Ever since the Michelin Guide came to town in 2022, most of its picks have landed downtown. But one scrappy little barbecue joint is holding it down for Scarborough: Northern Smokes. Billed as Canada’s first authentic halal BBQ spot, Northern Smokes has taken founder Imran Neki from smoking meat in his backyard to landing a Michelin recommendation in 2024, propelling the restaurant into the upper echelons of Toronto’s thriving BBQ scene.
Neki is serious about the art form and doffs his hat to anyone hardcore enough to run a pit, from Cherry St. Bar-B-Q and Beach Hill Smokehouse to newer entrants Benny’s Barbecue and Golden Horseshoe BBQ. “There is no liquid smoke, there are no gimmicks, there are no shortcuts,” he says. “Just a lot of time, patience, and hard work.”
Some of Northern Smokes’ standouts include the brisket (“the effort that goes into it is really hidden — it literally takes hours of hard work and patience”) and the Korean ribs (“we use our own house marinade that has a distinct flavour profile not found anywhere else”).
Looking for some meaty recommendations on where to go next? Bite into some of Neki’s go-to spots.
Best date-night spot
Arbequina Restaurant, 325 Roncesvalles Ave.
Best bakery
Four Sweets Cookies Bakeshop, 371 Old Kingston Rd.
Hidden gem
Smash Smash, 2889 St Clair Ave. E.
Repeat reservation
Mandi Afandi, various locations
Current obsession
The Meathead Store, various locations
Comfort food
Mark’s Pizzas, 371 Old Kingston Rd.
Best dessert
D Spot Dessert Cafe, various locations
Lunch spot
Uncle Sal’s Hot Chicken and Ribs, 1960 Lawrence Ave. E.
