Cathy MerrittThe Yonge and Finch area has a reputation for being boring, at least among my friends. They think this neighbourhood is boring because there are no standout attractions here. To them, it’s just an affluent residential area in North York.
But this is where I disagree with my friends. Yonge and Finch may not have a lot of uniquely fun things to do, but it does have an impressive lineup of shops and restaurants—especially restaurants. So, if you’re a foodie like me, this place is worth exploring.
Planning to visit Yonge and Finch soon? Use this neighbourhood guide to prepare for your journey.
Where is Yonge and Finch in Toronto?
Technically, Yonge and Finch is an intersection of Yonge Street and Finch Avenue, but locals started treating the area around the intersection as a distinct neighbourhood. Parts of Yonge and Finch overlap with sections of Willowdale, Newtonbrook, and Yonge-Doris.
What is the main street of Yonge and Finch?
The main streets of Yonge and Finch are undoubtedly Yonge Street and Finch Avenue. These are where the neighbourhood’s restaurants and shops are located. The intersection is where you can find all the fun stuff.
How to Get to Yonge and Finch
By Subway: The best way to reach Yonge and Finch is to ride the subway. Take the 1 line and stop at the Finch station, which is located right at the intersection.
By Bus: Ride any of the following buses: 27, 36A, 42, 953, or 960. There are several bus stops in the neighbourhood, with some right along the intersection.
By Car: There are several parking lots in the area, including one at 5607 Yonge Street and the Municipal Carpark 412 on Finch Avenue. Just take note that all of them are paid parking lots, with their rates ranging from C$6 to C$12.
What to Do
Enjoy a nice picnic at Edithvale Park
– From: charchar_westie
Address: 121 Finch Ave W
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +14163922489
Yonge and Finch doesn’t have the gorgeous, sprawling green parks of downtown Toronto, but it does have Edithvale Park. This 4-hectare park is pretty well-equipped; it has an expanse of green lawn, a playground for children, a picnic shelter, and even a space for basketball and baseball.
Personally, I love coming here to enjoy a lovely picnic. Sometimes, I bring a blanket and put it down on the grass to have an authentic picnic experience. Other times, I just go to the picnic shelter because it has some comfortable chairs.
For food, I just order from any of the restaurants nearby. This experience is so simple, but it never fails to put a smile on my face.
Play (or watch) sports at Edithvale Community Center
– From: grace_zumba.canada
Address: 131 Finch Ave W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—8 am to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—8 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14163956164
Also located within Edithvale Park’s premises is the Edithvale Community Center. This center is where fun activities occur in the neighbourhood, so you might want to pay a visit here when you can.
To be honest, most of the fun activities here are sports-related—just a bunch of kids and/or adults playing basketball. I do enjoy sitting on the side and watching people play, but it becomes even more fun if I bring my friends because they’re sporty and they will join any sports match, even if it’s with strangers.
Hike the Finch Recreational Trail
– From: gyaldemcyclingcollective
Address: Bishop Ave, Newtonbrook Park
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Do you love to hike or bike? If yes, then you’ll be delighted to know that there’s a trail that passes right through Yonge and Finch. This trail is called the Finch Recreational Trail, and it spans a whopping 10.7 miles!
Hiking on this trail makes me forget that I’m still in the GTA because the scenery is a woodland with creeks and stony banks. It’s also pretty private, so there’s not a lot of urban noise like car honks and people shouting. For a moment, I can convince myself that I’m in the countryside.
The best part about this trail is that even though it’s pretty long—I mean, it reaches all the way to Vaughan. It’s easy enough that you can bring a friend who is new to hiking. Dogs might also love walking here.
Where to Eat
Huh Ga Ne
– From: huhgane
Address: 19A Finch Ave W, Sonata
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +14169011288
Korean cuisine at an affordable price? I can never say no to that! If you feel the same, then stop by Huh Ga Ne.
My favourite thing to get here is the kimchi bokeum bab, which is fried rice with kimchi, pork, and a sunny-side-up egg. The rice packs quite the spicy punch, and it also tastes a bit tangy. Meanwhile, the runny yolk adds a creamy richness that I really like.
This restaurant also offers hot pot. I recommend getting the budae jeon gol, which has a rich and umami-filled soup base that’s topped with spicy and sour kimchi, soft tofu, and salty sausage rolls.
Hashi Izakaya
– From: hashiizakaya
Address: 5582 Yonge St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 pm to 2:30 am
Contact Number: +14162248179
Chill and intimate, Hashi Izakaya is the best spot to go if you just want to relax after a long day at work—by yourself or with friends. The food here is simply delicious and comforting, and they also have a wide array of alcoholic beverages available.
I love ordering the hashi wings here; the chicken wings are generously coated with this thick sauce that’s both savoury and sweet.
I usually pair it with taro chips and potato fries, but when I’m extra hungry, I order gyu don, which is a rice bowl with fried beef that’s also sweet and savoury.
Gol’s Lanzhou Noodle
– From: whatyoucouldeat
Address: 5505 Yonge St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +14162219696
I’m a big fan of noodle bowls no matter the weather, so I was thrilled to discover Gol’s Lanzhou Noodle in the Yonge and Finch area. If you don’t know, this is a popular restaurant chain in Canada, with several locations all over the country.
The noodles here are hand-made, and I can tell that whoever makes them is incredibly skilled. The noodles are so springy, and they absorb the spicy-umami goodness of the broth. For the toppings, I usually go with the beef tendons because they taste rich, and I love the extra crunch.
MeNami Udon and Izakaya
– From: menamitoronto
Address: 5469 Yonge St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—5 pm to 12 am
- Friday—5 pm to 2 am
- Saturday—12 pm to 2 am
- Sunday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +14162296191
Another great spot for noodles in Yonge and Finch is MeNami Udon and Izakaya. The best part about this restaurant is that they have all sorts of noodles—from ramen bowls to pasta dishes.
If we’re talking udon, I recommend the curry udon with pork cutlet. I love how bouncy the noodles are, and the sauce is thick and creamy with a distinct cumin flavour. The pork cutlet is wonderfully crispy, and its flavour is mildly salty.
If you prefer pasta, you can’t go wrong with the shrimp pasta. The sauce is spicy and salty, and the shrimp adds a nice sweet contrast to that.
Good Luck HK Cafe
– From: goodluckhkcafe
Address: 5533 Yonge St
Operating Hours:
- Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday—11 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +14162268666
One thing I love about Good Luck HK Cafe is that it fully embraces its theme. Dining here does feel like dining in a Hong Kong cafe; the vibe is lively and chaotic (in a good way), and the food is always served on plates with colourful, geometric patterns.
Oh, and the food is fantastic here, too. You should get any of the steamed rice in lotus leaf wraps. My favourite is the one with mushrooms, steamed chicken, and preserved pork. The flavour profile is earthy and savoury, with a hint of salty-sweet. It’s so addictive!
Sang-Ji Fried Bao
– From: justwhat.eva
Address: 5461 Yonge St, Tridel
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday—11:30 am to 9 pm
- Sunday—11:30 am to 8:30 pm
Contact Number: +16473469199
Traditional soup dumplings are top-notch, but Sang-Ji Fried Bao made me realize that I also like soup dumplings that are fried instead of steamed. The baos here have a lovely crispy bottom, and inside is a scalding hot, umami-rich broth and juicy pork filling.
Aside from the fried bao, I really like the scallion oil noodles. This dish is a flavour bomb—spicy, savoury, and oily (it’s not greasy, so don’t worry!). It’s also topped with peanuts, which add a crunchy contrast to the chewy, springy noodles.
Lim Ga Ne
– From: limgane_finch
Address: 5529 Yonge St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 am to 6 am, 11:30 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +16474352700
I love that Lim Ga Ne is open from dawn to dusk because I know exactly where I need to go when I’m hit by a late-night craving for authentic Korean cuisine.
I’m obsessed with their rose tteokbokki (rice cakes). The rice cakes are addictively chewy, and the sauce is creamy with a strong punch of spice. This dish also comes with sausages that add a nice smoky flavour to every bite.
If it’s raining outside, I like to order a stew. I recommend the dwaeji gukbap, which is pork broth soup with rice and pork. The umami flavours of the broth have depth, so even when I’ve finished the bowl, they still linger on my tongue.
Chicken in the Kitchen
– From: chickeninthekitchen_ca
Address: 5600 Yonge St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14162245509
Everyone in my close circle of friends and family knows that I’m a sucker for anything chicken-related—especially if it’s fried. That’s why it’s not a surprise that I became obsessed with Chicken in the Kitchen the moment I first bit into their scrumptious fried chicken.
My ultimate recommendation is the Korean sweet chilli fried chicken because it perfectly marries the sweet and spicy flavours. It also comes with crispy potato wedges and a few chewy fried rice cakes. Pair this dish with a pint of beer, and I’m set for the entire night.
AiTaiker Taiwanese Fried Chicken
– From: kknomzz
Address: 5418 Yonge St #21, Royal Arms
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +14165120888
Do you still want more chicken? I have another recommendation for you: AiTaiker! This restaurant specializes in Taiwanese fried chicken, a street food in Taiwan made popular thanks to its enormous size (it’s essentially a flat sheet of chicken)!
This fried chicken treat is incredibly crispy, and I love how rich, savoury, and juicy it is. Even though it’s super big, I can finish it in one go, and I still want to eat more!
Another dish you might want to try is the Hawaiian-style chicken sandwich. Essentially, this one has a slice of pineapple together with the crispy chicken, and oh my goodness, it’s so delicious. A combination of sweet and savoury—yum!
R sushi
– From: rushitoronto
Address: 5515 Yonge St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14162260100
For people who love sushi, I have a spot for you in Yonge and Finch: R sushi! This restaurant may seem humble and unassuming from the outside, but their stuff here is always fresh and high-quality!
I’m obsessed with the Wagyu uni sushi; the rich savoriness of the Wagyu beef pairs well with the mild sweetness of the uni.
The spicy salmon is another favourite of mine. I can never resist the combination of tingling spice and butteriness from the salmon!
Moon Pasta
– From: moonpastatoronto
Address: 5359 Yonge St, Tridel
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 pm to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14167928876
I love pasta because it’s so versatile. Moon Pasta proves this because they constantly come up with unique flavours!
Currently, I’m obsessed with the butter gochujang pasta because the buttery-spicy combination is just undefeated.
I also really like the garlic lemon shrimp; the zing from the lemons livens my tastebuds, and the mellow sweetness from the shrimp complements it really well.
Kayagum
– From: fionaterrence
Address: 5460 Yonge St #100, Dynasty Towers Condominium Residences
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +16473408086
Kayagum is a favourite spot among locals for casual, late-night dining, and I can see why. The vibes here are chill and intimate, and the menu is full of comfort dishes from Japanese and Korean cuisines.
I find myself reaching for the grilled or fried dishes here. I’m particularly fond of the sizzling beef bulgogi. The beef pieces are wonderfully charred, giving off an addictive smoky flavour. They’re also rich and savoury, which is why they taste better when paired with hot rice.
Egg Club North York
– From: torontoeaters
Address: 5423 Yonge St, Tridel
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +14167925423
If you’re not super hungry but you still want to eat something filling, then Egg Club is the best spot for you. This shop specializes in egg sandwiches, and let me tell you—they’re absolutely massive!
The Chipotle lobster is the best option here, if you ask me. The bread is light and fluffy, with a hint of sweetness, the eggs are rich and creamy, and the lobster is tender and mild. The chipotle sauce adds a tangy and spicy punch that makes every bite delectable.
Where to Shop
H-Mart Finch
– From: hmarttoronto
Address: 5545 Yonge St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14162270300
Everyone knows that if you’re planning to cook any Asian dish, H-Mart is where you should go to get your ingredients. Fortunately, there’s an H-Mart outlet right in Yonge and Finch, so get to shopping!
I mostly come to H-Mart to get all the Asian snacks I never would’ve found in the usual grocery stores. Examples include Buldak noodles, Jin Ramen, and frozen packs of dumplings and tteokbokki.
This store also helps me stock up on various soju flavours, just in case my friends come over and they’re looking for something to drink.
Secret Garden Florist
– From: secretgarden_yf
Address: 5621 Yonge St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—9 am to 9 pm
- Sunday—9 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +14167330001
Sometimes, a bouquet is enough to brighten my day, so when I’m in Yonge and Finch and need cheering up, I just go to Secret Garden Florist and buy myself some flowers.
I love choosing from the designer’s collection, and my current favourite is Tulipière because tulips are my favourite flower. But more than that, this bouquet is just bursting with vivid pinks, yellows, and oranges. It’s hard to feel sad at the sight of that!
Claw Me Baby
– From: yelptoronto
Address: 5580 Yonge St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—3:30 pm to 11:30 pm
- Friday—3:30 pm to 12 am
- Saturday and Sunday—1 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +16475703298
Treat your child to a toy or a game at Claw Me Baby! Or if you don’t have a child, you can treat yourself instead. Who says adults can enjoy playing with toys and games?
Most of their items here are from famous franchises, like One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Digimon. I’m a big fan of Pokémon, so I was thrilled to discover that they have a ton of toys here. I’m personally eyeing the model kits of Eevee and Charmander; I just know they will look so cute displayed on my desk.
Mr. Pen
– From: mrpentoronto
Address: 5498 Yonge St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 pm to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14162236244
As a stationery enthusiast, I can never resist a good stationery store. So, when I saw Mr. Pen in Yonge and Finish, I didn’t hesitate. I immediately went inside and spent about four hours just browsing all the stuff!
The notebooks, planners, and notepads here have me in a chokehold. How can I not buy these pastel-colored notepads with adorable illustrations of animals or their gilded notebooks with lovely, thick pages?
Oh, and the pens! Don’t get me started with the pens! The pens’ cute tops (usually faces of animals) are enough to compel me to buy them even though I already have a bunch at home.
