Aliu IsaWhen you hear Corktown, you instantly think of old brick buildings, charming streets, and, of course, amazing food.
It’s one of those neighborhoods where I can always wander down King or Queen and stumble on something delicious. It seems to have it all: comforting Italian dishes, creative cocktails, cute bistros, and lovely patios—exactly why I love going here.
As someone who spends way too much time trying new menus, friends are constantly asking me where they should eat when they’re in the area.
Well, the truth is there’s no shortage of good options, but there are a few places I highly recommend. Here are the top Corktown restaurants that you should try ASAP.
Los Gyros
Media credit: _krsc
Website: https://www.losgyrosmexicanfood.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/losgyrosm/
Address: 500 Queen St E
Hours: Wed – Thurs: 12 PM – 10 PM
Friday: 12 PM – 12 AM
Saturday: 11 AM – 2 AM
Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 867-2757
Must-Order: Tacos Al Pastor
Corktown’s Los Gyros is the second location of this family-style taqueria. With the help of a local artist who did gorgeous, wall-to-wall murals, their humble goal is to transport you to Mexico without ever leaving the city.
Tacos are the name of the game here—they offer a wide variety, but I always order their Tacos Al Pastor. You get an addictive sweet and savory flavor that makes it impossible for you to consume only one.
If you prefer seafood, a crowd favorite is their Taco Gobernador. Crispy battered fried shrimp between warm corn tortilla? Perfection.
To balance the richness of their tacos, make sure to order a refreshing glass of Mangoyada. This spicy-sour frozen mocktail has all the good stuff: mango, lime, Tajin, chili, and chamoy.
| Pro Tip: Plan your visit for a Saturday evening and catch fun Mariachi nights at Los Gyros. From 7 PM to 9 PM, this spot comes alive with authentic live music, so you can vibe happily while inhaling their amazing tacos. |
Oldtown Bodega
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Website: https://www.yelp.ca/biz/old-town-bodega-toronto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldtownbodega/
Address: 402 King St E
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 5 PM – 1 AM
Fri – Sat: 5 PM – 1:30 AM
Must-Order: Beef Empanada
Oldtown Bodega is one of Corktown’s best-kept secrets—so secret that there’s no sign out front to let you know you’ve arrived. Inspired by New York bodegas, this place is intimate and homey, with charming knick-knacks snagged from Craigslist for decor.
Their beer list pulls from breweries all across Ontario, so you’re bound to see local faves alongside new ones. But people actually go here for their handcrafted cocktails, like the Paper Plane, made from whiskey, Amaro Montenegro, and lemon juice.
True to its bodega theme, they don’t really serve full-on meals, but lean more toward small plates and bar fare. My go-to order is their in-house Beef Empanada: golden, flaky pastry filled with rich, savory beef that’s seasoned expertly.
You can go down the back to enjoy a lovely lounge that fits eight, with a couch and a working fireplace. Whenever I go here, I feel like I’m just hanging out at a friend’s place.
| Pro Tip: Make sure to visit during the warmer months—they extend their patio right onto King Street with a vintage boom box blasting good vibes. It’s one of those rare bars that actually has permission to spill onto the street, making it feel like a pop-up block party. |
Ladybug Wine Bar
Media credit: glutenfreefoodiechick
Website: https://resy.com/cities/toronto-on/venues/ladybug-wine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladybugwine/
Address: 514 King St E
Hours: Tue – Thurs: 4 PM – 11 PM
Friday: 4 PM – 12 AM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 12 AM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 11 PM
Contact: (437) 222-0142
Must-Order: Ham and Cheese Croquettes
Ladybug Wine Bar has a vibe that’s both fun and unpretentious, with playlists that lean into Dua Lipa or Charli XCX, and other upbeat pop hits.
When it comes to food, I am obsessed with their enormous Ham and Cheese Croquettes. You get three golden, panko-crusted bites filled with bechamel and ham, served with tomato chili jam that cuts through all the decadence.
Pair it with one of their 70 bottles of wine, from a carefully curated list that focuses on organic, sustainably farmed, family-run, and female-owned producers. It feels good to sip on something amazing that comes from vineyards with good intentions.
For added savings, you can visit during Happy Hour, which runs Tuesday to Friday from 4 PM to 7 PM, all summer long. I recommend snagging a seat on their patio and settling in for a lovely evening as the sun goes down.
| Pro Tip: Ladybug Wine Bar is one of the best brunch spots in Corktown, so don’t miss out and reserve early since it fills up fast. It runs every weekend from 10:30 AM to 3 PM. |
Fusilli Ristorante
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Website: https://www.fusilli.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fusilli_ristorante/
Address: 531 Queen St E A
Hours: Mon – Tue, Sat: 5 PM – 10 PM
Thurs – Fri: 12 PM – 2:30 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 214-5148
Must-Order: Margherita Pizza
Tucked along Queen Street East in Riverside, Fusilli Ristorante is a small Corktown favorite that offers authentic Southern Italian cuisine. The atmosphere is friendly and laid-back, thanks to chef-owner Giuseppe, who’s known for his warmth and humor.
Their Margherita Pizza is absolutely perfect—tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and oregano baked onto a crisp, chewy crust. It’s the kind of pizza that proves you don’t need a dozen toppings to make something memorable.
As for pasta, they include popular choices like Fusilli al Salmone, Fettuccine al Pollo, and Casarecce Bolognese—all made with care. Even better, their pastas can be made gluten-free for a small fee.
And who doesn’t like free perks? I recommend signing up for their VIP membership program to receive coupons, event invites, and promotions now and then.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning a date night, make sure to book a table at Fusilli. In the evenings, the restaurant glows with dim candlelight and the soft sounds of Italian music. |
The Rosebud
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Website: https://www.rosebudto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosebudto/
Address: 498 King St E
Hours: Wed – Sat: 5:30 PM – 11 PM
Contact: (647) 531-1388
Must-Order: Panisse
Serving French-inspired fare, The Rosebud is both friendly and romantic. I love that it’s so Insta-worthy, with velvet banquettes in shades of pink, chrome and floral accents, and a black and white checkered floor.
My top pick here is their delicious Panisse, a street snack from the South of France. Instead of the traditional chickpea base, daikon radish is crisped up into something that looks like a giant French fry, served in black bean chili oil and cauliflower puree.
As for dessert, don’t leave until you’ve tried their Devil’s Food Cake. This rich, silky treat has amaro-infused chocolate mousse topped with a hint of flaky salt.
My favorite spot here is by the west-facing window, where I can both people-watch inside the dining room and out on the street. Just add a glass of red, and I’m golden.
| Pro Tip: With a capacity of only 28 people, The Rosebud fills up really quickly, especially on weekends. If you want in, make sure to book a reservation well in advance. |
Gusto 501
Media credit: gusto501
Website: https://gusto501.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gusto501
Address: 501 King St E
Hours: Mon – Wed: 5 PM – 10 PM
Thurs, Sun: 12 PM – 10 PM
Fri – Sat: 12 PM – 11 PM
Contact: (416) 477-5647
Must-Order: Mafalde Al Funghi
Gusto means tasty in Italian—a perfect name for a restaurant that’s been serving authentic Italian food in Toronto’s East End since 2020.
My personal favorite is the Mafalde Al Funghi, a pasta that brings together three types of mushrooms, with a silky truffle cream. It’s earthy and comforting—the kind of pasta you want to twirl up on your fork again and again.
They’re also known for their delicious drinks, the most popular being the Cosmopolis. It’s basically summer in a glass, which pairs well with their pasta offerings.
Part of the magic is the space itself—very hip and photo-ready, especially at night. I just love looking at its glowing terracotta walls and beautiful lighting fixtures.
| Pro Tip: If you’re hunting for the perfect foodie gift, the Gusto 501 gift cards are redeemable, not only here but also at their sister spots. These include Gusto 101, Chubby’s, Trattoria Nervosa, Azhar Kitchen and Bar, and Cafe Zuzu. |
Reyna on King
Media credit: reynaonking
Website: https://www.reynaonking.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reynaonking/
Address: 354 King St E
Hours: Tue – Wed: 11 AM – 11 PM
Thursday: 11 AM – 1 AM
Friday: 11 AM – 2 AM
Saturday: 10 AM – 2 AM
Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 546-3155
Must-Order: Lebanese Tacos
Just east of Parliament on King, Reyna on King serves tasty Mediterranean-inspired small bites, freshly-baked pastries, and specialty drinks.
Two words: Lebanese Tacos; yep, this delicious dish is my go-to here. It’s served on fluffy flatbread, stuffed with spiced chicken (or falafel for vegetarians), then topped with garlic aioli and crispy onions.
As a lovely bonus, they make their own creamy gelato in-house, and you can order it as a single or double scoop. You can even splurge an extra dollar for a waffle cone.
This is also the perfect spot for fur parents since they have a Happy & Puppy Hour. Running Tuesday through Sunday from 3 PM to 6 PM, they offer A-paw-rol Spritz, Slush Puppies, and Barkcuterie Board, designed for you and your pup!
| Pro Tip: Another go-to in Corktown for brunch, make sure to visit this spot on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 AM to 3 PM. I recommend pairing your mimosa or latte with their famous Baklava French Toast or Short Rib Grilled Cheese. |
