Searching for the best restaurants in the Annex to eat at?
The Annex is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Toronto, and there are plenty of awesome restaurants from all kinds of diverse cuisines.
Whether you’re looking for authentic Mexican tacos or upscale Chinese cuisine, you’ll definitely find some great restaurants in the Annex.
Here are some of the best restaurants to visit in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood!
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More things to do in Toronto
If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Toronto, you might enjoy these posts:
- Looking for more things to do in the area? Explore nearby Yorkville and visit the best restaurants and coffee shops.
- On the hunt for more cool Toronto neighbourhoods? Visit the cutest neighbourhoods in Toronto.
Best restaurants in Toronto’s Annex
Zaad
Get your fix of shawarma at Zaad, a super cute spot right on Bloor.
This casual spot serves up delicious shawarma and falafel sandwiches alongside an extensive selection of proteins you can enjoy in platters.
The restaurant itself is also super Instagrammable, with brick-clad walls and really cool tiling.
LOCATION: 348 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON
The Backyard Smokehouse
If you’re a big fan of BBQ, you absolutely need to stop into The Backyard Smokehouse.
Their epic Backyard Platters feature your choice of meats and sides, and you can choose between brisket, chicken, or sausage.
You can also just go for one of their deliciously meaty sandwich options like the Pulled Smoked Chicken or Brisket Sliders.
Quench your thirst with either the Mango Strawberry Lemonade or the Blackberry Pineapple Lemonade!
LOCATION: 264 Dupont St, Toronto, ON
Gyubee Japanese Grill
You’ve probably had Korean BBQ, but have you had Japanese BBQ?
Gyubee is an all-you-can-eat Japanese barbecue spot with several locations across the GTA.
From Miso Pork Belly to Sake Steamed Clam, they’ve got all kinds of delicious dishes you can grill up!
You can find their Annex location right around the corner from St. George Station.
LOCATION: 335 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON
Her Father’s Cider Bar + Kitchen
Her Father’s Cider Bar + Kitchen is such a cool spot in the Annex that deserves way more recognition.
They serve farm-to-table dishes using local ingredients, and everything they make is just so incredibly delicious.
I absolutely adore their Crispy Brussels Sprouts, and they’ve got other unique dishes like their Cider Steamed Mussels and Braised Rabbit Croquettes!
Be sure to grab a cider tasting flight while you’re here – they’ve got over 100 different ciders from Ontario and around the world to choose from.
The restaurant interior itself is rustic chic (and hella Instagrammable), and there’s a cool graffiti wall on the patio that makes for some Instagram-worthy shots.
They even give you a lil’ blanket for the patio on chillier days, and it’s heated during the colder months.
LOCATION: 119 Harbord St, Toronto, ON
Insomnia Restaurant & Lounge
Insomnia is a super nice spot in the Annex known for its delicious brunch and late-night eats.
Their menu is internationally-inspired, and they’ve got a fantastic selection of seasonal and classic cocktails.
Enjoy brunch options like their Huevos or Tofu Rancheros or Citrus Spiked French Toast, as well as dinner options like their Epic 3-Cheese Nachos or 100z AAA NY Striploin Steak.
I’ve personally only been here for late-night menu, but visiting Insomnia for brunch is on my list!
LOCATION: 563 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON
Fet Zun
Fet Zun is by the same people behind Fat Pasha, and they serve up more casual Middle Eastern shareable dishes alongside signature cocktails.
You’ll find falafel and shawarma plates and sandwiches alongside french fries topped with za’atar (an essential Middle Eastern spice).
You’ve gotta try their Sabich, which is a heavenly sandwich made up with fried eggplant, a hard boiled egg, and pickles.
They’ve also got a stunning patio you can dine on during the summer!
LOCATION: 252 Dupont St, Toronto, ON
Fat Pasha
Enjoy Middle Eastern and European Jewish fare at this chic Annex restaurant.
The menu is short but sweet, with a heavenly selection of classic Middle Eastern dips to choose from.
The Fat Salatim Platter is perfect for sharing, and comes with the Chef’s selection of dips, falafel, and pita.
For mains, you can enjoy dishes like their Za’atar Roasted Half Chicken or their Whole Roasted Cauliflower.
The restaurant interior is super cozy, and they’ve also got a really nice back patio during the summer months!
Fat Pasha actually received Bib Gourmand designation on the 2022 Toronto Michelin Guide, which is really cool.
LOCATION: 414 Dupont St, Toronto, ON
Playa Cabana
Playa Cabana serves up amazing Mexican cuisine and cocktails in their rustic space on Dupont.
They’ve got a delicious selection of tacos and burritos on the menu, as well as other dishes like ceviche and tostadas.
Their cocktails are mostly tequila and mezcal-focused, and they’re amaze – definitely a great spot for drinks in Toronto.
They’re run by the Mas Playas restaurant group, which also owns a few other Mexican restaurants in Toronto!
LOCATION: 111 Dupont St, Toronto, ON
Kinka Izakaya
If you haven’t been to a Japanese izakaya before, prepare to be amazed.
Izakayas typically serve up tapas-style bar eats alongside cocktails and drinks, and Kinka Izakaya does not disappoint.
Literally everything I’ve ever had at Kinka has been amazing, and I’ve been coming here since they opened in Toronto almost a decade ago.
They change up their menu every so often, but some of my faves are their Karaage, Oyster Kakimayo, and Kinoko Cheese Bibimbap.
The fun thing about the Kinoko Cheese Bibimbap is that it comes out unassembled in a stone bowl, and you get to watch the staff mix it right in front of you!
If you’re interested in seeing more of Kinka’s menu, I’ve got a blog post all about my Kinka Izakaya review.
They’ve also got 3 other locations in the GTA, including near the Eaton Centre, by the Harbourfront, and in North York.
LOCATION: 559 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON
Trattoria Fieramosca
If you’re looking for a romantic restaurant to visit in the Annex, you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to Trattoria Fieramosca.
This cozy and intimate Italian restaurant serves up upscale Southern Italian cuisine with an extensive wine list from Italy and beyond.
From their Insalata di Mare (seafood salad), to their Risotto Funghi e Asparagi (mushroom risotto), to their Agnello Alla Griglia (grilled lambchops), they’ve got a wide variety of unique and delicious options to choose from.
If you’re visiting during the warmer months, you can dine on their gorgeous side patio or their second storey outdoor terrace!
LOCATION: 36 A Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto, ON
MIMI Chinese
MIMI is an upscale Chinese restaurant near Davenport & Avenue, and they serve up shareable dishes inspired by the diverse regions of China.
They even specify what region each dish is inspired by on the menu, which is really fun and cool to see!
From their Mapo Tofu to their House Char Siu, they put their own modern spin on classic Chinese dishes.
They even have a fantastic cocktail menu made with Asian ingredients, alongside a wine list meant to be paired with the dishes!
MIMI is actually by the same people behind the popular Sunny’s Chinese popup kitchen, which is now a permanent restaurant in Kensington Market.
LOCATION: 265 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON
Osteria Giulia
If you’re in the mood for a ~fancy meal~, hit up this Michelin Star restaurant in the Annex.
You’ll find a seafood-focused menu with an extensive Italian wine and cocktail list at Osteria Giulia, and they’ve also got a $110 tasting menu with wine pairings available.
I absolutely adore the clean and minimal aesthetic of the restaurant, which feels very intimate and cozy.
Fun fact: Chef Rob Rossi was runner-up in the first season of Top Chef Canada!
LOCATION: 134 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON
Best restaurants in the Annex:
- Zaad
- The Backyard Smokehouse
- Gyubee Japanese Grill
- Her Father’s Cider Bar + Kitchen
- Insomnia Restaurant & Lounge
- Fet Zun
- Fat Pasha
- Playa Cabana
- Kinka Izakaya
- Trattoria Fieramosca
- MIMI Chinese
- Osteria Giulia
These were some of the best restaurants in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood!
What are your favourite restaurants in the Annex? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!
More things to do in Toronto
If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Toronto, you might enjoy these posts:
- Looking for more things to do in the area? Explore nearby Yorkville and visit the best restaurants and coffee shops.
- On the hunt for more cool Toronto neighbourhoods? Visit the cutest neighbourhoods in Toronto.
Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest if you aren’t already!
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Hey Jessica, thanks for the list! Unfortunately Pho 88 and Mi Taco are now closed down, but some worthy replacements are Rustle and Still, Her Chef, and By The Way.
Hi Laurie, thanks so much for sharing! Sad to see so many restaurants shutting down 🙁