As the year winds down, we’re looking back at the food stories that got Toronto talking — the ones you read, shared and couldn’t stop thinking about. From beloved neighbourhood institutions to the small, scrappy places that give the city its character, these pieces captured where Toronto is right now, and what we love most about it. Here’s a roundup of some of our favourite food stories of the year, in no particular order, worth revisiting (or discovering) all over again.
1. Long live the dive bar
With the Imperial Pub closed after 81 years, Toronto’s dive-bar scene feels a little emptier — but far from dead. Readers across the city shared their favourite no-frills haunts, shouting out everything from “the odour, the characters, the decor, the staff, the prices from 1991…” to spots where professors, punks and “the odd lost tourist” all squeeze in for a beer.
From dirt-cheap pitchers to queer community hubs to dog-friendly couches, these are the dives keeping Toronto weird, and wonderfully welcoming. Dive in.
2. And the winner is … Toronto crowned its top Jamaican patty
This year, we set out to find the city’s best Jamaican patty — pitting 16 beloved bakeries and takeout counters against each other in a March Madness–style bracket based on taste, crust, filling and heat. The final verdict? A downtown favourite takes the crown. Catch up on the full journey, from nostalgic memories to the ultimate flaky champion.
3. This family-run restaurant has been a local staple for 50 years. Fans go to wild lengths for a taste
When Jeff Cupchik’s flight hit turbulence, his only thought was: “I just want to go to Gerry’s and get a chickpea roti.” For decades, Gerry Wong’s family-run spot on St. Clair West has been serving up Jamaican classics, rum cakes, and unforgettable customer stories. Even after Gerry’s passing in 2020, the Wongs continue to keep the neighbourhood institution alive.
4. Did you know you can have lunch at Queen’s Park? Here’s a look inside
What do Ontario politicians eat when the cameras are off? Inside Queen’s Park, a surprisingly affordable buffet and cafeteria are drawing MPPs, staffers — and the public — with sushi, carving stations, $5 breakfasts and a newly overhauled menu. Along the way, there’s buffet strategy advice (“Getting carbs at a buffet is a rookie mistake”), flickering lights that send politicians back to the chamber, and a reminder that “there’s a real congeniality here.”
5. After 83 years, this Scarborough bakery is trying something new
Scarborough-based Surati has been a staple in Indian pantries for decades — now the family behind the 83-year-old snack brand is quietly transforming their factory storefront into a full-fledged vegetarian restaurant. A look inside the company’s evolution, from Kampala to Keele Street to casual dining.
6. Why these top chefs still love this iconic Canadian chain
Before Adam Ryan earned a Michelin nod for his refined restaurant Azura, his first fine dining memory was a bowl of warm lemon water — served at Swiss Chalet. He’s not alone. From Patois chef Craig Wong to Oliver & Bonacini’s Anthony Walsh, top Toronto chefs are revealing their deep-rooted love for the iconic rotisserie chain — and especially that famous Chalet sauce.
7. They remember your order — and your name. Meet five of Toronto’s most beloved servers, bartenders and baristas
The city’s food scene wouldn’t run without the servers, bartenders and baristas who bring meals to the table — from a server at the same restaurant for nearly 50 years to another who once got tipped a motorcycle.
But while many diners are gracious, front-line staff say rude behaviour is on the rise. From last-minute reservation drama to complaints about prices and online venting, these are the 10 things Toronto servers hate most — and how we can be better guests.
8. Why this Queen West gelato shop has lineups around the block
Mizzica Gelateria on Queen West draws steady crowds, but is it worth the wait? A quiet visit revealed gelato and sorbetto crafted with care — from pistachio roasted for deep flavour to a refreshing mango sorbetto made daily. Plus, discover five other standout gelato spots across the GTA, each bringing their own unique flavours and style to the scoop scene.
9. Unlock Toronto’s best dining experiences: Go solo. Here’s why
More Torontonians are embracing solo meals, from bar seats at Enoteca Sociale to cosy ramen booths. Shana Hillman finds connection and joy in unexpected conversations, while restaurateur Jen Agg shares tips for enjoying meals alone — and why servers aren’t judging. Whether it’s pasta, cocktails, or just some quiet time, dining solo can be surprisingly social.
10. Everyone loves Mandarin — the kitschy buffet that became an Ontario institution
What starts as a birthday dinner at a chain buffet quickly becomes something deeper — a journey through nostalgia, cultural pride and surprising shrimp stats. From cotton candy machines to a Brampton dining room with live birds, this isn’t just a restaurant. It’s an Ontario institution.
11. Meet the last food vendor standing at Toronto’s Cumberland Terrace
As Cumberland Terrace empties out ahead of demolition, one beloved holdout remains. Esther Joseph is still ladling mulligatawny and Sri Lankan curries at Esther Queen of Soups — the last food vendor standing in a mall long labeled “dead.” With most dishes under $15 and a kitchen that feels like stepping into someone’s home, the lunch spot has fed commuters and office workers for nearly 25 years. Now on a month-to-month lease and searching for a new space in an increasingly unaffordable neighbourhood, Joseph is determined she’s “not quite ready to go.”
12. Forget Michelin. These are the Star’s must-eat Toronto restaurants — and we’ve added eight more
The Michelin Guide may have its favourites, but it doesn’t tell the whole story of how and what the GTA eats. That’s why Karon Liu shares his personal picks each year — places that reflect heart, hospitality and real-life cravings. From hand-piped cannoli on the Danforth to velvety hummus in Mississauga and shaved ice in Scarborough, these are the local spots worth going out of your way for.
