Old-school favorites in Toronto

Family places, counters and bakeries that have fed the neighborhood for years, with what to order at each.

12 places in Toronto · by Chef Amazing · updated October 20, 2026
Photo: rol-san-restaurant.foodyvo.com

1. 1

   Rol San

   Chinatown

   Order: Standard dim sum, no reservations

   388 Spadina Avenue, M5T 2G7 Toronto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
2. 2

   Ali's Roti

   Parkdale

   Order: Boneless goat roti, dhalpuri, buss-up-shut

   1446 Queen Street West, Toronto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
3. 3

   Mona's Roti

   Scarborough

   Order: Hot doubles with tamarind or pepper

   4810 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
4. 4

   Golden Patty

   Kensington Market

   Order: Spicy beef patty, jerk chicken, curry goat

   Baldwin Street, M5T 2K1 Toronto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
5. 5

   Island Foods

   West end (8 Gladstone Avenue)

   Order: Buss-up-shut with goat, doubles

   8 Gladstone Avenue, Toronto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
6. 6

   Allwyn's Bakery

   North York (Donwood Plaza)

   Order: Jerk chicken sandwich on coco bread, with a beef patty

   81 Underhill Drive, North York · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
7. 7

   Carousel Bakery

   St. Lawrence Market

   Get: Peameal bacon sandwich with honey mustard

   Order: Peameal bacon on a kaiser, mustard from the counter

   Also on these lists: Long lines in Toronto, The best peameal bacon sandwich in Toronto.

   93 Front Street East, Toronto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
8. 8

   Paddington's Pump

   St. Lawrence Market

   Get: Peameal on a bun, or the peameal eggs Benedict

   Order: Oink on a Kaiser, or the breakfast version with egg and cheese

   Also on the list: The best peameal bacon sandwich in Toronto.

   91 Front Street East, M5E 1C2 Toronto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
9. 9

   Swatow Restaurant

   Chinatown (309 Spadina Avenue)

   Order: Black bean beef fried noodles, fried clams, brisket noodle soup

   309 Spadina Avenue, Toronto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
10. 10

    Churrasco of St. Clair

    St. Clair West (679 St. Clair Avenue West)

    Get: Rotisserie chicken, 2026 test price $14

    49

    679 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
11. 11

    East Court & Mike's BBQ

    Scarborough (4400 Sheppard Avenue East)

    Order: Char siu (ask for fattier), siu yuk, roast duck

    4400 Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
12. 12

    Hong Kong Bistro Cafe

    Chinatown (472 Dundas Street West)

    Order: Baked pork chop rice, stir-fried spaghetti, milk tea

    472 Dundas Street West, Toronto · Map · Add to Chef Amazing