Our Favourite Culinary Gems Around Toronto
And the award goes to…. Our favourite culinary gems around Toronto.
In honour of award show season, the Bite Me More team thought it only appropriate to shine the spotlight on some standout food spots around the city. Though dining in may be off the table right now, these culinary crowd pleasers should definitely make your future “must try” lists. If you’re foodies like us, you’ll love these notable picks and may have already tried them out yourselves. Without further ado, here are the nominees.
BEST PIZZA: DESCENDANT DETROIT STYLE PIZZA
Where: 1168 Queen St E, Leslieville
Locating the best pizza in the city is a lifelong journey for many Torontonians and we feel we’ve cracked the code. This local find is small but mighty, and serves a mean deep dish pizza that tastes as good as it looks. You may need to bring a few friends to help you finish a box but the leftovers are arguably even better the next day.
BEST BURGER: HAPPY BURGER
Where: 76 Lippincott St, Kensington
The name says it all… it’s hard to feel glum when you’re biting into their decadent burgers. This burger joint has the best waffle fries in town. Make sure you visit with an empty stomach because you’ll be wanting seconds.
BEST ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT: BAR APE
Where: 283 Rushton Rd, Hillcrest Village
If you didn’t know this hidden gem was here, you’d probably miss it. This tiny ice cream parlor, tucked away behind The Rushton restaurant, is a neighbourhood treasure. Make sure to get in line early before they sell out of their mouth-watering soft serve or gelato bars.
BEST FRIED CHICKEN: STOCKYARDS SMOKEHOUSE
Where: 699 St Clair Ave W, Wychwood Park
No one does home cooking quite like this midtown classic. Their extensive menu is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your group. When grabbing take-out, we warn you, the aroma is so ambrosial you may not make it all the way home without breaking into the bag.
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT: CARISMA
Where: 15 Toronto St, Old Toronto
Mamma Mia, their food is tasty. One bite of this authentic Italian cuisine will transport you to the streets of Rome. The charming decor and full menu can’t miss. All we can say is *chef’s kiss*.
BEST BRUNCH: WISH RESTAURANT
Where: 3 Charles St E, Yonge and Bloor
Toronto is famous for its Instagrammable brunch hubs, and in our books, Wish Restaurant on Charles Street takes the (pan)cake. The beautiful ambiance and heated outdoor patio makes this spot perfect for any time of year. Got a sweet tooth? We dream about their carrot cake and walnut pancakes. You’ll thank us later.
BEST DOUGHNUTS: COPS
Where: 445 Adelaide St, Downtown Toronto
Sometimes nothing hits the spot quite like a warm, fresh-baked doughnut. Cops doughnuts, packed with mind-blowing flavour, taste as good as they look. Take your doughnut adverse friends here and they’ll be quick converts. Buy two boxes (we won’t tell).
BEST PATIO: KOST TORONTO
Where: 80 Blue Jays Way, Downtown Toronto
Nothing screams Toronto summer quite like an outdoor breakfast overlooking the downtown skyline. Kost’s luxurious rooftop patio, perched on the 44th floor of the Bisha Hotel, is the perfect place for a quick staycation.
BEST COFFEE/TEA SPOT: DE MELLO PALHETA
Where: 2489 Yonge St, Midtown
De Mello at Yonge and Eglinton serves the best brew in the city, hands down. This quaint cafe’s inviting ambiance is the perfect place to catch up with friends. Need a recommendation? Don’t skip their Spicy Mayan Hot Chocolate.
BEST SUSHI: SKIPPA
Where: 379 Harbord St, South Annex
Fish so fresh you may think you’ve fallen overboard. Skippa is fabulous- enough said.
BEST BAGEL: BAGEL WORLD
Where: 336 Wilson Ave, North York
Oversized or flat. Sweet or salty? Take your pick with Bagel World’s ‘baked to perfection’ masterpieces. The Bagel World recipe is in a league of its own and is the perfect Sunday morning treat. They’re firm on the outside yet chewy on the inside and work perfectly with a scoop of egg or tuna. Forget cookies and cake, we’ll treat ourselves to a warm bagel from here any day.
And that’s our show, folks. Have we missed any honourable mentions? Let us know your standout Toronto food finds over on our Instagram @bitememore.
