Aliu IsaWhenever I’m in the mood for mouth-watering Greek souvlaki or aromatic South Asian curries, I just hop on a train at Toronto’s Union Station and get off at East End.
Known for its iconic Greektown and bustling South Asian neighborhoods, this part of Toronto is a foodie’s paradise. You’re sure to find an eatery that’ll hit the spot no matter what you’re craving.
No need to try out restaurants that might be a hit or miss. Here, we reveal some of the best dining spots the East End has to offer!
The Beech Tree
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Website: https://www.thebeechtree.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.beech.tree/
Address: 924 Kingston Rd
Hours:
- Wed – Sat: 5:30 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 5:30 PM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 699-4444
Nestled in the Upper Beaches, The Beech Tree is a charming little restaurant and bar that brings a modern twist to traditional English country cooking. They focus on simple, flavorful dishes that feel both familiar and fresh.
You can’t miss their delicious gnocchi—soft, pillowy gnocchi tossed with wild leek pesto, fior di latte, and wilted greens. They also have a full bar with an extensive cocktail list, plus four craft beers on tap and a great selection of bottled and canned brews.
During patio season, the place gets even better with live music. Local artists and bands create a fun, casual atmosphere. If you’re feeling a little bit bold, you might even get to jam along!
Pro Tip:
Due to The Beech Tree’s small, intimate space, there’s a two-hour seating limit for parties of four or fewer, so plan ahead to make the most of your time here.
Descendant Detroit Style Pizza
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Website: https://descendantdsp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/descendant_pizza
Address: 1168 Queen St E
Hours: Tue – Sun: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (647) 347-1168
Descendant Detroit Style Pizza is Canada’s first Detroit-style pizzeria, and it has made a name for itself with its thick, crispy, cheesy slices. Co-owner Ike Tzakis creates the perfect two-day fermented dough honed from childhood in his parents’ Boston joint.
For a rich, savory experience, try their ‘Truff-Guy’ pizza, loaded with a decadent cheese blend, caramelized onions, and roasted garlic cremini mushrooms. Topped with truffle aioli, double-smoked bacon, and Grana Padano cheese, it’s a flavor-packed pie!
If you’re hosting a party or gathering, check out their catering options. Their epic Detroit-style pies are perfect for intimate gatherings or corporate events.
Pro Tip:
End your meal on a high note with Descendant’s Vernor’s Affogato. It’s an ice cream float that has Vernor’s ginger ale and a scoop of ice cream from none other than Ed’s Real Scoop.
The Wren
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheWrenDanforth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewrendanforth/
Address: 1382 Danforth Ave
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 4 PM – 11:30 PM
- Fri – Sat: 12 PM – 12:30 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 11:30 AM
Contact Details: (647) 748-1382
The Wren on Danforth was designed by owner Dennis Kimeda and his wife Rhonda. It brings a slice of the old west to Toronto with its wooden floors, wagon wheel chandelier, and rustic barn-wood décor.
When it comes to food, they’re serving up Mexican and southern comfort classics, and everything is made in-house. A must-try is their Wren Sausages, featuring house-made chorizo and andouille sausages on a bed of cheddar and jalapeño polenta.
And, of course, no visit is complete without sampling from their 12 Canadian beers on tap. Whether you’re sipping on a Great Lakes Hissyfit Grisette or a Flying Monkeys Stereovision, you’re bound to find the perfect brew to complement your meal.
Pro Tip:
If you’re a seafood lover, don’t miss The Wren’s Dill-icious Fish Sandwich. Panko-breaded haddock is paired with malt vinegar mayo, pickled jalapeños, and fresh dill, all packed into a sandwich with crisp lettuce and tomato—yes, please!
White Lily Diner
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Website: https://whitelilydiner.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitelilydiner/
Address: 678 Queen St E
Hours: Wed – Sun: 9 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 901-7800
Since opening in 2016, White Lily Diner has worked with small, family-owned suppliers. We love that they bake their own bread, whip up fresh donuts daily, smoke their own meats, and even showcase their homemade preserves!
We suggest going for the White Lily Standard. It’s the ultimate diner breakfast, done right: two eggs any style, with your choice of bacon, sausage, or marinated mushrooms, served up with a crispy hashbrown and toast fresh from their oven.
And if you’re brunching with friends or fam, be sure to order the Family Mimosa. It’s a full bottle of sparkling wine with orange juice that will help keep the good vibes going.
Pro Tip:
For pancake lovers, White Lily’s Buttermilk Griddle Cakes are a must-try. Imagine three fluffy pancakes stacked high, with butter and maple syrup; you can add bacon or sausage if you’re feeling indulgent!
Lake Inez
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Website: https://lake-inez-toronto.myshopify.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakeinez/
Address: 1471 Gerrard St E
Hours: Wed – Sat: 5:30 PM – 12 AM
Contact: [email protected]
From the soft glow of candlelight to the carefully curated playlists, Lake Inez is all about setting a cozy, welcoming vibe in the East End. And with chef Hojilla at the helm, expect dishes packed with bold Asian flavors.
A crowd fave is their braised mussels in a Filipino sinigang broth. A sharing plate with mussels swimming in a smoky ham hock and tamarind broth, sprinkled with cilantro, chilies that pack a growing punch, and crispy pork crackling for that extra crunch.
As for drinks, they have twenty-four rotating taps featuring local brews from East End favorites like Burdock, Halo, and Left Field.
Pro Tip:
For dessert, definitely order Lake Inez’s coconut sorbet. It’s topped with caramelized bananas, chocolate sauce, fresh pineapple, roasted peanuts, and freeze-dried durian—a fun, tropical dessert that hits all the right notes!
Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice
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Website: Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenosegios/
Address: 1220 Queen St E
Hours: Tue – Sat: 5:30 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 469-5225
Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice is an East End favorite that’s been serving up cozy, housemade Italian comfort food since 1989. This family-owned spot brings you those Nona-style dishes but with a lively and bustling atmosphere.
If you’re a meat lover, their Involtini is a must-try—shredded pork, tender and juicy, rolled up inside rib-eye, and topped with creamy goat’s cheese. It’s rich, savory, and the kind of dish you’ll be thinking about long after the last bite.
For pasta fans, you can’t go wrong with their Fusilli. This one’s got everything—spinach and rapini pesto, a pop of basil and lemon zest. And if that’s not enough, it comes with a glorious half burrata on top.
Pro Tip:
Gio Rana’s Negroni is a perfect refreshment if you’re looking for something classic and smooth. But if you want a little pick-me-up with a kick, go for the espresso martinis—they taste like iced cappuccinos with a fun, boozy twist!
Restaurant Tiflisi
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Website: https://tiflisitoronto.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiflisi.toronto/
Address: 1970 Queen St E
Hours: Mon, Wed – Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
Contact Details: (416) 686-7389
Restaurant Tiflisi is run by the Pkhakadze family. Their roots trace back to their grandfather’s chain of successful Georgian restaurants in Ukraine, so you know you’re getting authentic flavors passed down through generations.
If you’re looking for something hearty, their BBQ plate is the way to go. Loaded with beef, pork, chicken, and lamb skewers, it’s served with golden, fragrant potato wedges and a side of adjika, a spicy Georgian sauce that packs a punch.
No Georgian feast is complete without a hot plate of khinkali—Georgian soup dumplings. These dumplings are stuffed with a flavorful mix of beef and pork; grab them by the top, flip them upside down, and take a small bite to sip the savory broth inside.
Pro Tip:
Vegetarians, don’t worry! Tiflisi has you covered with dishes like Badrijani—grilled eggplant with walnut paste—and their iconic Khachapuri, a boat-shaped bread filled with ooey-gooey cheese.
Maha’s Brunch
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Website: https://www.mahasbrunch.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahasbrunch/
Address: 226 Greenwood Ave
Hours: Mon – Tue, Thurs – Sun: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Contact Details: (416) 462-2703
Maha’s Brunch is an Egyptian-inspired café, run by Maha Barsoom and her daughter. It serves up incredible dishes straight from their semi-open kitchen, and every dish is made fresh, with love, and packed with unique flavors.
One menu favorite is their Date Grilled Cheese—juicy dates, sautéed in butter, paired with a creamy three-cheese blend. Add in a side of cumin-dusted home fries or their comforting lentil soup, and you’ve got a meal you won’t forget anytime soon.
And don’t just stop at the food—Maha’s drink menu is pure bliss. From their house blend of organic beans to Turkish coffee and Egyptian black tea with fresh mint, there’s something for every coffee and tea lover.
Pro Tip:
Try Maha’s traditional Egyptian breakfast—foole (or ful) is a savory mix of mashed fava beans, tomatoes, and onions, topped with two sunny-side-up eggs. Served with pieces of charred balady bread, use them to scoop up the eggs, beans, and sauce!
Beach Hill Smokehouse
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Website: http://www.beachhillsmokehouse.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beachhillbbq/
Address: 172 Main St
Hours: Wed – Sun: 11 AM – 8 PM
Contact: (416) 792-8275
Beach Hill Smokehouse specializes in Kansas City style or Carolina barbecue, offering the best smoked meats with a side of Southern hospitality. The vibe here is laid-back, perfect for anyone who loves the art of slow-cooked, smoky goodness.
Their meats are smoked with oak wood, Texas-style, and offered by the half-pound. If you’re a fan of pork ribs, you’re in for a treat—the ribs have a jerky-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the meaty richness.
Their giant beef rib is our fave; it’s got this glorious bark on the outside, and when you take a bite, the fatty meat comes right off the bone. Rubbed in simple spices, with that perfect pink smoke ring, this rib is a must-try for any meat lover.
Pro Tip:
If you’re rolling with a crew (or just want to go big), Beach Hill’s Pitmasters Cookout is the way to go. For $100, you get a whopping 4.5 pounds of assorted meats, plus classic sides like beans and potato salad.
Bodega Henriette
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Website: http://www.bodegahenriette.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodegahenriette/
Address: 1801 Gerrard St E
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sat – Sun: 9 AM – 4 PM
Contact Details: (416) 546-6261
Step into Bodega Henriette, and you’ll immediately notice the cute little bodega section by the door, stocked with fresh produce and pantry staples. But the real magic is happening in the kitchen!
We love their Grilled Rapini Vegetable Sandwich. The combo of garlicky rapini and the light protein of the egg makes this vegetarian sandwich a perfect choice when you want something tasty but not too heavy.
If you’re over the classic brunch mimosa (no shade), you’ve got to try their Espresso Old Fashioned. Made with Barocco coffee, amaro verna, and bourbon bitters, it’s a refreshing twist with a bold kick.
Pro Tip:
Good news for vegans! Don’t sleep on their Tofu Scramble & Waffles—curried chickpea waffles topped with a colorful mix of tofu scramble, ginger orange-dressed apples, frisée and scallion slaw, avocado crema, and tahini dressing.
