Toronto has a thriving restaurant and bar scene. Some of our favourites and especially recommended venues are listed below.

RESTAURANTS

Pai

This one’s for Thai food lovers. Pai specialises in Northern Thai cuisine. We dined at the Midtown branch, located inside a vast space that used to be a former nightclub. The food was well presented and the flavours hit all the right notes. @paitoronto

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

Keg must be to Torontonians what Hawskmoor is to us Londoners – the place to visit for steaks. This Canadian-owned chain of steakhouses has many locations all over Canada. However, our favourite location was the Keg Mansion, housed in a former heritage building in downtown Toronto. The steaks are pretty outstanding but I was even more impressed by Keg’s version of the caesar salad that went swimmingly with all the meat. Good wine selection too. @thekegsteakhouse

Rodney’s Oyster House

As the name suggests, this is the place for seafood lovers. We tucked into fresh, plump oysters to start, before moving onto classics such as hot smoked salmon, New England clam chowder and steamed mussels. @rodneysoysterhouse

Santouka

Ramen lovers rejoice – Santouka is your go-to destination in Toronto for warming, intensely satisfying broths of heaven. They have many branches dotted around the city. The vibes are casual, interiors modest, the staff are very friendly, the prices are cheap and the ramen delicious. Whether you’re going in a group or if you are flying solo, this is the perfect place to satisfy a sudden craving for noodle slurping. @santouka_toronto_yonge

Cactus Club Cafe

This stylish venue spread across three floors offers an eclectic menu of global cuisines: from sushi to Thai bowls to steak. The house cocktails pair well with the food and they have a rooftop available when the weather permits. This is the ideal dining venue for families or group gatherings where everyone might have different preferences when it comes to food and drinks. Their Happy Hour food and drink options are some of the best I have seen. @cactusclubcafe

Momofuku Noodle Bar

If you are an Asian food lover, you would have to be living under a rock to not know about Momofuku by Chef David Chang. The Canadian sibling to the famous New York City original occupies an impressive double height space. Noodles and steamed buns dominate the food menu, whilst the drinks menu showcases a good selection of Ontario beers. @momofukunoodlebar

PUBS AND BREWERIES

Downtown

Otto’s Bierhalle – Proper German drinking hall with communal style tables and a plentiful list of domestic and overseas beers on offer. @ottosbierhalle

Amsterdam Brewery – Enormous harbour-front taproom, brewery, multi-level restaurant and patio spaces with views out to Toronto Island. @amsterdambeer

Steam Whistle Brewing – Independent brewery, beer garden and taproom offering steins and corndogs, right next to Toronto Railway Museum, CN Tower, Rogers Centre and Ripley’s. @steamwhistlebrewing

C’est What – Cozy, underground cellar pub with a truly epic selection of beers. A Toronto classic. @cestwhatto

Midtown

The Rose and Crown  – Cozy Midtown pub offering a good selection of Canadian beers. @roseandcrowntoronto

Duke of Kent – Closest thing to a British pub you can find in Toronto – they even feature a curry on their food menu. @duke_pubs

Granite Brewery – Fantastic neighbourhood, independent, family-run craft microbrewery and brew pub. @Granitebrewery

Bars

Patria – for wines representing famous Spanish labels and cocktails with a Spanish twist; pair with some of the authentic Spanish Tapas while you are at it. @patriato

Baro – Buzzy late night bar with great Latin vibes and the tastiest Margaritas and guacamole I have ever had. @BAROtoronto

Locals Only @localsonlytoronto – Subterranean dive bar popular known for loud nights and great cocktails.

Bar Chef – High-end cocktail bar with uniquely presented cocktails for the discerning cocktail crowd. @barchef

Char No.5 Whisky and Cocktail Lounge  – Immense selection of whiskies for the whisky lovers. @Char5toronto

El Catrin Destileria – For indulging in quality mezcal and tequila in the trendy Distillery District. @elcatrinca

Good Fortune Bar – Midtown basement bar with Miami Beach clubhouse vibes, specialising in craft cocktails and beers. @goodfortunebar