Earlier today, Toronto's selection saw the addition of 4 new One Stars, four new Bib Gourmands, and a new Green Star.
From Creole, Caribbean, and Latin influences at Conejo Negro (think fried chicken with smoked hot honey and tender braised beef with cheddar grits) to South Indian bites at Guru Lukshmi (like the signature Mysore Bhaji Dosa packed with aloo masala), our Inspectors have spent the year combing through the capital of Ontario for the best value eats. So, if you are looking for the best value for delicious dishes that Toronto has to offer, you're in the right place. Bon appétit!
Berkeley North
Cuisine: Contemporary
In downtown Hamilton, this restaurant has carved out its place as one of the city’s most popular destinations. Exposed red brick, dangling greenery, and a garage door that opens to the patio make for a come-as-you-are atmosphere. The menu is nicely curated, with cooking that takes its cues from across the globe. Think tuna crudo with citrus ponzu or a riff on Chinese egg rolls that features chickpea potato curry and a ginger-herb dip. Larger plates lean into comfort cooking, like steak frites or pasta. Go for the Cornish hen, which arrives perfectly roasted, glazed in rhubarb barbecue sauce, and paired with a mustardy potato salad. No visit is complete without the Basque cheesecake, a wedge that manages to be decadent, creamy, and light all at once.
Conejo Negro
Cuisine: Caribbean
When the menu packs in Creole, Caribbean, and Latin influences, you can be sure that nothing will want for flavor. That’s especially true at this cozy nook on busy College Street, where three friends have joined forces to open this “black rabbit.” Delicately fried and warmly spiced firecracker shrimp is a fiery way to start the meal. The hits keep coming with fried chicken with smoked hot honey, tender braised beef with cheddar grits, and collards with ham hocks. Generously portioned, the food is designed for sharing. Better yet, assemble a crew and ask about the breezy backyard patio that is surely the seat of the summer. Wood planks and benches, warm lighting, and greenery all over make for a convivial atmosphere that invites lounging.
Guru Lukshmi
Cuisine: Indian
It’s a good thing this South Indian restaurant takes up multiple bays in a sprawling Mississauga shopping center. If the dining room were any smaller, the wait to get in would be endless. Reservations are recommended for this landmark that is the undisputed champion of dosas, offered in dazzling variety like nowhere else in the region. The signature Mysore Bhaji Dosa packed with fantastic aloo masala is a good place to start for first timers, who will question whether they can finish the whole thing before doing just that. But there’s more: Idlys, vadas, and uttapam are made fresh, served hot, and come with warm sambar and refreshing chutneys. All of this food comes and goes in a rapid blur, and return visits are planned before you’re out the door.
Rasa
Cuisine: Contemporary
Weekly visits to this gastropub might not be enough. Truly, few restaurants feel this relaxed and cook with so much gusto. Are you curious about those chickpea fritters with lemon mascarpone and wasabi or the truffle gnudi with pesto? You should be. Sea bream ceviche with chili oil is as bold as lamb vindaloo dumplings. In the end, no one cuisine can claim this endlessly tempting menu that delivers hearty, unfussy flavors in abundance. And yes, the burger is as good as it looks, the tender patty made with beef cheek, grilled, and served on house made brioche smeared in gochujang mayo. In total, the portions are generous so bring friends; the flavors are big so bring an appetite; and the satisfaction is high so count on a return visit.
Hero image: Melina Magnatta / Rasa
