With my move back to Toronto quickly approaching and the excitement surrounding all that, some of the things I am most looking forward to are meals and at the newest hot spot restaurants. But when it comes to Canada’s biggest city, and a food scene that is always evolving and changing, the question remains. How do you navigate which is worth the hype in a world of “Best Of” lists?
I guess the first thing I should say quite clearly is that I am not a hater of “best of” listicles and posts online and on social media. In fact, I’m actually quite a big fan, and have myself written many of them over the course of the last twelve years of blogging.
What I’m trying to identify is that for those of us not necessarily in the know and on media lists like I am lucky to be, the whole world of Toronto restaurants can be overwhelming. Especially when trying to understand if something is in fact good or if maybe (while this only happens a hand full of times a year) they just have good PR and the experience is so so at best.
I have had a few negative experiences over the years where I have in fact been a tool for that. I’m not here to name names, but let’s just say the experience I had was NOT the experience that my followers and readers had afterwards, and for those moments I’m sorry.
All that to say, if I was to offer a few ways to find a hotspot that you’re going to love, here are a few things you should take into consideration
- What type of food do you enjoy and is that the style of cuisine they are offering? If you don’t like BBQ and everyone is raving about the hot new brisket in town, you’re probably not going to enjoy it no matter how many articles and posts you see about it. Buzz does not supercede your personal preferences.
- If you’re hesitant about a new restaurant give it a few weeks after it opens to see if bloggers, journalists, creators and your favourite socials are still posting about it. Longevity is really important in this space, and a flash in the pan doesn’t always equate to a fabulous experience
- Understand that if you’re following a food creator online and they are sharing about a restaurant, in many / most cases, they have been hosted. For those of us who divulge that and still offer our opinion, this is where you are going to have to make a judgement call. And for those creators and journalists out there who don’t divulge that you have been hosted, respectfully, do better. It’s not fair to mislead your following.
- Don’t rely solely on one source of information. By that I mean, if you’re a big Tik Tok person, I love that for you. But maybe check their online reviews on Google, Open Table, and Yelp for a bit of a wider view that’s not solely driven by the idea of views, likes and shares. Just because their dish is gorgeous on social, doesn’t mean it’s “the best” like social media might be telling you.
And the most important thing I can remind you is that you might love the dish and the restaurant a lot more than you thought, or you may have found a spot you believe should be seen and supported.
You have the power as the consumer to help them by sharing on your socials – even if you’re not a creator – by tagging them, sharing reviews online, and telling your friends and family. Now more than ever, we have to #ChooseCanada and support local businesses, and every single positive word and review goes a lot further than you could realize.
I don’t want to be negative towards food reviewers and creators, and as one I will never recommend something that I don’t love, but the fact remains that food content is on the rise, as are food creators. Sometimes I have to wonder if their reviews are as authentic as they claim to be. Just like in life when it comes to politics, AI, rights, and the such… if you’re really curious about something, take the time to do a bit more research and don’t take everything you find online at face value all the time. That’s all.
Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, I would love to share some of the spots that I have loved and some that I personally cannot wait to try because I’ve done some research about them!
Located in: Bisha Hotel Toronto
Address: 80 Blue Jays Way 44th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 2G3
I was recently invited to KŌST (click here) to experience their #KôstChalet experience and had one of the loveliest experiences with a girlfriend. An immersive experience that recently wrapped up, it was my first meal in the space but showed me their dedication to quality meal, well crafted cocktails, and an ambiance that is truly Toronto in every way. While it wasn’t the “regular” experience, our service and the dishes left such a good impression that I will absolutely be back as soon as I can. For those of you looking for the more vibey experience, I would encourage a later dinner time to see how bustling the space can be when tables are full and the CN tower lights up the night sky.
Also I’m told their brunch is out of this world. I’ve made sure I experience it for myself as soon as I can and I’ll share more when I do.
Address: 12 Clinton St Upstairs, Toronto, ON M6J 2N8
I’ve not yet been to Bindi’s Burgers, but from what I am hearing from various friends and online sources, this is definitely one of those hotspots that is worth the buzz. Chef Remo has crafted one of Toronto’s newest flavour combos that I have not yet heard of and am definitely intrigued by. Tucked away on the second floor of the Monarch Tavern. This isn’t just another burger joint—it’s a hidden gem where classic smashburgers meet bold Indian spices for the perfect bite.
100% halal juicy patties layered with tangy tomato chutney, spiced aiolis, and Remo’s secret sauce, all crafted to deliver a perfectly balanced, flavour-packed experience. Irresistible sides are also included —chicken nugz and paneer sticks — and that’s just naming a few. It’s on my food to do list because of its originality, and I hope your curiosity is equally peaked.
Address: 1198 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J6
Address: 577 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1B2
There is argument to be made that in a world full of endless choices, sometimes simple is best. J’s Steak Frites is certainly not new, but it is and has become one of the most consistent and delicious experiences in the city for me – especially for a romantic date night. The only menu you need to worry about is what cocktail, wine, and dessert you would like to add to the meal. Reason being is that there is no food menu.
Every guest enjous a house made bread with butter, a fresh green salad and the perfectly marbled Certified Angus Beef striploin cooked to your liking with crispy frites, and J’s secret sauce. That’s it. That’s all. And trust me when I tell you that the owners have put their heart and soul into this concept, and you can feel it.
Address: 51 Colborne St, Toronto ON M5E 1E3
Born of culinary masters the winner of Season 1 of MasterChef Canada Eric Chong,, season 1, and three-Michelin-starred chef Alvin Leung, I have yet to experience aKin for myself but have only heard good things. The price tag is on the higher end for those of you looking to make reservations, but my mouth waters at each new post I see online and review I read.
In the style of blind tasting, the “menu is meticulously crafted to surprise and delight our guests, transforming the dining experience into an adventurous exploration of taste. We draw inspiration from both traditional Asian recipes and contemporary culinary techniques, creating dishes that are not only visually stunning but also layered with complex flavours.”
Address: 794 Dundas St W 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M6J 1V1
Since becoming friends with Patois’s Craig Wong and Ivy Lam, I think I have loved every concept, pop-up, storefront and restaurant they have created with a flare for innovation and tradition. AYLA is on my to-do list still, but this Hong-Kong inspired restaurant located above Patois at 794 Dundas St W offers dishes like no other in the city.
In a Toronto Life article on them, I loved reading the following, which truly makes this new spot stand out in my mind. “Between us, we bring experience from Mediterranean, Italian, Japanese, French, Caribbean and Cantonese cuisines,” says Shawcross. “This restaurant is our love letter to Hong Kong—told through our own unique lens and in a way we could only do in a place like Toronto.”
All that to say, see soon Craig & Ivy!
Those are just a few of the places I love, and those that have peaked my interest as a food lover and soon to be Torontonian again. Honorable mention goes out to Animl Steakhouse, Prime Seafood Palace, Los Compas Tacos, Black+Blue, Blue Claw Lobster Shack, and PLANTA. All of which I need to visit to yet but have read and heard amazing things about!
These of course are my opinions, and at the end of the day babes, take it as just that. Your opinions matter just as much as any food creator, restaurant critic, and online review. As mentioned, the power is equally yours. So please remember that if you have a good experience somewhere in the city, from street food to fine dinning, the power of a positive review has never been more important.
Have a recommendation you think I should know about? Send me an email to daniel@dothedaniel.com or slide into my DMs. I love to hear from you all and can’t wait to be back in Toronto sharing more meals and special moments with you all.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post. If you’re not already, follow me on all social media platforms at @dothedaniel as I share in real time these adventures and so much more!
Don’t forget to be kind & a little more honest with yourself this year
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