Take a culinary trip through the streets of Toronto as we explore a collection of distinguished Portuguese restaurants.
From the seafood lovers' paradise at Mercado Negro to the iconic francesinha sandwich at Churrasqueria Vila Verde, each eatery crafts an unforgettable dining experience.
Venture into Junction Triangle, Little Italy, and more, savoring vibrant flavors and authentic dishes. Let's embark on a delectable journey through Toronto's enticing Portuguese food scene.
Mercado Negro
1370 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6E 1C4, Canada
A visit to Mercado Negro on St. Clair West feels like a voyage to a coastal paradise. The fresh scallops were a highlight, offering a taste of the sea, while the Moroccan octopus salad provided an exotic twist.
For the lovers of crustaceans, the king crab in garlic butter sauce was a decadent delight. The rotating menu keeps you on your toes, but the oysters are a constant – always fresh, always tantalizing.
Piri Piri
1444 Dupont St Unit # 1, Toronto, Ontario M6P 4H3 Canada
Located in the Junction Triangle, Piri Piri is a love letter to Portuguese cuisine. As expected, their house-made piri piri sauce is stellar – bright, spicy, and vibrant.
The highlight was the chicken marinated in their signature sauce, which was mouth-wateringly juicy and packed with flavor.
Chiado
864 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A3, Canada
The allure of Chiado, a Little Italy gem, lies in its sophistication and its top-notch seafood offerings.
The rack of lamb was exceptional, while the Nova Scotian lobster perched on saffron risotto was a piece de resistance.
Their tapas menu is an exciting culinary journey, with the salted cod salads and olive-oil doused sardines being particular standouts.
Churrasqueira Martins
605 Rogers Rd, Toronto, Canada, M6M 1B9
When it comes to mouthwatering Portuguese BBQ, Churrasqueira Martins does not disappoint. The showstopper here is undoubtedly the suckling pig - a dish that's as flavorful as it is texturally pleasing.
The sea bass fillets were perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. The familial atmosphere, combined with a menu brimming with authentic Portuguese dishes, makes this spot a true gem.
Bairrada Churrasqueira
605 Rogers Rd #1, York, ON M6M 1B9, Canada
When it comes to mouthwatering Portuguese BBQ, Churrasqueira Martins does not disappoint. The showstopper here is undoubtedly the suckling pig - a dish that's as flavorful as it is texturally pleasing.
The sea bass fillets were perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. The familial atmosphere, combined with a menu brimming with authentic Portuguese dishes, makes this spot a true gem.
Rush Hour
1438a Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6H 3L1, Canada
Don't be fooled by the name, Rush Hour embraces a relaxed fine dining vibe.
The caldo verde soup was comforting, the whole Chilean sea bass was an adventure in flavors, and the picanha steak was mouthwateringly good.
It’s a slice of Portugal tucked away on Dufferin Street.
Churrasqueria Vila Verde
206 Weston Rd, Toronto, ON M6N 3P3, Canada
At Churrasqueria Vila Verde, you're in for an authentic Portuguese experience. Their barbecue chicken was sublime, but it was the francesinha that truly stole the show.
A sandwich layered with steak and salami, doused in a vibrant tomato and beer sauce, and wrapped in an abundant layer of cheese - it's a hearty feast that will keep you coming back for more.
Top Portuguese Restaurants in Toronto
- Mercado Negro
- Piri Piri
- Chiado
- Churrasqueira Martins
- Bairrada Churrasqueira
- Rush Hour
- Churrasqueria Vila Verde
Embarking on this flavorful journey through the heart of Toronto's Portuguese culinary scene has been an absolute delight. From succulent scallops at Mercado Negro to the tantalizing francesinha at Churrasqueria Vila Verde, each restaurant offers a unique interpretation of the vibrant cuisine.
The laid-back vibe of Rush Hour, the family charm of Churrasqueira Martins, and the upscale elegance of Chiado all contribute to an eclectic and mouthwatering dining experience.
Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just exploring the city's food scene, these Portuguese hotspots are definitely worth a visit.
It's clear that the Toronto restaurant scene does Portuguese cuisine justice, providing a gastronomic adventure that's as diverse and vibrant as the city itself.
