The best restaurants in Toronto's Riverdale neighbourhood
Filled with beautiful century homes, dense with old trees and overlooking the Don Valley with a stellar view of the city skyline, Riverdale is one of Toronto’s most picturesque neighbourhoods. If you’re lucky enough to live here, chances are, you’ve hit up a few of these places. You’ll find delicate pastries, authentic cuisine from around the world, and just about anything else you’re looking for on this list.
Cafe Fiorentina
Main 463 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1P1Café Fiorentina is not just any cafe. This is a place you take your best friend to lunch for her birthday, because the food is so darned good. Everything from the soups to the quiches to the delicious pastries are made fresh daily, in house and rotate depending on what’s available seasonally. Happy meats, heritage breads…oh, and delicious espresso.
Andrea's Gerrard St. Bakery
635 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Y2Andrea's Gerrard Street Bakery pretty much has some of the best tarts in the city, so stop in if you’re craving a butter tart. But sweets aren’t the only thing they’re good at here. They make some delicious meat pies and empanadas, so it’s a good bet to grab some lunch and a dessert, on the go.
Batifole Restaurant
744 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Y3Batifole is an unassuming little French restaurant in the midst of Chinatown. But don’t let the location deter you; the food is simple yet elegant, and served without the pretentiousness and high prices that some other French bistros charge.
Globe Bistro
124 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1N1Globe Bistro is all about creating globally inspired dishes with local ingredients. Their attention to quality and detail in the food they serve makes them worth the higher bill, whether it’s for dinner or for their delicious brunch.
Judaline
162 Danforth Ave, Main, Toronto, ON M4K 1N1The Combine Eatery is where you want to head for some Southern comfort food. This place is a family-run exploration of the cuisine of the Southern US, be it So-Cal fish tacos or Southern fried chicken. You’ll find delicious food and a commendable bourbon list, to boot.
Dumpling House
619 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Y2Dumpling House has close to 20 different types of dumplings to choose from on their menu. This place specializes in Szechuan and Northern Chinese cuisine, so it’s not just about the dumplings. The Shanghai Fried Noodles are a good bet.
Off The Hook
749 Broadview, Toronto, ON M4K 2P6Off the Hook Gourmet Fish & Chips serves up some delicious battered food. Yes, they serve several types of deep fried fish, but they also serve deep fried chocolate bars, as well as numerous types of poutine. You can choose your fish, choose your batter (gluten free is available) and choose your sides and sauces. Everyone will be happy here.
Allen's
143 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1N2Allen’s has been a great place to go on a date in the east end for ages. Their menu is always superb higher end pub food, their local wines and beers list is extensive and their patio is pretty much the best thing on the Danforth.
The Real Jerk
842 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Y7The Real Jerk is now on Gerrard, and it still serves up some great Caribbean food. If you’re looking for roti, this is the only place to go. Their Jerk Chicken is pretty much world famous, too.
