Kandice VincentIn a world where our culinary prowess might be limited to boiling water, navigating Toronto Junction’s best restaurants becomes a necessity.
Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned chef seeking a break from the stove, Toronto Junction offers a yummy escape. From cozy bistros to trendy eateries, this neighborhood can surely turn the kitchen-challenged into avid food enthusiasts!
What’s the price range for dining in Toronto Junction?
Our featured Toronto Junction restaurants offer diverse price points, ranging from $30 to $100 per person.
Prices vary based on the type of restaurant, whether it’s a casual eatery like Playa Cabana Cantina or an upscale dining establishment like Nodo.
How We Chose the Best Toronto Junction Restaurants
1. Nodo Junction
Nodo, which translates to ‘knot or junction’ in Italian, brings casual Italian dining to The Junction. It was founded by high school friends Vito Tomasicchio, Gianmarco DeZorzi, and Charlie Giordano, who climbed the ranks from busboys to restaurant owners.
This charming eatery focuses on fresh and approachable cuisine. Its menu revolves around pizza and pasta, featuring all-house-made dishes– from appetizers to desserts.
We recommend their delicious ‘Gnocchi New School’ dish. It features homemade pan-seared potato gnocchi with wild mushrooms, corn, truffle-garlic cream, padano, and diced tri-color pepper.
To pair with their Italian fare, they offer an extensive all-Italian wine and beer program, hand-crafted cocktails, and premium grappa and amaro.
Their spacious dining room –adorned with salvaged decor– is available for partial and full buyouts, accommodating groups of 17 or more.
Pros
- Specialises in fresh and approachable Italian cuisine
- Offers all-Italian wine, beer, cocktails
- Also offers premium grappa and amaro
- Available for partial and full buyouts
- Also has a private dining room
Cons
- Closed on Mondays
- A bit pricey
This is a place that just cares about patrons
“Yes — you can have a very nice meal in a cozy restaurant with great service and still keep the shirt on your back. From ‘Hello’ at the front door, to the chatter at the bar and dialed in attentiveness during dinner, this is a place that just cares about patrons and provides for a genuinely nice dining experience. Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5 Recommended dishes: Tiramisu Tiramisu Tradizionale, Arancini Siciliani, Calamari Fritto.”
Nenad Vukobratović, Google Review
The food is so delicious, and the atmosphere is perfect
“Love to come here with my friends for dinner. The menu is great and the food is so delicious. The atmosphere is perfect (Not too loud but doesn’t feel dead) and great service. Will keep going back. Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5.”
Michael W., Google Review
2. Playa Cabana Cantina
Playa Cabana Cantina, is another hip eatery in The Junction by Toronto entrepreneur Dave Sidhu, who was born in Miami to a Filipina mother and an Indian father. He had a vision for an authentic taqueria featuring corn tortillas and made-from-scratch food, and in 2012, the restaurant was born.
Their must-try dishes include crunchy beer-battered fish tacos and mouth watering mole-braised short rib tacos with Oaxacan cheese. They also offer vegan, pescatarian, and vegetarian options.
The room itself echoes with lively reggaeton, bachata, and salsa beats, creating a festive ambiance. It’s complemented by signature cocktails like the “C on the E with a Side of B” and an array of Mexican beers and tequila.
Its spirited ambiance is enhanced with vintage Mexican kitschy decor, such as sombreros, neon signs, movie posters, and dome-shaped lights from Guadalajara.
Pros
- Over a decade of experience
- Specializes in authentic taqueria fare
- Offers vegan, pescatarian, and vegetarian options
- Offers cocktails, Mexican beers, and tequila.
- Festive music and decor
Cons
- Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
- Not kid-friendly
Best taco experience I’ve had in the city
“The best taco experience I’ve had in the city in a long time! Everything we had was over the top delicious. We ordered a margarita and Paloma and the corn to start then the L.A Truck, Pulpo and chorizo tacos. They were each so unique and we were surprised by how fresh and delicious they all were – we couldn’t even decide on our favourite, they were all perfect. Tres leches for dessert was the best I’ve ever had. So light and fluffy, not too sweet. Loved every second of this meal and the service was great too. They let us take our time and we didn’t feel rushed. Thank you!! Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5 Recommended dishes: Tres Leches Cake.”
Jules U., Google Review
The food was amazing!
“I had saved this restaurant under the restaurants I wanted to try out, and omg!! I’m so glad I did. Service was friendly and fast. Decor of the place was very nice. Music was good and energetic. It wasn’t that loud where you couldn’t hear when the waiter was taking your order. The food was amazing!! From the appetizers, cocktails, to the dessert. The margaritas were so good. I ordered two. I ordered the chorizo nachos, and they were delicious! It’s big enough to share for 3 or 4 people. Then I ordered the carne asada tacos, and the flavor of the food just kept getting better and better! For dessert, I got the tres leches cake. It was moist and had the perfect amount of sugar that you needed after you had a full filing meal. Last I ordered the michelada drink, a bit too spicy for me but overall the food was very good. I highly recommend this place, you won’t be disappointed! Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5. Recommended dishes: Carne Asada, Tres Leches Cake, Chorizo Nachos.”
H. Rodz, Google Review
3. Annette Food Market
Annette Food Market is owned by young couple Max and Amara Mancuso. Also the masterminds behind The Good Neighbour next door, they’ve crafted a menu that specializes in wood-fired aged sourdough pizzas and Italian sharing plates.
They also offer a thoughtfully curated selection of original cocktails, craft beers, and an extensive list of wines, with over 50 varieties available by the glass or bottle.
Don’t miss out on their braised beef Paccheri or the prosciutto and arugula pizza—the true highlights of their modern Italian joint.
The inviting space, adorned with charming wood and brick accents, accommodates 24 guests, offering a mix of seating options. For a more intimate gathering, their private harvest table room, seating 7-12 guests, is available for reservations online.
Pros
- Specializes in wood-fired aged pizzas and Italian sharing plates
- Offers cocktails and craft beers
- Over 50 varieties of wine
- Has a private harvest table room
- Convenient parking options
Cons
- Closed on Sundays
- Lack of responsiveness
Quiet with the air of a real Italian kitchen!
“A Magnificent Experience! I have tried the clam pasta and it is so delicious and very fresh! Probably my favorite pasta that I can remember! The atmosphere there was also very friendly: Quiet and with the air of a real Italian kitchen! The prices are very reasonable, and I would go again soon! Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5.”
Marble Jaguar, Google Review
Perfect neighborhood spot!
“Food was amazing, great atmosphere, you could actually carry on a conversation without shouting at each other. Will definitely be going back. Perfect neighborhood spot! Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5. Recommended dishes: Calamari, Caprese, Mushroom Pizza, Braised Beef Ragu, Braised Short Rib.”
Sherri Murphy, Google Review
4. Dirty Food Eatery
Dirty Food Eatery isn’t about grime; rather, it’s a celebration of comfort food, guilty pleasures, and homestyle cooking. Co-owned by partners Jon & Leslie, this eatery is a haven for food enthusiasts looking for an authentic, homemade experience.
They’re known for brunch-y comfort food, and we highly recommend their chicken and waffle sandwich. The expertly fried chicken is moist and tender and is perfectly complemented with the waffle and maple syrup.
Almost everything on the menu – from bacon to baked goods – is crafted in-house.
The establishment operates on a no-reservation policy, but their convenient waitlist feature online ensures you can plan your visit seamlessly.
Beyond the delicious fare, Dirty Food Eatery offers a family- and kid-friendly environment, making it a welcoming spot for all ages. It also has free WiFi, a full bar, and gender-neutral restrooms.
Pros
- Specializes in brunch-style comfort food
- Almost all items are crafted in-house
- No-reservation policy
- Has an online waitlist
- Family- and kid-friendly environment
- Free WiFi, full bar, and gender-neutral restrooms
Cons
- Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
- Not wheelchair-accessible
Vibes are immaculate and the chef is an absolute legend
“Brisket Benny and chicken and waffles are immaculate, vibes are immaculate, chef John is an absolute legend, btw the huge complex line on the wall is a condensed image of the Mississippi River. “Dirty south”. Do yourself a favor and check it out
Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5. Recommended dishes: Brisket Benny, Chicken N Waffle.”
Levon Arden, Google Review
Everything is exceptional
“Absolutely perfect. Excellent food. Everything is exceptional. Best chicken and waffle imaginable. Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5.”
Dylan Elofson, Google Review
5. Luna Junction
Luna Junction, a long-standing culinary gem with a 25-year legacy in Queen West, has found a new home in the heart of the Junction. At their latest location, Luna continues to offer Portuguese and Mediterranean-inspired healthy dishes.
A must-try is their polvo a lagareiro, featuring expertly grilled Portuguese octopus accompanied by black-eyed peas and rapini. It’s tender and perfectly seasoned.
Luna Junction’s versatile menu pairs seamlessly with its range of wines, cocktails, and draft beers.
Guests can enjoy their meals in the cozy indoor setting or opt for the covered patio seating, all while staying connected with free WiFi. The place also offers wheelchair accessibility and even welcomes furry friends with their dog-friendly policy.
Additionally, the establishment boasts a weekend brunch menu.
Pros
- 25 years of industry experience
- Serves Portuguese and Mediterranean-inspired healthy dishes
- Has wines, cocktails, and draft beers
- Patio seating and free Wifi
- Dog-friendly and wheelchair-accessible
- Offers weekend brunch
Cons
- Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
- No delivery options
Everything was delicious
“We had a terrific dinner. Everything was delicious. I especially enjoyed the shrimp appetizer and the octopus. Food: 5/5 | Service: 4/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5.”
Mike Salteri, Google Review
Flavours are excellently balanced and exciting
“First impression, the place smells great! Eggplant dish was served perfectly seared w a lovely yogurt dressing and soft chewy pita bread, next up were mussels in a spiced chickpea, chorizo sauce and last we had the braised octopus w beans and rapini. The flavours that the chef is bringing to the table are excellently balanced and exciting. If you like whole fish, the table beside us had some nice looking plates as well! Food: 5/5 | Service: 4/5 | Atmosphere: 4/5.”
Bodes, Google Review
