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Our local recommendations

We've handpicked our favourite local spots so you can continue exploring like a local after your experience is over.

Our Best Coffee in Toronto:

• Jimmy’s Coffee:
  • A cozy local favorite with excellent lattes and great ambiance. Multiple locations across Toronto.
  • Must Try: Cappuccino, mocha.
• Fahrenheit Coffee:
  • Renowned for its expertly crafted espresso drinks and small-batch roasted beans.
  • Must Try: Flat white, cortado.
• Rooster Coffee House:
  • Beautiful cafés with cozy interiors and stunning views, especially at the Riverdale Park East location.
  • Must Try: Latte, cold brew.

Our most recommended Breakfast and Brunch:

• Fran’s Restaurant (24 Hours):
  • A Toronto institution known for classic diner fare and comfort food, open 24/7. Famous for its all-day breakfast, meatloaf, and milkshakes.
  • Must Try: Peameal bacon and eggs, their classic pancakes.
• The Lakeview (24 Hours):
  • A retro diner serving comfort food classics, milkshakes, and cocktails all day and night. Popular for its late-night vibe.
  • Must Try: Chicken and waffles, mac and cheese.
• Mildred’s Temple Kitchen:
  • A beloved brunch destination in Liberty Village known for upscale Canadian comfort food.
  • Must Try: Blueberry buttermilk pancakes, huevos Monty. Reservations are recommended for weekends.
• Lady Marmalade:
  • An eclectic brunch spot offering inventive dishes with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Must Try: Pulled pork eggs Benedict, French toast. Expect a wait on weekends.
• Saving Grace:
  • A cozy brunch café with an eclectic menu and small-town charm.
  • Must Try: Pancakes, breakfast burritos. Arrive early to avoid long waits.

Our most recommended Canadian Comfort Food:

• Richmond Station:
  • A farm-to-table restaurant run by "Top Chef Canada" winner Carl Heinrich, with creative seasonal dishes.
  • Must Try: Station Burger, braised lamb shank. Reservations recommended.
• Union:
  • A rustic eatery serving French-Canadian comfort food with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Must Try: Charcuterie boards, steak frites. Reservations are a good idea.
• The Gabardine:
  • A cozy downtown spot offering classic comfort dishes like mac and cheese and chicken pot pie.
  • Must Try: Fish sandwich, chicken pot pie.

Our most recommended Pizza and Casual Spots:

• North of Brooklyn Pizzeria:
  • Thin-crust, New York-style pizzas with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
  • Must Try: Killer Bee pizza (pepperoni, honey, jalapeños).
• Sneaky Dee’s:
  • A Toronto staple for Tex-Mex favorites, famous for its massive nachos and pitchers of beer.
  • Must Try: King’s Crown nachos, breakfast burrito. Great for late-night eats.
• Amsterdam BrewHouse:
  • A waterfront brewpub offering craft beer and pub fare with views of Lake Ontario.
  • Must Try: Big Wheel Amber Ale, smoked brisket poutine. Reservations are recommended for weekends.

Our favorite hidden gems:

• Café on the Square (City Hall):
  • Affordable, no-frills meals with great views of Nathan Phillips Square. A hidden lunch gem.
  • Must Try: Sandwich combos, daily specials.
• Osgoode Hall Dining Room:
  • Located in the historic Osgoode Hall, this elegant cafeteria is open from September to June for lunch (12:00–2:00 p.m.). Join judges and lawyers for affordable fine dining.
  • Must Try: Soup of the day, quiche. Reservations: Call 416-947-3361.
• Rose and Sons:
  • A casual diner-inspired spot offering hearty meals with a creative twist.
  • Must Try: Brisket sandwich, challah French toast.

Our highlight Multicultural and Fusion Cuisine:

• Banh Mi Boys:
  • A Vietnamese street food spot known for its modern twists on banh mi, tacos, and steamed buns.
  • Must Try: Five spice pork belly banh mi, kimchi fries.
• Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen:
  • Upscale Jamaican comfort food with a modern flair.
  • Must Try: Jerk chicken, oxtail stew. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
• Pho Hung:
  • A popular Chinatown spot for authentic Vietnamese pho and other classics. Cash only.
  • Must Try: Rare beef pho, spring rolls.
• Dim Sum King (Chinatown):
  • A go-to spot for traditional dim sum in the heart of Chinatown, offering a wide selection of dumplings, buns, and rolls.
  • Must Try: Shrimp dumplings (har gow), BBQ pork buns, egg tarts. Arrive early for the best selection.
  • Website:
• California Sandwiches:
  • Massive Italian sandwiches served with fresh ingredients and plenty of sauce.
  • Must Try: Veal parmesan, chicken cutlet.

Our top hidden gems:

• Graffiti Alley:
  • A colorful stretch of street art showcasing Toronto's vibrant creative culture. A great spot for Instagram-worthy photos and a unique urban vibe.
• Evergreen Brick Works:
  • An urban park with hiking trails, a farmers' market, and eco-friendly activities, all set in a restored historic industrial site.
  • Must Do: Hike the trails, explore the market on weekends, or join workshops.
• Polson Pier:
  • Offers one of the best views of the Toronto skyline, especially at sunset. A tranquil escape for photography or quiet moments by the water.

Our top 3 parks to wander and relax in:

• High Park:
  • Toronto's largest park, perfect for hiking, picnics, and seeing cherry blossoms in spring.
  • Highlights: Grenadier Pond, hiking trails, children’s playground.
• Trinity Bellwoods Park:
  • A lively park with open spaces, picnic areas, and a farmers' market in the summer.
  • Highlights: Community vibe, tennis courts, off-leash dog area.
• Riverdale Park East:
  • Offers stunning skyline views of Toronto, with sports fields and open green spaces for relaxation.
  • Highlights: Great for sunsets and views of the CN Tower.

Tips for Visiting Toronto

• Use Your Credit Card or ATM Card for Transit
  • Toronto’s public transit (TTC) accepts contactless payments with credit or debit cards on buses, streetcars, and subway turnstiles.
  • Tip: Tap once when boarding; transfers are free for two hours in any direction, so you can make a return trip within the same fare window.
  • Pro Tip: Move to the back of streetcars and buses to make room for others, and don’t block subway doors when standing.
• Be Specific When Asking for Directions
  • Torontonians are friendly and willing to help, but they may not recognize street addresses alone.
  • Tip: Mention landmarks or building names like “the CN Tower,” “Eaton Centre,” or “Royal Ontario Museum” instead of just the address.
  • Ride Share Pro Tip: Enter the name of the business or building in apps instead of a street address to avoid confusion.
• Take Advantage of Toronto’s Two-Hour Transfer Policy
  • With the TTC, you can hop on and off buses, streetcars, or subways as many times as you like within two hours of your first tap.
  • Tip: Use this for short trips, errands, or to explore nearby neighborhoods without paying multiple fares.
• Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
  • Toronto is a very walkable city with neighbourhoods like Kensington Market, the Distillery District, and the waterfront. However, distances can be longer than they appear on a map.
  • Tip: Bring comfortable shoes for urban exploration, and consider layering clothing for weather changes.
• Explore Multicultural Food and Drinks
  • Toronto’s diversity is reflected in its food scene, with countless cuisines to try.
  • Tip: Don’t miss iconic eats like peameal bacon sandwiches (Paddington’s Pump), Jamaican patties (Carib 21), dim sum in Chinatown (Dim Sum King), and a pint of craft beer by the waterfront (Amsterdam BrewHouse).
• Be Ready for Weather Changes
  • Toronto’s weather can shift quickly, especially in spring and fall. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cold and windy.
  • Tip: Dress in layers, and in winter, wear warm outerwear and sturdy boots to navigate icy sidewalks.
• Visit During Off-Peak Times
  • Attractions like the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, and St. Lawrence Market can get crowded during weekends and afternoons.
  • Tip: Plan your visits for weekday mornings for fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.
• Enjoy the Best Toronto Skyline Views (Polson Pier):
  • For a stunning view of Toronto’s skyline, Polson Pier is the spot. However, it’s a bit out of the way, so plan ahead.
  • Tip: Consider taking a taxi or rideshare to avoid the hassle of navigating public transit. If you’re driving, parking is usually available nearby. Visit at sunset or after dark for the most impressive photos.
• Use Public Transit to Explore the Islands
  • The Toronto Islands offer beaches, bike trails, and stunning city views. A short ferry ride from downtown will get you there.
  • Tip: Pack a picnic or rent a bike for a full day of adventure.
• Park in Green P Lots: Website for the Green P App
  • If you’re driving in Toronto, the Green P Parking lots are your best bet for convenience and reliability. They have a mobile app that allows you to pay for parking, monitor your time, and add more time remotely.
  • Tip: The Green P app works for street parking too, but be cautious—parking signs can be confusing. Even locals sometimes misunderstand and get ticketed. Stick to Green P lots when possible.