To look back at 2024, we asked the team at TorontoToday about the best restaurants in the city they visited this past year. Our staff favourites ranged from chicken tenders to tacos to a mystery tasting menu — and everything in between!
Alex, Reporter:
“It's not exactly fine dining, but the Real Sports restaurant and bar next to Scotiabank Arena has been a go-to for me. I rarely order chicken strips in general, but there, I get them every time — best tenders anywhere. I've lost count how many times I've eaten there since I moved to the city in September. Living right above the restaurant has been a legitimate threat to my bank account. I'll let you know if I start clucking…”
Patrick, Reporter/Data Journalist:
"I’m a sucker for the east-end Jules Bistro. We go through the ritual of pretending we’ll order something other than the cote de boeuf, but I’m not sure who we’re kidding.
Cherise, Deputy Editor:
"Sunny's Chinese makes the best french toast dessert I've ever had — I dream about it sometimes. And Kish's Roti and Doubles, which recently opened in my neighbourhood, has become a bit of a problem considering how often I go there."
Aidan, Senior Reporter, City Hall:
"I went to Gia in the summer and it was great but everyone knows about it. Hands down the best restaurant in the city is California Sandwiches on Claremont.
Sarah, Deputy Editor:
"I’m a sucker for a good taco and I absolutely love Seven Lives in Kensington Market. The no-frills vibe mixed with the delicious plays on traditional street-style tacos pulls me back time and time again. Don’t skip out on the hot sauce either — it’s made in-house, and packs an awesome flavour punch. I regularly have dreams about the Seven Lives gobernador taco. "
Gabe, Reporter:
"I love the food at Sugo, near Lansdowne station. The rosé rigatoni is next level."
Allison, Editor:
"My friend scored hard-to-get reservations to the Lake Inez “Mystery Patio” tasting menu this fall and I was lucky enough to be her date. The maître d' Zac Schwartz was a hoot and the whole experience was a delicious blast. My highlight was a non-alcoholic cocktail that was essentially housemade Gatorade — served over ice at the table directly from a classic Gatorade squeeze bottle"
Kathryn, Reporter:
"Hanmoto is a beloved hole-in-the-wall izakaya with such an unassuming exterior that I didn’t know it existed for a year after moving to the Trinity Bellwoods area. But don’t let the grungy facade fool you, Hanmoto serves up some serious eats. Try the Dyno Wings, a chicken wing with a pork gyoza stuffed inside, and thank me later."
