Summer may be winding down but Toronto’s food scene is sizzling with must-try eats before Labour Day hits. Forget your usual, it’s time for frozen doughnuts that’ll cool you down, ramen hot dogs that’ll blow your mind, and key lime cookies that redefine dessert.
From lobster tots to culinary quirks you didn’t know you needed, we’ve rounded up the top 20 summer food finds that are setting the food scene on fire!
1. SO SUBLIME
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This sun-kissed bite from Andrea’s Cookies is bursting with zesty lime, crunchy tart shell, white chocolate, and it’s topped with toasted meringue. 1632 Bloor St. W.
2. Â STRAIGHT TO THE PINT
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Super Serve’s Earl Grey + hibiscus twist with pineapple compote doesn’t hold back on the cornflake pretzel crunch. 562 Dundas St. W.
3. LOVE YOU SO MOCHI
For the best mochi doughnuts in town, make a beeline to Isabella’s. Flower-shaped and fabulous, the fluffy raspberry pistachio is a standout. 1669 Bayview Ave.
4 + 5. LOST CLAWS
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Blue Claw’s Moncton fish burger and lobster tots servedwith a fiery sriracha aïoli, are the perfect picnic indulgence. 486 Front St.
6. WAFFLE-Y TASTY
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Pass the Syrup’s waffle pops rock indulgent flavours, like strawberry cheesecake, pistachio and the best selling chocolate bomb. 66 Dundas St. E.
7. CHURRO-K
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These from Choco Churros: crispy, chewy and dunk-worthy. Coated in sugar and cinnamon, dip ’em in your favourite sauce. 335 Yonge St.
8. CHILL OUT
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Good Behaviour’s Dragon Poop ice cream — yep, dragon poop — mixes Madagascar vanilla with strawberry and banana swirls. 335 Queen St. W.
9. I ONLY HAVE ICE FOR YOU
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Lulu Bar whisks you away to Hawaii with its bold shaved ice: caramelized pineapple, tangy lime pudding and a touch of pink peppercorn. 427 Wellington St. W.
10. LEAVE ME CALZONE
Get ready to drool over Mattachioni‘s calzone, stuffed with prosciutto cotto, stracciatella, roasted peppers, arugula and mozzarella. 1617 Dupont St.
11. A-MAIZE-ING
The street corn at Tacos 101 is an addictive dish, slathered with Mexican mayo, cotija cheese and chili powder. 178 Baldwin St.
12. SPRINKLE IN TIME
Kith Treats ups the ante with its new ice cream doughnuts: vanilla ice cream infused with fruity pebbles, vibrant pink and milk chocolate and sprinkles. 78 Yorkville Ave.
13. BANANA-RAMA
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Creamy, sweet banana pudding is the latest viral trend, and Sugo supersizes it, just like everything else on the menu. 1281 Bloor St. W.
14 + 15. LET’S BE FRANK
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The Yakisoba from Japadog is topped with noodles and seaweed while over at Chung Chun dogs are coated in rice batter and deep fried. 486 Front St. W., 582 Yonge St.
16. SAY CHEESE….CAKE
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At Heirloom, slices of chilled New York–style cheesecake are dipped in chocolate and garnished with your favourite toppings.
289 Horner Ave.
17. WATCH ME DRIP
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At Moonmilk, the cakery, bakery and ice cream makery, indulge in delicious summer food like Ice Krispie sandwiches, in flavours like apricot raspberry.1695 Dundas St. W.
18. A DOUGH-RABLE
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Donut fall in love with Sugar Daddy’s mini doughnuts.  The perfect summer food from Plain Jane to cinnamon sugar and glazed, these bites are irresistible, especially by the bucket. 1221 Dundas St. W.
19. SEE ME ROLLIN’
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At Lobster Burger Bar, a toasted roll gets filled to the brim with succulent PEI lobster, mayo, black pepper and a squeeze of lemon.
214 King St. W.
20. SUGAR FRENZY
For a nostalgic blast, hit up Cereal Box Cafe. Add a doughnut on your ice cream for an extra kick, then pile on the Froot Loops and Fruity Pebbles. 186 Spadina Ave.
