Long lines in Toronto

The viral places people queue for, what to get when you reach the front, how long the wait usually is, and how to beat it. Waits are typical, not live.

11 places in Toronto · by Chef Amazing · updated October 23, 2026
Photo: alisroti.ca

1. 1

   Pai Northern Thai Kitchen

   Entertainment District

   Get: Khao soi, and the pad see ew

   Toronto's most-waited-for Thai restaurant. Expect: up to an hour at dinner. Beat it: go at weekday lunch, or put your name in early.

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
2. 2

   Carousel Bakery

   St. Lawrence Market

   Get: The peameal bacon sandwich

   The sandwich Toronto is known for. Expect: 15 to 30 min on Saturdays. Beat it: go early in the week.

   Also on these lists: Old-school favorites in Toronto, The best peameal bacon sandwich in Toronto.

   93 Front Street East, Toronto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
3. 3

   Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery

   Ice cream · Ossington

   Get: Ice cream sandwiched in a puffy cream puff

   The ice cream puff that summer feeds are full of. Expect: long lines on summer nights. Beat it: go in the afternoon.

   Also on the list: Where to get ice cream in Toronto.

   93A Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z2 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
4. 4

   Pizzeria Badiali

   Trinity Bellwoods

   Get: A pepperoni slice, or a whole pie

   Toronto's most talked-about pizza. Expect: 30 to 60 min on weekend nights, sells out. Beat it: go at opening.

   181 Dovercourt Rd · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
5. 5

   Lady Marmalade

   Leslieville

   Get: Eggs Benedict and the huevos

   The brunch the east end lines up for. Expect: 30 to 60 min at weekend brunch. Beat it: go on a weekday.

   Also on the list: Breakfast and sandwiches in Toronto.

   265 Broadview Ave · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
6. 6

   Bonjour Brioche

   Leslieville

   Get: Croissants and a quiche

   A French bakery and brunch spot that's been busy for decades. Expect: 30 to 45 min on weekends. Beat it: go on a weekday.

   812 Queen St E · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
7. 7

   Sang-Ji Fried Bao

   Yonge & Bloor

   Get: Sheng jian bao (pan-fried pork buns), four at a time

   Pan-fried Shanghai buns with a crisp bottom, watch the soup. Expect: 15 to 30 min. Beat it: go mid-afternoon.

   3 Charles St E · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
8. 8

   Mother's Dumplings

   Chinatown

   Get: Pork and dill dumplings, boiled, and the pan-fried pork buns

   Handmade northern Chinese dumplings since 2005. Expect: 20 to 45 min on weekends. Beat it: go on a weekday lunch.

   421 Spadina Ave · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
9. 9

   Uncle Tetsu's Japanese Cheesecake

   Downtown

   Get: A whole jiggly cheesecake, fresh from the oven

   The jiggly cheesecake that set off Toronto's viral-dessert lines. Expect: lines around the block when it opened, 10 to 30 min now. Beat it: go early afternoon.

   595 Bay St · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
10. 10

    Banh Mi Boys

    Queen West

    Get: Kimchi fries and the braised pork belly bánh mì

    A Vietnamese-Korean sandwich counter that keeps a lunch line. Expect: 15 to 30 min at lunch. Beat it: go after 2pm.

    392 Queen St W · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
11. 11

    Blackbird Baking Co.

    Kensington Market

    Get: Sourdough and the morning pastries

    Toronto's best bread, from a small Kensington Market shop. Expect: weekend lines at the market shop. Beat it: go on a weekday morning.

    172 Baldwin St · Map · Add to Chef Amazing