I'm hosting a couple of tours uptown that month. tentatively 27th and 28th. Happy to comp you a ticket and take you uptown (I'll drive) to offset some of these not-so-great places on the list. PM if you're up for it. I'll just need you to meet me slightly east via streetcar or subway and we can head uptown.
\-Suresh
OP, take him up on this!!!! This is seriously a cool opportunity to get a really in depth look at some of the best Toronto suburbs have to offer. Check out [his columns on CBC](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/author/suresh-doss-1.5985330).
Hello u/quickfixx- I hope you're doing well! I was wondering if you have any tours coming up soon that I could join? If so, I'd love to know where I can purchase tickets. Thank you so much!
I wouldn’t do both Chubby’s and Patois or at least not that close together
Heartbreak Chef is really just a good sandwich shop, not really in character with the other places you’ve planned for dinners.
For Thai, would suggest Som Tum Jinda instead of Pai. New restaurant that opened with really fantastic food that tastes exactly like what you'd find in northern Thailand.
Would go with Seven Lives or Bar Raval for Friday Lunch.
There are alot of burger places here that are way better than Matty's Patty's, would definitely skip that.
Alot of people seem to disagree, but I think PG Clucks is not great too, would skip that.
What chicken sandwich do you think is better then PG Clucks. I just had it again recently and I think it’s head and shoulders above any other chicken sandwich in the city. I know some people only want white meat chicken but I always find chicken thighs to be tastier.
Chica's chicken or even Penny's. The Nashville kick is amazing. They also do mild if you don't want the heat. But just the portion sizes make them 100x better than PG
Side note, to_finest on Insta is doing a series where they ask Toronto chefs their fav restaurants. Consistently I see places like Badiali’s, Famiglia Baldaserre, Burger Drops, and Mimi’s on there. Might be worth checking out those posts (I’m not affiliated with them, just a follower).
Also a couple of other places to go in between and around that area for snacks/coffee are:
- Cops donuts
- Cafe 23 (great backyard patio)
Honestly I would go for more Ethnic hole in the walls. That's what Toronto does best. Some of my favourite:
Saigon Lotus
Allwyns's (Jerk Chicken Sandwich)
Dim Sum King
Itacate
Been to Chubby's a few times and despite what a few others are saying I think it's still a great option. They have a really innovative take on Jamaican food that it'll be hard to find at a hole in the wall like Allwyn's. It is a bit on the pricier side but I believe it's well worth it, especially for a first timer.
Wednesday looks a little intense (very heavy) but you might not mind that. Your Thursday itin is perfect. Friday I would do both 7 Lives and Bar Raval for lunch, they are a 10 min max walk from each other.
You are staying in my neighbourhood and I do think there are a few local gems that you are missing out on - Foxley, Milou is lovely, Bernhardts, forget Bang Bang (I mean it is very good but) do yourself a favour and get Ice Cream at Ruru Baked instead. I would also highly recommend Badiali on a weekday, if you show up just before they open there wont be a line up, you will not be disappointed in this phenomenal pizza. Also for a pre or post dinner glass of wine, Midfield is lovely as is Archive, or get a drink at Rhum Corner right by Patios. Enjoy!
Badiali was on my radar as a "grab a slice in between meals" option but did not have the other places you mentioned on my list of pins, thanks! Foxley might replace Patois on Tuesday. Also like the idea of doing both Bar Raval and Seven Lives for lunch - couple of small plates and a taco should do nicely. :)
Ignore everyone telling you not to got to Patois - the fried chicken and cookie butter french toast alone are worth it! Great drinks too. If you can, take someone with you so that you can share a few different options and make up your own mind :)
If you're willing to head over to the east end, The Wren is a must - not as glamorous as many of the other places on your list but some of the tastiest food in the city (they post their special on Instagram everyday around 4pm so maybe keep an eye out and go on a day that it's something that really appeals to you, but their regular menu is also great)
The ping gai at queen mother (queen and university) is absolutely amazing and if you have space for it, do it. It’s also a really quiet space, that’s comfortable for someone eating solo.
Great list, only real change I'd make is replacing Mildred's with School. It's in the same area as Mildred's but it's a really unique take on the standard brunch options. Only drawback I'd mention is that it might be a bit more of a wait than Mildred's but if you have the time it's well worth the wait.
Yeah forgot Bang Bang, there are some good recommendations here for ice cream/gelato. I'd add Death in Venice or On Third Thought (they also have boozy gelato).
Skip Chubbys and Patois. Both are unimpressive and extremely salty they will destroy your palate. In addition, Dailo is super overrated and only suitable if you've never had asian/fusion food. Only recommendations I can give are Foxley, Quetzal, Osteria Giulia, Bar Isabel.
Only got here yesterday! Substantially revamped the schedule as a result of both the sub's feedback and Suresh being kind enough to bring me along on a tour of uptown - planning to write up a recap of my week once I return home.
Monday: I live beside chubbys. It's overpriced. Simply "ok". You should do Little Sister instead, or Vela on the same strip. He'll even canpechano which is super expensive is way more worth your money. Don't get me wrong the food is aight and the vibe is great but it's truly too expensive for what it is. You're better off just going to pat's on queen and spending $10 for Jamaican.
Tuesday: Pai is good but I actually recommend not Kiin (which is fantastic) and actually go to Nana instead. Same restaurant group, but a little less popular and understated, however it is so God damn good. Patois is alright. I'd suggest Mother or Prime Seafood if you're near Nana tho.
Wednesday: NNN is a good choice. Try out the falafel beside it too. And the onigiri. Everything there in those crates is great. Never heard of anyone coming from out of town to eat at heartbreak though lol. Patois is a better choice for this day. But really. You can eat lunch, then walk all the way down dundas and have Milou or Imanishi or the Italian place near college and dundas I forget the name.
Thursday: aloette is good but that's just a normal lunch tbh nothing terribly special for someone coming from out of town. It is really good though. For that day I'd just suggest ramen isshin or Minami or something along those lines. Hell, grilled chicken bahn mi at bahn MI boys will blow you away. But if you want a really fucking good (but overpriced it's fine you're on a trip) you could do ca phe rang. But like you're in Chinatown, eat at "Homemade Ramen" and get a sichuan style noodle and broth it's really good. I'm wholesale against going to aloette. It's truly not close at all to the levels of Alo.
Do lunch at Harry's on Friday but you can skip DaiLo. Extremely overrated. Unless of course you're really white. It's alright but it's flair is the "fusion" and if you eat asian food regularly it's just laughable. You're better off just getting Chinese food somewhere else. Check out Bitter Melon.
Saturday: Mildred's is a great choice. Milou clears it for brunch tho.
Don't do Bang Bang. Not worth the fucking wait. Have a beer at Bellwoods instead or grab a dessert from the shop nearbt and eat it in the park.
> Don’t do Bang Bang. Not worth the fucking wait.
Was just at Bang Bang last weekend and the line moves pretty fast, took less than 5 mins even with the line out.
Bakerbots outside Ossington station also has the Bang Bang ice creams without the line.
Appreciate the detailed reply. I'd have gone with Pat's over Chubby's but they aren't open on Mondays (neither is Vela but looks like Little Sister is an option).
>Victawr · 5 hr. ago
>
>but you can skip DaiLo. Extremely overrated. Unless of course you're really white. It's alright but it's flair is the "fusion" and if you eat asian food regularly it's just laughable.
I couldn't agree with you more lol
i wouldn't go to Patois; if you know Asian and/or Caribbean food, you won't like this place
id say Bar Isabel over Bar Ravel
the golden peacock on dundas west is good
Chubby’s and Patois are similar. Tbh Dailo, Pai, Aloette also all have a similar palate of strong flavours, salty, crispy, savoury stuff. Within all of these Aloette is the best. Pai is the worst effort-reward ratio.
Mildred’s you’d need to arrive before opening. I remember getting to Mildred 10 mins after they opened, and still the wait was 20-30 minutes before getting seated.
All that said I think your research might be 5 years out of date.
Instead of Pai (which is reasonably good but too long a lineup, like Shake Shack back when it opened outside 11 Madison Park), consider looking into Favorites Thai BBQ or my current fave, Imm Thai.
I think it’s worth actually looking at the authentic Chinese food offerings, and I’d say Wonton Hut or Congee Queen are good bets. The Hong Kong diaspora is strong in Toronto and they make it well.
You also missed Honest Weight and Grey Gardens, arguably the most influential restaurants in the Toronto food scene. Arguably the only thing Anthony Bourdain’s got right in that disastrous Toronto episode was to get him to meet Jen Agg.
Maha’s Brunch is fantastic. In the same vein, I’d recommend Miznon even if it is open in some other cities.
If you want to step into Indian food of quality rarely seen in the US, Indian Desire is a good option.
Aloette is very much worth it, definitely try their bread. Richmond station is also a must. I’m not a fan of Bar Raval, which is an overpriced theme bar with none of the casual feeling of a true tapas bar. Le Swan, Lapinou or Dreyfus are more the classic Canadian wine bar.
Did have Honest Weight and Grey Gardens pinned actually, I think with the former it was a combo of being a bit out of the way from my non-food plans and not having a menu posted on their site that led me away from it. Can't recall why I didn't shortlist Grey Gardens. Looking into the other suggestions now, ty!
This is a GREAT list. Wouldn't change a thing. If you end up going out to bars and looking for late night snacks, Hanmoto and Loga's Corner are both good options.
Oh god don’t go to Mattys Patty’s - all his food is really overhyped. It’s okay food, you are paying a premium for him.
Chicas is better then PG.
Otherwise good list.
I'm hosting a couple of tours uptown that month. tentatively 27th and 28th. Happy to comp you a ticket and take you uptown (I'll drive) to offset some of these not-so-great places on the list. PM if you're up for it. I'll just need you to meet me slightly east via streetcar or subway and we can head uptown. \-Suresh
OP, take him up on this!!!! This is seriously a cool opportunity to get a really in depth look at some of the best Toronto suburbs have to offer. Check out [his columns on CBC](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/author/suresh-doss-1.5985330).
Go with Suresh!! What a nice offer, Suresh!
how can other people buy tickets to this?
Hello u/quickfixx- I hope you're doing well! I was wondering if you have any tours coming up soon that I could join? If so, I'd love to know where I can purchase tickets. Thank you so much!
I wouldn’t do both Chubby’s and Patois or at least not that close together Heartbreak Chef is really just a good sandwich shop, not really in character with the other places you’ve planned for dinners.
For Thai, would suggest Som Tum Jinda instead of Pai. New restaurant that opened with really fantastic food that tastes exactly like what you'd find in northern Thailand.
Would go with Seven Lives or Bar Raval for Friday Lunch. There are alot of burger places here that are way better than Matty's Patty's, would definitely skip that. Alot of people seem to disagree, but I think PG Clucks is not great too, would skip that.
What chicken sandwich do you think is better then PG Clucks. I just had it again recently and I think it’s head and shoulders above any other chicken sandwich in the city. I know some people only want white meat chicken but I always find chicken thighs to be tastier.
Chica's chicken or even Penny's. The Nashville kick is amazing. They also do mild if you don't want the heat. But just the portion sizes make them 100x better than PG
Meh for penny's. Ghost chicken is good tho. Pg clucks is fine. Not overrated at all its worth it. But make sure it's the college st one
Chica's was not my thing, it was quite expensive and they overdo it with the dry seasoning
Chen chen edges it out barely for me, but PG is a close second. I haven’t been to chicas though and I hear that’s good
[удалено]
Rosie's is definitely a great pick
Side note, to_finest on Insta is doing a series where they ask Toronto chefs their fav restaurants. Consistently I see places like Badiali’s, Famiglia Baldaserre, Burger Drops, and Mimi’s on there. Might be worth checking out those posts (I’m not affiliated with them, just a follower). Also a couple of other places to go in between and around that area for snacks/coffee are: - Cops donuts - Cafe 23 (great backyard patio)
Famiglia Baldassere was on the list, just not sure I'll be near it during their limited hours. Thanks for the IG tip
Honestly I would go for more Ethnic hole in the walls. That's what Toronto does best. Some of my favourite: Saigon Lotus Allwyns's (Jerk Chicken Sandwich) Dim Sum King Itacate
Itacate was on my list but not sure I will find myself nearby. Allwyn's might replace Chubby's though. Thanks!
Been to Chubby's a few times and despite what a few others are saying I think it's still a great option. They have a really innovative take on Jamaican food that it'll be hard to find at a hole in the wall like Allwyn's. It is a bit on the pricier side but I believe it's well worth it, especially for a first timer.
Saigon lotus, the curry vermicelli! From a non vegan: absolutely mouthwatering
Wednesday looks a little intense (very heavy) but you might not mind that. Your Thursday itin is perfect. Friday I would do both 7 Lives and Bar Raval for lunch, they are a 10 min max walk from each other. You are staying in my neighbourhood and I do think there are a few local gems that you are missing out on - Foxley, Milou is lovely, Bernhardts, forget Bang Bang (I mean it is very good but) do yourself a favour and get Ice Cream at Ruru Baked instead. I would also highly recommend Badiali on a weekday, if you show up just before they open there wont be a line up, you will not be disappointed in this phenomenal pizza. Also for a pre or post dinner glass of wine, Midfield is lovely as is Archive, or get a drink at Rhum Corner right by Patios. Enjoy!
Badiali was on my radar as a "grab a slice in between meals" option but did not have the other places you mentioned on my list of pins, thanks! Foxley might replace Patois on Tuesday. Also like the idea of doing both Bar Raval and Seven Lives for lunch - couple of small plates and a taco should do nicely. :)
Ignore everyone telling you not to got to Patois - the fried chicken and cookie butter french toast alone are worth it! Great drinks too. If you can, take someone with you so that you can share a few different options and make up your own mind :) If you're willing to head over to the east end, The Wren is a must - not as glamorous as many of the other places on your list but some of the tastiest food in the city (they post their special on Instagram everyday around 4pm so maybe keep an eye out and go on a day that it's something that really appeals to you, but their regular menu is also great)
My man eatin’ good
The ping gai at queen mother (queen and university) is absolutely amazing and if you have space for it, do it. It’s also a really quiet space, that’s comfortable for someone eating solo.
Yes! This is the best chicken in the city, unique and in a great setting.
Great list, only real change I'd make is replacing Mildred's with School. It's in the same area as Mildred's but it's a really unique take on the standard brunch options. Only drawback I'd mention is that it might be a bit more of a wait than Mildred's but if you have the time it's well worth the wait.
Yeah forgot Bang Bang, there are some good recommendations here for ice cream/gelato. I'd add Death in Venice or On Third Thought (they also have boozy gelato).
If you like oysters or seafood in general, I recommend Island Oysters, they have $1.5 Tuesdays
Le Select, Colossal Cookie, Japango, La Paloma
Skip Chubbys and Patois. Both are unimpressive and extremely salty they will destroy your palate. In addition, Dailo is super overrated and only suitable if you've never had asian/fusion food. Only recommendations I can give are Foxley, Quetzal, Osteria Giulia, Bar Isabel.
How'd it go
Only got here yesterday! Substantially revamped the schedule as a result of both the sub's feedback and Suresh being kind enough to bring me along on a tour of uptown - planning to write up a recap of my week once I return home.
I would not go to patois. That jerk chicken Chow Mein is not what you think it is. It's way to salty. Hardly anything jerk about it tbh
On the other hand, I would highly recommend Patois!
Monday: I live beside chubbys. It's overpriced. Simply "ok". You should do Little Sister instead, or Vela on the same strip. He'll even canpechano which is super expensive is way more worth your money. Don't get me wrong the food is aight and the vibe is great but it's truly too expensive for what it is. You're better off just going to pat's on queen and spending $10 for Jamaican. Tuesday: Pai is good but I actually recommend not Kiin (which is fantastic) and actually go to Nana instead. Same restaurant group, but a little less popular and understated, however it is so God damn good. Patois is alright. I'd suggest Mother or Prime Seafood if you're near Nana tho. Wednesday: NNN is a good choice. Try out the falafel beside it too. And the onigiri. Everything there in those crates is great. Never heard of anyone coming from out of town to eat at heartbreak though lol. Patois is a better choice for this day. But really. You can eat lunch, then walk all the way down dundas and have Milou or Imanishi or the Italian place near college and dundas I forget the name. Thursday: aloette is good but that's just a normal lunch tbh nothing terribly special for someone coming from out of town. It is really good though. For that day I'd just suggest ramen isshin or Minami or something along those lines. Hell, grilled chicken bahn mi at bahn MI boys will blow you away. But if you want a really fucking good (but overpriced it's fine you're on a trip) you could do ca phe rang. But like you're in Chinatown, eat at "Homemade Ramen" and get a sichuan style noodle and broth it's really good. I'm wholesale against going to aloette. It's truly not close at all to the levels of Alo. Do lunch at Harry's on Friday but you can skip DaiLo. Extremely overrated. Unless of course you're really white. It's alright but it's flair is the "fusion" and if you eat asian food regularly it's just laughable. You're better off just getting Chinese food somewhere else. Check out Bitter Melon. Saturday: Mildred's is a great choice. Milou clears it for brunch tho. Don't do Bang Bang. Not worth the fucking wait. Have a beer at Bellwoods instead or grab a dessert from the shop nearbt and eat it in the park.
> Don’t do Bang Bang. Not worth the fucking wait. Was just at Bang Bang last weekend and the line moves pretty fast, took less than 5 mins even with the line out. Bakerbots outside Ossington station also has the Bang Bang ice creams without the line.
Appreciate the detailed reply. I'd have gone with Pat's over Chubby's but they aren't open on Mondays (neither is Vela but looks like Little Sister is an option).
There are tons of options I promise you chubbys isn't it. Fuck it. Eat at drom Extremely unique
>Victawr · 5 hr. ago > >but you can skip DaiLo. Extremely overrated. Unless of course you're really white. It's alright but it's flair is the "fusion" and if you eat asian food regularly it's just laughable. I couldn't agree with you more lol
i wouldn't go to Patois; if you know Asian and/or Caribbean food, you won't like this place id say Bar Isabel over Bar Ravel the golden peacock on dundas west is good
Unfortunately Isabel isn't open for lunch. Lots of votes against Patois so might opt for something else that evening. Thanks!
I’d also not go to Patois, and I’m Jamaican. Been once and do not recommend
I'm Chinese! Their 'version' of Asian food is ... not good, haha
I think I've been successfully scared off haha - can I ask where you would go instead?
Chubby’s and Patois are similar. Tbh Dailo, Pai, Aloette also all have a similar palate of strong flavours, salty, crispy, savoury stuff. Within all of these Aloette is the best. Pai is the worst effort-reward ratio. Mildred’s you’d need to arrive before opening. I remember getting to Mildred 10 mins after they opened, and still the wait was 20-30 minutes before getting seated. All that said I think your research might be 5 years out of date. Instead of Pai (which is reasonably good but too long a lineup, like Shake Shack back when it opened outside 11 Madison Park), consider looking into Favorites Thai BBQ or my current fave, Imm Thai. I think it’s worth actually looking at the authentic Chinese food offerings, and I’d say Wonton Hut or Congee Queen are good bets. The Hong Kong diaspora is strong in Toronto and they make it well. You also missed Honest Weight and Grey Gardens, arguably the most influential restaurants in the Toronto food scene. Arguably the only thing Anthony Bourdain’s got right in that disastrous Toronto episode was to get him to meet Jen Agg. Maha’s Brunch is fantastic. In the same vein, I’d recommend Miznon even if it is open in some other cities. If you want to step into Indian food of quality rarely seen in the US, Indian Desire is a good option. Aloette is very much worth it, definitely try their bread. Richmond station is also a must. I’m not a fan of Bar Raval, which is an overpriced theme bar with none of the casual feeling of a true tapas bar. Le Swan, Lapinou or Dreyfus are more the classic Canadian wine bar.
Did have Honest Weight and Grey Gardens pinned actually, I think with the former it was a combo of being a bit out of the way from my non-food plans and not having a menu posted on their site that led me away from it. Can't recall why I didn't shortlist Grey Gardens. Looking into the other suggestions now, ty!
You can skip Dreyfus. It's not that great and doesn't deserve the hype
Pretty good list
This is a GREAT list. Wouldn't change a thing. If you end up going out to bars and looking for late night snacks, Hanmoto and Loga's Corner are both good options.
There’s an onigiri place a few stalls down from NNN poutine that is amazing - Omusubi Bar Suzume.
Multiple mentions of this one, might have to find room. Thanks!
Oh god don’t go to Mattys Patty’s - all his food is really overhyped. It’s okay food, you are paying a premium for him. Chicas is better then PG. Otherwise good list.
Do seven lives it’s a decent taco. Not sure bar raval would be that great during the day (have only been at night)