Toronto’s culinary landscape is a vibrant mosaic of flavors that continues to evolve with each passing season. As I navigate the city’s diverse food scene for my latest piece, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with some of Toronto’s most innovative chefs to discover their personal favorite dining spots—the hidden gems and celebrated institutions that define our city’s gastronomic identity.
“Toronto chefs are unique because we’re constantly drawing inspiration from the incredible cultural diversity around us,” explains Adrian Forte, the culinary mind behind Miss Likklemore’s Caribbean-inspired menu. “We experience global flavors right in our backyard.”
Forte, whose restaurant has garnered attention for its modern take on Caribbean cuisine, shared his top picks that range from comforting classics to innovative newcomers. His selections reflect the authentic multicultural tapestry that makes Toronto’s food scene so exceptional.
Among his recommendations, Randy’s Patties stands out for what Forte calls “the gold standard of Jamaican patties in the city.” The flaky pastry filled with spiced meat has been a Eglinton West staple for decades, drawing locals and visitors alike.
For those seeking Caribbean flavors, Drupati’s Doubles & Roti Shop earned high praise for their Trinidadian street food. “Their doubles are stellar—perfectly fried bara with well-seasoned channa. It transports you straight to Port of Spain,” Forte notes.
The appreciation for diverse cultural offerings extends beyond Caribbean cuisine. Chef Suzanne Barr of True True Diner points to Famiglia Baldassarre as her pasta paradise. “Their handmade pasta is transformative. It’s as close to Italy as you’ll get without leaving the city,” she says.
According to data from Tourism Toronto, our city boasts over 7,500 restaurants representing cuisines from more than 150 countries. This diversity isn’t just impressive—it’s essential to Toronto’s identity.
“What makes Toronto’s food scene special is that authenticity isn’t just preserved, it’s celebrated,” explains food historian and University of Toronto professor Dr. Janice Wong. “Unlike other major cities where immigrant cuisines often get watered down, Toronto has created spaces where traditional methods thrive alongside innovation.”
This balance between tradition and innovation appears in recommendations like Suresh Doss, the respected food writer who highlights Sofra Istanbul for their lahmacun. “It’s a perfect example of traditional techniques being honored while still evolving for today’s diners,” Doss told me during our conversation at a recent food festival.
Beyond restaurants, Toronto’s beverage culture received considerable attention from the chefs I interviewed. Bar Raval’s cocktail program was consistently mentioned, with its Spanish-inspired drinks and stunning interior making it a favorite industry hangout.
Coffee culture also features prominently in chef recommendations. Sam James Coffee Bar earned praise from multiple culinary professionals for their commitment to quality and consistency. “When you’re in kitchens working crazy hours, you develop a serious appreciation for exceptional coffee,” jokes chef Charlotte Langley of Scout Canning.
The pandemic has reshaped parts of Toronto’s restaurant landscape, with Statistics Canada reporting that nearly 10% of the city’s food establishments closed permanently since 2020. However, chefs remain optimistic about the resilience and creativity emerging from this challenging period.
“What’s amazing is seeing how Toronto restaurants adapted,” says chef Nick Liu of DaiLo. “The creativity that came out of necessity—like incredible takeout concepts and pandemic pivots—has actually enriched our food culture.”
Many chefs emphasized the importance of supporting local establishments as the industry continues its recovery. Pai Northern Thai Kitchen, another frequent recommendation, has become emblematic of this community support. Chef Nuit Regular’s authentic approach to Thai cuisine has built a loyal following that helped sustain the restaurant through difficult times.
The conversation with these culinary talents inevitably turned to Toronto’s market culture. St. Lawrence Market, a historic institution dating back to 1803, received universal praise. “There’s something special about shopping where generations of Torontonians have sourced their ingredients,” reflects chef Donna Dooher, who has been influencing the city’s food scene for decades.
Walking through Kensington Market on a busy weekend afternoon recently, I was struck by how many of the recommended spots are family-owned businesses with deep roots in their respective communities. Blackbird Baking Co., highlighted by several chefs for their exceptional sourdough, exemplifies this connection to both craft and community.
As our city continues to evolve culinarily, these chef recommendations offer more than just dining suggestions—they provide a roadmap to understanding Toronto through its food. From Caribbean heat to Italian precision to Thai complexity, these establishments collectively tell the story of who we are as a city.
“The beautiful thing about Toronto’s food scene is that it’s constantly in conversation with itself,” observes food writer Corey Mintz. “Chefs here are both teachers and students, always learning from each other across cultural boundaries.”
For Torontonians and visitors alike, exploring these chef-recommended spots offers a delicious education in what makes our city unique. As Forte aptly puts it, “In Toronto, you can literally taste the world without ever leaving the city limits.”
That diversity of flavor and experience is something worth celebrating—one meal at a time.
