If the name Fonda Balam rings a bell and the colourful leopards look familiar, that’s because this restaurant is the reincarnated Birria Balam. “Fonda” is a term used in Mexico to describe a family-run restaurant, making it the perfect name for this restaurant concept inspired by a love for travel and the authentic cuisine and

On Queen Street West there are more than enough restaurants that sometimes it’s hard to stand out from the pack. For Fonda Lola, this has never been an issue. Serving traditional and stylish Mexican cuisine, this chic resto is a great place to sip and relax while enjoying some delicious bites. Known for many things,

Starting as a stand-alone juice bar, Toronto’s first hot spot for stand-alone raw and cold pressed juices has become the city’s largest plant-based restaurant chain. Fresh on Eglinton is one of five locations from owners Ruth Tal, Barry Alper and Jennifer Huston. Starting as a juice company making small plant-based treats for an on-the-go crowd,

Function Bar is pretty much what your eight-year-old self hoped, wished and probably thought adult freedom would look and be like. This underground bar near the bustling Yonge and Eglinton intersection is decorated with posters of nostalgic iconography, and there is free play on a console, arcade and board games — beat the high score

Run out of a small food stall in Kensington Market, Gus Tacos has built a reputation for its legendary $5 tacos. In addition to the classics like chicken and steak, Gus offers inventive protein options including braised lamb and grilled fish. For non-meat eaters, the shop offers mushroom and queso protein options. These are available

Justin and Lea Ault, Toby Tseung and Maaji Isobe and the rest of the team at Hapa Izakaya brought upscale izakaya to Toronto in 2012. Chef Koichi Fujioka is serving up some of the most beautiful and traditionally delicious Japanese fare at this little spot on College Street. The impressive and extensive sake selection is

The slew of Landing restaurants are taking over the city’s bar and grill scene and making it Landing’s only. Harpers Landing, the Oakville version, is one of the more sleek incarnations of this chain. With a massive dining room and a bistro vibe, Harpers’ menu features a wide range of modern Canadian dishes with influences

Hawk & Chick is packing a lot of flavour into a small space. This takeout joint specializes in bento boxes stuffed with home-cooked Korean food, with a few Japanese cuisine options as well. Chef Joe Kim —previously of Momofuku, amongst others — has enlisted the help of none other than his own mother to help

This hip Parkdale vegan restaurant and bar is from the same owners of Kupfert and Kim, and their menu comprises a mix of K&K bowls plus a more extensive menu of handhelds like pulled pineapple sliders and kimchi burger. The all-day spot doles out everyday brunch so you don’t have to wait until the weekend,

You won’t find too many food trucks hanging around during the cold Canadian winters, but Home Appliances Food Co. is one that isn’t going anywhere, no matter the time of year. This family-run food truck offers affordable burgers and donuts made from high-quality ingredients and meats sourced from local shops. But this is way more

Hooky’s Fish and Chips was started by a love of Toronto and a love of good food, often not mutually exclusive; however, the dudes were aiming for a specific nostalgia. The founders’ after-school favourite and culinary staple of our British colonial overlords, fish and chips, havs been the foundational menu item for Hooky’s, and it

Fifteen years ago, the sale of alcohol was prohibited in the Junction. As a sign of how much the west Toronto neighbourhood has changed since then, it now has two local, independent breweries: Junction Craft Brewing and Indie Alehouse, the latter of which opened its doors to the public for the first time last weekend.

Latin American cuisine meets Instagram-worthy decor in Toronto’s east end. The heated back patio is decorated with string lights and gorgeous rustic exposed brick and fencing. Added bonus? It’s dog-friendly. In terms of cuisine, the restaurant boasts that the secret ingredient in every dish is love. Look for bandeja paisa, lomo saltado, tres leches, partnered

The sign out front says Macelleria, which means butcher. So technically this is a taqueria within a butcher shop. But it’s more the other way around, as the kitchen in the front takes up more space than the display fridge at the back filled with chicken livers and goat legs. Between tacos made with fresh

At King Rustic Kitchen and Bar, they pride themselves on being a laid-back and local spot where you can enjoy a good bite and a relaxing evening. This place feels like a neighbourhood eatery among the more industrial and corporate restaurants that are scattered along King West. The menu here is a mix of modern

King Taps, the massive beer-focussed restaurant and bar in the financial district is finally open.

Enjoy Taco Tuesday like royalty at King’s Tacos on St. Clair Avenue. Proudly founded in 1983 in Chihuahua City, King’s Tacos serves authentic Mexican food, made by Mexicans but enjoyed by all. Well-known for its tacos and quesadillas, this family-oriented restaurant is more than proud of its meat selection. Pastor, carnitas and chorizo are only

On the 44th floor of the Bisha Hotel, you’ll find panoramic views of Toronto, along with some of the best Californian/Mexican cuisine outside of Baja state. As the northernmost state in Mexico and the southernmost point in California, Baja cuisine is the perfect blend of culture and flavour. At Kost, the Bisha Hotel’s newest restaurant,

Through a shared love of art, music and a good taco, La Carnita has built a huge following amongst Toronto foodies. With six locations in Canada and one in the U.S., this team knows a thing or two about good Mexican food. As the glow up of Yonge and Eglinton centre continues, its no wonder