Amelie CameronFor many people, Leslieville is just a great residential neighborhood, but for my friends and me, it’s a hip spot perfect for weekend brunch and lively nightlife.
One weekend, we went on a food crawl in the area and visited old favorites and local gems. There were also some we checked out of mere curiosity.
So far, here are the ones I consider the best!
Jules Bistro
– From: 6ix.foods
Address: 1290 Queen St E
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—5 to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14164635853
The first thing I love about Jules Bistro is how understated the decor is. This French restaurant looks like someone’s simple house, and stepping inside makes you feel isolated from the city’s bustling nature.
Ultimately, it’s the food that made me and my friends come back for more. We like to get the steak frites because it’s comforting, but the Sauté de Poulet (sauteed chicken) is another favorite. It’s creamy, savory, and earthy!
Finish your meal with a decadent dessert. You can’t go wrong with the crème brulée. Breaking the crunchy top to scoop the silky custard underneath is so satisfying.
| Pro Tip: For a fancier dining experience, try their prix fixe meal. You can enjoy multiple courses, and you can even bring another person to make it into a date. |
Lake Inez
– From: lakeinez
Address: 1471 Gerrard St E
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Saturday—5:30 pm to 12 am
The floral wallpaper, quirky vintage furniture, and wood accents make Lake Inez feel like an intimate pub, so it’s such a great spot for unwinding after work. It’s even better if you’re with a group because you can share craft beers and food and gossip together!
I’m personally a fan of the Ribs and Ranch. The ribs are seasoned with harissa BBQ, so they taste both savory and spicy. Dipping them into the ranch adds a nice tanginess.
I also like the Spring and Summer’s Midnight Garden Waltz, which is made of morels, summer sausage, and apricot. It has an interesting combination of sweet, refreshing, and earthy—the kind of dish that reminds you of serene cottages if that makes sense.
| Pro Tip: Looking for a unique dining experience? You might want to try the restaurant’s Mystery Patio Tasting. As the name suggests, you don’t know what dishes you’ll be served. Exciting! |
Pasaj
– From: pasajtoronto
Address: 1100 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Thursday—11 am to 4:30 pm
- Friday—11 am to 5 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +16473989010
Specializing in Aegean cuisine, Pasaj is one of our favorite brunch spots in Leslieville, so it only makes sense that I sneak it into this list!
My favorite thing to get here is the shakshouka, which is poached eggs in a tomato sauce. The sauce is so peppery, tangy, and creamy, and the runny yolk makes it even richer. I love using freshly baked bread to scoop up the sauce and eggs!
If you’re not a brunch kind of person, then you’ll be delighted to know that they serve dinner as well. I recommend getting Uskumru, which is roasted mackerel. The mackerel is tender and savory with strong sour notes from the lemon and pickled onions.
| Pro Tip: Ideally, you should book your reservation about two weeks in advance. Also, keep in mind that the maximum party size is six people. |
Maple Leaf Tavern
– From: mapleleaftavern
Address: 955 Gerrard St E
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday—4 to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—4 to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14164650955
Maple Leaf Tavern’s building has been around since 1910, so it’s not surprising that the restaurant’s vibe is very much old-school. The menu is also filled with classic pub fare.
My go-to order is the pork chop, which is served with sherry, capers, and mustard sauce. The meat is well-seasoned, so every bite tastes savory and salty, while the mustard sauce adds hints of sweet and spicy notes.
Complete your meal with any of their cocktails. My favorite so far is the Stealth Margarita, which is sweet and tangy. If you’re not into cocktails, you might like any of the wines available instead.
| Pro Tip: Give a fellow food lover a gift card from Maple Leaf Tavern! |
La Paella
– From: lapaella_leslieville
Address: 1146 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—6 to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—5 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165461055
Paella is one of my favorite Spanish dishes because of how hearty and flavorful it is, so when I heard that there’s a restaurant in Leslieville that specializes in it, I couldn’t say no. Fortunately, La Paella exceeded my expectations, and now I find time to come back.
My favorite paella from this restaurant is Paella Valenciana, which is the traditional paella. It’s cooked with chicken or rabbit—or both if you want—and a variety of vegetables. This paella smells so good, I’m always salivating at the sight of it.
Paella de Mariscos is another great one, especially if you love seafood. This dish is piled high with all sorts of seafood, such as squid, shrimp, clams, mussels, scallops, and more!
| Pro Tip: Reservations are strictly done via phone and taken only after 5 pm (Monday to Saturday). If you’re planning to dine with more than six people, reserve your spot on a weekday. |
EAT BKK Thai Kitchen
– From: eatbkkto
Address: 898 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11 am to 9:30 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—11 am to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +14164664644
If you’re a fan of Thai cuisine, then you might enjoy Eat BKK Thai Kitchen in Leslieville!
Here, I like to start my meal with a mango salad because I love its sweet and nutty flavor combinations. Then, I order Thai-style fried chicken with pineapple fried rice. This meal combo is delicious—sweet, savory, and so satisfying.
Be sure to order a glass of Thai iced tea as well! This drink is so creamy and sweet that you might end up slurping the whole thing before your main dish is even served!
| Pro Tip: Sometimes, this restaurant holds special promotions like lunch specials and buy-one-get-one-free deals! |
Ascari Enoteca
– From: ascarienoteca
Address: 1111 Queen St E
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14167924157
Ascari Enoteca is a rustic wine bar that makes you feel like you’re being whisked away to the Italian countryside. Because of its relaxing vibes, I believe it’s the best spot to unwind with loved ones.
I love the pasta dishes here. My favorite so far is Lumache con Salsiccia (rapini with Italian sausage) because it perfectly combines tangy and spicy flavors. I also like to add burrata cheese to my pasta to make it creamier.
Be sure to get Formaggi as well. It’s a board with several artisan cheeses, candied nuts, and seasonal preserves. It’s the perfect way to end your meal!
| Pro Tip: When the weather is clear, take a seat on the patio. It’s such a quiet and lovely spot, and you can enjoy the breeze while dining! |
Chula Taberna Mexicana
– From: chulatabernamexicana
Address: 1058 Gerrard St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—5 to 10 pm
- Thursday—12 to 10 pm
- Friday—12 to 11 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 11 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14169019859
Chula Taberna Mexicana just gives off lively vibes, which is why I’m attracted to this place in the first place. Fortunately, the menu is just as vibrant and exciting; it features all the best Mexican dishes and over 70 different kinds of craft tequilas!
I always get the burritos (especially the one with chicken) here because they’re so jam-packed that I get full and satisfied in an instant. The tacos are also a must-try; the best flavor is the chipotle mango chicken because it’s sweet and spicy at the same time.
For your drinks, I recommend the Mango y Habanero. This cocktail tastes like endless summer—sweet and refreshing with a strong kick of heat at the end.
| Pro Tips: This restaurant often has weekly specials (aka meals that are discounted for a limited time). If you have a friend who loves Mexican cuisine, giving them a gift card from this restaurant is a good idea. |
Tabule Middle Eastern Cuisine
– From: tabulemiddleeasterncuisine
Address: 810 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Saturday—12 to 10 pm
- Sunday—12 to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +14164652500
Tabule is a popular restaurant that specializes in Middle Eastern Cuisine, and I’m so happy to learn that it has a location in Leslieville. Now, I can come here with my friends for brunch!
I recommend getting the lamb chops. They’re dry-aged in-house, so the seasonings really penetrate the thick meat. They’re also incredibly tender, and even though I’m served with four chops, I still can’t get enough.
For dessert, be sure to try the baklava. It’s a simple dessert made of layered filo pastry and chopped nuts, and since it’s smothered with sugary syrup and topped with ice cream, it’s such an indulgent treat!
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning a party, you can have this restaurant as your caterer. |
The Roy Public House
– From: theroypublichouse
Address: 894 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11 am to 1 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 2 am
- Sunday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14164653331
Pubs are the perfect place to hang out with friends after a long, hard day, and one of my favorites in Leslieville is The Roy Public House. This one has an impressive collection of imported and local draft beers!
You can’t go wrong with the classic fish and chips. The fish (North Atlantic cod) is so crispy, and I love how the tartar sauce makes every bite so rich and tangy!
The Guinness Steak and Mushroom Pot Pie is also a great choice. The steak is tender, and the gravy is a savory delight. What a comforting meal!
To wash everything down, get a pint of beer or a glass of cocktail (I really like the Whiskey Sour cocktail). There are also non-alcoholic options if you’re interested.
| Pro Tips: This restaurant hosts Wing Nights every Monday and Wednesday. You can enjoy jumbo wings at regular prices! On Tuesdays, the restaurant serves a half-rack of ribs with fries and coleslaw. You can’t get this dish any other day! |
Eastside Social
– From: eastside_social
Address: 1008 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—5:30 to 9 pm
- Friday—12 to 3 pm, 5:30 to 10 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 2 pm, 5:30 to 10 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 2 pm
Contact Number: +14164615663
What I love about Eastside Social is that the place combines campy and chill aesthetics with ease. That’s why it’s a favorite among locals when it comes to casual spots for celebrations and hangouts.
Personally, I love coming here for brunch, and my favorite dish so far is the chicken and waffles. The chicken thigh is juicy and savory, and the Belgian waffles are fluffy and sweet—perfect combination if you ask me!
If you have a sweet tooth like me, then you should try their French toast as well. The toasted brioche is soft like a pillow, and it soaks the tangy sweetness from the mixed macerated berries.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant has different weekly specials. Some that you might expect are 2-for-1 oysters on Wednesdays and steamed mussels on Thursdays and weekends. |
Batifole
– From: batifole_bistronomy
Address: 744 Gerrard St E
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday—5 to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +14164629965
At Batifole, you can treat yourself to French cuisine so authentic you’ll forget you’re actually in Toronto and not France!
The menu only has a few items, but they’re all great. The highlight for me is the pan-seared scallops, which are served with fennel compoté and lemongrass hollandaise. The flavor profile is very subtle, but you can taste herby and tangy notes.
Your meal won’t be complete without a glass of wine, and fortunately, this restaurant has many options. There’s even champagne if you’re looking for a fancy drink!
| Pro Tip: If you want to host a party at this restaurant, you can send your request via email ([email protected]). |
Bonjour Brioche
– From: bonjour_brioche
Address: 812 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday—8 am to 2 pm
- Thursday to Sunday—8 am to 3 pm
Contact Number: +14164061250
Bonjour Brioche is mostly known as a bakery, but it’s actually a brunch spot as well. This is perfect if you’re into pastries and you want a brunch spot that’s chill and quiet.
The Bonjour Benny is my go-to order because it’s a classic. The poached eggs are perfectly runny, and the hollandaise sauce makes the dish even more buttery and tangy. You can add bacon, smoked salmon, or tomatoes and avocado if you want.
For people who prefer a sweet brunch, try the crêpes here. They’re served with fresh fruit and house-whipped cream. Such a simple meal, but very satisfying!
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning a special event, you can book this restaurant’s catering services. |
Wynona Toronto
– From: wynonatoronto
Address: 819 Gerrard St E
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday—5 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14167785171
Wynona Toronto is probably one of the prettiest restaurants in the city. It has the look and feel of a Renaissance painting, which is why I think it’s ideal for romantic dates.
I recommend getting any of their pasta dishes. My favorite right now is the creste di gallo with lamb ragù; the sauce tastes rich and slightly acidic. The Pecorino Romano makes the dish even more savory and nutty.
Another great main dish is the Ontario striploin with spring onion chimichurri. The steak melts on your tongue like butter, and it also tastes tangy and spicy.
| Pro Tip: You can book a party at this restaurant. |
Avling
– From: avlingto
Address: 1042 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—4 to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 11 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14164691010
The interesting thing about Avling is that it’s a restaurant, brewery, shop, and farm all in one! There’s nothing quite like this place in Toronto.
My friends and I usually come here for brunch, which is only available from Friday to Sunday. I recommend the Farmer’s Breakfast because it’s so filling. The plate is loaded with two eggs, bacon, breakfast sausage, toast, roasted tomato, and potatoes!
If you prefer something sweet, you should get the Red Fife Buttermilk Pancakes. They’re smothered with dark maple syrup and topped with whipped cream cheese and wild blueberry firefly peach preserve—yum!
| Pro Tips: Every spring and summer, Avling opens up guided tours that let you explore their rooftop farm. Be on the lookout for this! You can book this restaurant as a venue for your special event. |
