Aliu IsaNowadays, people are flocking to Leslieville not just because of its charming streets and hip art scene, but because of its mouthwatering cuisine.
Yep, slowly but surely, Leslieville has become a true culinary hotspot. Imagine mouthwatering burgers, artisanal pizzas, cozy cafes serving up the perfect brunch, and global flavors from around the world.
Of course, as Torontonians, we had to try and test what they have to offer first before creating the ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Leslieville. Here are the top picks that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more!
Samaira’s Kitchen
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Website: https://samairakitchen.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samairakitchen/
Address: 1056 Queen St E
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 8 PM
Contact: (416) 466-0888
Samaira’s Kitchen is a family-owned spot that serves up some of the best homestyle pizzas, burgers, and Italian dishes you’ll find in the neighborhood.
Their burgers are the real deal—patties are handmade with care, the buns are always fresh, and the fries are cooked and seasoned to perfection.
Now, if you’re a pizza lover, you’ve got to try their homemade thin-crust options. Our personal favorite is their Pomodoro Basilico with pepperoni—a good size for two people, making it perfect for a casual date night or a laid-back dinner with a friend.
Pair it with one of their craft beers or ciders on their patio, and you’re in for a treat while soaking up the Leslieville vibes.
Pro Tip:
Samaira’s Kitchen doesn’t take reservations, so if you’re planning to go, make sure to get there early to avoid the crowds. Trust us, it’s worth it!
Anglr
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Website: https://www.anglrto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anglr.to
Address: 1054 1/2, Gerrard St E
Hours:
- Tue – Thurs: 4 PM – 9 PM
- Friday: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 2 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 2 PM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 466-6677
Named after both the fisher and the fish, Anglr is a pescatarian-focused Leslieville restaurant. Run by the Welton brothers, this charming eatery offers indoor seating, a bar, and a lovely back patio with a fern garden and twinkling fairy lights overhead.
As for food, we’re addicted to their bestselling dumplings that are always made fresh, never frozen. Filled with a delicious blend of pureed shrimp, green onion, chili powder, and sesame oil, these pan-fried treats are served with homemade ginger soy sauce.
Their beverage selection focuses on local beers and wine, as well as a variety of cocktails and spirits. Don’t miss their deliciously awesome house margarita, which is made with either Cazadores or Casamigos tequila.
Pro Tip:
For a delicious vegetarian option, try Anglr’s battered cauliflower, which can be served on its own in either buffalo sauce or sweet Korean glaze. The sweet sauce is a particular crowd favorite!
YAYA Greek Bistro
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Website: https://www.yayagreekbistro.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yayagreekbistro/
Address: 1186 Queen St E
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
Contact Details: (416) 463-9292
“YAYA,” the Greek word for “Grandmother,” is a fitting name for this family-owned business. YAYA Greek Bistro strives to bring you the traditional and authentic flavors of a homemade Greek meal, straight to your table.
With its cozy atmosphere featuring a TV, fireplace, and a pleasant patio during the summer months, it offers a lovely ambiance. The owner, originally from Athens, is also incredibly friendly and enjoys chatting with guests in Greek.
When it comes to the food, their chicken and pork gyros are a must-try, with tender yet crispy meat, juicy chicken, and yummy potatoes—the portions are generous, too. And let’s not forget their delicious homemade tzatziki (that you might want to take home!).
Pro Tip:
If you see moussaka on YAYA Greek Bistro’s menu, don’t hesitate to order it. This classic Greek dish is lovingly made from scratch with layers of eggplant, ground meat, potatoes, and a creamy béchamel sauce—yum!
Ricky+Olivia
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Website: https://www.rickyandolivia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restaurantrickyandolivia
Address: 996 Queen St E
Hours: Mon, Thurs – Sun: 5 PM – 10 PM
Contact: [email protected]
In 2016, Ricky, the executive chef at the time, hired Olivia as his sous-chef. Little did they know that this meeting would eventually lead to them opening their own restaurant together adorably named—you guessed it—Ricky+Olivia.
Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by beaded curtains and wine racks leading to a small but intimate dining room. If you prefer a little sun, the back patio offers a slightly more intimate vibe with wooden tables and decorative plants.
As for food, one of their signature dishes is their steak tartare, a French classic given a playful twist with American toppings. The hand-cut hanger steak is paired with iceberg lettuce, Brighton cheddar, and glistening egg yolk.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for a unique dessert, try one of Ricky + Olivia’s Boozy Slushies. These alcohol-infused desserts come in a variety of flavors, including the Sour Cherry Pie, which contains sour cherry juice, nutmeg, Dillion’s rye, and cherry moonshine.
Descendant Detroit Style Pizza
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Website: https://descendantdsp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/descendant_pizza
Address: 1168 Queen St E
Hours: Tue – Sun: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (647) 347-1168
As the name suggests, Descendant Detroit Style Pizza specializes in Detroit-style pizza.
One of their most popular pies is the Soppressata Marmalade. This pizza features a delicious blend of mozzarella and caciocavallo—the soppressata salami adds a savory kick, while the honey spiced with chili oil and basil provides sweetness and heat.
To complement your pizza, be sure to try Vernor’s Affogato. This ice cream float features Vernor’s ginger ale combined with a scoop of ice cream from Ed’s Real Scoop, making it the ideal sweet ending to your meal.
Pro Tip:
Planning a party, small gathering, or corporate event? Descendant Detroit Style Pizza is available for catering and large orders, so you can share the delicious flavors of Detroit with your friends, family, and coworkers!
Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice
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Website: Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenosegios/
Address: 1220 Queen St E
Hours: Tue – Sat: 5:30 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 469-5225
Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice is a bustling eatery that offers small plates of housemade Italian comfort food. This family-owned business, established in 1989, serves up Nona’s favorite dishes five nights a week.
For pasta lovers, the Gorgonzola gnocchi is a must-try—the gnocchi is incredibly light and airy, with a hint of bacon-like smoke from the cheese. They’re tossed in a rich tomato sauce that complements the gnocchi perfectly.
If you’re looking for a refreshing drink, the Negroni is a top-notch choice. And for a caffeine kick with a boozy twist, try the espresso martinis, which taste like delicious iced cappuccinos.
Pro Tip:
For meat lovers, Gio Rana’s Involtini is a dish that will leave you craving more. These cigars of shredded pork stuffed into rib-eye, topped with goat’s cheese, are incredibly tender and flavorful.
CrowdedHouse Restaurant
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Website: https://crowdedhouse.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowdedhouserestaurant/
Address: 1161 Queen St E
Hours:
- Wed – Thurs: 5 PM – 9 PM
- Fri – Sun: 1 PM – 9 PM
Contact Details: (416) 406-0400
CrowdedHouse is a lovely restaurant offering a modern twist on Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. With their open kitchen concept, you can watch as the chefs prepare your meal with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Don’t miss their authentic Baba Ganoush. This creamy eggplant dip is made with fire-roasted eggplant, pureed and blended with mayonnaise, fresh garlic, and a hint of lemon juice—a super yummy appetizer to share with friends.
For a mezze platter, try the Flowers of Eden. This dish features cauliflower dipped in egg and spices, tossed in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried. It’s then sprinkled with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and tahini, and topped with pistachios.
Pro Tip:
If you’re dining with a group, consider ordering CrowdedHouse’s sampler platter for 6. This platter allows you to choose six mezze dishes from their extensive menu, served with two freshly baked laffa breads from their clay oven.
Greta Solomon’s
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Website: https://www.gretasolomonsdiningroom.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gretasolomons
Address: 1118 Queen St E
Hours: Tue – Sat: 6 PM – 10 PM
Contact Details: (647) 347-8640
Greta Solomon’s is a cozy, 26-seat French gem in the heart of Leslieville, named after the owner’s late mother and grandfather. This intimate spot offers a uniquely curated experience, including an exclusive 100+ bottle French wine list.
If you’re visiting, don’t miss their gnocchi Parisian, featuring soft gnocchi nestled among generous chunks of lobster, artichokes, and zucchini. Imagine all of these lazily swimming in a rich lobster and corn bisque.
For dessert, indulge in their trademark French pastry, beignets—served warm and puffy with a chocolate-coffee dipping sauce. Each bite is a sweet cloud of chocolatey joy, dusted with powdered sugar.
Pro Tip:
Cocktail lovers should definitely try Greta Solomon’s signature Greta cocktail—a refreshing blend of gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon, and mint, all garnished with a fresh flower. It’s as Insta-worthy as it is delicious!
Ascari Enoteca
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Website: https://www.ascari.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascarienoteca/
Address: 1111 Queen St E
Hours: Mon – Sun: 5 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 792-4157
Ascari Enoteca is a charming Italian wine bar inspired by the love of food and wine. This neighborhood gem offers a simple yet delicious menu, paired with an impressive wine selection.
One of the must-try dishes is their agnolotti di ricotta, a pasta filled with creamy ricotta cheese. The delicate pasta is tossed in a rich chardonnay butter sauce, complemented by the earthy flavors of button chanterelles and speck.
For dessert, indulge in their torta al cioccolato, a decadent chocolate terrine that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The rich chocolate is perfectly balanced by the nutty crunch of hazelnuts and a sprinkle of Maldon salt.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning to visit Ascari Enoteca, make your reservation on the DINR app or OpenTable. For same-day and exclusive bookings, the DINR app is your best bet!
EAT BKK Thai Kitchen
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Website: foodbooking.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatbkkto/
Address: 898 Queen St E
Hours:
- Mon – Wed, Sun: 11 AM– 9:30 PM
- Thurs – Sat: 11 AM– 10:30 PM
Contact: (416) 466-4644
EAT BKK Thai Kitchen offers authentic Thai street food. Their menu is filled with traditional dishes and exciting fusion creations, from classic favorites like chicken satay and tom yum to innovative dishes that blend Thai and Western influences.
We recommend their Khao soi poutine, a unique twist on a Canadian classic. Think of crispy fries piled high with cheese curds and tender chunks of beef, all smothered in a rich coconut curry—yep, magnificent!
Another crowd-pleaser is the fried boneless chicken, served with a side of rice and a refreshing mango salad. You can also customize the spice level to your liking, from mild to extra spicy.
Pro Tip:
If you’re a fan of EAT BKK’s luscious and creamy green curry (and who isn’t?), be sure to order an extra serving of rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
