Cathy MerrittFor a lot of people, including myself, Don Mills is a shopping district. If I’m in the mood to channel my inner Becky Bloomwood and treat myself to new clothes and shoes, CF Shops at Don Mills is a prime spot.
But recently, my friends and I realized that this neighbourhood is teeming with fantastic food spots, too. From tangy Italian pasta dishes to flavourful Asian buffets to charming brunch spots—the options are endless!
So, we went on a food crawl to find the best restaurants in Don Mills, and here’s what we found.
- JOEY Don Mills
- The Good Son Restaurant
- Eataly—Don Mills
- Añejo Restaurant—Don Mills
- Taylors Landing
- Scaddabush Italian Kitchen and Bar—Don Mills
- Cucina di Paisano
- Petros82 Restaurant Don Mills
- Saffron Mahal Indian Cuisine
- Sorento Italian Kitchen
- Jack’s Don Mills
- Mantra by Host
- Old Time Chinese Cuisine
- Casa Manila York Mills
- Dragon Pearl Buffet
- Darband Restaurant
- Fox and Fiddle
JOEY Don Mills
From: joeyrestaurants
Address: 75 O’Neill Rd, 1090 Don Mills Rd., CF Shops at Don Mills, North York
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 1 am
Contact Number: +14164456391
JOEY is a well-known restaurant chain in North America, with several locations in the US and Canada. So, when I learned that there’s an outlet in Don Mills, I was thrilled!
The lobster spaghetti is my favourite thing to order because I love the contrasting flavours of sweet and tangy from the lobster and the pasta sauce. The dish also comes with a butter sauce for the lobster, which adds a bright zestiness to every bite.
| Pro Tip: Elevate your occasion by hosting a private dinner here. |
The Good Son Restaurant
From: thegoodson_to
Address: 11 Karl Fraser Rd, CF Shops at Don Mills, North York
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday—5 pm to 10 pm
- Wednesday and Thursday—12 pm to 10 pm
- Friday—12 pm to 11 pm
- Saturday—11:30 am to 11 pm
- Sunday—11:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16477480589
What I like most about The Good Son Restaurant is that it reflects the melting pot culture of Toronto. As a result, the menu is filled with dishes inspired by various cuisines!
I’m quite obsessed with the bulgogi short ribs. The ribs have been marinated for about 24 hours, so the rich, savoury notes penetrate the meat.
You’ll also get to enjoy a side of fried rice cooked in kimchi and ginger. Its spicy and tangy flavours really bring the dish to a whole new level.
| Pro Tip: I recommend booking a reservation to secure your spot. |
Eataly—Don Mills
From: eatalytoronto
Address: 49 Karl Fraser Rd, CF Shops at Don Mills, North York
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—8 am to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—8 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14375249130
Craving Italian dishes? Then, you’ll love Eataly (such a perfect name if you ask me)!
Of course, you can’t go wrong with their pasta dishes. There are so many amazing options, but I keep coming back to the tagliatelle al tartufo nero. Black truffle is the main ingredient, so the flavour profile is a combination of rich and earthy notes.
| Pro Tips: Eataly also has an online grocery store, where you can purchase high-quality Italian and Canadian products. Sometimes, the restaurant hosts cooking classes. Attend one when you can. Book their catering services for your special event. |
Añejo Restaurant—Don Mills
From: anejorestaurant
Address: 7 Marie Labatte Rd, CF Shops at Don Mills
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 1 am
Contact Number: +16473687170
In the mood for a good old time with your friends? Head to Añejo Restaurant, where you can order fun and colourful tequila drinks that will get your blood buzzing with energy!
In addition to their wide array of alcoholic drinks, this restaurant serves delicious Mexican-inspired dishes.
Carne Ahumada is my current favourite; the striploin is cold-smoked and then topped with a rich and savoury adobo butter. It’s also served with chimichurri for an extra burst of zestiness and a side of Mexican rice to make it filling.
| Pro Tip: You can host your special event here. |
Taylors Landing
From: thelandinggroup
Address: 76 O’Neill Rd, CF Shops at Don Mills
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 11 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Saturday—11 am to 12 am
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16479436318
Taylors Landing has this industrial-chic design that I find quite charming, but it’s definitely the food that has won me over. I mean, Canadian comfort food with a fancy twist? Sign me up!
You have to try their maple chicken. The half chicken is bursting with sweet and smoky flavours, and it tastes even better when you dip it into the savoury onion gravy. This dish is served with herb fingerling potatoes that are divine!
| Pro Tip: Host your special event here. This restaurant can seat up to 250 people indoors and 100 people on the patio, and you can also enjoy more perks like free parking and free Wi-Fi. |
Scaddabush Italian Kitchen and Bar—Don Mills
From: scaddabush
Address: 67 O’Neill Rd
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11 am to 10 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—11 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +16472541790
Scaddabush is one of my favourite brunch spots in Toronto, and I’m so glad that there’s an outlet in Don Mills.
For pasta, I really like the lemon garlic shrimp spaghetti. The sauce is bright and tangy, and it complements the mellow sweetness of the shrimp really well.
If you prefer pizza, I recommend The Butcher. Meat lovers, in particular, will love this one because it’s jam-packed with all the goodies: double-smoked bacon, fennel sausage, and pepperoni. Every bite brings me closer to heaven, but I have no regrets!
| Pro Tips: Every Wednesday, you can enjoy a 50% discount on all wine bottles. Book their catering services for your event. |
Cucina di Paisano
From: cucinadipaisano
Address: 865 York Mills Rd #8, Liberty Plaza, North York
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11 am to 9 pm
- Friday—11 am to 10 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 10 pm
- Sunday—9 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14162225487
Another fantastic Italian restaurant in Don Mills is Cucina di Paisano. It has a casual, cozy atmosphere, which is why it’s popular among families and friends.
The menu is extensive here, and while I love the classic pasta options, I prefer their main entrées. In particular, I’m obsessed with their chicken cacciatore, which is pan-seared chicken cooked in a red wine tomato sauce.
Tangy and savoury are the first flavours I taste, then they’re followed by earthy and spicy, thanks to the mushrooms and roasted red peppers.
| Pro Tip: Planning an event? Book their catering services. |
Petros82 Restaurant Don Mills
From: pnpeventcatering
Address: 900 York Mills Rd, North York
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—5 pm to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—5 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14164883234
You don’t have to take a trip across the Atlantic to enjoy authentic Greek cuisine. Just stop by Petros82, and you’ll satisfy your craving!
I recommend getting The Main Attraction because it really is the main attraction! Treat yourself to fresh oysters and shellfish, and they’ll also serve you the fresh catch of the day.
Whether it’s haddock or some other fish, I can trust it to be seasoned to perfection, so every forkful is salty and peppery, with a hint of tanginess from the lemon.
| Pro Tip: You can host your special event here. |
Saffron Mahal Indian Cuisine
From: sahilburaofficial
Address: 865 York Mills Rd, Unit 7, North York
Operating Hours:
- Monday—11 am to 2 am
- Tuesday to Thursday—11 am to 11 pm
- Friday to Sunday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +16475309962
I’m obsessed with Saffron Mahal’s interior design: the theme is colourful and cozy, with intricate carvings and paintings on the wall. It’s very Instagrammable!
Of course, the food is amazing as well. My current favourite is the tandoori momo chicken (dumplings with a thicker wrapping). The chicken filling is juicy and oozes with savoury and smoky flavours. Dipping the momo into chilli sauce elevates it even further!
| Pro Tip: If you’d like to book them for catering, fill out this form first. |
Sorento Italian Kitchen
From: sorentoitaliankitchen_
Address: 900 Don Mills Rd., Barber Greene Square, North York
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14164473590
Sorento Italian Kitchen has a homey quality to its food that I really like. It reminds me of dining at my grandma’s house when I was a kid.
They have many options for pasta, but their veal parmigiano has my heart. I love the burst of acidity and tanginess from the tomato sauce, while mozzarella and parmesan cut through all that with their salty cheesiness.
The veal itself is incredibly tender and savoury, too. All in all, such a hearty meal!
| Pro Tip: Book their catering services for your special event. |
Jack’s Don Mills
From: jack_astors
Address: 1060 Don Mills Rd., CF Shops at Don Mills, North York
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11 am to 11 pm
- Thursday—11 am to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 1 am
Contact Number: +14163319238
Jack’s is the perfect place to go if you’re craving a space that feels like a pub (here are some more similar spots in the city). The atmosphere here is lively, and the menu features your classic comfort pub fare.
You have to try at least one of their burgers or sandwiches. I recommend the Holy Smoke BBQ Burger, which has an addictive savoury and smoky flavour profile. It also has pickled jalapeño peppers, which add a burst of spice with every bite.
| Pro Tips: On Mondays and Tuesdays, you can enjoy a 50% discount on all their wines. Five drinks only cost C$5 every Happy Hour (every day, from 2 pm to 5 pm and 9 pm to close). |
Mantra by Host
From: mantrabyhost
Address: 2 O’Neill Rd, CF Shops at Don Mills, North York
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—12 pm to 10 pm
- Friday—12 pm to 11 pm
- Saturday—12 pm to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +16477484678
Mantra by Host is another perfect restaurant to go to if you’re craving Indian cuisine.
I recommend the chef specials. The stuffed butter chicken is my favourite because it’s such a unique twist on a classic Indian dish. The chicken is stuffed with melty cheese and then cooked in a rich, buttery gravy.
| Pro Tips: For only C$39, you can enjoy a three-course dinner. Treat yourself to their relaxing Indian high tea experience. |
Old Time Chinese Cuisine
From: miaomiao.eats
Address: 10 Mallard Rd C 115, The Diamond at Don Mills, North York
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—11:30 am to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Sunday—12 pm to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14167925365
I almost passed by Old Time Chinese Cuisine the first time I came here. It seems unassuming from the outside! The inside is just as humble, but the food? Definitely the reason I keep coming back!
The Szechuan kung pao chicken is my go-to order. It’s so spicy that I can’t feel my tongue after a few bites, but it’s also aromatic and savoury. I love to pair this dish with steamed rice or a hometown stew to douse a bit of the heat.
| Pro Tip: This place gets busy over the weekends, so I recommend coming here on a weekday instead. |
Casa Manila York Mills
From: casamanilaca
Address: 879 York Mills Rd, Unit #1, Yorkdon Mews, North York
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—11 am to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +14164439654
Casa Manila is perfect if you’re dining with a group. The portions are massive, so you’ll end up sharing food with everyone.
I love ordering the Dalisay Barkada Pick because it comes with a rich bistek Tagalog (thinly-sliced beef steak braised in soy sauce and calamansi juice), sweet and garlicky shrimp, and hearty pancit bihon.
It also comes with steamed or garlic rice, so we’re always full afterward!
| Pro Tips: If you’re starving, try their Kamayan Feasts, which come with unlimited rice. Planning a special event? You can purchase catering party trays here. |
Dragon Pearl Buffet
From: mjeaaaats
Address: #2, 865 York Mills Rd, Liberty Plaza, North York
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 9:30 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm
- Saturday—11:30 am to 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm to 10 pm
- Sunday—11:30 am to 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +16473487886
If you love dining at all-you-can-eat restaurants, then you need to check out Dragon Pearl Buffet. It’s the best buffet in the area!
I always go with the Peking duck first because I can’t resist its perfectly crispy skin and juicy, savoury meat.
The Szechuan crabs are also another favourite of mine. The spice from the sauce pairs really well with the meat’s slight sweetness.
| Pro Tip: Treat yourself to their special afternoon tea experience. |
Darband Restaurant
From: darbandrestaurant
Address: 879 York Mills Rd, North York
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14164451777
Iranian cuisine is underrated, in my opinion, so when I found Darband Restaurant, I was over the moon!
I have my favourites here, but if I can only pick one, it would have to be Baghali Polo Mahiche. The two pieces of lamb shank are so tender that they’re basically falling apart. The aromatic sauce also adds a lovely hit of earthy, savoury flavours.
| Pro Tip: If you’re a vegetarian, let your server know so that the chef can provide alternatives for you. From experience, they’re very accommodating. |
Fox and Fiddle
From: foxandfiddle
Address: 865 York Mills Rd, Liberty Plaza, North York
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14167928299
Fox and Fiddle is the kind of intimate gastropub that I love coming to after a long day. There’s always something to do: throw darts, listen to live music, or maybe even sing a few songs on open mic nights!
Oh, the food is fantastic, too. The fish and chips is a classic and for good reason. The haddock has a lovely crispy exterior and a tender, flaky interior. It also tastes mildly sweet. Dip it into the tartar sauce, and you can enjoy a tangy zing!
| Pro Tip: If you want to host an event here, fill out this form. |
