Discover the culinary gems of the Annex, Toronto's bustling and eclectic neighborhood.
From cozy bistros to innovative eateries, here are the top restaurants that define the district's vibrant dining scene.
Dive in and satisfy your taste buds!
Restaurants in the Annex
Vesta Lunch
Vesta Lunch in Toronto is an absolute gem, steeped in over 60 years of history. Born in 1955 and initially run by three Greek brothers, this place hasn't changed much in terms of ambiance.
With an interior that transports you straight back to the 50s, you can feel the history the moment you step inside. Many a Torontonian has experienced the charm of those iconic red stools.
Dining here is more than just about the food—it's interactive. With an open kitchen layout, you can chat with the cook as they prepare your meal, making it a unique and personalized experience.
The Fish and Chips, a menu mainstay since their opening, is a must-try with its perfectly golden crust. The Vesta Special offers a satisfying blend of flavors with its bacon and hamburger layers.
And for a touch of Greek nostalgia, the Chicken Souvlaki, complete with corn-infused rice and fresh salad, pays tribute to the original owners.
In short, Vesta Lunch is not just a restaurant; it's a trip back in time with good food to boot. Highly recommended.
Le Paradis
Venturing into Le Paradis on a classic grey Paris day, we quickly understood its local fame. The place fills up in no time, with regulars greeted on first-name terms, underlining its status as a neighborhood gem.
Though the setting screams Parisian bistro, from its monochrome posters to the checkered floors and a seaside mural nodding to the owner's Southern French heritage, we felt a tad out of place as seeming newcomers.
The food was a mixed experience. While the white bean and basil soup left us wanting more warmth and freshness, the Rustique salad's overpowering garlic felt jarring.
The main dishes, particularly the steak and the duck breast, shined brighter, even if the cherry-kirsch sauce on the duck was a tad too sweet for our liking.
The allure of Le Paradis is palpable, yet our visit didn’t entirely convince us of its reputed charm.
As we left, the ambiance grew, making us wonder if we'd missed the real magic of the place.
Fet Zun
Fet Zun is a delightful dive into the flavors of the Middle East, brought to life by the legendary Anthony Rose.
Swapping French romance for vibrant Middle Eastern flair, this spot stands apart from Rose's other joints.
The essence of Turkey and Morocco is palpable here, from smoky babaganoush to a vibrant selection of mezes that pair perfectly with their incredibly fluffy pitas.
Can't decide on a meze? The Spicy Things offers a fiery medley. And while the Jerusalem Mixed Grill might play tricks with its name, it's a hearty affair of liver and kidney.
For the vegetarians, the Sabich Plate piles high with flavors and textures on an open-faced flatbread.
Top it all off with a Moamba cocktail, and you've got a meal that's both rich in taste and cultural flair. Swing by Fet Zun for a shareable feast that's far from the ordinary.
Backyard Smokehouse
If you've got a hankering for some serious smoked eats, Backyard Smokehouse is your joint.
Brought to life by Faris Awwad, the mastermind behind the brunch sensation, Eggstatic, this spot is his love letter to all things smoked.
The journey started with a simple mushroom and pulled beef sandwich, but oh, how it's grown!
Dive into brisket that's been smoked for a luscious 16 hours, or burgers crafted from a prime mix of brisket and beef chuck for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.
The Backyard Burger is a classic, but if you're feeling adventurous, the Ribyard Burger brings on a cheese tsunami.
The brisket sliders are a delightful little trio that packs a punch, and for the truly famished, The Whole 9 Yards is a carnivore's dream.
And, just like Eggstatic, Awwad sprinkles in a touch of Middle Eastern charm to the menu.
Located a stone's throw from Dupont station, make sure you rock up with a solid appetite – Backyard Smokehouse is all about the feast!
Burrito Bandidos
Born from the genius of Ian Angus, previously from Burrito Boyz, Bandidos gives the college crowd a taste of original Tex-Mex goodness.
It's a chill scene here, students in jeans and with textbooks, a far cry from the bustling club vibes of its predecessor.
But some things stay classic, like their signature three stools to sit on. Their menu? Classic burrito offerings that remind you why Burrito Boyz was a hit back in 2004.
Beyond burritos, they've got a neat lineup of quesadillas. I went with a buddy, and we tried the halibut and a mix of shrimp/chicken burritos.
I loaded mine up, and what a treat! The warm, hefty burritos wrapped to perfection, all ingredients mingling inside, is an experience.
While the homemade hot sauce lit a fire in my mouth (maybe a tad too much?), the flavors sang. The tortilla was soft, like roti, and the fillings meshed beautifully. That halibut? Top-notch. Fresh, chunky and perfect.
The chicken in the other burrito was smoky and delicious, but those shrimp? A bit shy, hiding at the bottom.
Despite that, the taste was on par with the OG Burrito Boyz. So, if you're in the Annex and craving a solid burrito, Bandidos might just be your new go-to!
El Pocho
Welcome to El Pocho, Toronto's cheeky antojitos bar! This place, dreamed up by Cesar Ramirez, is a delightful blend of Mexican meets Californian snack vibes.
Remember Scoop & Bean? Yep, that was Ramirez's earlier gig. But with a swanky new liquor license, it's been reimagined into this funky spot.
Inside, you'll find a cozy setting with string lights, cacti, and candles, but let's be honest, everyone's catching rays on their stunning patio.
Thirsty? Alongside their trusty espresso, they're shaking up some mean margaritas, rum daiquiris, and the intriguing dirty paloma.
And if you're more of a beer lover, they've got both local drafts and familiar bottles like Corona.
Now, let's talk food. The kitchen, headed by Tim Rickard (formerly of Patria), is all about those savory snacks that perfectly complement your drink.
You've got everything from tortillas with dips, to street corn, and fried avocado with a punchy jalapeño-pineapple marmalade.
My personal favorite? El Pocho fries, a hearty heap topped with salsa, avocado, and cheese. If you swing by in the evening, you might even catch them with skirt steak!
But wait, there's more! Tacos are on the menu, and I went for the chicken escabeche. Juicy chicken on a corn tortilla with avocado sauce and tangy pickled cabbage?
Yes, please! The three-taco serving is great for sharing, though a mix-and-match option would've been the cherry on top.
Here's the cherry on top though: the whole joint is gluten-free (bar the beer, of course).
Given Rickard and his wife's gluten sensitivity, it's clear they've crafted a menu with heart and consideration.
So, if you're in the mood for some feel-good, flavorful food and drinks, El Pocho's the place to be!
Pisac
