Aliu IsaMy foray into Colombian food started when I was in college. My roommate, who is Colombian, was munching on something called chicharron and offered me a taste—one bite, and I got hit with this salty, fatty goodness.
The following week, he offered me some empanadas (or what I call, little golden pockets of joy). They were crunchy on the outside, and inside, there were beef and potatoes, with a spicy green sauce called aji.
My favorite was during Parents’ Weekend, when his parents brought us a lot of hearty Colombian dishes. I gorged myself on arepas, bandejas, patacones—you name it!
After years of tasting my roommate’s mom’s delicious cooking, you could say I’m now somewhat of a Colombian food snob. So, believe me when I say that these Toronto spots are where you should go for some yummy, authentic Colombian food.
The Toston
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Website: https://www.thetostoncolombiancuisine.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetostoncuisine
Address: 35 Karachi Dr, Markham
Hours: Tuesday: 12 PM – 7:30 PM
Wed – Thurs: 12 PM – 7:30 PM
Fri – Sat: 12 PM – 9 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Contact: (647) 666-2400
Must-Order: Bandeja Paisa
The Toston is run by a husband-and-wife duo, serving traditional Colombian food with a homemade touch. It’s named after the tostone—a flat, seasoned, and perfectly fried green plantain (and it’s also gluten-free!).
I usually start with an order of three empanadas (chicken, beef, and cheese), and of course, I eat with my hands, dipping each bite into the salsa-like sauce. I also love their Combo 2, which comes with a piece of tostone loaded with pulled beef.
Then I order the Bandeja Paisa, which is the ultimate sampler platter. It’s stacked with rice, beans, sweet plantain, chorizo sausage, pork belly, a fried egg, avocado, and a small arepa.
One of the best things about dining here is that their food comes out really fast, which is great, especially when I’m totally hangry after a long day at work.
Pro Tip:
The Toston is pretty tiny inside—there are only about 5 tables. I recommend going early or being prepared for takeout if it’s busy (especially during lunch or dinner).
Colombian Street Food
Media credit: ColombianStreetFoodToronto
Website: https://colombianstreetfood.square.site/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ColombianStreetFoodToronto
Address: 1565 Dupont St
Hours: Mon, Wed – Sat: 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Contact: (647) 425-6243
Must-Order: Chicharron
As the name promises, Colombian Street Food (run by baker Cookie Martinez) offers the bold, comforting flavors of Colombia’s street snacks—mostly handheld, deep-fried, and addictive!
Obviously, you can get empanadas with different fillings here—my favorites are their chorizo and chicken. They also have veggie versions, which are just as tasty.
But what really steals the show is their chicharron—aka deep-fried pork belly. You can munch on them one by one, or take them home to eat with fluffy white rice and maybe a fried egg—the contrast of crunchy pork and soft rice? *Chef’s kiss.
You won’t believe this, but this restaurant serves (drumroll, please) insect snacks! They have Colombian Big Ass Ants (yep, that’s the actual name) and Cricket Brittle, which is roasted crickets with a caramelized sugar base, like a peanut brittle.
Pro Tip:
Chase down a ‘Big Ass Ant’ with one of Colombian Street Food’s fresh drinks! They have a great selection of Latin American sodas like Postobon—a fizzy apple soda that pairs well with anything fried.
Las Delicias
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Website: https://lasdeliciasmississauga.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/las-delicias/
Address: 59 A Dundas St W, Mississauga
Hours: Mon – Sun: 8 AM – 6 PM
Contact: (905) 232-0060
Must-Order: Sobrebarriga
Mississauga’s Las Delicias is a family-run spot, dreamed up by Gustavo and Rud, a couple who missed the comforting flavors of Colombia after immigrating to Canada.
Their menu is filled with authentic Colombian dishes like the Bandeja Paisa, but I really go here for their meat dish, the Sobrebarriga. It’s a beautifully cooked flank steak served with sides like rice, potatoes, and yuca.
You can wash down their hearty offerings with a cold glass of Jugo de Mora (blackberry juice), which balances out some of the food’s richness.
Pro Tip:
Las Delicias’ portions are huuuge. Two people can easily share a dish and still leave satisfied, so come hungry (or prepare to take home delicious leftovers).
El Rancherito
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Website: https://www.elrancherito.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rancherito_toronto/
Address: 1662 St Clair Ave W
Hours: Mon, Wed – Thurs: 12 PM – 8 PM
Tuesday: 12:30 PM – 8 PM
Fri – Sat: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8 PM
Contact: (416) 651-1612
Must-Order: Paella Mixta
El Rancherito is owned by Chef Luis Raigoza, who has been cooking for over 25 years. Instead of serving only Colombian dishes, they also have Salvadorian staples.
The Bandeja Paisa here is a fan favorite—it’s a hearty plate stacked with roasted beef steak, chicharron, chorizo, with a fresh green salad.
If you’re visiting on the weekend, I suggest bringing your appetite along with your singing voice—there’s a chance you’ll catch lively karaoke while enjoying your meal.
It’s also worth noting that this restaurant tends to be crowded, like all of the time, so avoid visiting during peak hours (if you can!).
Pro Tip:
If you’re going with a group, why not try their Paella Mixta? This Colombian twist on a classic Spanish dish features creamy lobster-sauce rice topped with shrimp, mussels, calamari, sausages, and chicken.
Rincón Paisa
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Website: https://rinconpaisaon.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rinconpaisatoronto/
Address: 1885 Eglinton Ave W, York
Hours: Tue – Fri: 8 AM – 7 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 7 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Contact: (416) 783-5829
Must-Order: Bandeja Paisa
Rincón Paisa roughly means the Corner of Paisa or someone from the Antioquia region. It’s one of those tiny hole-in-the-walls that makes you feel like you’ve walked into someone’s cozy, Colombian home.
This place is a bit cramped and can get packed during peak hours. You should visit during mid-afternoon (before the dinner rush) if you don’t like crowds.
My go-to dish here is the Bandeja Paisa, which comes with all of the usual stuff, but I kick it up a notch by ordering extra carne asada.
But, when I’m not that hungry (just snackish), I order the Patacon with mixed meat (beef and chicken). I fold it up like a burrito for a messy snack—add a cold drink, and I’m set.
Pro Tip:
If you want something sweet, make sure to check out Rincón Paisa’s Colombian treats. My favorites are their creamy tres leches cake and freshly baked bread.
Delicious Empanadas & Latin Food
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Website: https://fromtherestaurant.com/delicious-empanadas–latin-food/locations/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deliempanadascanada/
Address: 2438 Dufferin St, York
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11 AM – 8 PM
Fri – Sat: 9 AM – 12 AM
Sunday: 9 AM – 9 AM
Contact: (647) 827-2278
Must-Order: Beef Empanada
True to its name, Delicious Empanadas & Latin Food has been serving empanadas and Latin American food since 2013. I love that their bright murals and amazing music really capture that Latin American flair.
They’re famous for their 100% gluten-free empanadas, made with corn and filled with tasty goodness. My fave is their Beef Empanada with shredded beef, hand-cut potatoes, and secret seasoning—all deep-fried to a perfect crisp.
In fact, if you’re planning a Netflix-and-Chill weekend, grab a few of their delicious empanadas. They reheat beautifully and make the perfect snack anytime.
| Pro Tip: If you’re a dessert fiend (like yours truly), go for their Cholado, a Colombian-style shaved ice treat topped with blackberry syrup and fresh fruit. |
Cafe Las Americas
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Website: https://cafelasamericason.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.comlas-americas-cafe/
Address: 2260 Keele St, North York
Hours: Mon – Sun: 1 PM – 8 PM
Contact: (416) 246-9911
Must-Order: Picada
Tucked just south of Lawrence on Keele, Cafe Las Americas is a family-style restaurant that’s been around for over 40 years.
I recommend starting your meal with the Arepitas X 5—five small, lightly fried arepas that are warm, crispy on the outside, and tender inside. When I’m feeling indulgent, I always add a bit of butter or cheese on top.
To cut the richness of this dish, snag a bottle of Colombiana while you’re there. This sweet, kola-flavored soda is a Colombian classic that pairs well with fried food.
After your appetizer, order the Picada, a true Colombian feast. Imagine a platter piled high with fried pork belly, Colombian pork sausage, blood sausage, plantains, and arepitas—you can share or split this into two meals.
Pro Tip:
Note that Cafe Las Americas is available for catering and party bookings—perfect if you want to add some of that Colombian flavor to your shindig.
Esto es Colombia
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Website: https://estoescolombiarestaurant.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estoescolombiarest/
Address: 2848 Dufferin St, North York
Hours: Mon, Wed – Thurs: 10 AM – 8 PM
Friday: 10 AM – 12 AM
Saturday: 12 PM – 6 AM, 10 AM – 12 AM
Sunday: 12 PM – 6 AM, 10 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 782-0058
Must-Order: Cazuela de Mariscos
Esto es Colombia literally means “This is Colombia.” Owned by Chef Diana Patricia Arizala, it has quickly become a favorite haunt of the Colombian community.
I love going here for a late breakfast and grabbing a huge plate of Colombia’s national dish—the Bandeja Paisa, which is also their bestseller (for a reason). It has nine delicious components that, in a weird way, perfectly complement each other.
After one of their meat dishes, try one of their house-made juices (strawberry or passionfruit) or traditional sodas to round out your meal.
And if you’re looking for a comforting bowl of Cazuela de Mariscos, this is the place. They usually serve this quintessential seafood soup from the coast of Colombia.
Pro Tip:
Esto es Colombia has a second floor where they host fun events, like karaoke nights. You’d want to keep an eye out for upcoming activities.
La Costeñita
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Website: https://www.lacostenita.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacostenita_c/
Address: 2481 Finch Ave W, North York
Hours: Mon, Wed: 11 AM – 8 PM
Thurs – Sat: 11 AM – 11 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 7 PM
Contact: (647) 808-3244
Must-Order: Picada Colombiana
La Costeñita is a second-generation, family-owned eatery that might be easy to miss from the outside. But once you’ve tasted their food, you’d feel like you struck gold!
Do yourself a favor and try their Picada Colombiana (a traditional mixed grill platter). The plate arrives sizzling, and the aroma is enough to make the other tables jealous.
Another drool-worthy dish is their Colombian Churrasco. The steak is marinated (with garlic, herbs, and citrus) and grilled to achieve a nice char, and it’s served with their amazing chimichurri sauce.
And where else to eat but on La Costeñita’s patio (if the weather’s nice)? They’ve got outdoor seating and free Wi-Fi—a cool spot to hang out and dig in.
Pro Tip:
For something hearty (and unique), grab a bowl of their Sancocho de Cola (oxtail soup). You won’t regret it, promise!
Sabor del Pacifico
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/Saborpacificopereira/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabor-del-pacifico/
Address: 2111 Jane St Unit 7, North York
Hours: Mon – Sun: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
Contact: (647) 317-9010
Must-Order: Sancocho de Cola
Since 2014, Sabor del Pacifico has been a North York gem that the local Colombian community loves. They’re the type of spot with owners so friendly, they’ll address each patron by name.
While others are known for their Bandeja Paisas or empanadas, this one is famous for its Sancocho de Cola—a Colombian oxtail soup that’s soul-warming and delicious.
Keep in mind that their portions are quite generous. You can bring a friend or two and split a soup and a rice dish, if you don’t feel like popping like a balloon.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for something more substantial (or sharing with friends before a show), I recommend the Bandeja Colombia rice meal. It’s a scrumptious powerhouse platter with Colombian sausage, beans, and sweet fried plantains.
