The Explorer

Dip into island life by grabbing a Jamaican patty. Toronto’s large ex-pat community brought this handy treat with them, mixing their food culture with Canadians’ crush on fast food sandwiches. With its characteristic crispy, golden-brown outside and spicy filling inside, the Jamaican patty has become one of Toronto’s favourite, hand-held meals.

Toronto’s Asian fusion restaurants have come a long way from the traditional. Combining the authenticity of the culture’s street food with a trendy twist, there is no shortage of creative and modern options that promise a culinary adventure.

Is your preference cheap and cheerful Chinese takeout or elegant Asian dining? You'll always find mouth-watering dumplings on the menu at these Asian restaurants where these morsels are taken seriously.

In Toronto's Greektown, the dinner parties usually start at 9 p.m. and this street is always a buzz. This city has the second largest Greek community outside of Greece itself and the food choices are as plentiful and delicious. Opa!

If you’ve ever been to France, you’ll know they love their moules, especially with a beer and maybe even some frites. There’s something about the combination that just tastes right. If you’re currently craving your own pot of savoury shellfish, you can find mussels galore at these Toronto hotspots.

With unlimited cheeses in the world to choose from, it’s no surprise that a multicultural city like Toronto would offer a multitude of cheeses at its fine food restaurants and shops. Mild or aged, boarded or plattered, at the beginning of a meal or the end, cheese always hits the spot. Here are Toronto’s best cheese platter venues.

A combination of European, African, and Amerindian influences make Brazilian food a carnival of flavours. If you don’t know your acarajé from your acai, or the tastes of São Paulo and Rio, one of these amazing Brazilian restaurants will have friendly servers to be your tour guide and Brazilian food aficionado!

In case you didn’t know, Parkdale is the centre of the universe, these days. Okay, not really, but they certainly have their fair share of culinary deliciousness going on over there. Foodies, rejoice! You can find yummy roti that won’t break the bank, as well as hip haute cuisine. Look no further, if you’re trying to decide where to go.

When it comes to food, this area of midtown Toronto has no shortage of places to visit. But how to wade through the options? Skip the fast food joints and subterranean food court and check out these independent, high quality eateries instead.

If you happen to find yourself a little dry in the mouth on your way through Leslieville, there’s no shortage of bars and restaurants to quench your thirst. Whether you’re in the mood for an authentic Irish pint or craft beer from Ontario, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Toronto’s Portuguese community is alive and thriving, offering a good number of eateries serving delicious Portuguese fare. From elegant, upscale restaurants serving traditional dishes to tapas bars and seafood patios, here is a sampling of some amazing Portuguese eating places.

Roncesvalles is one of Toronto’s trendiest neighbourhoods, thanks to an eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes and cultures in a community with deep roots. These are some of the best places to visit in this authentic urban village.