Until recently, food tours in Toronto were not on most travelers’ radars. However, the city is now undergoing a culinary revolution, with new independent restaurants opening every week. If you’re seeking amazing local food, Toronto has become a must-visit destination, offering flavors that delight both passionate foodies and curious explorers alike.
To dive into this thriving food scene, why not start with a guided gourmet adventure? Over the course of a few hours, a local expert will lead you to both well-known and hidden gems, offering not just delicious bites but also fascinating history and insights into the best markets and local specialties. It’s a great time exploring Toronto’s culinary treasures, stunning architecture, and diverse culture beyond the typical tourist experience.
Chinatown & St. Lawrence Market food tour with Culinary Adventure Co.
If you’re a true foodie, then a guided tour of Toronto with Culinary Adventure Co. is a must! This company offers diverse culinary escapades that explore various iconic neighborhoods of the city, including the St. Lawrence Market, Chinatown, Little India, and the ultra-trendy Roncesvalles area.
This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the immense cultural diversity of Toronto, as reflected in its food. Each tour is a journey through flavors: at every stop, the guides will order a selection of dishes to share, highlighting local specialties and Toronto’s culinary must-tries. Naturally, a stop at the St. Lawrence Market means you’ll get to try the famous peameal bacon sandwich!
Are you environmentally conscious? Culinary Adventure Co. also offers a tour dedicated to restaurants that focus on local sourcing, prioritizing quality Canadian products with an eco-friendly approach. You’ll have the chance to personalize your experience by choosing your beverages or picking a pastry to sample. The friendly and passionate guides are also open to taking small detours to show you hidden gems in the neighborhoods you’re visiting.
The Chinatown tour has even been ranked among the “9 Best Food Tours in the World” by the prestigious Forbes Magazine. Check their website for available dates. Expect to pay around $69 to $99 for daytime tours, and from $119 for an evening experience.
Local, walking food tour of Kensington Market
For total immersion in local culture, there’s nothing like the Kensington Market Food Tour. A lively, eclectic, and vibrant neighborhood where cultures blend seamlessly, Kensington Market is the perfect place to taste flavors from around the globe. The tour includes more than 6 culinary stops carefully selected to offer dishes from Jamaican to Indigenous cuisines, all while discovering the hidden corners and history of this unique area. It’s the most authentic way to experience the city.
No need to wait in line to sample Kensington Market’s iconic dishes – visitors benefit from VIP access at each stop. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and covers a distance of 1.7 km. A true gourmet journey through the cultural heart of Toronto, for $99.95 CAD + taxes.
Guided microbrewery tour in Toronto
Craft beer lovers will be delighted in Toronto, where numerous independent breweries cater to visitors. Rolling Hops Brewery Tours will take you on an exploration of these small breweries and distilleries in the historic East End. You’ll be able to taste unique beers, often brewed on-site, and learn about the art of craft brewing. Each stop offers a flight of beers (5 x 4 oz), perfect for exploring a variety of flavors.
If you’re looking to broaden your horizons, the Ontario Group of Touring Companies offers guided tours through Toronto’s best beers or even minibus trips to Niagara County. For around $110, let yourself be guided through this unique hop-filled experience.
Underground Donut Tour of downtown Toronto
Yes, you read that right – a food tour dedicated to donuts exists! The Underground Donut Tour is more than just a donut tasting experience. You’ll discover the unique flavors of each shop and the story behind each recipe, all while wandering through some of the most interesting neighborhoods in downtown Toronto, Kensington Market, and Chinatown. A delightful adventure for those with a sweet tooth, with vegan options available upon request.
The tour lasts about 2 hours, covering a 3 km route, and yes, the donuts are included!
Wine, distillery, and microbrewery experiences with Canadian Craft Tours
For an even more varied experience, Canadian Craft Tours offers an immersive dive into the world of wine, spirits, and craft beer in Toronto. You’ll get the chance to discover the distillation process at Nickel 9 Distillery, taste craft beers at Henderson Brewery, and savor refined wines at Downtown Winery. At $139 for a 4-hour tour, it’s a comprehensive way to explore the city’s flavors and meet the passionate artisans behind each product.
In short, whether you’re seeking local flavors, fine wines, or craft beers, Toronto awaits you for a culinary experience that will awaken your senses and reveal the cultural richness of this booming city. Bon appétit and cheers!
Cover photo credit: Destination Ontario
