The GTA’s Top-Ranked Neighbourhoods for Foodies

By Josh Sherman | 8 minute read

Wahi analyzed data from Local Logic, a location intelligence platform, to rank GTA neighbourhoods in Toronto, York, Peel, Durham, and Halton regions in 11 categories based on lifestyle, needs, goals and interests. Wahi’s 2023 Where to Live rankings consider neighbourhood attributes such as nearby schools, transit quality, park spaces, access to restaurants and shopping, and more.

Toronto is a bona fide culinary hotspot, one that stands tall on the international stage. It’s Canada’s first Michelin destination. It’s also got the most diverse food scene in the world — at least according to one global ranking. And, not only that, it lays claim to 31 of the 100 best restaurants in the country, too. While the city’s downtown core has a head-spinning array of options, there are strong contenders throughout the broader Greater Toronto Area. Wahi has ranked the GTA’s top-ranked neighbourhoods for foodies across Durham, Halton, Peel, Toronto and York based on vibrancy, number of restaurants and cafes within walking distance, and more. 

Where to Live: Durham

Oshawa/Durham isn’t the most talked-about regional food scene in the GTA. However, it’s quickly shoring up its reputation among gastronomes, and for good reason. A booming tech industry has supported demand for more mouth-watering options, particularly in Oshawa, and restaurateurs are stepping up their games throughout the region. 
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1. Central Oshawa, Oshawa

More commonly known as Downtown Oshawa, Central Oshawa is the cornerstone of the city’s foodie scene. It has long hosted the Fiesta Week festival, an annual showcase of multicultural cuisine, music, and traditions. Meanwhile, new gastro pubs, cafes, and more continue opening their doors amid the local tech industry boom. Check out:

• The White Apron Restaurant: Known as a top local brunch spot, the White Apron has been keeping customers coming back since 2015.
• Avanti Trattoria: If you’re craving authentic Italian in Downtown Oshawa, look no further than Avanti Trattoria. 
• Wildfire Steakhouse Oshawa: At this upscale steakhouse — which has a second location in Toronto — nothing comes pre-made. They butcher their own steaks.

    

2. Pickering Town Centre, Pickering

Though it might not have the abundance of independent options found in certain other pockets of Durham, as Pickering’s buzzing commuter hub and shopping destination, Pickering Town Centre has scores of take-out and dine-in options. The regional Pickering Town Centre mall has more than a dozen choices for quick bites on its own. Surrounding the mall, there are a number of chain restaurants as well as a sprinkling of one-of-a-kind eateries, like Namak Handi, specializing in authentic Pakistani cuisine, and its neighbour, Hibachi Grill, which serves up Chinese and Japanese food.   

3. Downtown Whitby, Whitby

From stone-fire pizzas to Mexican-Indian fusion cuisine, Downtown Whitby’s diverse eats make it a go-to for Durham’s foodie set. A concentration of preserved heritage buildings only adds to the ambience and dining experiences to be found in Durham region’s heart.

Where to Live: Halton

Some of Oakville/Halton’s best spots for foodies are found in affluent waterfront neighbourhoods in Oakville and Burlington, but there are also options farther inland as well as the region — which still has large swaths of rural land — continues to develop and diversify, attracting homebuyers looking for more affordable houses.

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1. Old Oakville, Oakville

Foodies will love the convenient access to a wide variety of eateries in this upscale neighbourhood. Strolling along the downtown corridor, you’ll find everything from sophisticated Italian cuisine to authentic Greek to traditional steakhouses. Lakeshore Road East is the main artery, with scores of restaurants lining the downtown street. Check out:

• Buca Di Bacco: An intimate and elegant Italian restaurant in a repurposed townhouse.
• Seasons Brasserie: For more than 20 years, the Seasons Brasserie has excelled at savory French cuisine cooked up by award-winning chefs.
• Oliver’s Steakhouse: A long-time Oakville institution, this classy steakhouse dates back to 1969 and was rejuvenated by a couple of locals in 2018.

   

2. Downtown Burlington, Burlington

This lakeside neighbourhood has a restaurant scene that will keep you coming back for date nights, family outings or dinner with friends in one of Canada’s best small cities. Locals say downtown staples Pepperwood Bistro and Son of a Peach Pizzeria are some of the city’s top restaurants. 

3. Old Milton, Milton

This charming community (and new Milton’s downtown) boasts an endless supply of restaurants, bars and cafes along the Main Street strip, all within walking distance. Popular establishments on the main drag include Pasqualino — which draws diners from all around the GTA for its impressive wine cellar, cuisine, and high-quality service — and EddieO’s PourHouse & Kitchen, an upscale pub with an expansive patio and surprisingly eclectic menu.

Where to Live: Peel

Mississauga/Peel doesn’t have all of the foodie accolades of Toronto, its neighbour to the immediate east. But being home to both Mississauga and Brampton — Canada’s seventh- and ninth-largest cities — it benefits culturally from a large and diverse population. That’s especially apparent when you look at Peel region’s top neighbourhoods for foodies, which boast a multitude of cooking styles and regional flavours. 

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1. Mississauga City Centre, Mississauga 

Anchored by Square One Shopping Centre, Mississauga City Centre serves up so much more than food court fast food (although there’s lots of that, too). High-end dining and upscale markets dot this community surrounding Canada’s second-largest mall, which has nearly 100 food-and-beverage businesses, including a wine-tasting room. Check out:

• The Food District: In 2019, Square One launched the Food District, a hulking 34,000-square-foot food hall full of delectable items from local vendors.
• Tamarind Modern Indian Bistro: Fine dining, Indian-cuisine style. 
• Alioli Ristorante: Contemporary Italian, just steps from Square One.–

2. Fairview, Mississauga

Conveniently located beside Mississauga City Centre and its Square One Shopping Mall, Fairview offers some unique dining experiences in its own right despite existing in the shadow of what’s become foodie central for the city. Fairview’s restaurants are mainly clustered along Confederation Parkway and Hurontario Street and include high-rated hits like Roman Zaman Damascene Cuisine and Foodie North. Living in Fairview, you’ll have easy access to City Centre in a neighbourhood that has many larger low-rise homes compared to the former’s condos. 

3. Queen Street Corridor, Brampton

Stretching from Bramalea Road to Etobicoke Creek, the Queen Street Corridor brims with restaurants that reflect Brampton’s diversity and tap into the vibrancy of Bramalea City Centre. West Indian, Mexican, Vietnamese, Middle Eastern — there’s something for everyone on the Queen Street Corridor.