The GTA is a beast when it comes to food. We’ve got every cuisine you can think of, from mom-and-pop dumpling shops in Scarborough to sleek chef-driven restaurants in downtown Toronto. As a local who has eaten his way from Mississauga to Markham (and then some), I’ve pulled together a no-nonsense guide to where you actually want to eat—no tourist traps, no fluff, just seriously good food.

Here’s your ultimate GTA food guide, broken down by region and backed by taste buds.

Toronto: The Heartbeat of the Food Scene

Let’s start downtown. For brunch that’ll have you scraping the plate, hit up Maha’s in Leslieville—Egyptian comfort food done right.

Craving something fancier? Alo on Spadina is fine dining perfection, or go for the tasting menu at Edulis for Spanish- and French-inspired plates that change with the seasons.

For casual eats, you can’t beat:

• Seven Lives Tacos in Kensington Market (get the Gobernador taco)

• Pai for Northern Thai in the Entertainment District

• Chica’s Chicken if you like your fried chicken hot and your sides even hotter

Mississauga: Cultural Flavours on Every Corner

Mississauga’s food scene is underrated—but ask any local and they’ll point you to spots like Rick’s Good Eats for Punjabi-Canadian fusion that hits hard (samosa burgers, anyone?).

For shawarma, Paramount Fine Foods is a staple. Want sushi? Heart Sushi does high-quality all-you-can-eat. And if you’re into Malaysian cuisine, Restoran Malaysia in the north end is a must.

For something sweet, grab a Ube leche flan cake from Le Génie Bakery & Espresso.

Markham & Richmond Hill: Where Asian Cuisine Reigns Supreme

This is the GTA’s powerhouse when it comes to Chinese, Korean, and Japanese food. Period.
Start with dim sum at Dragon Boat Fusion Cuisine or go modern at Chef 88 Elite. For late-night Korean barbecue, Gyubee is always packed for a reason.

You’ll also want to try:

• Kiin Issan Thai for spicy Northern Thai dishes

• Zen Japanese Restaurant in Markham—sushi done with surgical precision

• The Alley for bubble tea so good, you’ll consider a second round

Brampton: Desi Food Capital of the Suburbs

Brampton’s culinary identity is strong, proud, and packed with flavour. Tandoori Flame is North America’s largest Indian buffet, and honestly, it lives up to the hype. For something casual, go to Chachu’s for their butter chicken poutine and loaded naan wraps.

If you're into biryani, Royal Paan is iconic, but Khai Khai is the newer kid on the block that’s seriously worth the visit.

Scarborough: Legendary for a Reason

Scarborough is where locals really eat. The Caribbean food here is unreal—Chris Jerk and Nicey’s are staples. Vietnamese more your thing? Pho Metro is fast, fresh, and never disappoints.

Also worth the drive:

• The Real McCoy for old-school burgers and shakes

• Babu Catering for spicy Sri Lankan takeout

• Federick Restaurant for Indo-Chinese fusion that’ll blow your mind

Vaughan & North York: Variety and Volume

Whether you’re shopping at Vaughan Mills or just passing through, grab a pie at Marcello’s Pizzeria or dig into Korean fried chicken at Chungchun Rice Dog.

North York is a beast on its own—Sansotei Ramen for soul-warming bowls, Kinka Izakaya for Japanese pub fare, and Bagel Nash for baked-on-site Montreal-style bagels.

Eating your way through the GTA isn’t just doable—it’s a full-on adventure. Every corner of the region brings a different flavour, and the best part? You’re never more than 20 minutes away from your next unforgettable bite. Whether you’re into fine dining, street eats, or anything in between, the GTA’s food scene doesn’t miss.

Bring your appetite. And maybe your stretchy pants.