Aliu IsaEvery local knows that Church-Wellesley has a friendly LGBTQ+ community, plus an insanely fun nightlife. But honestly, the biggest draw for me is the grub.
I go here for brunch or for late-night eats. Be it for delicious Japanese pub fare or spicy Thai food, I swear, there’s no shortage of amazing foodie gems in this lovely neighborhood.
If you want to eat like a local, you’re in the right place. We’ve curated the top Church-Wellesley dining spots that are worth checking out ASAP.
Storm Crow Manor
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Website: http://stormcrowmanor.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stormcrowmanor
Address: 580 Church St
Hours: Monday: 4 PM – 11 PM
Tue – Thurs, Sun: 12 PM – 11 PM
Fri – Sat: 12 PM – 12 AM
Contact: (416) 367-2769
Must-Order: Legendary Chickpea Fries
Storm Crow Manor is basically the mothership of sci-fi or fantasy fans. Lovingly nicknamed Canada’s Nerdiest Bar, this quirky, two-story Victorian mansion feels like you’ve stepped into a movie set (well, several sets, to be honest).
Each themed room leans into a different fandom—Blade Runner, The Shining, Star Wars, you name it. You could easily spend an evening just wandering from room to room and snapping pics.
And the menu? Totally on-brand—it’s packed with clever names like Calamari of Cthulhu and the Dracarys Platter. My go-to order is the Legendary Chickpea Fries, which are massive golden blocks of chickpea batter paired with a vegan sriracha aioli.
If you’re into Harry Potter, don’t miss their Butterbeer. This delicious concoction is composed of root beer mixed with butterscotch schnapps—yum!
| Pro Tip: Storm Crow Manor isn’t fully accessible. There are a couple of steps at the front entrance, and all the washrooms are either upstairs or downstairs. |
O’Grady’s
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Website: https://ogradysonchurch.squarespace.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ogradysonchurch/
Address: 518 Church St
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 2 AM
Contact: (416) 323-2822
Must-Order: Homemade Fish & Chips
O’Grady’s is a neighborhood staple that’s known for being LGBTQ+ friendly. Believe me, the energy here is always fun and welcoming.
Food-wise, they’re focused on comfort and craveability. I’m addicted to their Homemade Fish & Chips—crispy beer-battered haddock fried to golden perfection, served with tartar sauce, creamy coleslaw, and wedge-cut fries.
They’re also known for their legendary Drag Brunch, running from noon to 3 PM every Sunday. Expect jaw-dropping performances from some of the city’s most talented queens, alongside mimosas and delicious breakfast dishes.
If brunch seems too early for you, watch out for their other events like Dirty Bingo every Wednesday night and C.U.NEXT Tuesday.
| Pro Tip: Planning something special? O’Grady’s offers fantastic catering services that can turn any event (corporate functions, stag/hen dos, private parties, etc.) into a hit. |
Afuri Ramen
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Website: https://www.afuriramen.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afuriramen_toronto/
Address: 411 Church St, Unit 1
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 10:30 PM
Contact: (416) 928-6566
Must-Order: Yuzu Shio Ramen
If you’re craving a cozy bowl of noodles, visit Afuri Ramen, a local spot known internationally for its signature yuzu broth. Unlike the heavier pork-based broths you might expect, this one is light, clear, and incredibly refreshing.
My favorite here is their Yuzu Shio Ramen, made with chicken, katsuobushi, kombu, and dried anchovies. What’s cool is that their broth simmers for a whopping eight hours to extract deep umami flavor.
Actually, everything here is pretty good since all their in-house noodles are made fresh daily. And for the health-conscious, it’s good to know that they also avoid artificial additives, preservatives, coloring, and MSG.
I love its calming, warm atmosphere, with seating arranged so you can watch the magic happen in the open kitchen.
| Pro Tip: Take your ramen experience up a notch by pairing your bowl with Afuri’s Shishito Soda. This playful, pepper-based cocktail blends shishito with pineapple, lime, and cilantro. |
Kinka Izakaya
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Website: https://www.kinkaizakaya.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinkasushibarizakayaca/
Address: 398 Church St
Hours: Mon-Wed, Sun: 5 PM–11 PM
Thursday: 5 PM–12 AM
Fri-Sat: 5 PM–1 AM
Contact: (416) 977-0999
Must-Order: BBQ Eel Bibimbap
For authentic and fun Japanese pub vibes, Kinka Izakaya is a must-visit. In fact, Kinka means “Golden Flower,” which translates to happiness in Japanese culture—this is exactly what they want to share with every guest.
I highly recommend their BBQ Eel Bibimbap, a sizzling rice bowl loaded with savory burdock, a silky raw egg yolk, and a drizzle of sweet unagi sauce.
They also offer beautifully curated Kinka Omakasa Sets starting at $45 (minimum of two orders). Each set offers a lineup of favorites like wagyu carpaccio, truffle Tokyo fries, konoko cheese bibimbap, and matcha cheesecake.
You can share the joy of authentic Japanese flavors with their Kinka Family Gift Card, with physical and e-gift versions available.
| Pro Tip: Head over to Kinka Izakaya during Happy Hour from 5 PM to 7 PM daily for some seriously good deals. Think $5 wine and $10 cocktails like Neko Punch and Yuzu. |
Kintaro Izakaya
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Website: https://kintaroizakaya.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kintarotoronto
Address: 459 Church St
Hours: Mon – Thurs, Sun: 5 PM – 1 AM
Fri – Sat: 5 PM – 2 AM
Contact: (647) 560-5335
Must-Order: Charcoal Grilled Sagari Skewers
Kintaro Izakaya is known for delivering an authentic Japanese dining experience, with a menu that spans everything from sushi and ramen to traditional appetizers.
The real highlight here is their Charcoal Grilled Sagari Skewers, made with juicy beef tenderloin topped with grated daikon and a rich karubi sauce. If beef isn’t your thing, they’ve also got chicken and pork options.
Save room for dessert because Kintaro’s Cheesecake is to die for, with matcha, yuzu, and black sesame variants. Each bite is silky and creamy—definitely worth the calories.
Not surprisingly, they offer a very wide range of sake. Options include traditional (15% ABV), flavored (7% ABV), and sparkling (5% – 8 % ABV).
| Pro Tip: I recommend pairing your skewers with Kintaro Izakaya’s super cute Polar Beer Draft. It’s a glass of crisp Sapporo beer crowned with a swirl of icy foam—refreshing and very photo-worthy. |
Hair Of The Dog
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Website: https://hairofthedogpub.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairofthedogto/
Address: 425 Church St
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 12 AM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 1 AM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 1 AM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 12 AM
Contact: (416) 964-2708
Must-Order: Butter Chicken
Hair Of The Dog is a longtime Church Street favorite, located right across Maple Leaf Gardens. This upscale neighborhood pub has actually been voted as one of the best patios and best pubs downtown in multiple publications, so you know they’re worth it.
Their menu mixes pub classics with international twists. A crowd pleaser is their Signature Nachos—flour or corn chips (both made in-house), piled high with tomatoes, green onions, olives, jalapenos, and cheese.
For something heartier, I suggest ordering their delicious Butter Chicken. Served with rice, raita, and warm pita, it’s a generous portion—big enough to split!
And if the weather’s cooperating, snag a seat on their gorgeous patio. It’s such a vibe, with its stone pond, fountains, and lush greenery—just imagine a garden oasis in the middle of downtown.
| Pro Tip: Too chilly outside? Hair Of The Dog has a downstairs bar and dining area; they also have a quieter upstairs dining room for those who need a little more privacy. |
Si Lom Thai Bistro
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Website: https://silom.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silomtoronto/
Address: 534 Church St
Hours: Mon – Sat: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Contact: (416) 515-0888
Must-Order: Pad Thai Soft Shell Crab
Si Lom brings a burst of color to Church-Wellesley. The space has patterned tabletops, metal chairs, and gold-accented walls that truly capture the vibrancy of Thailand.
One thing that keeps me coming back is their Pad Thai Soft Shell Crab, which is so indulgent, it’s almost unreal. Imagine classic pad thai noodles loaded with shrimp, bean sprouts, peanuts, and strips of sweet mango, topped with an entire soft shell crab!
Their cocktails are another draw; they come served in mini buckets. Their most popular is the Si Lom Windmill—a massive 32-ounce bucket filled with rosella juice, soda, and tequila, with multiple straws for sharing.
And sure, Thailand is famous for its Mango Coconut Sticky Rice, but they take it further with unique and yummy variations. Why not try their Durian or Black Bean Coconut Sticky Rice? Trust me, they’re worth it.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning to split the bill, note that Si Lom only allows a maximum of two credit cards per table. |
