Toronto’s Top Cafés, Restaurants & Wineries
Looking for the best cafés and restaurants in Toronto? Whether you’re a first-time visitor, returning traveler, or curious local, this curated guide by RivetStays highlights the city’s most celebrated food and drink destinations. From morning matcha stops and Michelin-listed restaurants to weekend winery escapes, these guest-recommended spots promise to make your Toronto trip unforgettable.
From Queen West to Kensington Market, this list brings together the best cafés and restaurants in Toronto that our team and guests consistently rave about.
Best Cafés in Toronto Recommended by RivetStays
White Lily Diner
Why Visit: Leslieville’s beloved brunch spot with comfort food elevated—fluffy sourdough pancakes, house‑made biscuits, savory sandwiches, and fresh local coffee. A Michelin Bib Gourmand pick.
Booking: 678 Queen St E, Toronto. Call (416) 901 7800 to check times or book.
Dineen Coffee Co.
Why Visit: Historic downtown coffeehouse housed in an iconic architectural space—sparkling light fixtures, high ceilings, and world-class espresso and pastries.
Booking: 140 Yonge St; call 416 900 0949 or visit dineencoffee.com.
Cygnet Coffee
Why Visit: A serene, minimalist coffee spot serving precisely brewed espresso, teas, and pastries. Ideal for remote work, reading, or quiet catch-ups.
Booking: Contact info not publicly listed; check their location or social media.
Glad Day Bookshop & Café
Why Visit: World’s oldest LGBTQ+ bookstore coupled with a café—coffee, cocktails, and culture in the heart of Church-Wellesley Village. Hosts events, readings, activism, and community gatherings.
Booking: Contact via their website or Instagram for event inquiries.
Café Cancan/Piano Piano
Why Visit: Whimsical French bistro draped in pastel charm and serving flawless croque madames, escargot, steak tartare, and foie gras parfait. Instagrammable and delicious.
Booking: 89 Harbord St; call (647) 341 3100 or email via their site.
Top Restaurants in Toronto Loved by Locals and Guests
Pai Northern Thai Kitchen
Why Visit: Chef Nuit Regular serves bold Northern Thai classics like khao soi, pad gra prow, and smoky satay in a vibrant, well-loved setting. Fresh flavors and stylish décor make it perfect for memorable dinners.
Booking: 18 Duncan St, Toronto. Reservations via phone: (416) 901 4724 or downtown@paitoronto.com.
Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos
Why Visit: A Kensington Market institution serving Baja-style tacos—especially the Gobernador and Baja fish—made fresh, fast, and under $7. High flavor, no-frills, and totally addictive.
Booking: 72 Kensington Ave; no reservations, but call ahead at (416) 393 4636 to check wait times.
Bar Isabel
Why Visit: Spanish‑Catalan small plates with Michelin-approved finesse—grilled octopus, bone marrow, patatas bravas—served in a cozy, elegant space with vibrant tile floors. Perfect for food lovers.
Booking: 797 College St; reservations recommended via (416) 532 2222 or their website.
Favorites Thai BBQ
Why Visit: A minimalist Ossington gem focused on live-fire Thai BBQ, funky shareable dishes, and natural wines. The smoky, savory flavors and groovy ambiance are unforgettable.
Booking: 141 Ossington Ave; reservations (6+ persons) via email hello@myfavethai.com, or call (647) 867 3283 for small parties.
Tsujiri
Why Visit: Toronto’s matcha mecca—authentic Japanese teas, matcha soft‑serve, pastries, parfaits—blend Japanese tradition with modern flair. A peaceful and refined stop in North York.
Booking: 147 Dundas St W, Toronto. Call 705 491 7253 to inquire.
Kothur Indian Cuisine
Why Visit: Superb South Indian cuisine—crisp dosas, fragrant biryanis, spicy curries—made from scratch. Hidden gem with bold, authentic flavor and depth.
Booking: Best reached via Google or reservation platforms.
Fonda Lola
Why Visit: Queen West taco haven combining Mexican street food flair with cozy, contemporary style. Highlights include braised short rib tacos, tequila cocktails, and brunch churros.
Booking: Contact via website or Instagram.
The Goods
Why Visit: Plant-forward café in Roncesvalles offering gluten-free, low-glycemic, sugar-free smoothies, salads, and bowls with a thoughtful wellness twist.
Booking: 279 Roncesvalles Ave; call (647) 340 4663.
Sugo
Why Visit: Red-sauce comfort food with an edge—bold, fun, and satisfying spaghetti, meatballs, and Italian classics done with flair. Casual and characterful.
Booking: Not publicly listed; book via Google or reservation platforms.
Sweaty Betty’s
Why Visit: Historic Ossington dive bar with punk-rock energy, a candlelit back patio, and a loyal following among creatives and locals. Classic Toronto nightlife staple.
Booking: Walk-ins welcome; contact not publicly listed.
Crews & Tangos
Why Visit: Toronto’s iconic drag and dance venue in the heart of the gay village. High-energy shows nightly, two dance floors, and a vibrant inclusive atmosphere.
Booking: 508 Church St, Toronto. Call (647) 349 7469 or email info@crewsandtangos.com.
Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery
Why Visit: Ice cream sandwich artistry at its best—unique fillings like lychee, burnt‑toffee scooped between cookies or Hong Kong‑style waffles. Sweet chaos in every bite.
Booking: 93A Ossington Ave; call (416) 531 1900 for peak info or check their site.
iHalo Krunch
Why Visit: Playful charcoal soft-serve meets Asian flavors like ube, matcha, and bubble tea. Each cone is visually stunning and tastes as fun as it looks.
Booking: 2114 Bloor St W; inquiries via (647) 505 3777 or info@ihalokrunch.com.
Best Wineries and Food Markets Near Toronto in 2025
Sandbanks Estate Winery
Why Visit: Scenic PEC winery offering award-winning vintages (notably Baco Noir, volatile Rosé) alongside vineyard tours, outdoor tastings, and a lively atmosphere.
Booking: 17598 Loyalist Pkwy, Wellington, ON. Call (613) 399 1839 or email wine@sandbankswinery.com.
Norman Hardie Winery
Why Visit: Known for its refined Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and artisanal pizza; Norman Hardie is a neighborhood‑style PEC winery with wholehearted hospitality and stylish rustic charm.
Booking: 1152 Greer Rd, Wellington, ON. Call (613) 399 5297 or email info@normanhardie.com.
Hinterland Wine Company
Why Visit: PEC’s sparkling wine pioneers, offering bottle-fermented bubbles and a rustic tasting barn. Ideal for rosé-lovers, couples, and wine country explorers.
Booking: Reservations via website or Instagram; contact not publicly listed.
The Local Store
Why Visit: A charming PEC general store-meets-artisan market stocked with local crafts, snacks, and nostalgic goods—perfect for tasting and browsing small-batch Ontario goods.
Booking: Address varies; check website or social media for hours.
Why Our Guests Love These Cafés, Restaurants & Wineries in Toronto
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Toronto local, these cafés, restaurants, and wineries stand out not just in our research—but in the experiences of our RivetStays clients and guests.
Many of the travelers and digital nomads who stay with us return again and again to places like Pai, Seven Lives, and Sandbanks Winery because they offer something unforgettable: authenticity, great service, and local character.
We’ve included these gems in our blogs and upcoming eBook not only because we love them—but because our guests recommend them too.
