From smoky BBQ joints to sizzling steakhouses, Toronto is a carnivorous wonderland where every street is a meat-filled adventure. Get ready to sink your teeth into the best spots that make the city a haven for meat lovers.
BEST BARBECUE SPOT
BARQUE SMOKEHOUSE
This family-friendly smokehouse serves up smoked ribs, brisket and chicken, paired with fresh sides and desserts, while co- owner David Neinstein’s daily presence shows his dedication. 299 Roncesvalles Ave.
THE BACKYARD SMOKEHOUSE
A meat-lover’s haven, this Annex staple marinates all its meats with signature spices. The 100 per cent halal menu includes undoubtedly Toronto’s best smoked chicken and yummy cornbread. 264 Dupont St.
BEST BRISKET SANDWICH
BLACK CAMEL‘s slow-roasted brisket sandwich is a five-day labour of love, slow cooked for 14 hours overnight and served on a soft Portuguese kaiser bun. 4 Crescent Rd.
BEST HIGH-END STEAK HOUSE
If cash burns a hole and you’re a red meat lover, head to BLUE BLOOD STEAKHOUSE for your best-ever steak. Regulars include Toronto’s elites along with celebs and pro athletes. 1 Austin Terrace.
BEST SOUVLAKI
Greek gem MESSINI delights for good reason. Their homemade pita is stuffed with fries, tzatziki, tomato, onions and amazing charbroiled chicken. 445 Danforth Ave.
BEST JEWISH DELI
Established in 1957 by the Pancer family, PANCER’S ORIGINAL is an old school deli that continues to thrive. Think overstuffed, pastrami sandwiches and kishkas — the epitome of comfort. 3856 Bathurst St.
BEST PEKING DUCK
For 40 years, PEKING MAN never fails to impress. The duck is first class: golden brown and crisp, its juicy succulent meat is rich without being too fatty. Now with two locations. 300 Steeles Ave. E., Markham
BEST HOT DOGS
Run by husband-and-wife duo Sarah and Artin Davoodi, the hot dogs at GRANDMA LOVES YOU rock toppings like the French topped with brie and jam, wrapped up in a croissant. 1084 Yonge St.
BEST TANDOORI CHICKENÂ
Marinated in tandoori spices and creamy yogurt, topped with vibrant green herbs, THE COPPER CHIMNEY‘s chicken is a slam dunk. 2050 Avenue Rd., North York
BEST FRIED CHICKEN
At Brandon Olsen’s GRATEFUL CHICKEN, enjoy juicy birds cloaked in some seriously crispy buttermilk batter, alongside champagne, to cheer the flavour fiesta. 111 Richmond St. W.
BEST BURGERS
GOLDEN STAR BURGERS
Since the ’60s, this burger joint founded by Frank Doria has kept its charm. Carrying on his father’s legacy, Frank Jr. serves up no-frills burgers that are simply delicious. 7123 Yonge St., Thornhill
BURGER SHACK
Grab a cosy booth and order goodies like the Banquet Burger at this midtown gem. Lookout for stars like Zach Hyman and hockey player Max Domi, who are often seen here. 233 Eglinton Ave. W.
BEST BUTTER CHICKEN
BANJARA has truly mastered the art of butter chicken. Succulent meat is simmered in a rich, tomato gravy. Honourable mention to COPPER CHIMNEY for the best tandoori chicken in town. 796 Bloor St. W.
BEST VEAL SANDWICH
Piled high with cheese and mushrooms, this mouthwatering sandwich from COMMISSO BROTHERS dares you to devour it in one go. 8 Kincourt St.
BEST BUTCHER
CUMBRAE’S specializes in sustainable meat sourced from local, small farms. Though the butcher offers other options, like savoury pies and soups, the beef steals the spotlight. 1589 Bayview Ave.
BEST BEEF PATTIES
Head to Lawrence Ave. East for some of the city’s most delicious patties. PATTY TIME offers an array of classic patty fillings, along with a selection of more unique offerings like curry goat. 2919 Lawrence Ave. E.
BEST TACO
Matty Matheson and ex-Quetzal chefs Kate Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo offer the city’s best taco at FONDA BALAM. We suggest the birria, served in consommé with tortillas and salsa macha. 802 Dundas St. W.
BEST JERK CHICKEN
Albert Wiggan opened ALBERT’S REAL JAMAICAN FOODS 35 years ago to serve items like jerk chicken loaded into a super-soft coco bun along with fresh veg. 542 St. Clair Ave. W.
BEST STEAK TACOS
Top taqueria GUS TACOS are served in a handmade corn tortilla with onions and cilantro, while protein options include grilled steak, braised lamb, chicken, grilled pork, braised pork and fish. A mushroom taco and a cheese taco with avocado are the two available vegan options. 1533 Queen St. W.
BEST REASONABLY PRICED STEAKHOUSE
A tiny French butcher shop by day, Parisian steak house by night, CÔTE DE BOEUF is run to perfection and priced fairly. They serve grass-fed, beautifully aged steak, impeccable oysters and the rich namesake main. 130 Ossington Ave.
BEST WINGS
This spot is related to the space that boasts the second oldest wings in Buffalo.Twin T.O. brothers brought Buffalo’s best to Hogtown with DUFF’S FAMOUS WINGS. 1604 Bayview Ave.
BEST ITALIAN DELI
Old school Italian delicatessen LA SALUMERIA is also home to a hidden sandwich bar at the back and the nicest staff on the planet. You have to try the prosciutto sandwich with fig jam, buffalo mozzarella, spicy salami and balsamic. 2021 Yonge St.
BEST GOURMET BURGERS
What distinguishes the aptly named Station burger at RICHMOND STATION? Maybe it’s the harmonious combination of pasture-raised beef, creamy garlic aioli and flavourful beet chutney that work together remarkably well. Whatever the secret ingredient may be, one thing’s for sure — it’s an absolute knockout.  1 Richmond St. W.
BEST OLD SCHOOL STEAKHOUSE
The BARBERIAN family, collectors of Canadiana for more than 60 years, has preserved the original character of their establishment since 1959. Their secret to success, alongside exceptional dining and service lies in Harry Barberian’s unique steak seasoning, a complex blend of over a dozen ingredients. 7 Elm St.
