vagabrothers in Old Toronto, Ontario: 3 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Toronto

Must-try foods in Toronto

• Jamaican Beef Patty
  Jamaican Beef PattyReflecting Toronto's deep Caribbean roots, these flaky, turmeric-tinted pastries filled with spiced ground beef are a city-wide staple. While found in subway stations and convenience stores, locals head to Kensington Market spots like Golden Patty for fresh versions with scotch bonnet heat.
• Sushi Pizza
  Sushi PizzaA true Toronto original invented by Chef Kaoru Ohsada at Nami, this fusion dish consists of a deep-fried rice patty topped with slices of salmon, tuna, or crab, avocado, spicy mayo, and soy-wasabi sauce. It is a quintessential example of the city’s creative Japanese-Canadian food scene.
• Butter Chicken Roti
  Butter Chicken RotiThis unique 'East meets West Indies' fusion was popularized in Toronto. It features rich, creamy North Indian butter chicken wrapped inside a large, flaky Caribbean dhalpuri roti. It remains a beloved lunch staple at legendary spots like Roti Mahal (formerly Gandhi Roti).
• Bannock (Indigenous Frybread)
  Bannock (Indigenous Frybread)Representing the city's Indigenous culinary heritage, bannock is a traditional flatbread often fried to a golden crisp. In 2026, it remains a must-try at Indigenous-owned restaurants like Tea N Bannock, where it is served with blueberry jam or used as a base for bison burgers.
• Butter Tarts
  Butter TartsOntario’s most famous dessert is a staple in Toronto bakeries. These small pastry shells are filled with a gooey mixture of butter, sugar, syrup, and egg. Trending versions in 2026 include the award-winning tarts at Circles & Squares and the 'sold-out daily' varieties at Ba Noi.
• Toronto-Style Pizza
  Toronto-Style PizzaDistinct from New York or Chicago styles, Toronto's pizza identity is defined by high-quality, often sourdough crusts and inventive, multicultural toppings. Pizzeria Badiali’s 'Rosé Pizza' and the 72-hour fermented Roman-style slices at the newly opened Notte Ristorante (2026) are current hotspots.

Trip guide

• About Toronto
  About TorontoToronto is the capital of the province of Ontario and the most populous city in Canada. The location was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Anishinaabeg, for over 10,000 years before European settlement. Established by the British as the Town of York in 1793, it was later incorporated as the City of Toronto in 1834.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Toronto is from May to September, when the city is most vibrant with outdoor festivals, patio dining, and pleasant temperatures ranging from 17°C to 27°C (63°F–80°F). While summer (June–August) offers the best weather, it is the peak tourist season with the highest hotel rates and largest crowds. For a more budget-friendly experience with fewer people, consider the shoulder seasons of late April to May or September to October.
• Getting around
  Getting around Toronto

  • Air and UP Express Fly into Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and take the Union Pearson (UP) Express train, which reaches downtown Union Station in 25 minutes with departures every 15 minutes.
  • TTC Public Transit Navigate the city using the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) network of subways, streetcars, and buses; pay easily by tapping a credit card, debit card, or PRESTO card.
  • Regional Rail and Bus Use GO Transit for regional travel to Greater Toronto areas or VIA Rail and Amtrak for long-distance connections, all centering at the historic Union Station hub.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Use a PRESTO card or tap a credit/debit card for seamless travel on the TTC, GO Transit, and the UP Express airport train.
  • Stand on the right side of escalators and walk on the left to allow commuters to pass efficiently.
  • Expect to tip between 15% and 20% at sit-down restaurants, as gratuity is rarely included in the bill.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Toronto

  • FIFA World Cup 2026: Toronto is hosting six matches at the newly expanded Toronto Stadium (BMO Field), featuring the FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York and The Bentway.
  • Toronto Tempo: The city's first-ever WNBA team begins its inaugural season at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in May 2026.
• Destination Toronto↗
  Destination TorontoDestination Toronto is the official destination marketing organization for Toronto, promoting the city and its historic neighborhoods to visitors worldwide.