Toronto
The Culinary Traveller’s Guide
Neighbourhoods
THE BEACHES A lakeside community just 15 minutes east of downtown, with an eclectic mix of shops, sidewalk cafés, restaurants, pubs and yoga studios. The boardwalk is a favourite place on a hot summer's day.
BLOOR WEST VILLAGE Bloor St West of High Park owes much of its identity to the Eastern European Community. Many European delis and bakeries remain alongside local eateries, cafés and shops.
CHINATOWNS Everything from housewares and Asian grocers to dim sum and noodle houses in this area around Dundas Ave W. and Spadina Ave. East Chinatown at Gerrard and Broadview Ave has plenty of pho restaurants and one of the best seafood stores in the city.
THE DANFORTH Danforth Ave from Broadview to Greenwood Ave is Toronto's Greektown and home of the annual ‘Taste of the Danforth Festival,' celebrating Greek food and culture. Restaurants, pubs, cafés and clubs make this area a hot spot in the evening.
DISTILLERY DISTRICT The restored Distillery District is an ideal setting for local restaurants, design stores, cafés and art galleries. The Case Goods Warehouse is home to local artists' studios, custom jewellery, crafts and workshops.
THE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT This area of King St West between University Ave and Spadina Ave encompasses theatres, performing arts centres, Toronto's four majorleague sports teams and an array of cultural and family attractions. Dining ranges from pubs and bars to upscale bistros.
KING ST EAST This burgeoning restaurant district includes fine dining establishments, high-end furniture design stores and the city's top culinary institute.
LESLIEVILLE Historically the lighting industry and film district east of the Don River, Leslieville is now one of Toronto's best brunch destinations and trendiest areas to dine, drink and shop. Great cafés, vintage shops and boutiques.
LITTLE ITALY Traditional bars and cafés and the best gelato are found in this Italian community along College St West. New martini bars and clubs make this area a lively night spot.
WEST QUEEN WEST This colorful neighbourhood on Queen West around Trinity Bellwoods Park is home to cutting edge art galleries, great eateries, specialty food stores, one-of-a-kind shops and night life hubs such the Drake and Gladstone hotels.
YORKVILLE Toronto's original 1960s bohemian enclave has long given way to designer boutiques, high-end hotels and restaurants. Sophisticated food shops and cafés dot this area of Cumberland and Yorkville.
Markets
KENSINGTON MARKET An eclectic mix of Latin American grocers, cafés, vintage clothing stores, restaurants, fresh produce, Portuguese bakeries, butchers, and cheese shops. Nassau St between
Augusta and Bellevue. Open daily, year
round. www.kensington-market.ca
ST LAWRENCE MARKET A Toronto landmark and largest indoor market in the city. Open Tuesday–Saturday, year round. Farmers Market, Saturday, 5 am–3 pm. Antique Market, Sunday, 5 am–5 pm. Corner of Front St. and Jarvis St. www.stlawrencemarket.com EVERGREEN BRICK WORKS FARMER'S
MARKET Saturday market featuring local organic producers. Free kids' activities.
544 Bayview Ave. www.ebw.evergreen.ca
Cooking Classes
AOHRODITE COOKS 201 Weston Rd, Ste 101 www.aphroditecooks.com ARVINDA'S HEALTHY GOURMET INDIAN
876 Bathurst St. www.hgic.ca
BONNIE GORDON 868 Eglinton Ave. W. www.bonniegordoncollege.com
DISH COOKING STUDIO 390 Dupont St www.dishcookingstudio.com
THE CHEF UPSTAIRS 516 Mt Pleasant Rd. www.thechefupstairs.com
CIRILLO'S CULIANRY ACADEMY 4894 Dundas
St. W. www.cirillosacademy.com
THE HEALTHY BUTCHER 298 Eglinton Ave. W. www.thehealthybutcher.com
LIAISON COLLEGE 205 Richmond St. W. www.liaisoncollege.com
NELLA CUCINA 876 Bathurst St. www.nellacucina.ca
VIVA TASTINGS St. Lawrence Market. www.vivatastings.com
Kitchen Stores
TEATRO VERDE CUCINA 2901 Bayview Ave. THE MAIN COURSE 1910 Avenue Rd. GOOD EGG In Kensington Market at 267 Augusta Ave.
HIGH TECH 106 Front St E. IQ LIVING 524 Danforth Ave. DEGREES 2588 Yonge St.
KITCHEN STUFF PLUS 703 Yonge St. PLACEWARES St Lawrence Market.