Best Restaurants in Toronto of 2024

Just yesterday, I found myself sitting on my bed, eating Annie’s Mac and Cheese while scrolling through TikTok videos, a common occurrence. The videos involved my typical combination of Sephora reviews, musicians, and clips using the newest viral sounds. It wasn’t till I came across a unique video, one foreign to my algorithm, that I finally stopped mindlessly flicking through my feed. What caught my attention was a compilation of various foods, captioned “Reviewing Toronto’s Best (and Cheapest) Restaurants,” showcasing everything from dumplings to burgers, pastries to sushi. As I became immersed in videos of Toronto’s cafés, and Chinese and Italian restaurants, my sad-looking bowl of pasta grew cold, and the $100 saved in my bank account began to look more and more expendable. In the colder months, when Uber Eats is just three clicks away, it can be difficult to find a reason to leave the house. But I have compiled a list of the best and most affordable places in Toronto to sway you.

Ikkousha Ramen

Ikkousha Ramen has two restaurants on Queen Street, with Ikkousha Ramen serving only pork meals and Ikkousha Chicken Ramen located right next door, serving only chicken. Ikkousha Ramen has a diverse range of ramen dishes, from their classic noodles with the choice of chicken or pork, spring onions, and seaweed, to their renowned spicy version and vegetarian options. There are numerous options for side dishes and add-ons such as eggs, bamboo shoots, and extra seaweed as well as gyozas and karaage (fried chicken). Ikkousha has consistently been ranked as the best ramen in Toronto and stays within an affordable price range of $10-$20 per main dish. RUN don’t walk Branksome, Ikkousha Ramen frequently has a line extending out of the door. 

Locations
Ikkousha Ramen Toronto: 249 Queen St W
Ikkousha Chicken Ramen: 257 Queen St W

Pizzeria Badiali

The Pizzeria Badiali is located in the West end of Toronto and has brought the New York classics to Canada. It uses high-quality ingredients, and all pizzas are made in-house. The menu ranges from the most famous Pepperoni to a classic Margherita and more unique pineapple and mushroom pizzas. The restaurant offers a takeout, delivery, and dine-in option, but at a slightly steeper price, charging $29 to $32 for a 16-inch pie. The Pizzeria Badiali promises quality and some of the best New York-style pizzas in Toronto.

Locations
181 Dovercourt Rd

Ozzy’s Burgers

Located in the heart of Kensington Market, Ozzy’s Burgers is (in my personal opinion), the best burger spot in Toronto. The menu caters to any taste possible, offering chicken burgers, cheeseburgers, lamb burgers, and even vegan burgers. The burgers are easily customizable and stacked with toppings such as pickles, fried eggs, tomatoes, lettuce, and onion rings. The fries and chicken tenders are also not to be overlooked, and customers have the option to either sit inside, takeout or dine on the patio. Ozzy’s burgers are moderately priced at around $7 – $14, depending on the burger, which is reasonable considering the size of the portions.

Locations
66 Nassau St Unit ½

Loga’s Corner

Loga’s Corner has been said to have the best momos in Toronto. Momos are traditional Tibetan dumplings stuffed with meat and vegetables. Loga’s Corner is authentically Tibetan-owned and has momos ranging from chicken, beef, potato, and veggie in addition to teas and noodle soups. It is extremely cheap at $8 for 10 momos (a full meal). This restaurant has two locations, one in Parkdale and one downtown on Queen Street. 

Locations
216 Close Ave
1407 Queen St W

La Chingada

La Chingada has some of the most famous tacos and Mexican food in the city. They have chopped salads, chips and salsa, and different tacos from barbacoa, fried chicken, shrimp, fish, chorizo, mushroom, carnitas, and sweet potato tacos. They also offer desserts such as a tres leches cake and churros. The ambience and design of this restaurant only add to the experience, and the price point is around $8.25 for 3 tacos, a true bargain!

Locations
216 Close Ave
1407 Queen St W

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen

I have only been to Mildred’s Kitchen Temple twice before, but it has already earned its place as my favourite brunch option in Toronto. Mildred’s is most known for its blueberry buttermilk pancakes but their shakshouka, steak sandwiches, croissant sandwiches, scones, grilled cheese, and quiche are also delicious. The variety of its offerings allows this restaurant to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Mildred’s is more upscale, with prices ranging from $20 to $40, but the high-quality ingredients guarantee that you’ll be coming back again. Conveniently, they offer delivery, takeout, and dine-in options.

Locations
85 Hanna Ave #104

This list features some of my favourite restaurants in Toronto, all of which are affordable and high-quality. So next time you find yourself reaching for a Kraft Dinner or opening up Uber Eats, text your friends, put your coat on, and make your way to one of these locations, you won’t regret it.