Mississauga is without a doubt one of North America’s most diverse and delicious urban culinary destinations.
Ranked as one of Canada’s most multicultural cities, Mississauga plays home to the country’s largest airport and is conveniently the next door neighbour to cosmopolitan Toronto.
Mississauga sits perched over the scenic shores of Lake Ontario, stretching east of Oakville, west of Etobicoke and northwards to Brampton.
After traveling to my 100th country (ayuboan Sri Lanka!) I returned home to Toronto to spend a finger-licking-good month tasting my way through Mississauga’s diverse culinary scene.
I quickly realized foodies in the GTA can easily skip a long-haul flight to enjoy a wide variety of authentic ethnic cuisines in their own backyard!
Explore Mississauga’s Diverse Restaurant Scene
I grew up in Oakville, on the border of Mississauga, heading home to see family always meant getting picked up at the nearby Clarkson Go Station.
Fond memories from my high school years include taking the bus to Erin Mills Town Centre to shop with friends and movie binge at Famous Players (nostalgia for the 90s!)
On Christmas Eve each year my family visits a new restaurant so we can travel with our taste buds during the dreary cold weather that is so common during the month of December. One year we found a real gem in Mississauga after feasting our way through the traditional Egyptian dishes at Masrawy Kitchen.
After returning home from a 2 month trip to visit my 100th country, the team at Visit Mississauga challenged me to explore the unique flavours of their city.
Mississauga Boasts Award-Winning Multicultural Restaurants
I’m a food and travel journalist who has been globetrotting around the world for over 20 years in search of my next best meal.
I’m a data nerd at heart so created a list of 10 must-try cuisines in Mississauga based on the city’s most recent census data.
Mississauga’s 2023 Census reveals the city’s most spoken languages, which indicate the relative size of various immigrant communities and the corresponding cuisine:
- Indian
- Middle Eastern
- Chinese
- Polish
- Filipino
- Portuguese
- Spanish
- Vietnamese
- Sri Lankan
- Italian
I spent weeks researching the best restaurants in Mississauga by each cuisine category, scrolling through Yelp, Tripadvisor and Google reviews. I also asked the local community on Reddit what their favourite restaurants were to get a clear consensus on the tasty places locals love.
If you’re looking to explore mouth-watering restaurants in the GTA, travel the world, one plate at a time, at these 10 must-try Mississauga restaurants!
Guru Lukshmi
7070 St Barbara Blvd #50, 905-795-2299
I love eating my way through India.
The massive South Asian country boasts 28 states, each of which offers unique regional dishes so there really is a lot of culinary diversity. I’ve had the opportunity to dine at some of India’s top restaurants on trips to Delhi, Agra, Kerala and Mumbai.
Mississauga’s largest immigrant population is from India, with Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi and Tamil being spoken across the city.
It was no surprise when the Michelin Guide announced Mississauga’s first ever Bib Gourmand winners were Indian restaurants: a South Indian menu at Guru Lukshmi and contemporary recipe interpretations at Tamarind Modern Indian Bistro.
I opted to visit Guru Lukshmi as I was dining with a friend who is vegetarian and south Indian cuisine is a meat-free dream.
Located in Meadowvale near the 407 and Hurontario Street, Guru Lukshmi finds its home in a sprawling Mississauga shopping centre.
Dubbed the “GTA’s most passionate Dosa makers” by The Toronto Star, the authentic South Indian restaurant serves up a parade of exotically spiced vegetarian dishes, from crispy dosa (fermented rice and lentil crepe) dipped in chutney and sambar, to idlys, vadas, uttapam, bhaji, and tangy tamarind rice.
The menu also features a distinct Jain menu. Jains follow a strict vegetarian diet that excludes meat, seafood, eggs, and most root vegetables.
I recommend washing it all down with a Masala Chai or creamy Mango Lassi.
Roman Zaman Damascene Cuisine
325 Central Pkwy W #8, 905-276-0101
I love traveling to the Middle East as the fresh and healthy dishes of the Levant region are oh-so-good!
I’ve eaten my way through top restaurants in Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Mississauga boasts a large Arabic-speaking population, many of whom have immigrated to the GTA from Lebanon, Egypt and Syria.
One of the best places to taste unique Middle Eastern fare in Mississauga is at Roman Zaman Damascene Cuisine. Since I’ve never been to Syria I was excited to sample the dishes proprietor Nabil Dabaan dubs “Old Damascene cuisine.”
The restaurant’s name reflects its identity, “roman” in Arabic means pomegranate, “zaman” means the old days. This was a time when locals in Damascus would eat with copper cutlery and wooden boards, preserving freshness and temperature.
The restaurant is designed like a typical Syrian House with it’s small details such as a fountain, open kitchen, engraved damascene star, and chandeliers.
Syrian cuisine is perhaps best known for its grilled items like Shish Tawook and Arayes. At Roman Zaman Damascene Cuisine cooks grill the best cuts of beef, chicken and lamb over glowing charcoal for the perfect sear and sizzle.
The halal restaurant menu features Middle Eastern classics like hummus, labneh, mutabbal, muhammara, foul, falafal, fattet, kibbeh, shawarma, and saj.
Be sure to pair your Syrian feast with an Arabic coffee or mint tea.
Summit Garden
3015 Winston Churchill Blvd, 905-828-6686
My love for the Chinese art of weekend dim sum developed over many years. It started when visiting popular Chinese restaurants in Markham, where I grew up during my elementary school days, to the culinary research trips I made as a food writer on press trips to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
Mississauga plays home to a large community of both Cantonese and Mandarin speaking dim sum-lovers so was looking forward to road tripping to the city one weekend to devour all the deliciousness served in petite bamboo steamers at the beloved Summit Garden.
The popular Mississauga Chinese restaurant is located at the corner of Dundas Street West and Winston Churchill Boulevard. The sprawling and elegant interior specializes in serving Cantonese and Szechuan dishes.
If your goal is to snatch chopsticks and indulge in a parade of dim sum we recommend ordering classics like deep fried taro dumplings, radish cakes, pan-fried pork dumplings, steamed rice noodle rolls, steamed BBQ pork bun, sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf, beef rib with black pepper sauce, and the petite siu mai.
Or you can visit Summit Garden at dinner to indulge in a decadent bacchanal of luxurious Chinese dishes like Peking Duck, Jumbo Lobster, Dungeness Crab, and Roasted Crispy Squab.
Arkady Bistro
3631 Dixie Rd, 905-624-5726
I love traveling to Poland as the meat, carb and beer heavy cuisine is the key to my comfort food heart. I’ve eaten my way through the best restaurants in Krakow and Warsaw, a delicious endeavour that I dubbed the “Perfect Polish Pierogi Pilgrimage.”
If you’re looking to nosh on homestyle Polish cuisine visit Arkady at the corner of Dixie Road and Burnhamthorpe in Mississauga.
The casual and cozy European cafeteria-style bistro is open daily for lunch and dinner. Locals love feasting on a selection of traditional Polish dishes, which are served from a hot counter.
Arkady’s menu features a wide variety of authentic Polish recipes, including classics like pierogies, schnitzel, and cabbage rolls.
Must-try dishes include pork ribs, fish basa fillet, hearty beef stew with plump dumplings and selection of salads like creamy cucumber salad and vinegary shredded beets.
Bella’s Inasal
848 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, 289-521-7088
If you’re in the mood for beautiful beaches, jaw-dropping sunsets and plenty of delicious food The Philippines might be calling your name!
I’ve visited the Philippines on two separate trips, exploring the culinary diversity of the island nation with stops in Manila, Cebu, Bohol, Banaue, Batad, and Boracay.
If you’re feeling peckish for Filipino food look no further than Bella’s Inasal, located at the corner of Burnhamthorpe and Wolfedale.
Bella’s Inasal serves up traditional Filipino dishes in a casual dining room with service running daily starting at 10am. It’s an excellent option for breakfast, lunch or dinner when a craving for Adobo hits!
Owners Joycee and Joanne first launched the Filipino restaurant concept in Toronto in 2010. They’ve now grown the business into Mississauga and Scarborough.
Must-try dishes on the menu include Pork Adobo, Lumpiang Gulay, Chicken Inasal, Sizzling Pork Sisig, Pansit Noodles, and Garlic Rice.
Leão d’Ouro
920 A Dundas St E, 905-566-5326
In Portugal you can have it all, fine wine, fresh seafood, fall-off-the-bone grilled chicken and the ubiquitous Pasteis de Nata.
I’ve eaten my way through Portugal on two culinary trips, wining and dining my way through Lisbon, Sintra, and Lagos in the Algarve.
If you’re pining for authentic Iberian fare visit Mississauga’s most celebrated Portugese fine dining establishment for a special celebration. Leão d’Ouro is located on Dundas Street East near Cawthra Road and has been serving the community for over 40 years.
Originating in the heart of Little Italy in downtown Toronto, Leão d’Ouro made its name on good service, a family atmosphere, and great food. The Santos family opened the restaurant in 1981, bringing their traditional recipes from northern Portugal. The restaurant relocated to Mississauga in 2007 while also evolving its menu to include more Southern Portuguese staples alongside Mediterranean favourites.
Must-try dishes on the Leão d’Ouro menu include Caldo Verde pork sausage soup with shredded cabbage, Shrimp Piri Piri, Bitoque Striploin Steak topped with fried egg, and classic Portuguese BBQ Chicken serves with fries and a salad.
Pa’l Antojo
1885 Drew Rd unit 2, 905-673-7622
Residents of the GTA love flying to Mexico from Pearson International Airport in Mississauga during the chilly winter months in search of sun, tequila and tacos!
I’ve had the opportunity to eat my way through Mexico countless times. I’m always looking to try unique regional dishes, from humble street food to unforgettable Michelin meals in Mexico City, Playa Del Carmen, Merida, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta.
I’ve also spent years compiling a list of the Best Mexican Restaurants in Toronto, so a plate of spicy Chilaquiles and bowl of steaming Asado de Boda are never far away.
Mississauga’s most authentic Mexican restaurant is ideally located a short hop, skip and a jump from Pearson International Airport. It’s the perfect place to grab lunch or dinner before snow-birding to the beautiful beaches of Riviera Maya.
Step inside Pa’l Antojo at Drew Road and Bramalea and you’ll find yourself transported to your favourite Mexican taco stand. The interior features dangling Mexican fiesta flags, walls adorned with sombreros and colourful tiles.
Must-try dishes on the Pa’l Antojo menu include Choriqueso, Quesabirrias, Enchiladas, Tampiqueña, Gorditas, and a parade of tacos, which can be stuffed with everything from Pastor marinated pork, Chorizo sausage, Carnitas pulled pork, Asada steak, Lengua beef tongue, and Pescado fish tacos.
Wash it all down with a sweet Jarritos soda or Agua Horchata.
Pho Ngoc Yen
1090 Kamato Rd unit 17-19, 905-629-9559
One of my favourite backpacking adventures was a month-long trip I did in my twenties from southern to northern Vietnam.
I was fresh out of university and penny pinching on a shoestring budget so indulged all the best street foods Vietnam had to offer in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Mekong Delta, Saigon, Nha Trang, Hoi An, and Hue.
If you’re having a craving for a steaming bowl of Bun Cha or Bun Thit Nuong, the best place to feast on traditional Vietnamese cuisine in Mississauga is at Pho Ngoc Yen.
Located near the intersection of the 403 and 401, Pho Ngoc Yen offers a joyful interior adorned with bamboo planters, wood panelling, and twinkling overhead lights.
The Vietnamese restaurant is a family affair, run by sisters Tin Trinh and Ngoc Yen Tran (the restaurant’s namesake); their chef brother, Tri Tran; and his brother-in-law, Tan Trinh (Tin’s husband).
The 7-year-old restaurant has won a legion of local fans thanks to its friendly hospitality and culinary creativity so expect a line and prepare to be patient.
Must-try dishes on the Pho Ngoc Yen menu include the chef’s signature Pho Ngoc Yen (rice noodle soup topped with rare beef, beef balls and boneless beef shank), Bun Thit Nuong grilled pork with vermicelli, Cha Gio pork and shrimp fried spring rolls, Ga Nuong BBQ chicken with lemon leaf and sticky rice and Tom Rang Me crispy shrimp with tamarind sauce.
Lankan Delights
720 Burnhamthorpe Rd W Unit 9-B, 905-232-6339
In November, 2024 my plane touched down at the airport in Colombo. My arrival to Sri Lanka would be a cause for celebration as it was my 100th country!
I spent 3 weeks road tripping from the Sri Lankan capital in a loop, which would have me visiting the historic city of Galle, elephant spotting on safari in Yala National Park, tea plantation hopping in Ella and a memorable folk dance performance in Kandy.
For those who have never been to Sri Lanka, or eaten at a Sri Lankan restaurant, there can be a tendency to liken it to South Indian cuisine. Patriotic local foodies will wave away your comment away with their hands and moments later ensure you experience the dishes that make Sri Lankan food so unique, like crispy egg hoppers toped with coconut sambol and string hoppers that scoop up fragrant banana and mango curry.
If you’re keen to explore the flavours of ancient Ceylon, visit Lankan Delights, located at an unassuming industrial park at Mavis and Burnhamthorpe.
The Sri Lankan restaurant’s Chef Sivapriya (Priya) Sivasubramaniam is originally from the north of the country, growing up in the bustling city of Jaffna.
Chef Priya’s must-try dishes include Beef Lamprais, Seeni Sambol, and selection of curries like devilled prawn, chicken, pumpkin, pineapple and daal.
Capra’s Kitchen
1834 Lakeshore Rd W, 905-916-1834
In 2024 Italy was the 5th most visited country in the world! Wanderlusters from around the globe have Italy on their travel bucket list as a trip to the country really does feel like you’re living in a fairy tale.
From the fashion high streets of Milan, to the jaw-dropping Vatican in Rome, Renaissance wonders in Florence, to the scenic coastline of Amalfi. Each of Italy’s 20 states boasts its own wine varietals and unique regional dishes that reflect the local terroir.
I first met celebrity Chef Massimo Capra when we both acted as judges during the Taste of Oakville restaurant competition. Chef Massimo delighted Toronto diners with his award-winning Mistura Restaurant in Yorkville for many years. The chef now operates Capra’s Kitchen, serving up authentic Italian dishes in Mississauga’s Clarkson neighbourhood.
Skip inside Capra’s Kitchen and you’ll find a casual and contemporary interior featuring an open kitchen, cozy bar and seasonal front patio. The menu serves up everything from pretty pizzas to handmade pasta and your favourite antipasto nibbles.
Highlights from Chef Capra’s menu include Bufala Caprese, Radicchio & Pear, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Grilled Calamari, Calabrese Pizza, and Grilled Branzino with cherry tomatoes, rapini and roast potatoes.
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