Aliu IsaWhen people think of Toronto’s West End, they often picture iconic spots like the sprawling High Park, the bustling Bloor West Village, and the rich culture of neighborhoods like Little Italy, Little Portugal, and Koreatown.
But did you know that this iconic neighborhood is also a foodie’s paradise?
From cozy cafes and upscale eateries to hip bistros to trendy spots serving up global flavors, the West End is the place to satisfy your cravings for fantastic food.
As your guide to all things scrumptious, we rounded up the best restaurants this area has to offer that’ll have you jumping on Bloor-Danforth Subway Line 2 right away!
Cheffry’s Bistro
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Website: https://cheffrysbistro.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_cheffrysbistro/
Address: 388 Richmond St W
Hours:
- Monday: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Wed – Fri: 11 AM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 9:30 PM
Contact: (437) 996-7357
Cheffry’s Bistro is led by 5-star international executive chef Jeffrey Rocha. With 35 years of professional expertise and 250 visitors daily, it’s no wonder this spot is one of the West End’s top restaurants.
Start off with a bang with their ‘Sticky Gochujang Cauliflower.’ Imagine tender cauliflower florets coated in a fiery gochujang glaze, sprinkled with sesame seeds for a nutty crunch, and topped with a creamy smoked labneh for a touch of tang.
For your main course, indulge in the ‘Short Rib Orzo’—a hearty dish featuring tender, braised beef short ribs swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. The orzo adds texture, while the sun-dried tomatoes and thyme provide a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
Pro Tip:
If you’re vegan (or not!) and have a sweet tooth, don’t miss Cheffry’s ‘OMG, It’s Vegan!’ dessert. This chocolate cake, served with dairy-free frozen ice cream, cocoa nibs, and a sweet blueberry sauce, is so good you won’t believe it’s vegan!
Antler Kitchen & Bar
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Website: https://www.antlerkitchenbar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antlerkitchenbar/
Address: 1454 Dundas St W
Hours:
- Tue – Fri: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Sat – Sun: 3 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (647) 345-8300
Antler Kitchen & Bar on Dundas West showcases regional ingredients in a way that truly defines local cuisine. Helmed by wild-game chef Michael Hunter, this cozy 40-seat spot feels like a cabin in the woods, complete with wood church pews and forest scenes.
The menu is a testament to Hunter’s love for the great outdoors, with dishes that highlight seasonal and wild foods. We can’t get enough of the’ Wild Boar Cavatelli’—a rich, tomato-braised wild boar ragu paired with ricotta cavatelli, parmesan, and basil.
For something equally impressive, the pan-roasted venison rack is a must-try. It’s served with a lovely spring pea purée, glazed fingerling potatoes, Ontario peas, wild mushrooms, and a tangy Haskap mostarda.
Pro Tip:
If you’re up for something a little out of the ordinary, go for Antler’s ‘Duck Heart Yakitori,’ charcoal-grilled with scallion and sweet soy glaze. Another option is the ‘Venison Tartare,’ which comes with in-house pickles, mustard, and hot sauce.
Sugo
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Website: https://sugotoronto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugotoronto
Address: 1281 Bloor St W
Hours:
- Tue – Thurs: 3 PM – 9 PM
- Fri – Sun: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Contact Details: (416) 535-1717
Sugo is a charming restaurant that serves up authentic Italian-American cuisine.
They take their sauces seriously—they can whip up a delicious traditional red, creamy white, or a delicate pink sauce that’ll have you coming back for more.
One of their most popular dishes is the stuffed banana peppers filled to the brim with savory sausage and smothered in a rich, red sauce. A generous helping of cheese adds the perfect finishing touch.
Another crowd-pleaser is the ‘Ricotta Gnocchi’—pillowy gnocchi are bathed in a fresh red sauce and topped with fluffy whipped ricotta. Pair your meal with a refreshing Benny Bianco, a simple yet delicious cocktail made with vermouth and muddled lime.
Pro Tip:
While you wait for your food, have some fun with your date, your friends, or your fam at Sugo. They have big-screen TVs and a classic foosball table to keep you entertained!
Richmond Station
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Website: https://richmondstation.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richmondstation/
Address: 1 Richmond St W
Hours:
- Tue – Fri: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Sat – Sun: 3:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Contact: (647) 748-1444
Richmond Station has been a cornerstone of Toronto’s dining scene since 2012, led by Top Chef Canada winner Carl Heinrich. This spot is all about great ingredients and relaxed, professional hospitality.
We recommend their roasted suckling pig, which comes with a flavorful poblano purée, tomato-braised beans, garden cilantro, and espelette jus. If you’re more of a burger lover, their signature Stn. Burger is heavenly, featuring pasture-raised beef.
To cap off your meal perfectly, the Ontario Cherry Vacherin is a treat, combining almond cake, hay espuma, frozen yogurt, and marcona meringue.
Pro Tip:
For vegetarians, the ‘Cookstown Cherry Tomatoes’ is a must-try. These juicy tomatoes are served with creamy whipped sheep’s milk ricotta, sweet candied pork, toasted focaccia, and fresh garden herbs.
Le Baratin
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Website: https://www.lebaratin.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lebaratinyyz
Address: 1600 Dundas St W
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 5:30 PM – 10 PM
- Sat – Sun: 10 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 534-8800
Le Baratin offers a taste of Paris without leaving the West End. This cozy bistro is all about simple, classic French food that’s packed with flavor and heart, whether you’re there for a casual brunch or a comforting dinner.
Start your day off right with their baked French toast. This decadent dish is made with thick slices of egg bread, topped with fresh fruits, maple syrup, and a dollop of whipped cream—a great way to fuel up for the day.
For dinner, indulge in the La Table d’Hôte du Baratin. This prix fixe menu offers a choice of three courses, including appetizers like escargots, mains like steak frites, and desserts like crème brûlée.
Pro Tip:
If you’re dining with a group at Le Baratin, keep in mind that tables of six or more are subject to an 18% gratuity, and they don’t split cheques for large parties.
RASA
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Website: https://www.rasabar.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rasarestaurantto/
Address: 196 Robert St
Hours:
- Mon – Wed: 5 PM – 9:30 PM
- Thurs – Sat: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 5 PM – 9 PM
Contact: (647) 350-8221
Rasa is perfect for those who love global flavors served with a side of style. Run by the creative minds behind The Food Dudes, this restaurant is as sleek as they come, with a modern industrial vibe that’s both cool and cozy.
You can sit at the four-seat chef’s counter, where you can watch the magic happen in the open kitchen, or enjoy a drink at the sleek bar. The front area is perfect for walk-ins, and the heated patio is an ideal place to people-watch on a sunny day.
As for food, a must-try is their make-your-own mini shawarma platter. You get roasted lamb neck on the bone, chickpea tahini, harissa hot sauce, pickled jicama, tabbouleh, and mini flatbreads—all ready for you to assemble your perfect bite.
Pro Tip:
During patio season, Rasa keeps things intimate, so they only accept groups of six or fewer guests. Perfect for a cozy summer evening with close friends!
PAI
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Website: https://www.paitoronto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paitoronto/
Address: 18 Duncan St
Hours:
- Monday: 4 PM – 9:30 PM
- Tue – Thurs: 11:45 AM – 9:30 PM
- Fri – Sat: 11:45 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 11:45 AM – 9:30 PM
Contact: (416) 901-4724
Authentic Northern Thai cuisine is alive and well at PAI. This gem, brought to you by the celebrated Chef Nuit Regular and her husband Jeff, will transport you straight to the bustling markets of Thailand.
We love their spacious, dimly lit space with an open kitchen sizzling and popping like a street food stall. Salvaged doors from Thailand line the walls, creating a cool, intimate atmosphere, and you can choose a comfy chair or a traditional floor cushion.
If it’s time to order, go for their famous green papaya salad, a dish that’s both refreshing and fiery. You can choose your protein power-up—dried shrimp for a subtle punch or salted crab for a tasty, creamy kick.
Pro Tip:
PAI offers catering, so next time you’re planning a get-together, office lunch, or full-blown party, don’t worry, be hippie (as their hashtag suggests) and let them handle the food. Just visit their website for details.
Alo
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Website: https://alorestaurant.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alorestaurant/
Address: 163 Spadina Ave.
Hours: Tue-Sat: 5 PM–12 AM
Contact Details: (416) 260-2222
Alo isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. This Michelin-starred dining spot is located on top of a heritage building in downtown Toronto, offering a luxurious yet approachable dining experience.
The intimate dining room, with seating for only 36, is a lovely setting of cool grays and blues, accented by rich woods and brass fixtures. It’s a beautiful backdrop to savor the exquisite cuisine.
Their tasting menu is a culinary journey—you’ll embark on a two-hour adventure of four savory courses and a decadent dessert. But don’t be surprised if a few cool surprises pop up along the way, courtesy of their inventive kitchen.
Pro Tip:
Alo’s catering team can help you find the perfect venue and curate a menu tailored to your taste. From cocktail receptions to lavish multi-course meals, they’ll handle every detail to make sure your event is a resounding success.
Black+Blue
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Website: https://blackandbluesteakhouse.ca/toronto-home/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bandbsteak/
Address: 130 King St W
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 11:30 AM – 12 AM
- Sat – Sun: 11 AM – 12 AM
Contact: (647) 368-8283
Black+Blue is the West End destination for meat lovers. This upscale steakhouse offers a modern twist on classic steakhouse fare, with a focus on high-quality, dry-aged beef.
Their bestseller is, of course, the dry-aged beef—aged for 28-45 days in a Himalayan salt-lined meat locker; this beef is incredibly tender and flavorful.
But the steaks aren’t the only thing that’s delicious. They offer a variety of classic steakhouse starters and sides, like tableside Caesar salads, creamy spinach, and mac and cheese sticks. And don’t miss the fully loaded B+B Millionaire Potato!
Pro Tip:
If you’re in the mood for something other than steak, Black+Blue’s seasonal seafood, raw bar, and caviar options are top-notch. Take your pick from seafood platters to the freshest oysters and sushi, to luxurious Osetra and Beluga caviar.
Hanmoto
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Website: https://x.com/hanmoto_?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanm0t0
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
Don’t let Hanmoto’s unassuming exterior fool you—once you step inside, you’re in for a culinary treat. The space might be tiny, with its high ceilings and industrial vibe, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in flavor.
Hanmoto’s menu is a short but sweet selection of Japanese-American small plates that are perfect for pairing with their Far East-inspired cocktails. Our fave is the Arisaka Sour, a mix of cucumber- and green tea-infused gin, fresh yuzu, soda, and lime bitters.
We also come here for their legendary Dyno Wings. They’re deboned chicken wings, stuffed with hunks of pork sausage, then deep-fried to crispy perfection, served in a classic Chinese take-out box.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, Hanmoto’s hamachi tartare is a must-try. It’s a creamy, salty mix of thinly sliced fish and avocado, all drizzled with a sweet chili ponzu sauce that ties it all together beautifully.
