Cathy MerrittWhenever I feel stressed, a long walk by a body of water seems to work wonders for me. That’s why I love visiting Etobicoke a lot. It’s bordered by Lake Ontario, the Humber River, and Etobicoke Creek.
It also helps that this area has many amazing restaurants, so I don’t have to worry about feeling hungry after my long walks. These dining spots specialize in different cuisines—Japanese, Italian, and more—so my cravings are always satisfied.
If you’re in the area, here are restaurants I highly recommend!
Mandarin Restaurant
– From: themandarinrestaurants
Address: 1255 The Queensway
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—12 to 3 pm, 5 to 9:30 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 5 to 10 pm
- Saturday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 4:30 to 10 pm
- Sunday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 4:30 to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +14162525000
Mandarin Restaurant is the one I always go to whenever I feel especially hungry (probably because I didn’t eat breakfast before my long walk). After all, this restaurant has an eat-all-you-can buffet!
The buffet specializes in Asian cuisine and features over 100 dishes! I usually go for the Thai mango salad and wonton soup for appetizers, then I treat myself to a plate full of different sushi types and vegetable fried rice.
There are also non-Asian cuisine options. For example, you might be able to find sections with pizza and grilled rib-eye steak.
| Pro Tip: Come here on a weekday (Monday to Friday) because that’s when the buffet prices are cheaper. |
Via Allegro Ristorante
– From: viaallegroristorante
Address: 1750 The Queensway
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—11:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Thursday and Sunday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Saturday—4 to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +14166226677
If you’re in the mood for something fancy, you should check out Via Allegro Ristorante. This restaurant has such an elegant atmosphere, and the dishes are classic Italian fare with a modern twist.
I like ordering from the Vintage Menu because it makes me feel extra fancy. I recommend the Golden Spoon Duck, which is dry-aged duck breast with roasted foie gras and confit risotto. It’s big enough to serve two people!
I also recommend the rack of lamb, which is so tender and savory. It comes with elderberry jus that adds a bit of sweetness and tartness to the whole dish.
| Pro Tip: Planning a corporate event, party, or other special occasion? You can book any of the restaurant’s venues. |
Eden Trattoria
– From: edentrattoria_lakeshore
Address: 58 Marine Parade Dr
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14162555588
Another great Italian dining spot in Etobicoke is Eden Trattoria. This restaurant is located by Humber Bay, so you can enjoy the view of the lake while dining.
I love getting the seafood ravioli because the sauce is so buttery and garlicky (my favorite flavor combination), and the shrimp, scallops, and calamari soak up all the flavors. The ravioli is also filled with sweet crab meat, which I love.
If you prefer something more filling, get the 12-oz ribeye steak. It’s served with grilled vegetables and mashed or roasted potatoes, so you’ll feel full in no time.
| Pro Tips: You can create your own pasta if you’re interested. Sometimes, when the famous circus Cirque Du Soleil comes to Toronto, the restaurant offers a special discount. Be on the lookout for that! |
850 Degrees Pizzeria
– From: 850degrees
Address: 3455 Lake Shore Blvd W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11:30 am to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165030850
If you’re a big pizza lover, then 850 Degrees Pizzeria is the restaurant for you. They use a stone-fired oven to bake their pizza, so the crust gets that nice char that adds smoky flavors to every bite.
My favorite pizza is Toonie, which has a base of basil pesto sauce and is topped with chicken, wild mushroom, and mozzarella. The crust is also stuffed with creamy ricotta cheese—a pleasant surprise, to be sure!
I also recommend Bloor by the Park, which has tomato sauce, mozzarella, beef pepperoni, thick-cut bacon, and Cremini mushrooms. It tastes tangy and acidic because of the tomato sauce but also savory and a little bit earthy.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant hosts different features every month. Try at least one of them when you can. |
Burrito Boyz
– From: burrito_boyz
Address: 1158 The Queensway
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—11 am to 11 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14163542699
Burrito is one of my comfort meals. It’s such a satisfying and delicious dish, and it’s so convenient to eat. If you’re a big fan of burritos like me, then you might enjoy Burrito Boyz in Etobicoke.
My go-to order is the chicken burrito, but I also really like the steak option. I usually opt for the whole wheat tortilla to make the burrito healthier, and then I pair it with a mango salsa sauce. That way, it has a bit of sweetness and acidity.
Aside from burritos, I like to get the quesadillas here, especially the cheese quesadillas. I can’t get enough of the addictive cheesy pull!
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning an event, you can book the restaurant’s catering services. |
Royal Meats Barbeque
– From: royalmeatsbarbeque
Address: 710 Kipling Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14162511144
Treat yourself to a perfect barbeque and authentic Balkan dining experience at Royal Meats Barbeque!
I like to get the 22-oz bone-in ribeye steak that’s marinated in sage, rosemary, and parsley. The meat is so tender and juicy, and I love dunking each slice into the peppercorn sauce for a kick of peppery hit.
When I’m in a hurry, I usually get the Truffle Burger, which has a succulent beef-and-lamb patty. I love that this burger is slathered generously with truffle parm aioli because it adds rich, savory, and earthy flavors to the dish.
| Pro Tips: If you’re dining with a group, the menu has several platter options—from all meat to meat-and-seafood combos. If you’re interested in having them as a caterer, be sure to send a request via the contact form. |
Chop Steakhouse & Bar
– From: chopsteakhouse
Address: 801 Dixon Rd
Operating Hours:
- Monday—11 am to 12 am
- Tuesday to Friday—11 am to 1 am
- Saturday—11:30 am to 1 am
- Sunday—10 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14166747500
If you’ve just arrived in Toronto via the Toronto Pearson International Airport, then Chop Steakhouse & Bar is the best restaurant to introduce you to Canadian cuisine. This restaurant serves quality steaks, and the interior is also just as elegant.
The prime rib is an absolute must-try here. It’s slow-roasted, so the meat is so tender it breaks apart easily, and it’s oozing with peppery, salty, and herby flavors because of the broth it’s cooked in. The horseradish and au jus make the dish even more savory.
Complete your meal with a bottle of wine! The restaurant has an impressive selection of wines from renowned wineries. I recommend the Chardonnay from Cave Spring Vineyard, a popular winery in Ontario.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant participates in Summerlicious, a yearly food festival that lets you enjoy limited-time prix fixe meals. This festival usually happens in July, so visit the restaurant then. |
JOEY Sherway Gardens
– From: joeyrestaurants
Address: 25 The West Mall, CF Sherway Gardens
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 1 am
Contact Number: +16477485639
Boasting a warm and modern industrial interior, JOEY Sherway Gardens is a great spot for casual gatherings.
I usually come here for cocktail nights with friends, and my favorite so far is the Spicy Strawberry Margarita because I love the spicy-sweet-fruity combinations. I also recommend Mango Mai Tai, which is another fruity cocktail.
When it comes to food, I like to get the Bollywood Butter Chicken. It’s so rich and buttery, and it’s served with fragrant and fluffy basmati rice and house-baked naan, making it a very filling meal.
| Pro Tip: Book this restaurant as a venue for your private dinner or large party. |
Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar Sherway
– From: scaddabush
Address: 1900 The Queensway
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 11 pm
- Saturday—12 to 11 pm
- Sunday—12 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14166219637
For fans of Italian pasta, Scaddabush is a must-visit. This casual restaurant is widely hailed for their pasta, simply because they create everything from scratch—even the mozzarella!
My ultimate recommendation is the San Marzano Spaghetti, which is tangy, acidic, and slightly spicy. I also really like the Pesto Pollo Penne; the sauce is perfectly nutty and earthy, and I love how the chicken soaks up all the flavors.
If you want to eat something other than pasta, you might want to order the Chicken Parmesan instead. The version here is a bit spicy, which I actually like.
| Pro Tip: You can plan a party at Scaddabush. Check this PDF for more information. |
Milestones
– From: fatkidprobs and milestonesrestaurants
Address: 646 Dixon Rd
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 11 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 11 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14162456262
Milestones is a very popular restaurant in Canada. It has multiple locations all over the country, and fortunately, there’s one in Etobicoke. If you’re looking for a place to, well, celebrate your milestones, this restaurant is for you!
I recommend the Surf N Turf, which consists of sirloin steak topped with shrimp, scallops, and lobster meat. Everything is smothered with the lobster butter sauce, so every forkful is an explosion of rich flavors.
If you’re with a group, you should get the chicken wings for sharing. I recommend the jalapeño mango BBQ sauce because it’s so sweet and spicy!
| Pro Tip: Give a fellow food lover a gift card from Milestones! |
Spoon & Fork
– From: spoonandforkgta
Address: 1233 The Queensway #24
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14162018688
Japanese and Thai cuisines are two of my favorites, so when I heard that Spoon & Fork combines these two, I knew I had to check it out. Plus, this restaurant also has an All You Can Taste menu, so I was even more motivated to visit!
Now, I love coming here for dinner to eat as many sushi and rolls as I can, especially the Spicy California Roll. Aside from sushi, I pile my plate high with mango chicken, pepper beef, and pad Thai.
You can also order a la carte if you want. I recommend the mango chicken because it’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory. It even comes with slices of fresh mango and lychee!
| Pro Tip: Sometimes, the restaurant holds special promotions like discounts and limited-time dishes. |
Eataly Sherway Gardens
– From: eatalytoronto
Address: 25 The West Mall, CF Sherway Gardens
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—9 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—9 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14377830300
What I love about Eataly Sherway Gardens is that it has such a cozy vibe. So, I always feel at home whenever I’m dining here. The experience is even better when I’m with friends or family.
I prefer coming here for brunch, and my go-to order is Uova Benedettine, which is poached eggs on top of a croissant. I love the runny yolk paired with the bread, and with the hollandaise sauce, the dish becomes even richer.
Brunch isn’t complete without any cocktail. Mimosa is the popular choice, but I also really like Bellini because it tastes like peach, which happens to be my favorite fruit.
| Pro Tips: This restaurant also has a market that sells fresh produce. Stock up on your groceries when you can! There are always fun events like trivia nights and cooking classes available here. Some are even free! |
K&B Sushi
From: kbsushi
Address: 1184 The Queensway
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Sunday—11:30 am to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +14162528868
If you love sushi, then you should check out K&B Sushi. It’s also an All You Can Eat restaurant, making it the perfect place to go when you’re hungry or your craving for sushi is super strong.
My favorite handrolls are avocado and cucumber, California, and spicy salmon. For sushi, I usually get white tuna, crab, and mackerel.
Sushi isn’t the only thing available here. They also have rice and noodles (I love pineapple rice), udon (pork katsu udon is a must-try), and pizza (I recommend salmon pizza). There are even dessert options for people with a sweet tooth.
| Pro Tip: Monday to Thursday is the best time to come to this restaurant because the buffet prices are cheaper compared to Friday to Sunday. |
The Captain’s Boil
– From: thecaptainsboil
Address: 1800 The Queensway #5
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14167921880
The Captain’s Boil is truly a paradise for seafood lovers. All your favorite seafood smothered by a buttery sauce—what’s better than that?
You can customize your seafood boil however you want. For me, I like the lemon pepper sauce because I like a bit of acidity to my seafood; then, I choose the medium spice level because I’m not immune to spicy heat yet.
Of course, I also like to get a lot of add-ons for my boil. Potatoes, corn, and sausages are a must for me, and when I’m feeling extra indulgent, I’ll order several cups of steamed rice.
Dining here always puts me in a food coma!
| Pro Tip: Try to come here sometime in the afternoon because the restaurant gets packed during lunch (11 am to 1 pm) and dinner time (after 6 pm). |
Earls Kitchen + Bar
– From: earlsrestaurant
Address: 199 N Queen St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Friday—11:30 am to 1 am
- Saturday—10:30 am to 1 am
- Sunday—10:30 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +16472496323
Featuring a sleek and upscale interior, Earls Kitchen + Bar is a great spot to enjoy brunch with friends!
I love to get the bacon cheddar burger because it’s just bursting with salty-savory goodness. The chorizo hash is also very satisfying; it has poached eggs on top of potato pavé, and it’s drizzled with chipotle chili for a kick of heat.
The cocktail menu here is always so exciting because some flavors are new to me. My favorite so far is the Coconut Mango Margarita, which is sweet, tangy, and refreshing. It also has a hint of spice that I really like.
| Pro Tips: If you have any dietary restrictions, be sure to let your server know so that the chef can make the necessary adjustments to your order. Book this restaurant as a venue for your special occasion! |
