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Iconic Dishes

From Bar Isabel's show-stopping half octopus to Gusto 101's famous pasta, we discover the stories behind the most iconic dishes in the city. 

Polenta gratin at Union restaurant Toronto
  • Iconic Dishes

Meet the mystery man behind Union restaurant and its most iconic plates

by Katie Bridges

Some of Union restaurant’s most iconic dishes were dreamed up in a pickup truck before opening night. Ten years later, they’re still on the menu.

The Oxley in Yorkville | Sticky Toffee Pudding
  • Iconic Dishes

How The Oxley in Yorkville keeps prices low and quality high

by Katie Bridges

The Oxley, a popular Yorkville gastropub has been a steady labour of love for British export Andrew Carter. The executive chef shares his no-fuss approach to good food.

Korean Village Restaurant | Soondubu, a soft tofu stew with assorted seafood, at Korean Village Restaurant
  • Iconic Dishes

We walk down memory lane at Toronto's longest-standing Korean restaurant

by Caroline Aksich

Jason Lee had big shoes to fill when he took over Korean Village Restaurant after his mother’s passing. From the menu and the busy dining room, it’s clear he’s done her proud.

Rol San restaurant Toronto | Shrimp dumplings har gow
  • Iconic Dishes

Rol San's iconic all-day dim sum is rooted in nostalgia

by Hunter Gutman

Rol San has been one of the best Toronto dim sum destinations for 30 years. Now, in a new location and with new but familiar leadership, it’s ready for the next generation of dim sum fans.

Mildred's Temple Kitchen | Veda’s Choice
  • Iconic Dishes

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen is the iconic spot that brought brunch to Toronto

by Katie Bridges

Tucked away in Liberty Village but known across the city, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen was almost not a thing, but for a brave idea and two great founders.

Calamari alla Kornati at Joso's in Yorkville
  • Iconic Dishes

This iconic restaurant is one of Drake's favourite places to eat

by Katie Bridges

A Yorkville hotspot for local A-listers and visiting celebs, Joso’s has been serving Croatian cuisine to the people (and celebs) of Toronto for almost 50 years.

The Chinese pineapple bun burger at Patois
  • Iconic Dishes

Patois is serving the best fried chicken in Toronto

by Taylor Newlands

At Dundas West's Patois, chef-owner Craig Wong combines his Chinese-Jamaican background with his French culinary prowess to create some of the best dishes in the city.

Chicken + Waffles at The Drake
  • Iconic Dishes

How The Drake manages to stay current yet oh-so nostalgic

by Andrea Yu

Chef David Smith rose to the challenge of giving the hotel’s menu a fresh, modern take — while still feeding on the nostalgia of food that’s rooted in Toronto tradition.

Egyptian food Toronto | Maha's Egyptian Brunch Cairo Classic
  • Iconic Dishes

Maha's Egyptian Brunch is the most underrated restaurant in Toronto

by Taylor Newlands

One of the city's best brunch spots, Maha's brings a true taste of modern Egyptian food to Toronto. We chat with chef Monika Wahba to find out what makes the menu so special. 

Diavola Pizza at Gusto 101
  • Iconic Dishes

Gusto 101 has the most famous pasta in Toronto

by Meredith Hardie

Janet Zuccarini, the CEO and owner of Gusto 54 Restaurant Group, walks us through the dishes that have made Gusto 101 a Toronto staple to this day.

The Aloette burger
  • Iconic Dishes

How the Michelin-Guide-recommended Aloette achieved cult-like success

by Tiffany Leigh

With moxy, artistry and determination, Alo’s sister restaurant Aloette is able to keep offering beloved items to diners — along with fresh, experimental creations.

Khao Soi at PAI Northern Thai Kitchen
  • Iconic Dishes

When you taste a dish at PAI, you are tasting food etched in time

by Meredith Hardie

PAI executive chef and co-owner Nuit Regular walks us through the dishes she cooks that take her back to her home in northern Thailand.

Singapore Chili Crab at DaiLo
  • Iconic Dishes

We can't get enough of DaiLo's new Asian cuisine

by Jessica Wei

Drawing on his Cantonese-Hakka roots, DaiLo's chef-owner Nick Liu has created a knock-out menu stuffed with one unique, show-stopping dish after another.

  • Iconic Dishes

We find out what Hong Shing's secret sauce really is

by Meredith Hardie

Twenty-five years, one devastating fire, countless orders of General Tao Chicken — Hong Shing owner Colin Li tells us all about this epochal Toronto restaurant.

Bar Isabel | Octopus
  • Iconic Dishes

Juicy tentacles and Spanish tapas at Bar Isabel

by Caroline Aksich

Originally the only game in town for tapas, the groundbreaking Bar Isabel switched focus from Blackbeard bacchanal to curated cuisine.

Wild Boar Ragu at Tutti Matti
  • Iconic Dishes

Tutti Matti: Italian dishes 20 years in the making

by Katie Bridges

Alida Solomon tells all about her journey from novice chef at an Italian osteria to the owner of Toronto’s go-to spot for authentic Tuscan fare.

Iconic Dishes: 416 Snack Bar | Korean fried chicken
  • Iconic Dishes

Iconic Dishes: 416 Snack Bar

by Katie Bridges

Toronto's late-night legend and industry favourite 416 Snack Bar shares the stories behind some of their best-known dishes.

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