David’s guidebook
Neighbourhoods
The neighbourhood is hip, friendly and lively. The streets are full of trees and trinity Bellwoods park is definitely a hub for the neighbourhood. There are tonnes of restaurants, cafes and shops on Queen, Dundas and Ossington Streets.
590 locals recommend
Trinity - Bellwoods
The neighbourhood is hip, friendly and lively. The streets are full of trees and trinity Bellwoods park is definitely a hub for the neighbourhood. There are tonnes of restaurants, cafes and shops on Queen, Dundas and Ossington Streets.
Little Italy is the area just north of Trinity Bellwoods. It's full of restaurants and shops - and don't let the name fool you - while there are lots of Italian restaurants, there are plenty more from all over the world. College Street is the main commercial street where these can be found, but getting lost on the tree'd streets can be a lovely way to spend the day as well.
296 locals recommend
Little Italy
Little Italy is the area just north of Trinity Bellwoods. It's full of restaurants and shops - and don't let the name fool you - while there are lots of Italian restaurants, there are plenty more from all over the world. College Street is the main commercial street where these can be found, but getting lost on the tree'd streets can be a lovely way to spend the day as well.
A short walk away, Kensington is an eclectic, vibrant neighbourhood full of food markets and independent shops.
1698 locals recommend
Kensington Market
A short walk away, Kensington is an eclectic, vibrant neighbourhood full of food markets and independent shops.
There are of course lots of great Chinese restaurants and businesses, as well as everything from record stores and art supplies to takeout restaurants of all kinds.
740 locals recommend
Chinatown
292 Spadina Ave.There are of course lots of great Chinese restaurants and businesses, as well as everything from record stores and art supplies to takeout restaurants of all kinds.
Best nearby liquor store
Right around the corner, this local microbrewery has an excellent selection of beers, ciders and gin & soda mixes in cans. They also bring in bread from nearby Blackbird bakery each day (sometimes they run out toward the end of the day though), as well as Blackbird's famous granola on Saturdays only.
Collective Arts Brewery and Taproom
777 Dundas Street WestRight around the corner, this local microbrewery has an excellent selection of beers, ciders and gin & soda mixes in cans. They also bring in bread from nearby Blackbird bakery each day (sometimes they run out toward the end of the day though), as well as Blackbird's famous granola on Saturdays only.
While there are a few liquor stores to choose from, this is our go to. The pleasant walk to and from College Street on Palmerston makes visiting this LCBO something to look forward to.
LCBO
While there are a few liquor stores to choose from, this is our go to. The pleasant walk to and from College Street on Palmerston makes visiting this LCBO something to look forward to.
Food scene
Chop Chop
771 Dundas St WChinese - Great Chinese/Hakka take-out right around the corner.
Swatow Restaurant
309 Spadina Ave.Chinese - Go-to for classic Chinese food.
Thai - Our go-to Thai restaurant. The tom yum pad thai is a great twist on the classic.
7 locals recommend
Imm Thai Kitchen
651 College StThai - Our go-to Thai restaurant. The tom yum pad thai is a great twist on the classic.
Korean - A bit of a further trek than many of the other restaurants, but our favourite Korean food in the city, so well deserving of a spot on the list.
20 locals recommend
Korean Village Restaurant
628 Bloor St WKorean - A bit of a further trek than many of the other restaurants, but our favourite Korean food in the city, so well deserving of a spot on the list.
Vietnamese - One of two places on the list for Vietnamese subs. We find our friends are split on which they like best.
Oxtail Pho - Banh Mi & Vegetarian
814 Dundas Street WestVietnamese - One of two places on the list for Vietnamese subs. We find our friends are split on which they like best.
Vietnamese - The other one of two places on the list for Vietnamese subs. We find our friends are split on which they like best.
147 locals recommend
Banh Mi Boys
392 Queen St WVietnamese - The other one of two places on the list for Vietnamese subs. We find our friends are split on which they like best.
Sri Lankan - Rich and delicious Sri Lankan food, which is a bit of a twist on Indian cuisine.
Saffron Spice Kitchen
459 Queen Street WestSri Lankan - Rich and delicious Sri Lankan food, which is a bit of a twist on Indian cuisine.
Naan And Chai
712 Queen St WPakistani - Warming Pakistani food just down the street.
Persian - One of our absolute favourites, this Persian restaurant offers warm and flavourful stews with unique flavours.
32 locals recommend
Pomegranate Restaurant
420 College StPersian - One of our absolute favourites, this Persian restaurant offers warm and flavourful stews with unique flavours.
Iranian - Delicious Iranian food, although this is one of the more pricey spots on the list. Great for a special occasion.
16 locals recommend
Banu
777 Queen St WIranian - Delicious Iranian food, although this is one of the more pricey spots on the list. Great for a special occasion.
Shawarma - Inexpensive and tasty, our local shawarma spot doesn't disappoint for a quick meal. The proprietor is always there and a very friendly guy.
Dundas Shawarma
768 Dundas St WShawarma - Inexpensive and tasty, our local shawarma spot doesn't disappoint for a quick meal. The proprietor is always there and a very friendly guy.
Ethiopian - This Ethiopian fusion restaurant offers a unique dining experience, and its rich flavours put it near the very top of our list of favourites. A bit further than some of the others on this list, a trip to Nunu is always well worth it.
27 locals recommend
Nunu Ethiopian Fusion
1178 Queen St WEthiopian - This Ethiopian fusion restaurant offers a unique dining experience, and its rich flavours put it near the very top of our list of favourites. A bit further than some of the others on this list, a trip to Nunu is always well worth it.
Thai - A fun Thai streetside experience awaits at a place with a contemporary twist on classic Thai favourites.
25 locals recommend
Nana
785 Queen St WThai - A fun Thai streetside experience awaits at a place with a contemporary twist on classic Thai favourites.
Asian Fusion - DaiLo is to Dai-for! (See what I did there?) This place is probably the most expensive on the list, so great for a special meal, but offers very unique and delicious Asian-fusion flavours you won't ever find anywhere else.
46 locals recommend
DaiLo
503 College StAsian Fusion - DaiLo is to Dai-for! (See what I did there?) This place is probably the most expensive on the list, so great for a special meal, but offers very unique and delicious Asian-fusion flavours you won't ever find anywhere else.
Malaysian - This hole-in-the-wall Malaysian spot offers unique and tasty dishes - it's a great choice if you're craving Asian flavours and feel like an adventure outside of more common Asian cuisines.
18 locals recommend
Soos
94 Ossington AveMalaysian - This hole-in-the-wall Malaysian spot offers unique and tasty dishes - it's a great choice if you're craving Asian flavours and feel like an adventure outside of more common Asian cuisines.
Sushi - There are lots of sushi places around, but this hole-in-the-wall is by far our favourite. Try a few and see if you agree!
8 locals recommend
ND Sushi & Grill
370 College StSushi - There are lots of sushi places around, but this hole-in-the-wall is by far our favourite. Try a few and see if you agree!
Ramen Isshin
421 College StRamen - Our favourite ramen spot in the city.
Döner - A great take-out spot for a meal with a punch in a pinch - if you want to go a bit healthier their boxes with a couscous and salad base will do the trick, or if you're feeling like indulging the classic Berlin street food items never disappoint.
19 locals recommend
Otto’s Berlin Döner
256 Augusta AveDöner - A great take-out spot for a meal with a punch in a pinch - if you want to go a bit healthier their boxes with a couscous and salad base will do the trick, or if you're feeling like indulging the classic Berlin street food items never disappoint.
Pizza - The closest (of many!) pizza spots - make sure you try their 'Brooklyn Squares' pizza. The quality of ingredients and the way they put it together makes it this a real stand-out!
8 locals recommend
The Fourth Man in the Fire Pizzeria
832 Dundas St WPizza - The closest (of many!) pizza spots - make sure you try their 'Brooklyn Squares' pizza. The quality of ingredients and the way they put it together makes it this a real stand-out!
Pizza - Located a pleasant stroll down Palmerston, they nail classic pies with their sweet-but-not-too-sweet sauce and very high quality ingredients.
91 locals recommend
North of Brooklyn Pizzeria
650 Queen St WPizza - Located a pleasant stroll down Palmerston, they nail classic pies with their sweet-but-not-too-sweet sauce and very high quality ingredients.
Pizza - This is the classic Italian pizza joint you've seen in the movies, and the pies are just what you'd picture. Simple, homey and inexpensive compared to the contemporary spots.
30 locals recommend
Bitondo Pizzeria
11 Clinton StPizza - This is the classic Italian pizza joint you've seen in the movies, and the pies are just what you'd picture. Simple, homey and inexpensive compared to the contemporary spots.
Pizza - No Toronto pizza list would be complete without Libretto, the only Vera Pizza Napoletana certified pizza outside of Italy (official Naples pizza authority). Their pizzas are cooked for just 90 seconds in a specially built super-heated wood-fired oven, and are seen by many as a cut above the rest (you'll have to try all the places on the list and decide for yourself!)
384 locals recommend
Pizzeria Libretto
221 Ossington AvePizza - No Toronto pizza list would be complete without Libretto, the only Vera Pizza Napoletana certified pizza outside of Italy (official Naples pizza authority). Their pizzas are cooked for just 90 seconds in a specially built super-heated wood-fired oven, and are seen by many as a cut above the rest (you'll have to try all the places on the list and decide for yourself!)
Italian - This take-out counter serves lots of Italian favourites, from pizza and pasta to coffees and biscotti. Only a quick stroll to Queen Street away.
72 locals recommend
Sud Forno
716 Queen St WItalian - This take-out counter serves lots of Italian favourites, from pizza and pasta to coffees and biscotti. Only a quick stroll to Queen Street away.
Italian - Terroni is considered by many to be a Toronto institution, with a handful of locations and an upscale take on pastas, salads and other Italian favourites.
445 locals recommend
Terroni
720 Queen St WItalian - Terroni is considered by many to be a Toronto institution, with a handful of locations and an upscale take on pastas, salads and other Italian favourites.
Italian - Upscale Italian a stunningly-appointed space, although definitely one of the pricier options on the list.
44 locals recommend
Casa La Palma
849 Dundas St WItalian - Upscale Italian a stunningly-appointed space, although definitely one of the pricier options on the list.
Italian - Another fixture in Toronto's Italian cuisine for many years, this place serves up all the classics.
68 locals recommend
Cafe Diplomatico Restaurant & Pizzeria
594 College StItalian - Another fixture in Toronto's Italian cuisine for many years, this place serves up all the classics.
Italian - A contemporary take on Italian, this place is lined up out the door every Friday and Saturday night. Our favourite dish is the pasta ai funghi.
395 locals recommend
Gusto 101
101 Portland StItalian - A contemporary take on Italian, this place is lined up out the door every Friday and Saturday night. Our favourite dish is the pasta ai funghi.
Greek - This Greek take-out counter offers unique, mouth-watering twists on classic Greek cuisine. It's a bit on the pricey side for take-out, but well worth it.
9 locals recommend
Agora Greek Market & Cafe
921 Queen St WGreek - This Greek take-out counter offers unique, mouth-watering twists on classic Greek cuisine. It's a bit on the pricey side for take-out, but well worth it.
Greek - This upscale Greek taverna serves up some dangerously delicious dishes.
102 locals recommend
Mamakas Taverna
80 Ossington AveGreek - This upscale Greek taverna serves up some dangerously delicious dishes.
Le Swan
892 Queen St WFrench - A classic French bistro, serving classic French cuisine.
Caribbean - Delicious Jamaican fusion food - this is a guilty pleasure for sure. If you're up for it, try 'the whole shebang', which is a fixed price tasting of the entire menu.
33 locals recommend
Patois
794 Dundas St WCaribbean - Delicious Jamaican fusion food - this is a guilty pleasure for sure. If you're up for it, try 'the whole shebang', which is a fixed price tasting of the entire menu.
Bistro - Cheap and cheerful, it's not fancy, but it hits the spot whether you're looking for take-out or a relaxed dine-in experience.
29 locals recommend
Utopia Cafe & Grill
586 College StBistro - Cheap and cheerful, it's not fancy, but it hits the spot whether you're looking for take-out or a relaxed dine-in experience.
Pub - This upscale pub is a great place to grab a pint and some classic pub fare as well.
The Dog and Tiger Public House
537 College StPub - This upscale pub is a great place to grab a pint and some classic pub fare as well.
Vegetarian - Just as the name suggests, this place has fresh and delicious food that will please vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
143 locals recommend
Fresh on Crawford
894 Queen Street WestVegetarian - Just as the name suggests, this place has fresh and delicious food that will please vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
Brunch - One of the best spots in the city for brunch, with a different menu on the chalkboard every day.
112 locals recommend
Saving Grace
907 Dundas St WBrunch - One of the best spots in the city for brunch, with a different menu on the chalkboard every day.
Sandwiches - This classic Italian sandwiches joint is a neighbourhood institution. Try the parmigiana and add cheese, peppers and onions if you feel like indulging!
55 locals recommend
California Sandwiches
244 Claremont StSandwiches - This classic Italian sandwiches joint is a neighbourhood institution. Try the parmigiana and add cheese, peppers and onions if you feel like indulging!
Sandwiches - If you're looking to treat yourself, this place just around the corner makes the most decadent fried chicken sandwiches!
The Heartbreak Chef
170 Baldwin StreetSandwiches - If you're looking to treat yourself, this place just around the corner makes the most decadent fried chicken sandwiches!
Shawarma - This shawarma place takes it up a notch from your typical corner spot; great quality ingredients and very flavourful!
Daar Restaurant
746 Queen Street WestShawarma - This shawarma place takes it up a notch from your typical corner spot; great quality ingredients and very flavourful!
Indonesian - Another Asian favourite that offers delicious Indonesian specialties like Nasi Goreng, but also some of the best fried chicken in town; never disappoints!
Little Sister Dutch Indonesian
102 Portland StreetIndonesian - Another Asian favourite that offers delicious Indonesian specialties like Nasi Goreng, but also some of the best fried chicken in town; never disappoints!
This is a new pizza spot that just opened toward the end of 2023, and has quickly become our favourite! The convenience of having it across the street is a bit dangerous :)
Renaissance Detroit Style Pizza
This is a new pizza spot that just opened toward the end of 2023, and has quickly become our favourite! The convenience of having it across the street is a bit dangerous :)
A delicious bakeshop right across the street - they have the best cinnamon buns around!
Bad Attitude Bread
A delicious bakeshop right across the street - they have the best cinnamon buns around!
Excellent, creative Mexican with some Oaxacan specialities right across the street - we'll often put our name down and chill at home until they call us!
Fonda Balam
Excellent, creative Mexican with some Oaxacan specialities right across the street - we'll often put our name down and chill at home until they call us!
Coffee shops
The closest coffee shop, and one of our favourites! The owners are super friendly and will get to know you if you go often.
Milky's Coffee
760 Dundas St WThe closest coffee shop, and one of our favourites! The owners are super friendly and will get to know you if you go often.
Hamers Coffee
870 Dundas St WGreat nearby coffee shop with a limited selection of hot sandwiches.
Cute and cozy coffee shop with fresh-baked scones, cookies and muffins.
50 locals recommend
Ella's Uncle
916 Dundas St WCute and cozy coffee shop with fresh-baked scones, cookies and muffins.
This coffee shop right across the street is also a gluten-free bakery, and offers gluten-free breakfast and lunch as well.
6 locals recommend
Almond Butterfly Dundas Gluten Free Cafe & Bakeshop
792 Dundas St WThis coffee shop right across the street is also a gluten-free bakery, and offers gluten-free breakfast and lunch as well.
A great cafe with some snack options as well. They also bring in Montreal bagels straight from Montreal - a must try if you've never had one!
7 locals recommend
Cafe23
728 Queen St WA great cafe with some snack options as well. They also bring in Montreal bagels straight from Montreal - a must try if you've never had one!
Groceries
This independent fruit market, as well as Fresh Fruit Market across the street, are a pleasant walk away and the best place to get fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as things like kitchen basics and flowers.
14 locals recommend
College Fruit Market
682 College StThis independent fruit market, as well as Fresh Fruit Market across the street, are a pleasant walk away and the best place to get fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as things like kitchen basics and flowers.
Together with College Fruit Market across the street, the best place for fresh vegetables and fruit, as well as other basics.
Fresh Fruit Market
699 College StTogether with College Fruit Market across the street, the best place for fresh vegetables and fruit, as well as other basics.
We get all of our bread here - although if it's getting close to the end of the day you may want to call ahead and have them set a loaf aside - they tend to sell out!
50 locals recommend
Blackbird Baking Co.
172 Baldwin StWe get all of our bread here - although if it's getting close to the end of the day you may want to call ahead and have them set a loaf aside - they tend to sell out!
Cheese Magic
182 Baldwin StNeighbourhood cheese shop with a wide selection.
This vegan 'butcher' is the best place to find all sorts of meat alternatives, from beyond beef burgers to pulled jackfruit.
7 locals recommend
YamChops
705 College StThis vegan 'butcher' is the best place to find all sorts of meat alternatives, from beyond beef burgers to pulled jackfruit.
This premium butcher sources local, sustainable meat and also offers delicious prepared foods, as well as ready to make meals. It quite pricey, so may be a bit of a treat.
37 locals recommend
Cumbrae's
714 Queen St WThis premium butcher sources local, sustainable meat and also offers delicious prepared foods, as well as ready to make meals. It quite pricey, so may be a bit of a treat.
This butcher is more budget-friendly than Cumbrae's and although it doesn't have the prepared foods or extra-premium cuts, it still sources really great, local, sustainable meat.
Sanagan's Meat Locker
176 Baldwin StreetThis butcher is more budget-friendly than Cumbrae's and although it doesn't have the prepared foods or extra-premium cuts, it still sources really great, local, sustainable meat.
Hooked
206 Baldwin StYour neighbourhood fish market.
Large, nice, well stocked supermarket with everything you need in one place. It's nice to support the independent shops nearby, but sometimes you're in a rush and need everything in one place, or really need that hard to find Tahini sauce for dinner tonight.
1112 locals recommend
Loblaws
585 Queen St WLarge, nice, well stocked supermarket with everything you need in one place. It's nice to support the independent shops nearby, but sometimes you're in a rush and need everything in one place, or really need that hard to find Tahini sauce for dinner tonight.
Another large grocery store, a similar distance as Loblaws but the opposite direction. Sometimes not quite as good a selection as Loblaws, but parking is much easier if you're driving and easier to pop in and out of.
Metro
Another large grocery store, a similar distance as Loblaws but the opposite direction. Sometimes not quite as good a selection as Loblaws, but parking is much easier if you're driving and easier to pop in and out of.
Ice cream
The super trendy spot a short walk away serves up soft serve in funky flavours like matcha or coconut with activated charcoal. Easily Toronto's most instragrammed ice cream shop!
19 locals recommend
iHalo Krunch
831 Queen St WThe super trendy spot a short walk away serves up soft serve in funky flavours like matcha or coconut with activated charcoal. Easily Toronto's most instragrammed ice cream shop!
The best ice cream sandwiches in Toronto - need I say more?
171 locals recommend
Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery
93A Ossington AveThe best ice cream sandwiches in Toronto - need I say more?
A classic ice cream joint that makes their own waffle cones. Sometimes you can't beat the classics.
14 locals recommend
The Big Chill
566 College StA classic ice cream joint that makes their own waffle cones. Sometimes you can't beat the classics.
City advice
Getting around
Streetcars are a great way to explore the neighbourhoods
Toronto is often referred to as the "city of neighbourhoods", which is very true. Every neighbourhood has its own charm and character, and something unique to explore. While our neighbourhood is very walkable, and everything you could possibly need is only a short walk away, the streetcars are perfect when you're looking to go a little farther afield.
Customs and culture
Toronto is friendlier than people think
While Toronto is a big city with everything a modern metropolis has to offer, you'll find that people in the neighbourhoods are typically friendly and accommodating. Don't be afraid to strike up a chat with the barista at a coffee shop, or even the next table over when you're out for dinner.