Toronto is the largest city in Canada, and with over 200 nationalities represented here, this multicultural hub is a dream destination for food lovers. There are plenty of things to do in Toronto, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just a day trip. Attractions such as the CN Tower, Casa Loma, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Hockey Hall of Fame are just some of the many highlights that people visit Toronto for. And of course, there are endless places to eat in Toronto as well.
Ontario’s capital city is home to some of the country’s best eateries. Many of these restaurants aren’t the cheapest to eat at though, so they may not comfortably fit within your budget. However, places such as Kensington Market and Chinatown are known for having some great cheap eats – and that’s just the start.
Find out more about the top places to eat in Toronto on a budget below (including the downtown area and further afield).
Is Toronto budget friendly?
Toronto has a fairly big reputation for being an expensive city. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the city on a budget. The main attractions are on the pricier side, and the hotels in Toronto aren’t the cheapest, but there are a lot of hidden gems, affordable places to eat, and free events happening throughout the year in Toronto, so there’s something to fit into everyone’s budget.
One of the biggest things to remember when visiting Toronto is that there are a lot of tourist traps. I’d recommend doing some research beforehand and finding out where the locals eat. Food markets and food trucks are always a great option for something to eat on the go, and the neighbourhoods further away from the area surrounding the CN Tower have some fantastic restaurants and cafes to try.
Places to Eat in Toronto
1. Madrina Bar y Tapas
One of the best places to eat in Toronto if you’re in the Distillery District is Madrina Bar y Tapas. This beautiful modern restaurant has a menu based around modern Spanish cuisine, with flavours inspired from Barcelona.
All of their dishes are crafted using local ingredients, and you can pair each dish with an expertly crafted cocktail. They have over 70 types of gin available, so if you can’t decide what to order I’d recommend one of their gin flights instead of a single cocktail.
Everything here is designed for sharing, including the patatas bravas, croquettes, and their unique take on paella that’s sure to blow you away. Madrina Bar y Tapas is the perfect place to come in the summertime when you can enjoy your meal and drinks in the sunshine, but the interior is equally as enjoyable during the off season.
2. Uncle Tetsu’s
If there’s one place you have to go for desserts in downtown Toronto, it’s Uncle Tetsu’s. They have various locations around the city, but their flagship store is located near Yonge-Dundas Square. Uncle Tetsu’s is famous for its fluffy Japanese-style cheesecakes which are available in various flavours – including matcha! But their traditional Japanese cheesecake never fails.
Apart from the airy cheesecakes, you can also try their tasty madeleines or a selection of their addictive cheese tarts. Don’t be surprised if there’s a queue here, but the wait will definitely be worth it.
3. Koh Lipe
Tucked away near Kensington Market is one of the best places to eat in Toronto if you’re in the mood for Southern Thai cuisine. Koh Lipe has a menu that’s packed with traditional dishes which are all made using fresh herbs and ingredients. Some of the dishes can be on the spicy side, so make sure you read the descriptions properly!
Koh Lipe has a good selection of dishes for vegetarians, as well as vegan-friendly options, so it’s a great spot to come for people with all types of dietary requirements. Although this restaurant in Toronto is centrally located, the prices are very reasonable, and the portions are generous too at this award-winning restaurant.
4. La Bastille Boulangerie Patisserie
Some of the best places to eat in Toronto are located a short drive outside of the downtown area, and this is definitely the case with La Bastille Boulangerie Patisserie. This French patisserie is located in Scarborough and it’s known for its authentic French pastries and baked goods. I’d recommend ordering a selection of their cakes and pastries to take on the road with you – there are so many great options that you won’t know where to start!
The bakery is a fantastic place to come for fresh baguettes, pain au chocolat, and beautifully crafted cakes and tarts. Despite the high quality of all of their goods, the prices remain very reasonable and the bakery is a big hit with locals and visitors. If you’re arriving by car, there are plenty of parking spaces outside.
5. The George Street Diner
Toronto’s Old Town is a beautiful part of the city to visit. It’s known for its comfort food, quirky cafes, and retro charm, and it’s a nice area to walk around at any time of the year. If you’re looking for somewhere to have breakfast in the old town, The George Street Diner is one of the most popular spots.
This traditional red-brick diner has a menu based around all-day breakfast classics and hearty lunchtime meals. Everything is made using locally sourced ingredients too. It’s a simple menu but the portions are a good size and all of the food is very well presented. This diner is a great spot to fuel up before exploring all that Toronto’s historic streets have to offer.
6. Scooped By Demetres
Toronto’s Distillery District is home to a good selection of restaurants, bars, and dessert shops. One of my favourite stops is Scooped By Demetres who are known for their handcrafted ice creams and their freshly made waffle cones. They have a few traditional flavours available, but what people really come to try are their unique gourmet flavours.
Their ice cream flavours vary based on the season, but everything is made in small batches and is very rich and creamy. If you have a big sweet tooth, then you may want to try out one of their decadent sundaes that are topped with homemade sauces and other goodies.
7. Poong Moon
As I’ve mentioned before, a lot of the best places to eat in Toronto are located away from the downtown area. Poong Moon is a great example. This Korean restaurant is located in North York and it’s quickly become a favourite with students and locals thanks to their authentic flavours and big portions.
Poon Moon specializes in Korean comfort food, with staples such as spicy pork bulgogi taking centre stage. I tried one of their tofu dishes with rice, and although it was a little spicier than I’m used to, the flavours were incredible. This restaurant is open late as well, and it’s still very much a hidden gem in Toronto.
8. Eggsmart
Eggsmart is a good restaurant to visit if you’re on the hunt for an affordable breakfast in Toronto. They have many locations throughout the city, including in Scarborough. Eggsmart has an extensive breakfast menu with everything from large breakfast plates to buttermilk pancakes and French toast available. They even have a section of the menu dedicated to healthy breakfasts, where you can find keto options and vegetarian dishes.
9. Butter & Blue
If you haven’t walked around Baldwin Village before, now’s the time to do it. It’s located close to Toronto’s Chinatown and it’s home to a nice selection of cozy cafes. Butter & Blue is one of the most popular cafes in the neighbourhood, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating available.
This Asian-inspired cafe has a menu based around sweet treats and savoury snacks, as well as unique hot and cold drinks. If you’re in the mood for an iced matcha latte, this is a great spot to come and relax for a while before exploring more of the city.
How to find budget friendly food spots in Toronto
Despite its reputation for being an expensive city, there are many delicious budget friendly options when it comes to food in Toronto. And with so many nationalities all in one city, you’ll be spoiled for choice trying to pick which cuisine to try. Even if you plan to visit some of Toronto’s main attractions, try to avoid eating near them as many of the restaurants are tourist traps and lack good quality food.
Instead, take some time to explore the unique neighbourhood’s around the downtown area, where you’re sure to find something tasty that doesn’t blow a hole in your budget. And if you have some spare time on your hands, I’d recommend a short drive further into Southwestern Ontario where you’ll find an abundance of farm-to-table restaurants to try.
If you have any questions about places to eat in Toronto, or if you have any recommendations you think should be included in this list, feel free to reach out. You can get in touch with me via email, or through Instagram or TikTok where you can also follow along with my latest adventures.
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