Aliu IsaWhenever I’m craving global eats, I always make a beeline for Baldwin Village.
Tucked just west of AGO, this charming little pocket of Toronto is a foodie’s dream come true—no crowds (well, most of the time), no fuss, just seriously good world-class fare.
Here, you can gorge on Japanese BBQ, delicious Mexican tacos, authentic Indian dishes, and sizzling Thai plates. It’s basically a trip around the world (without the expensive plane tickets!).
So, if you’re in the mood to host your own DIY global food crawl, here are some epic Baldwin Village eateries, tried and tested by yours truly. No thanks necessary!
Indraprastha Indian Kitchen and Bar
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Website: https://indraprasthakitchenandbardowntown.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indraprastha_torontodowntown/
Address: 5 Baldwin St
Hours:
Mon – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Fri – Sun: 11:30 AM – 12 AM
Contact: (437) 880-8349
Must-Order: Chicken Ghee Roast Biryani
Indrapastha is a cozy spot inspired by the royal kitchens of the nawabs (noblemen) in Hyderabad. Trust me, this is the place for premium Indian comfort food.
You can choose from their wide range of biryani—over 30 kinds! My personal favorite is the Chicken Ghee Roast Biryani, which has crispy ghee-infused chicken in a house-made gravy with crunchy cashews, then slow-cooked with fragrant rice.
If tandoori is more your thing, they offer various options, too. You’ve got Chicken Tikka, Seekh Kababs, and even veggie dishes like Tandoori Soya Chaap—all marinated and char-grilled to perfection.
I suggest giving them a follow on social media to catch the latest happenings and deals—think Saturday night live music, Women’s Day promos, and fun seasonal perks.
Pro Tip:
Swing by Indrapastha during Happy Hour, Monday to Friday from 2 PM to 5 PM. You can grab a pitcher of Budweiser, Molson, or Coors Light for just $4.99—perfect to wash down one of their delicious spicy curries!
Taisho Japanese Grill
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Website: https://taishojapanesegrill.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charidise_taisho/
Address: 29 Baldwin St
Hours:
Mon – Thurs, Sun: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
Fri – Sat: 11:30 AM – 12 AM
Contact: (647) 351-6555
Must-Order: Miso Beef Brisket
Taisho Japanese Grill offers a traditional yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) experience in an all-you-can-eat format.
You can grill your selections at your table, from premium beef cuts like prime kalbi and garlic beef brisket to my favorite, their Miso Beef Brisket. It’s tender, juicy, and coated in a subtly sweet miso glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
In addition to beef, they also have a solid variety of pork, lamb, chicken, and seafood options, plus a fresh lineup of signature sushi rolls.
If you’re planning to go for lunch, AYCE runs from 11:20 AM to 3 PM. There’s also an All-Day AYCE option for $42.99 (a bit higher on weekends).
Pro Tip:
Parking at Taisho Japanese Grill is a bit limited. Consider taking transit, grabbing a rideshare, or showing up early if you’re driving.
Mexhico Foods
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Website: https://mexhicofs.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mexhicofs
Address: 26 Baldwin St
Hours:
Tue – Fri: 12 PM – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 9:30 PM
Contact: (416) 597-9622
Must-Order: Short Rib Tacos
Open since 2024, Mexhico Foods brings the ancestral flavors of Mexican cuisine into the now—and the results? Absolutely delicious!
You have to try their Short Rib Tacos—beauties made with slow-cooked short rib, drizzled with smoky morita sauce, and topped with red onions. The meat is ridiculously tender, portions are generous, and every bite is addictive.
Feel free to bring your little ones since they have a cute and tasty Kids Menu. It includes Baby Avocado for babies and toddlers, as well as Kidsadilla.
If you can, snag a seat on their lovely patio, complete with fun Latin music.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye out for Mexhico’s special events like the Couples Dinner Nights that offer a romantic, elegant setting with curated wine pairings. Another is their Rosca de Reyes Night, a beautiful traditional celebration.
Yuugi Izakaya
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Website: https://www.yuugiizakaya.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuugi.izakaya/
Address: 49 Baldwin St
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30 AM – 2 AM
Contact: (647) 343-8282
Must-Order: Wagyu Sushi
Yuugi Izakaya is run by a chef from Nagoya, with a goal of mixing traditional Japanese flavors with local Toronto ingredients. The name itself is meaningful: “Yuu” means play, and “Gi” means the spirit of samurai—together, this signifies fun and precision.
Their woodsy and warm interior is quite lovely—very clean, minimal, and refreshingly modern. It skips the clutter of some old-school izakayas without losing the coziness.
As for food, I can eat their Wagyu Sushi forever. It’s torched and pressed to perfection, packed with deep umami flavor that’ll have you coming back for just that.
If the weather’s nice, snag a spot at their newly renovated patio. Tucked on a quiet street, it’s a mellow little pocket of peace with high seating and heaters.
Pro Tip:
Don’t leave without trying their most popular cocktail, the Shibuya Mango. It’s a tropical blend of rum, Amaretto, mango, and plum—one sip and you’ll be saying kanpai to round two!
Butter & Blue
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Website: https://www.butterandblue.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butterandblue.to/
Address: 7 Baldwin St
Hours:
Tue – Fri: 9 AM – 6 PM
Sat – Sun: 10 AM – 7 PM
Contact: [email protected]
Must-Order: Vegetarian Japanese Curry
Located inside a converted Edwardian house, Butter & Blue is a cafe and bakery that has old-world charm and fresh, artsy energy. Locals love it so much that it’s actually one of the top cafes in Kensington Market.
One thing you have to try is their Vegetarian Japanese Curry, which hits every note. It’s warm and hearty, the kind of meal that leaves you full and happy.
You’ll love their drinks menu, too. They’ve got everything from espresso and tea to Asian-inspired specialty drinks (Hong Kong milk tea, anyone?). If you’re feeling celebratory, they offer alcoholic options as well.
Don’t forget to check out the display in the middle of the cafe. It has handmade goods from local artists and makers, many of whom are friends of the owner.
Pro Tip:
Seating at Butter & Blue is first-come, first-served—you can choose spots on the first floor, basement, and their beautiful garden patio (my fave!). Get there early on weekends as they fill up fast.
Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen
– Media credit: alisha.sameer
Website: https://kohlipe.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kohlipeto/
Address: 35 Baldwin St
Hours:
Mon – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 599-9988
Must-Order: Khao Neow Gaeng
Koh Lipe Thai Kitchen is named after a tiny island in Southern Thailand, and the whole restaurant reflects that warm, tropical energy. What’s cool is that this spot has been featured in the Michelin Guide Canada.
If you like colorful, intimate spots, you’ll love it here—every corner seems Insta-worthy. They have an origami-style fish above the staircase, an amazingly painted boat on the second floor, and a huge mural on the first floor.
Their menu offers Southern Thai comfort food at its best—spicier, richer, and more coconut-forward than your typical Thai fare. I recommend their Khao Neow Gaeng, a spicy stir-fried pineapple curry chicken dish.
During summer, park yourself at their cozy outdoor patio. But make sure to arrive early since, apparently, everyone loves it there.
Pro Tip:
Note that Koh Lipe has a 1.5-hour seating limit, but don’t stress too much. I heard they’re usually pretty relaxed about it.
SmoQue N’ Bones
– Media credit: j0j0montana/
Website: https://www.smoquenbones.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smoquenbones/
Address: 30 Baldwin St
Hours:
Mon – Thurs: 12 PM – 10 PM
Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 11 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (647) 341-5730
Must-Order: Riblets
For mouthwatering Southern BBQ and a solid whiskey lineup, SmoQue N’ Bones is where it’s at. This spot offers some big smokehouse energy to the city, serving up slow-cooked meats, bold flavors, and hearty sides.
Their Riblets are a must-try—unbreaded, meaty bites of rib goodness served however you like them: dry-rubbed, saucy, or kicked up with their hot blend. And a surprise bonus—almost everything, from the meats to the sauces and sides, is gluten-free.
Now, if you’re swinging by midday, don’t miss their Lunch Combo Specials, available Monday to Thursday 12 PM to 4 PM and Fridays 11 AM to 4 PM. Their Sandwich Combos are a steal, served with creamy coleslaw, shoestring fries, or baked beans.
Plus, you don’t have to look far if you’re planning to book a venue. Their indoor space holds up to 80 standing (60 seated), and the patio boosts capacity to 150.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning a shindig at home, SmoQue N’ Bones offers BBQ catering for groups as small as 10 to 20 people. Just hit up their Catering Page online to customize your spread.
