There’s never been a better time to visit Toronto with the recent unveiling of the Michelin guide for the city, indicative of how far the city’s culinary scene has developed. They have eclectic cuisines for a broad range of budgets so there’s something for everyone when you visit Toronto. We take a look at the multifaceted culinary options the city has to offer.
Fine dining
Both dining venues at the institution that is The Ritz-Carlton Toronto are worth paying a visit to. TOCA is one of the finest Italian restaurants in the city. They have the only cheese cave in any Canadian hotel and are looking to expand the size of it even further. The menu has been created by renowned Michelin-starred chef, Oliver Glowig and delivers a level of refinement unique to the city.
The very best Italian dishes are rarely complicated and instead focus on the provenance of the ingredients. His signature ravioli ‘capresi’ is elegantly comforting with caciotta cheese, marjoram and tomato sauce. Whilst the 32-hour slow-roasted porchetta oozes umami-richness without being overly heavy. The hotel’s other restaurant, EPOCH offers a quintessential British afternoon tea that delivers decadent pastries and freshly made sandwiches.
Restaurants with a view
If you want well executed dishes and a little sightseeing too, then there are two options I highly recommend. First is the rotating, 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower. Standing at 553 metres, you get impeccable views of the metropolis whilst dining on some exquisitely prepared dishes. Their seafood bar is legendary with their three-tier seafood tower frequently making an appearance on Instagram pages.
Whilst their indigenous menu is much lauded with the likes of arctic char and bison tenderloin. The restaurant completes one rotation every 72 minutes so you’ll be much more familiar with the Toronto skyline by the end of your meal. Elevation to 360 and complimentary access to the observation level after your meal are all included as long as you spend over $75 per person on food. This particularly makes their Prix fixe menu a bargain when you factor in entry to CN Tower along costs $43.
You can also enjoy the scenery from a lower altitude by taking a Toronto Harbour lunch cruise with City Cruises. Having been on their cruises in London and New York, I know they have the drill perfected down to every minutia. The two-hour cruise is along the harbour front and also the Toronto Islands, which locals tend to escape to when they are seeking a slice of peace and tranquillity.
Only with a cruise can you appreciate the true beauty of the Toronto skyline with the CN tower as the main focus point. The buffet is much better than you would expect with mouth-watering chilli glazed Atlantic salmon, hunter-style chicken salad and a moreish mushroom ravioli served with roast peppers and a Parmesan garlic cream sauce. Their DJ pumps out hip remixes of pop songs at a volume conducive to conversation, but still delivers on creating a celebratory atmosphere.
Food tours
You can always understand the beating heart of a city by going on a food market tour, and the likes of Culinary Adventure Co. offers guided tours of the iconic St Lawrence Market and also Kensington Market with Chinatown. The former in particular is highly recommended given the market has been voted the best food market in the world by esteemed publications. It is one of the cleanest markets you will see in the world with produce neatly arranged and hygiene of the utmost importance.
The tour will take you to must-visit Canadian highlights such as trying peameal bacon sandwiches, savouring Canadian salmon and sampling Kozlik’s famous Canadian mustard. On the ground floor is mainly fresh produce whilst at the basement level, you can try more ready-to-eat stalls like pierogi from the local Polish community.
Multicultural offerings
If you want to experience the diverse nature of Toronto in a microcosm, head to the neighbourhood of Parkdale with its eclectic mix of cultures, independent shops and mesmerising street art. Here you’ll find up-and-coming restaurants like Nuna Kitchen and Bar, which has only popped up post-pandemic and offers funky, Peruvian-inspired cuisine. Their Nuna ceviche uses a mixture of grouper and octopus for textural variety along with the spicy Leche de Tigre which gently ‘cooks’ the seafood.
Marinated octopus with cauliflower puree is always going to be a showstopper with the octopus tentacle presented like a piece of modern art from MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto). They embrace local beers and organic wines but their pisco sour is a must-order, with a light velvety smoothness.
Hidden speakeasy
Who doesn’t love a secret bar which is a hidden gem only the drinks connoisseurs know about? So, it’s with some hesitancy, I introduce to you Secrette. It is situated above the much-lauded George restaurant (same owners). The vibe is that of a Parisian speakeasy. It’s sultry, it’s grown up, it’s a venue where time stands still and your focus is solely on great cocktails and great company. The cocktail list is conveniently arranged from lighter options to richer nightcaps.
The Orchidea is their take on the pisco sour, but with the addition of amaro lucano, which is an Italian herbal liqueur that gives the cocktail a slight earthy bitterness. You get hints of citrus peel and caramel. They also have a small plates food menu which isn’t listed on their website but is a must-try. Dishes like romaine rolls with lobster chipotle dressing and heirloom tomatoes, quinoa, and plum mascarpone are brought up directly from their award-winning kitchen downstairs.
Factbox
For more information visit destinationtoronto.com
