Tourist or transplant, Toronto has food for everyone
Corn salad with peppers from Uncle Smoke
Whether you’re a long-term resident, an occasional tourist, or a new transplant to Toronto, you probably already know that the city has some fantastic food: From the $300-a-person Kaiseki Yu-Zen Hashimoto, to the old-school steakhouses like House of Chan to the noodle shops of Korea Town, there are options for every palate, budget and appetite.
One of the best parts of Toronto’s food landscape is that it’s always changing. Here are some of our favourite new finds for fall:
FOOD TRUCKS
After much municipal hand-wringing, Toronto has finally allowed food trucks to take up residence in the downtown core. And about time, too – food trucks have come a long way from the greasy fish-n-chip stands that got them outlawed in the first place. From Asian street food, to southern barbeque to classic deli staples, food trucks are offering delicious food that’s often more interesting than the ‘normal’ restaurants they’re parked beside. Get up-to-date info on Toronto food trucks here.
CAFÉ BOULUD
Michelin-starred Daniel Boulud launched his Café Boulud in the Four Seasons Yorkville a couple of years ago, but it never really generated the sort of passion (among diners – and critics) that his other restaurants have. But a newly renovated – from the inside-out, and with a whole new menu – Café Boulud launched a couple of weeks ago, and word on the street says it may finally have delivered on its promise. More info here.
FANCY FRANK’S
Fancy Frank’s is surprising: Yes, the menu is basically hot dogs and fries – but they have so many options, from Panko-fried weiners to toppings like Korean Beef Ribs and Smoked Gruyere, that a meal there turns out to be a lot more interesting than you might have thought. It’s not fancy, but it’s great for kids and in my experience the staff is always very welcoming. Oh, and there are made-to-order doughnuts. You should go. More info here.
MOMOFUKU MILK BAR
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you about Momofuku restaurant, but it’s the Milk Bar – the sister bakery that makes pies and cookies and cake truffles – that I find myself thinking about in idle moments. You can buy the cookbook or read the glowing reviews, but I suggest you just head over to University Ave (between Richmond and Adelaide) and get yourself a snack. More info here.
BRICKWORKS FARMERS’ MARKET
Started in 2007 when the Don Valley Brick Works (insert link to http://www.evergreen.ca/) was repurposed as an art and community center, the Evergreen Brick Works Farmers’ Market is now the largest in Toronto, with more than 100 vendors every weekend. You’ll find local and organic produce, meat products from local farms, and products like honey, flowers, and baked goods direct from the farmers/craftspeople who make them. The market is open every weekend until November 1, but it can get very crowded and parking is limited: Our advice is to go early and/or take the TTC, if possible. More info here.