Charming Lakeside Cottage

Located in charming Creemore, north of Toronto in Simcoe County, find this culinary landmark housed in a chic space that was formerly a gas station. Run by Chef Jeremy Austin and his wife, Cassie, The Pine is a distinct dining experience that is informed by the chef's years working in China. A meal here draws on authentic flavors delivered with striking creativity and conviction on an ever-evolving menu. A gorgeous tea egg kicks things off; the Sichuan-favorite dried fried string beans arrive as a cold salad; and the carrot jiaozi is a delightful dumpling; but those are merely a few of the tre

It may be connected to the Canadian Japanese Cultural Center, but it’s not until you walk through the labyrinthine passages of this restaurant that you feel you’ve been transported to Japan. This is the opposite of see-and-be-seen culture, as guests dine in fully private rooms for maximum intimacy. The serene setting matches Chef Masaki Hashimoto's traditional kaiseki, which celebrates the seasons with subtlety and refinement. From beautiful soups with kinmedai and sweet rice to simmered bamboo shoots with shima-aji, expect balance, purity and reward. Dinner often concludes with grilled Miyaza

In a non-descript Scarborough shopping center, Sumith Fernando’s smoked meat is something of a rite of passage. Fernando spent nearly two decades learning his craft at Schwartz's in Montreal before settling on his own recipe. His halal brisket is marinated in a secret spice blend for days, smoked for hours until tender and finally finished in a steamer. He opened in 2018 and has been behind the counter ever since, building sandwiches out of thinly sliced, peppery brisket piled high on soft, spongy rye smeared with yellow mustard. Against the advice of any physician, complete your order at this

Value is something of a tricky term when it comes to sushi, which can cost almost as much as a ticket to Japan these days. But in an unassuming Markham strip center dominated by an auto repair shop, those looking to scratch the omakase itch without breaking the bank are in for a treat. The space is true to its name, a calming, tasteful blend of wood slats and attractive lighting with a chef’s counter as well as tables further back. Fish from Japan arrives multiple times a week; the rice is warm and finely vinegared; and chefs work with precision and diligence. They keep the toppings fairly tra

It's a ride from downtown to get to this spot in Scarborough tucked inside a simple strip mall, but the smoky aroma will beckon you inside. Imran Ali opened Northern Smokes in 2019 with the simple promise of traditional barbecued meats and sides. A custom reverse-flow wood stick-burning smoker and seasoned split hard wood infuse the fully halal meat with delicious flavor. Order as a multi-meat plate, as a sandwich, or by the pound, and with everything from tender, Montreal-style brisket and Korean-style short ribs in a sweet marinade to chicken, there's plenty to be had. Sides are a terrific c

Pizza

Chinese