Looking for a top culinary destination that’s not *too* long of a flight? Check out our neighbor just to the north—Canada—and the city of Toronto, one of the most dynamic foodie destinations in the country.
I’m speaking from personal experience; this past spring, I had the privilege of participating in a culinary-themed visit to Toronto, hosted by Destination Toronto and Destination Canada. I got to eat, drink, and explore my way across the city—and everything my group devoured was absolutely delicious! My group of travel professionals even earned an exclusive invitation to the Top Chef Season 22 Premiere and cocktail reception, where we had the opportunity to hear directly from the participating judges featured on the show. Safe to say, there’s a lot of culinary talent in the city.
Here’s a recap of a whirlwind culinary tour of Toronto—I hope it inspires your inner gourmand to visit soon.
A Five-Star Welcome
I stayed at two gorgeous luxury hotels with exceptional food programs: BISHA, a Luxury Collection Hotel, a stylish boutique property with a bold aesthetic, and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, a timeless icon of the city that melds traditional elegance with modern sophistication.
I also got the chance to tour and enjoy lunch at several other five-star properties throughout Toronto, and I highly recommend The Ritz-Carlton. We received an incredibly warm welcome from the service team and the restaurant staff; we even received an in-depth briefing from the Ritz’s chef, who explained the origin and method of preservation for the cheese served there. It’s clear that the team takes immense pride in sourcing and serving the very best of Canada’s bounty.
Delectable Dining
Toronto’s restaurant scene is buzzing with big names and local favorites—and we were lucky enough to try a few on our trip! My hands-down favorite dining stop was Quetzal, a Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant in the city’s Little Italy neighborhood. The bold Mexican flavors blew me away, and I loved watching the chefs prepare dishes cooked over an open flame. Every bite was a masterpiece, reflecting the passion and craftsmanship of head chef Steven Molnar. Definitely try to book the chef’s counter so you can watch the chefs in action from up close!
A Tour to Remember
The highlight of the trip, for me, was our Fusion Fare Culinary Tour. Toronto has a large immigrant population from all over the world, resulting in a vast variety of cuisines with different cultural influences—from China and India to Italy and Jamaica. Our guide took us to six of his favorite spots known for their fusion focus, and I loved every one. I surprised myself, since I tend to be a bit of a picky eater! Listening to the guide’s stories as we were delighted with each bite made the experience even better! It was a beautiful reminder that at the heart of every restaurant is its people, who use food as a way to keep cultures, traditions, and communities alive.
In just a few short days, I got a real taste of why Toronto is a total powerhouse on the international dining scene. If you want to experience the flavors and the city for yourself, I would love to plan a city break for you! We’ll combine five-star stays with Michelin dining and food-focused tours to give you an insider culinary experience. Complete my brief trip inquiry form to start planning together.
