Luis Valenzuela, whose restaurant is on Gerrard Street East, knows there’s so much good food to discover beyond Toronto’s downtown core. “One could eat at a different restaurant of a different ethnicity and not repeat for a whole year,” he says. “I love that people here are curious and open to trying something new, while chefs continue to bring the flavours, stories and experiences of their own communities to the table.”
Valenzuela brings that same spirit of discovery to his own restaurant, Santa Madre, where he serves up familiar favourites alongside dishes that reflect the flavours he grew up with and the cooking he loves, from suadero tacos and ahogada tortas to breakfast barbacoa and house-made salsas.
And it must be cosy. “I love finding ways to bring those traditions into a Toronto neighbourhood restaurant,” he says, “and make people feel at home.”
Here are a few spots Valenzuela hits when he wants dishes that just feel right.
Best date-night spot
Lake Inez, 1471 Gerrard St. E.
“The menu is creative and changes regularly, with dishes that are great for sharing, so there’s always something new to try together. I also love the wooden door and the divider by the entrance that keeps you from seeing straight into the dining room; it gives the place a sense of privacy and makes it feel special. The owner is genuine and makes you feel welcome.”
Repeat reservation
El Inka, various locations
“I love that the menu offers so many flavours of Peru, from fresh ceviche and anticuchos to comforting dishes like lomo saltado and ají de gallina. It’s a great place to bring people and share a meal. A shout-out to Sebastian and Aldo, two great servers I’ve met on many of my visits. You can tell they really love what they do.”
Current obsession
Chandni Chowk Restaurant, 1426 Gerrard St. E.
“The gentleman who runs the place is so pleasant, and whenever I go, there are people from the local community and everyone is friendly. I usually order butter naan and chicken tikka — they’re both really good. Honestly, I don’t even know exactly what I order every time. I just tell him, ‘I need to feed the cooks. Can you work your magic?’ And he does.”
Comfort food
MiMi Vietnamese, 686A Gerrard St. E.
“It’s a welcoming, family-run neighbourhood spot serving hearty Vietnamese dishes. I love ordering the grilled-meat platter and making little rice-paper ‘tacos’ with the meat and fresh vegetables. It’s a generous, fun meal to share.”
Best dessert
Futura Granita + Gelato, 964 St Clair Ave. W.
“I don’t know if everyone thinks of granita as dessert, but sometimes I get a real craving for their granitas. Fior di Panna is my favourite. The owners Carlo and Louis are also super friendly and lovely, which makes stopping by even better.”
Lunch spot
Jaclyn’s Caribbean Fusion, 1588 Queen St. E.
“I love their oxtail with rice and peas and plantain. Their beef patties with coco bread are also hard to pass up; it’s a satisfying meal that always hits the spot.”
Best late-night craving spot
Wanas Shawarma, 449 Danforth Ave.
“Their Syrian-style shawarma wraps are full of flavour, and they stay open late on weekends, which makes it a great stop after a long day or a night out.”
Best takeout
Hong Shing, 195 Dundas St. W.
“We order from there at least once a month, sometimes more, and everything we’ve tried has been delicious. It’s become one of our go-to places when we’re craving Chinese food and want something we know we’ll enjoy.”
Best bakery
Jupiter Bakehouse, 1505 Gerrard St. E.
“It’s one of my favourite spots in the east end for good bread and French-style pastries. I’ve tried their ciabatta and croissants, and both are delicious. The baking feels thoughtful and seasonal, and the staff are always super friendly.”
Favourite coffee shop
The Inn Café, 1416 Gerrard St. E.
“The owner and staff are so friendly, and it’s a really welcoming place with a lovely interior. I like that it’s tucked just around the corner on Gerrard; it feels like a little discovery. I usually order an iced latte.”
Best cocktail bar
Bar Mordecai, 1272 Dundas St. W.
“The decor feels like stepping into an old hotel lobby, with a playful, cinematic touch. The food is great too, and my go-to drink is the Final Boss.”
Place I’m dying to try
Ricky + Olivia, 996 Queen St. E.
“I’m intrigued by the playful, creative menu and the way the restaurant puts its own spin on familiar dishes. I’m looking forward to checking it out and showing them some love before everyone else catches on.”
