Cabbagetown is one of Toronto’s most historic neighbourhoods, a charming enclave where Victorian architecture, leafy residential streets, and a friendly local spirit create a rare village-like feel in the heart of the Ontario capital.
Originally settled in the 19th century by Irish immigrants who famously grew cabbages in their front yards, the neighbourhood has transformed over the decades from a working-class district into one of Toronto’s most desirable and postcard-perfect communities.
Today, Cabbagetown blends its historic roots with a creative, community-driven culture, an evolution that is reflected in its restaurant scene.
Cabbagetown may be compact, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to its culinary offerings. The neighbourhood is home to an impressive mix of cozy brunch spots, chef-driven bistros, global eateries, and longstanding local favourites that anchor the community’s culinary identity.
Whether you’re wandering down Parliament Street, exploring the quieter side streets, or looking for a celebration-worthy dinner, the best restaurants in Cabbagetown offer a taste of Toronto’s diverse food culture, with a distinct neighbourhood vibe.
Explore Cabbagetown’s Diverse Restaurant Scene
I moved to Regent Park in 2022 so have spent the last few years exploring the restaurant scene in Cabbagetown. The neighbourhood runs along Parliament Street from Wellesley to Gerrard.
La Gloria
La Gloria is dubbed Toronto’s first Mexican coffee shop and cafe. The concept was launched in 2023 by brothers Saul and David Navarro, originally from Monterrey, Mexico. The café was born out of their desire to bring authentic Mexican coffee and culture to Toronto.
The décor features vibrant colours, traditional Mexican art, and pieces that pay homage to the brothers heritage, from artwork to cultural artifacts, giving the café a warm, inviting, and distinctly Latin-American vibe.
The cozy space bustles in the morning when locals stop by to grab a coffee on the way to work, or get comfy catching up with friends over brunch.
La Gloria’s menu mixes traditional Mexican comfort food, pastries, and standout coffee. Start your first visit by ordering a Mexican coffee (sourced from regions like Chiapas, Oaxaca and Veracruz), with the signature being the Mazaccino, which is topped with creamy milk foam and crushed peanuts.
Mexican breakfast classics include Molletes and Chilaquiles while Western fare like waffles and fresh fruit smoothies satisfy all cravings.
A testament to La Gloria’s community ethos, the cafe hosts Clases de Español every Tuesday from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. “We created this program because when I first arrived in Canada, I didn’t speak any English, and attending English/Spanish meetups helped me build confidence. Our classes focus 100% on speaking, as we believe it’s the most effective way to learn a new language,” said Saul.
Stout
Stout Irish Pub opened in 2011 and from the start the aim was clear: build a neighbourhood pub that blends traditional Irish‑style warmth with a serious craft‑beer program and quality pub fare, anchoring itself as a go‑to local spot in Cabbagetown.
The décor leans on dark wood floors and paneling, red‑brick walls, arts‑and‑crafts style lighting, and comfortable leather wingback chairs, evoking a classic pub meets homey living‑room vibe.
There’s a bi‑level layout: a main dining/bar area plus a lower‑level section, giving the pub both cozy corners and communal energy when it’s busy. During warmer months, the back patio (with grassy or garden‑style seating) offers a laid‑back outdoor option that is pet friendly.
Stout’s menu leans into comfort food and hearty pub classics, many with an Irish or British pub twist, best paired with an impressive selection of craft beers.
Traditional Irish Pub menu highlights include Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, Chicken Pot Pie, and Bangers Beans & Mash. You’ll also find classic Canadian fare like poutine, chicken fingers, burgers, nachos, Montreal smoked meat sandy, and wings.
If you’re looking for evening entertainment head to Stout on Monday/Tuesday for Trivia nights, Wednesday for Euchre, and Sundays at 5:30pm for movie night (free admission and free popcorn to boot!)
Maya Bay
Patrick Suksean launched Maya Bay in Cabbagetown in 2020. He has opened more than 10 Thai restaurants in Toronto including 6 locations of EAT BKK and the popular Koh Lipe.
“The name Maya Bay name comes from small island in Thailand where they filmed the movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio,” said Suksean. We’ve actually traveled to beautiful Maya Bay, which is a popular sailing and snorkelling destination near the paradise island of Ko Phi Phi.
You’ll find Maya Bay Thai Restaurant at Carlton Street and Parliament. The 40 seat Toronto Thai restaurant features art and decor by Thai artist Aoe Girard. The restaurant also has a distinctive large window, which opens up in the warm summer months and feels like a patio.
The Maya Bay menu was created by celebrated Iron Chef Thailand contestant Chef Art. Wag your finger down Chef Art’s menu and you’ll find classic Thai dishes with an Asian twist.
Maya Bay’s Thai menu stands out amongst its peers in Toronto for offering some unique items you won’t find anywhere else. Highlights include Leng Saap Pork Bone Soup, Chilli & Salt Crispy Pork Belly and Karee Soft Shell Crab.
Rayah
Rayah was warmly welcomed to the Cabbagetown neighbourhood in 2025, introducing North African fare to Toronto’s east end.
It is the first restaurant from owner‑founder Wafa El Rhazi, born in Paris to a Moroccan father and Algerian mother, who moved to Toronto in 2021 and decided to turn her multicultural roots into a café and bistro concept. Think buttery croissants at breakfast and fragrant tagine at dinner.
Stepping into Rayah feels like drifting between Paris and Casablanca, a carefully curated blend of French bistro charm and Moroccan warmth. The décor includes Moroccan zellige tiles, vintage French posters, striped banquettes, and thrifted tableware.
The layout is flexible and inviting: whether you want a quick coffee and pastry at the front counter, a casual brunch in the main space, or a relaxed dinner on the back patio in summer.
We recommend visiting in the evening to experience Rayah’s creative take on Moroccan cuisine, such as Couscous Royal, Lamb & Prune Tagine, and Merguez Sausage.
Momo Ghar
If you’re craving dumplings that bring a taste of Nepal and Tibet to Toronto, Momo Ghar is a gem worth checking out.
Chef‑owner Sonam Pontsang launched Momo Ghar in Cabbagetown as he wanted to bring authentic Himalayan dumplings, momos, to Cabbagetown.
When I visited Momo Ghar the place was packed, which surprised me as it was a Tuesday night during a snow storm. Clearly a hidden gem and popular with local foodies, the restaurant interior feels like stepping into a warm and cozy local restaurant on the Hippy Trail. The décor carries subtle Himalayan and Tibetan touches like dangling lanterns, Buddha busts and a prayer‑wheel.
Flip through the menu and you’ll find starters like Crispy Pork Bao, Chili Fries, Tibetan Laphing, Gyuma Sausage, and popular Nepali snack Wai Wai Sandeko.
The star of the show of course is the extensive momo offering, which is organized into Steamed Momos, Pan Fried Momos, Deep Fried Momos, Tandoori Momos, Butter Chicken Momos and Kurkure Breaded Momos.
Once you’ve chosen your desired momo cooking style, you can chose your desired filling: chicken, cabbage, beef, pork and mattar paneer (peas with Indian cottage cheese).
Butter Chicken Factory
Butter Chicken Factory is a family-run Indian restaurant that opened in June 2011, making it a long-standing part of the neighbourhood’s restaurant scene.
Stepping inside Butter Chicken Factory, you’ll find a space that balances warmth and modern comfort. During the warmer months of the year its spacious patio on Parliament Street is the perfect perch to people watch under the twinkle of dangling lanterns.
The restaurant boasts an extensive menu featuring Indian favourites like samosas, pakoras, charcoal-fired kebabs, and fragrant curries teaming with chunks of chicken, fried fish, golden chickpeas and plump paneer.
Butter Chicken, of course is the restaurants must-try signature dish. It has been creatively reimagined by the chef so it can be enjoyed a multitude of ways, from butter chicken poutine to butter chicken platters topped with 24-karat gold leaves, the restaurant lives up to its name.
Butter Chicken Factory also offers an All You Can Eat menu featuring dishes from all across India available daily from 11am to 3pm, featuring over 15 dishes. It’s priced at $21 from Monday to Friday and $27 on Saturday and Sunday.
Bisou
If you’re wandering through Cabbagetown and craving a slice of Parisian charm with your coffee, Bisou might just be one of the neighbourhood’s sweetest surprises.
The café’s address is on Berkeley Street is located in a charming heritage‑style house located a stones throw from the neighbourhood library, giving the place its cozy, homey atmosphere. Soon after it opened, Bisou emerged as a local reimagining of the French bakery and café concept, not a flashy restaurant, but a warm neighbourhood spot where pastry lovers can rest and rejoice.
The house‑converted location offers comfy seating, relaxed layouts, a mix of tables and couches. The interior is decked out in French art and wine bottles, with a DJ booth sitting in the main dining room for each weeks Saturday brunch spin session.
Bisou’s strength lies in its pastries, bakery‑style offerings and casual French‑inspired dishes. Some of the standouts include almond and chocolate croissants, generously stuffed croissant sandwiches, slices of flaky quiche, classic croque monsieur and the signature must-try Kouign-amann stuffed with mashed potato and topped with sour cream and caviar.
House on Parliament
House on Parliament is probably the most famous restaurant in Cabbagetown. Operating for over 20 years now, it’s the sort of eatery that brings foodies from across Toronto to the neighbourhood so they can wine and dine.
The friendly neighbourhood pub occupies a historic Victorian‑house. During the warmer months of the year the front patio gets packed on weekends as locals line up for one of Cabbagetown’s most popular brunches.
Walking into House on Parliament is like arriving at a comfortable, well‑loved neighbourhood pub, with a mix of classic pub charm and relaxed, come‑as‑you‑are energy. The space is a multi‑level British gastropub, with a layout that includes a front dining area, multiple indoor rooms and rooftop patio.
The vibe shifts depending on where you are: the patios are bright and breezy in the summer, while the indoor rooms get moody and cozy in colder months and at night.
Highlights from the House on Parliament menu include Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash, Steak & Wild Mushroom Pie, Southern Fried Buttermilk Chicken Sandwich, Scotch Eggs and the signature burger. It’s also one of the few places in Toronto you can order traditional Quebec-style tourtiere!
Mikaku Udon Bar
Richmond Hill’s popular Mikaku Udon Bar opened its first downtown Toronto branch on Carlton Street in 2024.
The petite Japanese noodle restaurant features a modest space outfitted with wooden furniture and Japanese art. You’ll find main-floor seating as well as a private dining room downstairs.
The restaurant menu is built around udon, but with plenty of creative riffs and a mix of traditional and fusion, plus a range of snacks and sides.
If you’re popping by for a light bite with a friend share the fried cheese platter, takoyaki octopus balls or deep=fried squid.
If you’ve got a noodle craving traditional Japanese dishes like Chicken Curry Udon and Buta Udon (pork belly) are a comfort food delight. Contemporary takes on udon can be enjoyed by ordering creative bowls like Spicy Seafood Cream Udon topped with prawns and mussels and Bacon Rose Udon inspired by your favourite Italian pasta.
L’Avenue
Walking into L’Avenue feels like slipping into a little corner of Paris, tucked into a picturesque street on the north end of Cabbagetown.
Inside, there’s a tasteful blend of marble wainscoting, white‑on‑white or neutral décor, contemporary art, and pressed-linen tablecloths, making it feel grown‑up yet inviting. The mood is elegant but unpretentious: it’s bistro‑class rather than fine‑dining‑formal.
Outside, a pretty patio with classic bistro tables and bentwood chairs under chic, monogrammed awnings gives it an understated, bohemian‑French charm, perfect for a sunny brunch or a relaxed evening aperitif.
L’Avenue leans into French classics, reimagined with flare. Highlights from the dinner menu include French Onion Soup, Escargots, Oysters, St Tropez Crab Cakes, Steak Frites, and Chicken Cordon Bleu. The menu also boasts Italian fare with a selection of pizzas and pastas.
Visit in the morning on a weekend and you can enjoy L’Avenue’s refined brunch menu, which boasts an Eggs Benedict section including classic ham, smoked salmon, crab cakes, and lobster. Of course you’ll find 3 egg omelettes, assortment of French buttery pastries, as well as more filling Steak & Eggs, Croque Madame, Brioche French Toast and Ricotta Lemon Pancakes.
Gushi Japanese Street Food
If you’re wandering through Cabbagetown and craving crispy Japanese‑style fried chicken, Gushi Japanese Street Food is your best bet.
The original iteration of Gushi began in 2012, launched by the founder Shinji Yamaguchi from an 8‑by‑8‑foot shipping container, inspired by Japanese yatai street‑food culture. Over time, as its popularity grew, Gushi launched a permanent restaurant space at Parliament and Gerrard.
The space is modest in size, more of a take‑out, quick‑eat setup rather than a sit‑down restaurant, which pays homage to the street food menu.
Gushi’s menu is built around Japanese‑style fried chicken karaage, rice bowls, and a few comforting street‑food favourites and sides.
Of course you’ll want to start by nibbling on their signature karaage, which can be ordered on its own or slathered with sauce on top (nanban, hot maple, okonomayaki, teriyaki), as well as enjoyed with a selection of seasonings and dipping sauces (salt & pepper, red hamachi salt, sea salt, spicy mayo, garlic aioli, curry mayo).
Snacks include fries topped with spicy mayo, sesame soy sauce, edamame and red ginger pickles as well as curry poutine. Appetizers include classic miso soup, seaweed salad, gyoza dumplings, and mashed potato croquette.
If looking for a full meal opt for one of the sandwiches (beef katsu is a favourite), rice bowls (the shrimp fry is a delight), curry rice or bento boxes.
Zakkushi
Zakkushi first arrived in Toronto in 2013, bringing the grill‑over‑charcoal yakitori-style from its Vancouver origins. The Japanese yakitori‑izakaya concept and cooking philosophy quickly became part of Cabbagetown’s dining landscape.
Zakkushi is not about white‑tablecloth formality, it’s about warmth, smoky aromas, and that lively and social‑Izakaya energy. The décor embraces a traditional‑meets‑rustic Japanese style: wood seating and surfaces, dim lighting, and handmade touches give it the feel of a cozy izakaya you might find in Tokyo or Osaka.
The heart of Zakkushi is the grill, charcoal‑fired yakitori skewers that bring out deep, smoky flavour and an array of options beyond the usual. The signature of the house, Zakkushi offers over 30 kinds of skewers: from organic chicken to pork, duck, wagyu beef, and seafood — all grilled over Japanese “binchotan” for authentic flavour.
This is not just about chicken breast or veggie kebabs. Zakkushi offers more adventurous options like chicken heart, liver, gizzard, skin, beef or pork tongue, cartilage, and other lesser‑served cuts, perfect for adventurous foodies.
For snacking or pre‑grill munchies: expect edamame, deep‑fried morsels, age mochi fried rice‑cake, and takoyaki.
A proper izakaya experience isn’t complete without thirst quenching drinks. Zakkushi has Sapporo and Asahi on draft, plus an ample Japanese sake selection, ideal alongside the smoky, salty grilled fare.
Off the grill you’ll also find classic Japanese fare like donburi, yakisoba and yakitori.
The Golden Pigeon
If you’re looking for a laid-back, communal-style spot for pints, comfort food and fun in Cabbagetown, The Golden Pigeon is a local favourite.
Toronto’s beloved German-style beer hall first opened in 2022. Walking into The Golden Pigeon feels like stepping into a friendly, slightly retro communal hall, ramped up with pub-style warmth and a sense of fun.
The décor is largely reclaimed, secondhand or hand-built: vintage furniture, refurbished pieces, hand-painted murals and a home-crafted vibe throughout. The team literally mosaicked their bar surfaces tile by tile and reupholstered chairs, giving the space a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted character.
For entertainment: there’s a shelf of board games, vintage arcade games, skee-ball, shuffleboard, a darts nook, all helping turn a dinner or drink into an event and giving the spot community-hub energy.
Thanks to chef Chris Mentier’s inspiration from German beer-hall classics and local sensibilities, the menu at Golden Pigeon is creative, hearty, and designed for sharing. Highlights best paired with a local craft beer pint include Braised Beef Cheek Spaetzle, Soft Pretzel with Beer Cheese, Classic Schnitzel, Currywurst, and an epic Mega Meats Platter.
Agak Agak
If you’re on the hunt for bold Southeast Asian flavours in Toronto’s east end, Agak Agak Kopitiam delivers a rare taste of Singapore and Malaysia in Cabbagetown.
Agak Agak Kopitiam opened in 2025, established by the team behind Singaporean café Kiss My Pans, to bring hawker‑style dishes to the east end.
Its name “Agak Agak” roughly translates to “a bit of this, a bit of that,” a nod to how many traditional family recipes are passed down: by feel, taste and instinct rather than exact measurements.
The décor and layout reflect its hawker‑inspired roots: simple seating, modest finishes, and a focus on conviviality rather than luxe dining. The aim seems to be comfort and familiarity, echoing the relaxed, come‑as‑you‑are spirit of traditional kopitiams.
Agak Agak’s menu is compact but thoughtfully curated, giving a snapshot of Singapore‑Malaysian comfort food with enough variety for different tastes. Some of the standout dishes include Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, Rojak, and Popiah Fresh Rolls.
Super Bargain
The building at 441 Parliament Street, now home to Super Bargain, was previously the location of a thrift and discount store (the “Super Bargain Thrift and Discount Store”) that operated for over forty years.
When the old store closed and the space sat vacant for about a year and a half, the owners decided to repurpose the location into a cocktail bar, but they kept the original sign and name, preserving a piece of Cabbagetown history.
Walking into Super Bargain feels like stepping into a playful, slightly offbeat living‑room‑style cocktail bar: warm, welcoming, and a little retro. The décor is distinctive: vintage‑style wallpaper, checkered or retro linoleum flooring, and a loose, eclectic mix of seating, from bar stools to more casual wicker chairs.
Craft cocktails are the central draw with favourites being a playful twist on the “Dark & Stormy,” or a mezcal‑ and tequila‑forward “Oaxaca Old Fashioned.”
The food menu is modest, more bar snacks than full meals. Expect hot dogs, nachos with cheese sauce, basic salty snacks like Cheezies and Pringles for when you’ve had 5 drinks and are feeling peckish. Guests are encouraged to order pies from Blondies, one of the city’s most popular pizzerias, which is located next door.
The bar often hosts events and social nights: from drag bingo, trivia nights, to other themed community‑friendly gatherings.
Pisac Peruvian Bistro
Located on Carlton Street, Pisac Peruvian Bistro brings the bold and vibrant flavours of South America to one of Toronto’s most historic neighbourhoods.
The restaurant is led by chef and owner Renzo Galleno, who was born in Lima and immigrated to Toronto in 1983. After working for decades in the city’s restaurant industry, he opened Pisac to share the recipes and culinary traditions he learned from his father growing up in Peru.
Skip inside the Cabbagetown restaurant and you’ll find a cozy dining room boasting earthy tones, wood accents, and simple décor that helps create an inviting space where the focus remains firmly on the fabulous food.
The Pisac menu highlights classic Peruvian dishes, from fresh ceviches to to simmering seafood stews, tender pulled chicken and perfectly seared steaks.
Johnny G’s
Johnny G’s is one of Cabbagetown’s longest-running dining institutions. Open since 1975, the restaurant has served generations of locals and remains a familiar gathering place where neighbours meet for morning coffee, casual brunch, or a relaxed evening out.
In 2022, the restaurant entered a new chapter under owner and head chef Dinesh Sharma, who brought more than three decades of restaurant experience to the historic space. Originally from India, Sharma began his culinary career in the 1990s, moving to Canada in 2001. At Johnny G’s, he has focused on honouring the diner’s legacy while introducing new flavours and a broader culinary experience.
Johnny G’s is one of Cabbagetown’s most popular breakfast and brunch spots, famous for its corned beef hash, eggs bennie, omelettes, pancakes, sandwiches and burgers.
We recommend visiting for dinner on Thursday, Friday or Saturday night when from 8 to 11pm guests can enjoy the tunes of a live jazz band.
Lean into Chef Sharma’s Indian expertise by enjoying a spicy feast featuring samosa, gunpowder prawns, butter chicken, and curry lamb.
Cafe ZuZu
If you’re willing to wander 5 minutes south, while not technically in Cabbagetown, Cafe ZuZu in neighbouring Regent Park boasts a lively pizzeria.
Janet Zuccarini’s ever growing restaurant empire opened new doors with Cafe ZuZu in 2022. Skip inside and you’ll find a bustling Italian cafe, chic dining room featuring elegant chandeliers and marble plinths as well as a seasonal wrap-around outdoor patio.
Cafe ZuZu is on our list of Toronto’s Best Happy Hours so be sure to pop by Wednesday to Sunday from 4-6pm for great deals.
The lunch and dinner menu features gigantic mozzarella sticks, calamari fritti, brussels sprouts caesar salad, creamy garlic shrimp, chicken parmigiana, hanger steak, meatball topped spaghetti, and cheesy fettucine alfredo.
On the pizza side of things, Nonna’s Pepperoni is a must (they form little cute cups filled with spicy oil), Ricotta and Lemon (with plenty of stracciatella), and A Big Dill, scattered with kosher dills, garlic cream, mozzarella, and chilies.
