ZACK in Old Toronto, Ontario: 8 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Toronto

Must-try foods in Toronto

• Canadian Halibut
  Canadian HalibutAn exquisite representation of contemporary Canadian cuisine, typically served at Toronto's highest-end establishments, like Canoe. This dish focuses on the purity of seasonal, regional ingredients.
• Dover Sole in Chicken Velouté
  Dover Sole in Chicken VeloutéA dish that highlights the new wave of sophisticated, high-ticket contemporary dining, such as at the recently opened Eloise (2026). The classic sole is luxuriously elevated, often served whole or deboned at the table in a rich, velvety chicken velouté sauce with fresh seasonal greens, offering seasonal comfort and elegance.
• Poutine with Foie Gras and Truffle
  Poutine with Foie Gras and TruffleAn elevated interpretation of Canada’s iconic comfort food, transformed for a world-class palate. Instead of standard fries and gravy, this version features hand-cut Yukon Gold or Kennebec fries, house-made beef or duck jus, unpasteurized cheese curds, and is often topped with opulent ingredients such as seared foie gras, shaved black truffle.
• Birria Beef Short Rib
  Birria Beef Short RibRepresenting Toronto's trending dedication to fine-dining interpretations of global cuisine, this dish, as seen at new upscale Mexican spots like Alebrije (2026), takes a traditionally humble Mexican stew and elevates it. Koji-marinated short rib is slow-cooked in a rich adobo, served with house-made tortillas, and presented with a consommé for dipping.
• Butter Tarts
  Butter TartsA truly traditional Canadian dessert, elevated with artisan ingredients. These small, rich, and intensely sweet pastries feature a flaky, buttery crust and a decadent filling made from butter, sugar, syrup, and egg. Upscale variations debate the inclusion of pecans or raisins, but the filling's texture is key: perfectly runny, not solid.
• Lobster Tower
  Lobster TowerA spectacular, quintessential Toronto creation associated with celebratory, feast-style dining. It is a monumental, towering arrangement of fresh, often deep-fried and garlicky-spicy whole lobster sections, piled high and served as a communal centerpiece, reflecting the city’s opulent, fusion-forward Chinese-Canadian seafood scene.

Trip guide

• About Toronto
  About TorontoToronto's built heritage reflects its colonial history, beginning with First Nations structures and later incorporating French and English influences on city planning and public buildings. The architecture features a blend of historical styles, such as the 19th-century Gothic Revival design of Casa Loma, and modern construction like the 553.3-meter CN Tower, completed in 1975.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Toronto is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) to enjoy mild, pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. While July and August offer the warmest, festival-filled peak season, the comfortable fall months are ideal for outdoor exploring, vibrant foliage, and coincide with the best harvest time for farmers' markets across the city, which typically run May to October.
• Getting around
  Getting around Toronto

  • Air Travel (Lester B. Pearson International Airport) Toronto's main air gateway is Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ), which offers direct and connecting flights globally. For travelers arriving from nearby regions or the USA.
  • UP Express (Union-Pearson Express) This dedicated express rail service connects Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) directly to Union Station in downtown Toronto.
  • Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) The TTC is the comprehensive local public transit system, utilizing subways, streetcars.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Use your credit card tap or a PRESTO card on the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) for easy payment, which includes a free transfer within two hours.
  • Tipping is customary at sit-down restaurants, where the expectation is to leave 15–20% of the bill before tax for good service.
  • Observe general Canadian politeness by being friendly, holding doors open for others, and saying 'sorry' even in minor situations.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Toronto

  • New restaurants (Bello Pizza, Darna Middle Eastern Cuisine, Union Chicken) opening at the Waterworks Foodhall downtown.
  • The debut of Pii Nong Thai, an integrated three-in-one concept featuring a restaurant, mini Thai market, and massage services.
• Destination Toronto↗
  Destination TorontoDestination Toronto is the official destination marketing organization for Toronto, promoting the city and its historic neighborhoods to visitors worldwide.