As a food writer, I’ve committed the ultimate cardinal sin. I’ve been holding out on you. Three months ago I had the best sandwich of my life and I’ve kept it to myself ever since. But just a little over a week ago, small town influencer duo @livto2020 traveled to Bolton, Ontario and discovered my … Continued
By Nisean Lorde
Canada’s chocolate appetite is huge. But a lot of what we eat (and what chefs cook with) is still produced elsewhere. So, Toronto chef and chocolatier Brandon Olsen and entrepreneur Michael Held are stepping into that gap with a new venture: As We Do Chocolate Company, a chef-led brand that serves both premium retail shoppers … Continued
Toronto’s cookie scene is notoriously crowded, but Anastasiia Ovchynnikova isn’t interested in the usual over-the-top gimmicks or viral bait. This month, she is launching Cookeys at Yonge and St. Clair, a project that swaps flashy toppings for serious technical chops and a “built from zero” approach. A former lawyer, Ovchynnikova moved to Canada and decided … Continued
By Ron Johnson
Toronto’s packed summer festival calendar is getting a hot and smoky new addition. This July, Brewery & the Beast, a popular celebration of live-fire cooking, chef-driven cuisine, and craft beverages from out west, makes its Toronto debut. Think all-you-can-enjoy food, drink, and music in the city’s west end. The festival lands on July 26, from … Continued
By Nisean Lorde
Big Trouble Pizza is getting ready to serve its last slice in Toronto. The popular Geary Avenue restaurant, which is known for its cheesy, signature pies and gooey smash burgers, announced that it’ll be closing at the end of the month. “After 8 years, Big Trouble Pizza will be serving its last slice on Saturday … Continued
By Nisean Lorde
A new sandwich shop just opened up in Toronto’s east end, and it’s quickly becoming the go-to spot for big, messy bites loaded with house-made extras. Hot Mess is the first permanent venture from If I May Hospitality, helmed by sommelier Lee Stein, with Chef Steven Kasprowicz (best known for The Eat Locker). The menu … Continued
Cheap eats might be everywhere in Toronto, but who wants to waste hard-earned cash on bland, forgettable food? We went straight to the source — the city’s top chefs, from Michelin starred maestros to culinary celebs — to spill the goods on where to find the best bites without breaking the bank. Prepare to save … Continued
Toronto winters can feel never-ending — not much sun, expensive eats and the usual sad desk lunch. But why settle for the same old when you can hit up places with tons of sunlight, chill vibes and lunch under $25? We’ve got the spots that make braving the cold worth it. Here are the restaurants … Continued
When you think about Italian cuisine in Toronto’s food scene, it’s hard not to think of a spot opened by Liberty Entertainment Group. From DaNico to Don Alfonso, the group has helped shape the city’s idea of Italian cuisine —and now it’s taking that vision south, setting its sights on Miami. This isn’t Liberty Entertainment … Continued
By Nisean Lorde
Toronto has one of the largest Persian diasporas in the world, which means you can find traditional Persian cooking all over the city. Indulge in everything from sizzling charcoal-grilled skewers to fragrant saffron rice flecked with dill, as well as slow-braised stews that taste like someone’s auntie simmered them all afternoon! Here are eight Persian … Continued
By Nisean Lorde
If you need an excuse to do Prince Edward County in the dead of winter, mark the Drake Devonshire’s Barn Burner to your calendar. The waterfront hotel in Wellington is bringing the event back on the night of Feb. 28, 2026, marking the sixth year of the Barn Burner! It runs from 7 p.m. to … Continued
By Nisean Lorde
If you’ve sworn off Winterlicious because the menus feel a bit watered down, here’s your reason to come back this year. Toronto’s annual winter culinary festival runs Jan 30 to Feb 12, 2026, with three-course prix-fixe menus across the city (dinner tiers range from $25 to $75). While some diners have complained about limited menus … Continued
