10+ Must-Try Local Dishes in Toronto (Ontario)
The best way to experience a place? Food. Trying must-try local dishes in Toronto is more than just satisfying your cravings; it’s about immersing yourself in the rich flavours that define the city’s culinary landscape. Each dish tells a story, reflecting the diverse communities that call this city home. After all, who doesn’t love discovering new flavours and mouthwatering eats?
1. Poutine
Poutine? It’s Canada’s ultimate comfort food and one of the must-try local dishes in Toronto. These crispy fries are smothered in rich gravy and topped with gooey cheese curds, pork, chicken, or veggie. And Smoke’s Poutinerie has some of the best.
2. Peameal Bacon Sandwich
Don’t leave Toronto trying the juicy peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery or Padington’s Pump in St. Lawrence Market. With its thick slices of bacon nestled in a Kaiser bun, this iconic snack is a fan favorite and a must-try for any foodie.
3. Butter Tarts
Ever heard of the ooey-gooey goodness of butter tarts? You can’t resist this walnut-based dessert tart. Visit Wanda’s Pie in the Sky or Circles & Squares to try these sweet delights packed with brown sugar, butter, and nuts.
4. Sushi Pizza
Torn between sushi and pizza? Then, opt for a unique fusion of this dish at Sushi Run or Oi Sushi. This crispy rice patty, topped with fresh seafood, avocado, and spicy mayo, is one of the favourite local dishes in Toronto.
5. Smoked Meat Sandwiches
For a taste of Toronto’s best-smoked meat sandwiches, head straight to Centre Street Deli or Wolfies. This hand-cured, spiced beef brisket is served hot and juicy on rye bread.
6. Tourtière
Warm up with a slice of tourtière, a savory French-Canadian meat pie packed with aromatic spices. It’s one of the most popular local dishes in Toronto during the cold months. Sharman’s Proper and House on Parliament are your go-to spots for this hearty winter comfort food.
7. Nanaimo Bars
Nanaimo is among the top local dishes in Toronto dedicated to those with sweet tooths. You can find it at any coffee shop or bakery across Toronto, like Bobette & Belle. This sweet indulgence is a true Canadian classic, with layers of wafer, coconut, custard, and chocolate.
8. Bagels
Start your day right with a fresh Montreal-style bagel from St. Urbain Bagel in St. Lawrence Market. Whether you prefer plain or everything, these chewy delights are perfect on their own or paired with cream cheese.
9. Arctic Char
Arctic char is a delectable wild-caught fish prepared in various ways, including portioning and smoking, to bring out its rich flavours. You can find it on the menus of top local restaurants in Toronto, like Milou.
10. Bannock Burgers
Tea-N-Bannock on Gerrard East is among the best to grab this hearty Alberta grassland-raised bison burger. Served on a fluffy fried bannock bun, it’s a satisfying meal celebrating Indigenous cuisine.
11. Split Pea Soup
Have a hearty bowl of split pea soup from United Bakers Dairy Restaurant in North York. This French-Canadian classic, made from meat, peas, and veggies, is the perfect blend of comfort and flavour.
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