WHERE CHEFS EAT
Where Chefs Eat is a weekly series that asks Toronto chefs and restaurant owners to name their favourite places to dine in the city: where they go for everything from weekend brunch to late-night cravings, fancy dinners to dessert.
This week: Magnus Patterson, owner of Rasta Pasta
Known for: Jamaican-Italian fusion cuisine with bold flavours and a strong local following.
Rasta Pasta owner Magnus Patterson says Toronto’s diverse communities have created a vibrant, ever-evolving global food scene. “From authentic to fusion cuisine, you can enjoy foods from almost every part of the world — from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe,” he says.
Patterson’s own cooking is feted for its unique blend of two beloved cuisines. Rasta Pasta’s one-of-a-kind Jamaican and Italian fusion menu has garnered attention locally, nationally, and internationally, becoming a staple in bustling Kensington Market.
Another boon? “Toronto also offers cultural neighbourhoods such as Koreatown, Little Italy, Greektown, Little Jamaica, Chinatown, Little India, among many others in the GTA. You can fully explore various cultures, languages and traditions, along with the great food,” he says. Patterson’s long-running restaurant recently opened its second location in another hot foodie destination: The Waterworks Food Hall.
Here, he shares the best places in the GTA worth the trip for amazing food and drink.
Best date-night spot
Rodney’s Oyster House, 469 King St. W.
Rodneys
“A great date night consists of great food, ambiance and service. Rodney’s has all three. With up to 26 different oyster selections daily, Rodney’s provides fresh-shucked oysters in a great setting for conversation. Oysters from Canada, the US and New Zealand are served with a variety of sauces, and staff provide great information about all the oyster varieties.”
Hidden gem
Churrasqueira Martins, various locations
Martins
“This hidden gem serves traditional Portuguese cuisine. Their seafood platter comes with lobster, crab, shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams and squid. This bountiful meal, served with fresh bread, easily serves four discerning seafood lovers.”
Repeat reservation
Verace Italian Restaurant, 312 Lakeshore Rd. E.
Verace
“Verace’s pastas and wood-fired pizzas are all freshly made, and the calamari and ravioli fungi are second to none. I start every meal with fresh, warm focaccia bread, served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The ambiance of Verace makes every meal an experience.”
The last best thing you ate
Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie, 35 Tank House Ln.
Cluny
“I’m a bit of a burger enthusiast. I love to try burgers wherever I go, whether here in the GTA or small towns of Ontario. Their Bougie Burger is like eating a perfectly seasoned steak, made to order. The smoked bacon complements the Gruyere cheese, all inside a picture-perfect, fresh, plump bun.”
Fancy dinner
Oliver’s Steak House, 141 Lakeshore Rd. E.
Oliver’s
“I go for the steak dinner; all their beef is raised naturally without the use of antibiotics or hormones. Whether sirloin, ribeye or tenderloin — Canadian or international — it’s always cooked to perfection and accompanied by the perfect sides.”
Comfort food
Heritage Fish & Chips, various locations
Heritage
“Reminiscent of British fish and chips, their traditional serving of fish and chips feature lightly battered fish, fried to golden brown and served with hand-cut chips. The meal is delicious and has large servings at very reasonable prices.”
Best dessert
Black Bird Baking Co., various locations
Blackbird
“The delicious almond croissant can be a dessert or snack. In the morning, Baldwin Street smells of sweet bread baking, which draws you into their bakery. I love this buttery, flaky pastry filled with almond cream and sprinkled with sliced almonds and powdered sugar. It’s the perfect pairing with a hot cup of coffee.”
Lunch spot
Ozzy’s Burgers, 66 Nassau St.
Ozzy’s
“The freshness and flavour are the perfect combination for a burger. Creative toppings like grilled pineapple slices, guacamole or a fried egg give every burger a unique taste.”
Best late-night craving spot
Rol San, 390 Spadina Ave.
Rol San
“In the heart of Chinatown and open until 3 a.m. on the weekends, Rol San is always bustling with hungry eaters. Their egg-fried rice is fresh and vibrant in taste and colour.”
Favourite weekend breakfast place
Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, 85 Hanna Ave.
Mildred’s
“Get Mrs. Biederhof’s wild blueberry buttermilk pancakes. These fluffy pancakes are perfectly imperfect, stacked and draped with wild blueberry compote, Lanark County organic maple syrup and whipped cream. With a taste reminiscent of homemade short bread, the light maple syrup provides just the right amount of sweetness.”
Favourite coffee shop
Caldense Bakery, various locations
Caldense
“I get the Portuguese coffee, black with two sugars, accompanied by a mortadella and Havarti sandwich and a coconut macaroon topped with a cherry. I love the simplicity of this meal, and the quality of the coffee, deli meats and cheeses.”
Place I’m dying to try
Café Renée, 100 Portland St.
Renee
“It always appears full of guests inside and out. I want to sample the late-night menu, including oysters and sherbet with champagne floats.”
Best bakery
Lazar Bakery, 325 Central Pkwy. W.
Lazar
“Specializing in Portuguese and Italian bread and pastries, Lazar Bakery in Mississauga has it all. From custard tarts to cannoli, macarons, and fresh bread, the store is brimming with customers eating in and getting takeout.”
