The first time I ate in Toronto, it wasn’t in some glittering fine-dining spot or on a neatly curated food tour. It was on a busy street corner where a vendor handed me a steaming hot peameal bacon sandwich wrapped in simple paper. I bit into it, and suddenly I understood something important: Toronto’s food is more than just sustenance. It’s a story of immigrants, neighborhoods, traditions, and reinventions.
Since then, every trip back has turned into a mission to chase flavors across the city. My map of Toronto isn’t built on subway lines or attractions — it’s marked with places where I had unforgettable meals. These aren’t just restaurants; they’re memories.
Here’s my personal guide to the dishes and places in Toronto that changed the way I eat, think, and explore.
Peameal Bacon Sandwich at Carousel Bakery
Address: St. Lawrence Market, 93 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C3
The first thing I tell any visitor to try in Toronto is the peameal bacon sandwich. Known affectionately as the city’s signature dish, it’s juicy pork loin rolled in cornmeal, grilled to perfection, and served on a fresh bun. I had heard about it long before I actually tasted one, and the hype seemed almost too much to believe. But the moment I bit into that warm, savory sandwich, with the smoky aroma still rising from the meat, I understood why it’s held such a place of honor in Toronto’s food culture.
At Carousel Bakery inside St. Lawrence Market, the sandwich is legendary. The bakery itself looks modest compared to the colorful stalls around it, but the smell of sizzling bacon pulls you in from across the market. The line is almost always long, filled with locals grabbing breakfast on their way to work and tourists eager to tick the sandwich off their list. Yet the staff work quickly and efficiently, so the wait never feels unbearable. I still remember balancing my sandwich in one hand and a coffee in the other, leaning against the counter, savoring the salty-sweet combination that felt both indulgent and comforting.
What makes it special is not only the texture of the pork but the sense of place. Eating a peameal bacon sandwich here connects you directly to Toronto’s history, to a dish that has been part of the city’s identity for generations.
Must order: The classic peameal bacon sandwich with mustard. Keep it simple — the meat does all the talking.
How to book or save: St. Lawrence Market doesn’t take reservations, so the trick is to arrive early, around 9 a.m. If you want discounts, visit with friends and share different sandwiches from nearby vendors. I often book my accommodations near here through Booking.com so I can wander into the market in the morning and start my day with this iconic bite.
Butter Tart at Doo Doo’s Bakery
Address: 187 King Ave E, Newcastle, ON L1B 1H4 (just outside Toronto but worth the trip)
The butter tart is a Canadian classic, and at Doo Doo’s Bakery, I found one that nearly made me cry. Sticky, gooey, sweet, with a flaky crust that melts in your mouth — it felt like Canada in pastry form.
Must order: The classic butter tart. Some swear by the raisin version, but I like mine plain, where the caramelized sugar flavor shines through.
How to book or save: Call ahead if you want a box, because they sell out quickly. I once made the mistake of showing up late afternoon and walking away empty-handed.
When I’m staying downtown, I often rent a car through Expedia.ca just to make this trip.
Dim Sum in Chinatown at Rol San
Address: 323 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2E9
Toronto’s Chinatown is a feast for the senses—vivid signs in Chinese characters, the chatter of merchants, the aroma of spices and sizzling woks drifting through the streets. My favorite ritual whenever I visit is grabbing dim sum at Rol San, a bustling spot that feels like a heartbeat of the neighborhood. As soon as I step inside, the energy is palpable: servers wheel carts stacked high with steamers, the scent of freshly steamed dumplings mingling with the sweet undertone of barbecued pork buns. I remember one weekend morning leaning over the table, eagerly lifting a translucent har gow to my mouth, the delicate shrimp filling bursting with flavor. Seconds later, the siu mai arrived—pillowy pork dumplings topped with a tiny touch of roe—so fresh that the taste lingered long after the meal.
Must order: Har gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai (pork dumplings). These two are staples, but the menu is full of other treasures, from sticky rice in lotus leaf to egg tarts that melt in your mouth. Portions are generous, and I often share dishes with friends, sampling multiple flavors without overindulging.
How to book or save: Rol San is always busy, especially on weekends. I usually arrive early, around 11 a.m., to snag a table. Sometimes the dining room is so full that I’ve ended up sharing a table with strangers—a perfect opportunity to chat and watch the dim sum culture in action. When available, I use OpenTable.ca to make reservations, particularly for larger groups or special occasions. Walking from nearby hotels, often booked through Booking.com or Expedia.ca, makes it easy to enjoy a leisurely meal without worrying about timing or parking.
Roti at Island Foods
Address: 1182 King St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1E6
One bite into the roti at Island Foods, and I felt like I’d been transported to Trinidad. The soft flatbread wraps around tender curry chicken or goat, and the flavors are bold yet comforting.
Must order: Curry chicken roti with extra hot sauce.
How to book or save: No reservations needed. The best trick is to order half a roti if you’re not too hungry — it’s cheaper and still filling.
Sushi at Japango
Address: 122 Elizabeth St, Toronto, ON M5G 1P5
Toronto has an underrated Japanese food scene, and Japango, a tiny restaurant tucked near Nathan Phillips Square, blew my mind. The sushi was so fresh it practically melted in my mouth.
Must order: The omakase tasting menu. Let the chef surprise you — it’s pricier but unforgettable.
How to book or save: This place is small, so reservations are essential. I once booked through OpenTable.ca a week in advance and still barely got in. If you want to save, go for lunch specials instead of dinner.
Shawarma at Ibrahim Pizza & BBQ
Address: 1970 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1R 2Z1
Scarborough is famous for its Middle Eastern food, and the shawarma at Ibrahim Pizza & BBQ is the one I dream about when I’m away. Layers of marinated meat are shaved and tucked into warm pita with garlic sauce and pickles.
Must order: Chicken shawarma plate.
How to book or save: Portions are massive. I often split one plate with a friend, turning a single meal into two.
Bagels at Kiva’s Bagel Bar
Address: 2496 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2H7
When I miss Montreal bagels, I go to Kiva’s Bagel Bar. Their chewy, slightly sweet bagels with cream cheese are perfect for breakfast before a long day of exploring.
Must order: Sesame bagel with lox and cream cheese.
How to book or save: Buy a dozen to-go if you’re staying somewhere with a fridge. I’ve often stored them in an Airbnb, saving money on breakfasts all week.
Chinese BBQ at King’s Noodle
Address: 296 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2E7
Walking past King’s Noodle, the sight of whole roasted ducks hanging in the window always pulls me in. Inside, the food is hearty and unpretentious.
Must order: BBQ pork with rice or wonton noodle soup.
How to book or save: Cash is faster here, and the portions are large enough to take leftovers. I’ve often turned a single dinner into lunch for the next day.
Poutine at Smoke’s Poutinerie
Address: Multiple locations downtown
No Canadian food list is complete without poutine, and Smoke’s Poutinerie does it with flair. Fries, cheese curds, and gravy are the base, but they load it with everything from pulled pork to butter chicken.
Must order: Classic poutine with traditional gravy. It’s greasy, heavy, and perfect after a night out.
How to book or save: Check for late-night deals. I’ve stumbled in at midnight and paid less during student promotions.
Platforms That Keep Me Eating Without Overspending
While chasing these meals, I’ve learned that food is often about timing and planning. For fine dining, I use OpenTable.ca to secure tables, sometimes scoring points toward free meals. For casual eats, I often check Yelp.ca reviews before committing.
To support the rest of my trip, I’ve bundled flights and hotels on Expedia.ca, booked unique stays through Airbnb.ca, and even used Skyscanner.ca to find affordable flights into Toronto. When it comes to tickets for attractions, I rely on Viator.com or GetYourGuide.com — freeing up more of my budget for meals.
The Flavor That Stays With Me
Every bite I’ve taken in Toronto has carried more than taste. The peameal bacon sandwich told me about Toronto’s working-class history. The dim sum at Rol San introduced me to the warmth of Chinatown. The butter tart connected me to Canadian tradition.
Walking through this city with a fork or chopsticks in hand has made me feel more connected than any skyline view ever could. And for anyone visiting, I can say confidently: Toronto’s heart beats strongest through its food.
