food stalls and independent eateries.
Historic indoor market with a vast array of artisanal food vendors and prepared foods.
Bustling and authentic, offering a huge variety of Chinese and other East Asian cuisines, from dim sum to street snacks.
European charm with trattorias, cafes, and gelato shops, perfect for a leisurely meal.
Dietary notes
Toronto is very accommodating for dietary restrictions. Vegetarian and vegan options are abundant across most cuisines, and gluten-free alternatives are widely available, especially in newer establishments and health-conscious eateries.
Local etiquette
- •Tipping is customary in restaurants and bars, typically 15-20% of the pre-tax bill for good service.
- •While cash is accepted, credit and debit cards are widely used and preferred.
- •Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends.
- •Dinner is usually eaten between 6 PM and 8 PM, though later dining is common in some ethnic enclaves.