Summer Bites
Where to eat in Toronto now. And the worst hot dog ever.
There’s nothing like a Toronto summer. And although things will never be as iconic as they were in 2016 (iykyk), it’s still pretty darn good out here. Sometimes you can even get a cocktail for less than $10 (ahem, Toronto’s best happy hours).
Every summer, I make a list of all the things I want to do, so I thought I’d share the food and drink version with you while I still can! First things first, hot dogs are finally getting the recognition they deserve … with one seriously fucked up exception below.
I’ve also included some of my favourite patios. All of them have immaculate vibes and zero orange pylons because I can’t handle that kind of stress in my life. If you’re craving barbecue or you’re too broke for Italian summer, I got just the places to try, as long as you promise to try something other than burrata (jks, live your life). Anyways, I hope the rest of summer is good to you. May your cup be full and may your time on the Gardiner be short.
Toronto restaurants: What’s new
Masa Deli
📍Leslieville
Had the best breakfast sandwich at this cutie neighbourhood lunch and all-day brekki spot. Their Leslieville location opened recently (Dovercourt Village is the OG), and I fear I’ll be here every week for a sausage breakfast sandy stacked with a silky chive omelette, house-made carrot habanero salsa (crack), and pickles!!
More elite breakfast sandwiches: Dad’s Breakfast & Coffee, Made Rite Coffee, Gold Standard, Hot Pork
Golden Horseshoe Barbecue
📍Seaton Village
After a series of successful pop-ups, this Texas-style barbecue joint finally scored permanent digs on Dupont. The opening date has been a long time coming but keep an eye on their IG for updates. You won’t want to miss their slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage (the Texas trinity) or famous banana pudding.
Rayah
📍Cabbagetown
Grab some freshly baked pastries on the main floor of this Moroccan-French café/bistro, and you might just think you’re in Paris, but share a kemia plate of dips and zaalouk in the sunroom upstairs and suddenly you’re in Fez.
The influences from both food cultures give many dishes here their own unique split identity: A flaky croissant stuffed with merguez sausage and harissa aïoli, or a mouthwatering lamb tajine with classic French gratin dauphinois (thin potato slices baked in cream). Oui.
N.L. Ginzburg
📍Little Italy
What you get when you mix an Italian-ish trattoria with Jewish home cooking. From the folks who brought us Taverne Bernhardt's and Dreyfus, who know a thing or two about eating and drinking well. I’m a sucker for chicken liver, so I have my eyes on the chopped liver alla giudìa ("Jewish style" in Italian), a simple dish loaded with history and rich flavour. For my main, it’s gotta be the duck ragu tagliatelle.
Agak Agak Canada
📍Cabbagetown
This Singaporean Kopitiam ("kopi" means "coffee" in Malay and "tiam" means "shop" in Hokkien … thank you Google) had their soft opening this July and I’m SO excited for their arrival.
I’m not familiar with Singaporean food, and what better way to immerse yourself than through Agak Agak’s homey, flavour-packed dishes like Hainanese chicken rice—Singapore’s national dish—and popiah, a spring roll so beloved people throw parties in their name.
Bosque
📍Danforth
When a neighbour with too much time on their hands objected this cocktail bar’s liquor license application (putting two service industry vets’ business in jeopardy), the community rallied behind them. After weeks of waiting, they officially got their license! Catch me there with a celebratory cocktail soon.
The Lunch Lady
📍Ossington
I’m not going to lie, I’ve been putting off going to this restaurant. If you’re an Anthony Bourdain fan, you’ll probably get it.
The story goes, back in 2008 Bourdain returned to Vietnam, one of his favourite places on earth, to film an episode of No Reservations. While in Ho Chi Minh City, he came across Nguyễn Thị Thanh’s humble lunch stall, where he was blown away by her $0.75 daily soup special: Bún bò Huế, a savoury beef noodle soup. He dubbed her “The Lunch Lady,” and from the moment the episode aired, people from all over the world have travelled for her famous dishes.
One of those people was Vancouver restaurateur Michael Tran, who ended up convincing her to sell him the trademarks to her recipes so he could open a Lunch Lady inspired outpost in Vancouver (with her blessing). This past May, the second location was set to open on Ossington when Nguyễn suddenly passed shortly after arriving at Pearson airport.
So yeah, I’m sad. I’m still sad about Bourdain. I’m sad about Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Thanh. And I don’t think it’s fair to say a meal here could do the experience of eating at the original Lunch Lady—an experience made all the more sacred now that they’re both gone—justice. But, maybe, I can get the tiniest (Ossington-priced) taste.
Where to go for…
🥫Italian summer
Bar Vendetta
📍Dundas West
A plate of scratch-made, seasonal pasta and a side of olives on Vendetta’s treehouse-esque back patio is peak summer for me. Their beef tartare also has olives in it, which is a very good idea.
Zia’s Place
📍Little Portugal
New collab between pasta Queen Jess Maiorano (Pasta Forever) and Parkdale's Happy Coffee and Wine. Hand-made pasta, southern Italian dishes, vintage cool aunt vibes.
Annabelle Pasta Bar
📍Wychwood
Every week, this Davenport & Christie pasta bar writes down three fresh pasta dishes on their chalk board menu. The hard part (your job) is choosing just one, and after a bottle from their “Cabinet of Curiosities,” you might just order the whole damn board.
Tutto Panino or Alfie’s
If you like Italian sandwiches and waiting in line, people are going absolutely feral for these two West End bottegas.
🔥 Barbecue
Cherry Street BBQ
📍Port Lands
This neighbourhood has seen a lot of development recently, including the opening of Biidaasige Park. So, what better way to enjoy the sun and greenery (hello, picnic!) than with pit-smoked meat from this Toronto legend?
Barque Smokehouse
📍 Roncesvalles
Three words: bacon-rimmed caesar. Just one of the many gifts from this smokehouse. Other highlights include a whole chicken dinner with cornbread and smokey dill slaw for $29, weekday lunch (11:30 pm – 2:30 pm) for $15, and the fact that they’re a full-wage restaurant AKA no tipping.
Dang Smoke BBQ
📍Leslieville
This counter-service barbecue joint is the perfect cure to mid-week lunch woes. The menu is tight but they’ve got great options and prices: half-a-pound of beef brisket smoked for 14 hours for 18 bucks, heck yeah!
🌭 Hot dawgs
A note: I don’t know who needs to hear this but there is a BIG difference between a steamed and a boiled hotdog. One is delicious (a cherished staple of ballparks and Montreal neighbourhoods), the other is probably what happened when you failed to steam correctly. Unless, you’re boiling hot dogs on purpose, and in that case, I’m calling the police.
Best in Town Chip Wagon
📍Leslieville
Things are simple at this cash-only food truck in the Canadian Tire Parking lot, but done right. The hot dogs and sausages (Italian spice, Polish smoked, or German style) are juicy with the perfect snap; the toppings are fresh; and you won’t even notice the car exhaust.
Tino’s
📍 The Junction
Haven’t been here yet but it’s high on the bucket list (also, the owners’ east end restaurant Inmigrante is very good). I’m a big fan of trying street meat in other countries and Tino’s brings the flavours and fun of internationally inspired dogs home. You can also go down the build-your-own route. Either way, scratch-made sausages, creative toppings, and freshly baked buns sound nice to me.
WVRST
📍Multiple locations
OK, technically these are sausages, not hot dogs, but who cares! The kielbasa and bratwurst at this beer hall always hit. Plus, their crispy duck-fat fries are to die for. Feeling adventurous? They’ve got a selection of game meat sausages like kangaroo and elk. East enders, there’s an outpost at Godspeed Brewery.
📍THE STREETS
Listen, some of the best dogs in Toronto are from humble hot dog stands scattered throughout downtown or near The Dome. I hear the street meat at the corner of King and York is particularly nice this time of year.
Also here is a very important, complete list of all the hot dogs at The Roger’s Centre and where to find them. Go Jays!
Oh, and before I forget (although I wish I could) …
The worst hot dog ever
Look, I wasn’t going to name this establishment because the people working there at the time of The Incident were incredibly kind and even gave me a new hot dog when they saw my reaction to the first one (pictured … I’m so sorry). But, respectfully, what the fuck was that? I couldn’t even eat it because I MEAN LOOK AT IT … it was so water-logged and soggy yet dry and leathery from being boiled (I think? It’s unclear) into another dimension that just the smell made me never want to lock eyes with another wiener again. And the second hot dog wasn’t any better. I took a risk and ordered the bánh mì dog, which is on me, but everything else is on Monday’s Off. Okay, fine, I named them. But only because it’s been getting a fair amount of media coverage lately, and I have a hard time believing anyone who’s actually survived a hot dog there would recommend it. So, a PSA for those making hot dogs, personally or professionally, please, for the love of all that’s good and sacred in this world, don’t do whatever the heck disgraceful thing was done to the dog below.
🍦Elite ice cream
Bar Ape
📍St. Clair West
The best gelato in town, IMO (found out two seconds ago it’s pronounced "ah pay”). They specialize in soft-serve gelato, and you haven’t lived until you’ve tried their toasted coconut, or Ontario strawberry, or Italian sour cherry (every fresh flavour is a banger). Date idea: Annabelle Pasta Bar for dinner, then walk over here for dessert.
The Big Chill
📍Little Italy
Retro ice cream parlour vibes. They’ve got loads of fun flavours (I see you, Oreo salted caramel) and toppings. Plus, bowl-sized waffle cone sundaes, so you never have to choose between a cup or cone.
Ruru Baked
📍Bloordale
Custard-based ice cream is a gift from the gods (technically chickens, but whatever). The secret is egg yolks, which give the scoops at this small-batch shop their rich, creamy texture. The menu changes frequently, but you can expect nostalgic, often Asian-inspired flavours like Viet coffee and milk tea.
Hidden Gem Alert: Not only does Leslieville’s Soul Chocolate make their own single-origin chocolate, but they also have an unreal summer menu.
For my dairy intolerant (or vegan!) friends, behold scoops that won’t make you S your P’s:
Delight
📍The Junction
This is hands-down the best ice cream I’ve ever had. The scoops have integrity to them AKA not overly churned or full of air, so you get super rich, flavourful, and decadent ice cream that somehow melts into a mousse-like consistency. I’m completely obsessed and will gladly pay $14 for a pint BECAUSE IT’S WORTH IT.
Super Serve
📍Kensington Market
You got your classic vanilla and chocolate Whoville swirls, but this sweet counter-service spot also has unexpected toppings and monthly vegan features like a creamy, dreamy earl grey and raspberry twist.
Psst, Lambo’s Leslieville does soft serve sorbetto (vegan) and gelato now. Say less.
Honey’s
📍Dundas West & Leslieville
Honey’s is always coming up with cheeky flavours that perfectly capture all the seasonal feels. When was the last time you had Ontario sweet corn in ice cream form with sour cheery jam ripples? Or how about Frosty & Fries (those that get it, get it) with candied french fry bits, which was texturally weird but still kind of good.
⛱️ Patio perfection
Actinolite
📍Ossington … but not that Ossington
Go a few blocks north of the Ossington strip (you can do it), and you’ll find this cozy escape, complete with wood burning grills. There is no menu, things move and change as often as nature does, and its gifts are pretty darn delicious. Reso’s are recommended for their six-course seasonal tasting menu ($135 per person), but they also have a $60 three-course Neighbourhood Menu—call on Friday or Saturday and you might just snag a table.
Bar Pompette
📍Little Italy
I think this is the most precious patio in town. It’s got all the markings of a perfect summer evening: twinkly lights, incredible cocktails, no time limit on tables. Lingering is a lost art and you can stay all you’d like, as long as you you’re sippin’ on something delish (their Nitro Colada, perhaps?). Walk-ins only, how chic.
Lake Inez Mystery Patio
📍Little India
I’ve spent all of ten minutes on the Lake Inez Mystery Patio, but in those ten minutes, I had a really good time (I had free alcohol) because Lake Inez is a good time, ok? It’s a little weird (the menu reads like a fever dream), but it’s also original as fuck, actually has a personality, and the folks who work there try hard and care!! In future, I would like to actually experience the tasting menu and some funky wine my parents would hate on the *~mysterious~* rooftop patio.
Conejo Negro
📍Little Italy
One of my favourite evenings this summer was on Conejo’s bumpin’ back patio. Everything was exceptional: the service, drinks, food, music, atmosphere. There were no misses. And even if there was, it wouldn’t have mattered because the staff are so genuine, it felt like we were at a friend’s backyard barbecue.
The food is based on a mix of Creole, Caribbean, and Latin American cooking that sticks to your ribs. No teeny, tiny tweezer food here. Just big plates, big flavours, big energy. Get the firecracker shrimp and jerk chicken, I beg.
Hidden Gem Alert: The Hamptons restaurant on Clinton Street has a très cute and romantic back patio.
🎉 Day party
Community Wines
📍Depends
Did I pay $20 cover to frolic for 7 hours in a parking lot? Yes, and it was worth it. Community Wines’ Big Bad Block Parties are vibey yet approachable, a place where Gen Z and elder millennials can co-exist in harmony. You, too, can dance in broad daylight, share bottles of natural wine, eat charcoal grilled meat, have fun who cares.
Garden Garden
📍Ossington
Sunday Scaries be damned … every Sunday 3-11pm (weather permitting) you can dance your little heart out in a tucked away courtyard. DJ sets, drinks, food from local restaurants, plus it’s free before 6 pm. If you go early, it’s pretty low-key (ppl bring their kids), but when the sun goes down, it gets rowdy.
Conci
📍Gerrard East
Tiny French café and wine bar, where you can score a coveted canelé or croissant (if you're there early). Every so often, they put on block parties with food and sound mashups, sunny vibes, and plenty of natural wine.
