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5 BEST Food Tours in Toronto +Our Review (2025!)

5 BEST Food Tours in Toronto +Our Review (2025!)

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I’ve lost count of how many times we have traveled to Toronto for its amazing food. It’s just that good!

We have eaten all over the city and tried the best it has to offer. From the international cuisine of Kensington Market and its underground donut tours to the legendary Canadian favorites (looking at you poutine and Nanaimo bars!) and seafood you can only find in Lawrence Market. This city has it all!

Not only have we had some of our favorite flavor memories on these tours, but also learned all about the history that makes these local spots special. Plus these are among the best tours in Toronto to explore its streets and restaurants with experienced guides who know all the top places to eat!

As two foodies we want you to have the best experience possible which is why we made this list of the 5 best food tours we have ever taken in Toronto. Bon appetite! 

Don’t have time to read the full article? Toronto is FULL of amazing food! We recommend this international food tour of Kensington Market to taste wood-fired bagels, empanadas, Jamaican patties and so much more. Or opt for this tour of St. Lawrence Market that includes sweet treats like Nanaimo bars and butter tarts and even secret dishes you’ll have to go on the tour to try!

Where do the best food tours in Toronto go?

Kensington Market

Known for its boutique shops, artistic flair, and mouthwatering international cuisine, Kensington Market is home to some of the most unique, cafes, bakeries, and restaurants Toronto has to offer.

This bohemian neighborhood is all locally owned and operated by passionate people whose families immigrated from all over the world! The result is? Some of the best food in the city, street art, unique culture, and an altogether different feel from anywhere else you will go during your stay.  

St. Lawrence Market

Once named the “Best Food Market In The World” by National Geographic it will be easy to taste why such a title was awarded to St. Lawrence Market. With over 120 specialty vendors who sell the freshest fruit, vegetables, fish, and baked goods in the city, this is one of Toronto’s oldest markets and has an incredible selection of some of Canada’s finest eats. It would be fair to say that it is a must-have experience for any foodie visiting! 

Note: Most of these tours can accommodate vegetarians easily, but if you have allergies or other dietary restrictions you will want to contact the tour provider to see if they can accommodate your specific needs.

 Best Food Tours in Toronto

1. Kensington Market International Food Tour

Birria Tacos from the Kensington Market in Toronto, Canada
Birria tacos from the Kensington Market in Toronto, Canada
Ton of Juice at the Kensington Market in Toronto, Canada
Perfect on a hot day!

Kensington Market is known for its cultural diversity and as travelers and foodies we enjoy trying things we have never heard of before. That’s why we were delighted by the flavors of the foods we had during this International Food Tour! Taste your way around the world and skip the lines as you try some of the best food Kensington Market has to offer.

We started our day at 10:30 am in front of Nu Bügel, a Middle Eastern bagel shop that probably has the best smoked trout sandwich I’ve ever eaten! With the smell of wood-fired bagels in the air, our friendly guide got to know each of us on the tour, gave us some history of the location, and assured us there was even more to come.

Walking down the street toward our next destination we enjoyed taking in all of the street art and little boutique stores this area is so well known for. I was especially impressed with one of the most famous Kensington attractions – the Garden Car (there’s a garden growing inside the metal frame of a vehicle!).

Stopping off at other amazing restaurants we got to try Jamaican beef-filled coco bread patties (now there’s something I had never tried, delicious!), jumbo South American empanadas, and traditional Indigenous frybread. With this much diversity, we’re not surprised this is one of the best sightseeing tours in Toronto!

We had plenty of questions for our guide about the food and they were happy to answer! Just don’t ask how healthy things are, you wouldn’t want to know anyway.

This area can be very busy which almost always means long lines! But by taking this tour we got to skip those lines making it all the more beneficial as we didn’t have to wait to try authentic delicacies such as Tibetan momos (a type of dumpling), and some too good to be true Swedish treats. Trust me, you have to try them for yourself! 

This tour operates every day except Tuesday and takes 2.5 hours in total. It leaves at 11 am, which means don’t make lunch plans for the day you’re taking this one! You will be walking about 1.2 kilometers (just under a mile) and it operates rain or shine (or snow!) so be sure to dress for the weather.

With all of the food costs covered and being able to skip long lines, this experience is a must at only $99 CAD per person. It’s sure to have your tastebuds singing! But this tour is incredibly popular and sells out fast, so be sure to book your tickets here in advance

2. Toronto Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours

Daniel enjoys a slice at St Lawrence Pizza and Pasta in the St Lawrence Market, Toronto
Daniel enjoys a slice at St. Lawrence Pizza!
Cheese curds on a food tour in Toronto
Mmm cheese!

Getting off the tourist trail is something we always try to do and food is no different. Everything always tastes better off the beaten path! That’s why we loved this Toronto Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours.

Try some local food favorites, explore the iconic Lawrence Market, and even sample a mystery dish! This 3.5-hour walking tour covers a wide variety of food and it’s as informative as it is delicious. 

Starting at St. Lawrence Market we had the opportunity to ask our guide about some of the history and were amazed to find that it’s one of the oldest operating markets in North America! It has served as a hub for food vendors for over 200 years so we knew we were in for some tasty food that day. Our first stop was, are you ready for this? Wild-caught sockeye salmon cured in Canadian maple syrup. I don’t need to say much more, do I? I can taste it now as I write! 

If you enjoy trying the “best of” anything, the next stop we went to is sure to excite. Indulge in the best peameal bacon sandwich (aka Canadian Bacon) you’ve probably ever had.

In between bites, our guide gave us a chance to check out some of the little boutique shops that dot the area for some souvenir shopping! 

Our parents told us not to eat dessert before dinner, but our tour guide didn’t believe in that rule! We found the Nanaimo bar we ate next to be the sweet treat we needed and we’re sure you will like it too. The most interesting part is that this no-bake dessert’s origins are still unknown – although Nanaimo, BC lays claim to inventing it!

Over the next couple of hours, we continued to try local favorites such as butter chicken roti, an Indian dish that has won the hearts and mouths of many, and butter tarts, a Canadian specialty with a semi-crunchy top and sweet gooey center. We ended our day at a final stop where we were finally able to try our secret dish! I won’t spoil it for you and who knows what you’ll get to try when you take this tour!

This incredible food experience is CAD $88 per person but there are private tours for those who don’t mind paying a little more for a VIP package. It is offered every day except Monday at 11 am or there are multiple departure times for the private tour option. Taking 3.5 hours we recommend you wear good walking shoes as you will be doing plenty of it!

If you’re ready for a tasty tour that has a few secret dishes thrown in, book your spot here!

Related Read: Another way to see the city (and burn off some of those calories!) is by taking a bike tour in Toronto.

3. Toronto Delicious Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour

Doughnuts we tried on the Underground Doughnut tour in Toronto, Canada
So good!
Selection of doughnuts we tried on a food tour in Toronto
You have to try them all!

Donuts are in all five food groups, right? No? Well, you could have fooled us! Either way, if you have an affinity for this deep-fried treat like we do then the one-of-a-kind Toronto Delicious Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour is just the thing you need to experience yourself. It also gives you a chance to explore Kensington Market. Win-win! 

COPS Donuts isn’t just a cliche, but the first stop on this magical donut adventure! We met our guide, Aton, in the Fashion District at 10 am to begin our 2-hour, 3-km (2-mi) tour. One of the many highlights of our day wasn’t just the donuts but also the wealth of knowledge Aton had about the area and his enthusiasm for sharing it! After enjoying the hot and fresh donuts of COPS we were on our way.

We walked and talked with the other members of the tour to our second destination, Bloomers! If you have never had a vegan donut this is the place to try your first one! We learned some of the history of the area (Who knew history goes with donuts like it does with coffee?) and made mental notes of all the shops we would come back to visit after the tour was over. 

As we walked through Kensington Market to our final donut shop of the day we enjoyed the local street murals that seem to cover every surface of this neighborhood. They are incredibly vibrant and having a guide with you means you can learn things about the art you might not have otherwise known! We reached the final stop of the day, Dipped Donuts. And they were everything you would want from a dipped donut indeed! 

If the sugar-filled Toronto Underground Donut Tour sounds fun to you book here for only CAD $81 per person! All donuts and a drink are included in this tour, the history lessons are free! It runs every day except Monday and Tuesday with both 10 am and 1 pm start times.

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

4. Private Canadian Food Discovery at the St Lawrence Market

The front of the St Lawrence Market in Toronto
St. Lawrence Market!
Inside the St Lawrence Market in Toronto, Canada
Inside the St Lawrence Market in Toronto, Canada

If you asked me what one of the most informative food tours in Toronto was I would tell you to look no further than the Private Canadian Food Discovery at the St Lawrence Market! This private 3-hour experience will have you walking away not only with a satisfied stomach but also with an intricate understanding of how some of the best-known Canadian staple foods came to be.

We met our guide, Jason, in front of the Hockey Hall of Fame and were immediately charmed by his friendliness and upbeat attitude. Starting the day we made our first stop at a local coffee shop for a drink of our choice. Close to where you will get coffee is a sandwich shop which is rumored to have the best apple pie in the world. We can’t speak for the whole world, but this is certainly the best apple pie we’ve ever had!

A short walk down the street we made it to the bustling St. Lawrence Market. We went around from stall to stall learning the significance and history of everything we might have otherwise missed. You will love the colors of the fresh fruit and veggies as well as seeing the live lobster and other seafood! Since the market is covered, this tour is also one of the best things you can do on a rainy day in Toronto.

We ate the Toronto-famous peameal bacon sandwich and were told how it got its name from rolling cured meat in ground yellow peas to keep it fresh longer. All the while being able to ask any questions we had! Encouraged to talk to the vendors themselves we learned all sorts of fascinating tidbits about Toronto’s unique food history from the experts who work there. 

At each stop we made we tried an assortment of iconic foods that play a significant role in not just the local food scene but also the world! Butter tarts, pierogies, and poutine just to name a few. Even as a Canadian local (I was born and raised in Alberta!) we were amazed by how much we learned during our time. We even got some recommendations for other restaurants to try in the area. 

This bang for your buck private tour starts at $266 CAD for two people, but the cost per person goes down with each member (up to 12). For example, if you have a group of six that’s only $70 CAD per person! Start time is 10 am and includes tour-specific food and drink costs, but not any additional food or beverages you purchase. 

You can reserve your private tour of the legendary St. Lawrence Market online here!

Related Read: Another city famous for its food (ahem, Philly cheesesteaks) is Philadelphia. If you’re heading that way, taking a Philly food tour is a must!

5. Taste the World in Kensington Market

Daniel tastes an authentic taco in the Kensington market on a food tour in Toronto
Authentic tacos!
tacos being made in the Kensington market in Toronto, Canada
Freshly made!

Diversity is what makes Toronto special. It shows in its culture, art, and of course the food! That’s why we loved this Taste the World in Kensington Market Food Tour! Experience incredible multicultural cuisine without needing to go all over the city. Plus, you get a great overview of the history of Kensington and explore one of the most unique neighborhoods in Toronto.

Beginning our day at Moonbeam Coffee Company we made our way along the streets lined with brick buildings admiring the gorgeous graffiti art while our guide told us a bit of the history of the area. It was once a working-class Jewish neighborhood and has evolved into what it is today due to an influx of immigrants from all over the world. Another charm of this area is that you won’t see big-name chains such as Tim Hortons or Subway, it’s all locally owned and operated!

You will stop at many different restaurants to try a multitude of dishes such as momos, vanilla-filled churros, fried shrimp, and more! All the while gaining valuable insight into not only the delicious food but its history and significance to the community.

We especially enjoyed that our guide took us through alleys for fun photo opportunities and lesser-known restaurants to try food most people don’t! Giving us recommendations of places to come back and try as well as shops to stop into for some fun and unique souvenirs were also nice bonuses. 

We continued to eat our way through the market enjoying the Japanese specialty food Takoyaki (a ball made of wheat flour and usually filled with octopus) as well as Jamaican beef patty-filled coconut bread! We ended the tour with full stomachs and only a five-minute walk from where we started at Moonbeam Coffee. We decided to get one more cup of coffee before exploring some of the recommended shops we saw on our tour!

We loved that this delicious multinational food tour has a maximum of 12 people giving it an intimate feel. It starts at 11 am which gives you plenty of time to get there! All tastings are included which makes this $89 CAD per person an amazing deal. This tour takes 2.5 hours and operates exclusively on the weekends and some Fridays. You can check availability and book this tour here!

Is a food tour in Toronto worth it?

Yes! When we think back to all the tours we’ve taken in Toronto, some of our favorite memories have been of these food tours. So is taking one of these food tours in Toronto something you should do? Absolutely!

We tried some truly incredible dishes that we may not have ever found otherwise and got to know Toronto in a whole new way thanks to the fantastic and experienced guides that we met.

Related Read: Another activity we loved more than we thought was exploring Casa Loma! It’s a castle downtown that’s a must-see – even if you only have one day in Toronto.

Other Things to do While You’re in Toronto

Views from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls looking down at the cruise below Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is close enough for a day trip from Toronto!
Daniel poses for a photo with the current Stanley Cup at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Canada
The current Stanley Cup!

Toronto is a city filled with tons of things to do and see. So before (or after!) your food tour, take some time to explore some of the other top attractions and activities:

  • Check out the view from the CN Tower – The tallest building in the city and all of Canada, heading up the CN Tower is a must! The main observation deck is on the 33rd floor and if you’re feeling brave, there’s a glass floor or the Edgewalk that takes you outside to walk high above Toronto! General admission is $43 CAD.
  • Visit the Toronto Islands – These are 15 different islands all connected with bridges and walkways. They are full of beaches, cycling paths, and even an amusement park! You can explore on your own after catching a Toronto ferry or you can hop on a Toronto bike tour like this specific evening bike ride to see the Toronto skyline at sunset and enjoy dessert at a Toronto Island cafe.
  • Go sailing – For a unique cruise, climb aboard a 1930s schooner with this Toronto tall ship cruise. You’ll help the crew raise the sails for the journey from Toronto Harbor to Lake Ontario. There are panoramic views to take in and kids love it when the crew fires the ship’s canyon! Tickets are available online for only $43 CAD and cheaper for kids.
  • Watch a hockey game – Hockey is HUGE all over Canada, so taking in an NHL game while you’re here is sure to be a fun night. While I’m a diehard Oilers fan, the Toronto Maple Leafs are the home team here and the atmosphere is a lot of fun. Tickets range from $150 – $350 CAD and you can buy tickets on Viator. If it isn’t hockey season, pop into the Hockey Hall of Fame instead to see the famous Stanley Cup!

Where to Stay in Toronto

One King West Hotel & Residence
Photo credit: One King West Hotel & Residence

Let’s face it, Toronto is a huge city with practically endless options when it comes to hotels. But, not all hotels are created equal – you want to ensure you book a place with an amazing location and even better amenities, which narrows down your choices.

I’ve handpicked some of the best places to stay in the city – the below hotels all have an ideal central location as well as everything you need to have a comfortable stay!

If you’re looking for more info about where to stay in Toronto, be sure to read our blog. It includes detailed info on the best area to stay, how to get from the airport to your hotel, and the top hotels!

Fairmont Royal York Hotel (Luxury Stay – $$$)

The Fairmont Royal York Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in Toronto. With its historic ballroom, beautiful rooms, and a gorgeous skylit indoor pool, you’ll have to force yourself to leave and explore the city! But once you do, you’re steps from Union Station, so getting around via public transport is really easy. It also means that you can take the train from the airport directly to the hotel! 

The Hockey Hall of Fame is two blocks away, and you’re also about a 20-minute walk from both the waterfront and the Distillery District. Rooms usually start from around $500-$600 CAD per night and you can check availability and book the Fairmont Royal York online here!

The SoHo Hotel (Moderately-priced Boutique Hotel – $$)

The SoHo Hotel is an excellent choice for anybody looking for a centrally located hotel that is just stunning. This hotel is located only a short walk from attractions like the CN Tower, and it also has plenty of nice facilities including a lap pool and fitness center. Oh, and did I mention the rooms have heated bathroom floors?!

Room rates typically range from $300 CAD and up. The SoHo is one of the highest-rated hotels in Toronto, so be sure to book online here well in advance to secure your room.

One King West Hotel and Residences (Moderately-priced Full Apartments – $$)

If you’re looking for a home away from home, then One King West Hotel and Residences might be the best choice for you. Although a hotel, this property features fully self-contained apartments complete with a kitchen. This is perfect if you like to cook some of your own meals. On top of that, the location is ideal and you’ll also find a fitness center and onsite bar and restaurant.

For an entire apartment in Toronto, prices start at about $330 CAD. You can check availability and book online here.

Town Inn Suites Hotel (Budget Hotel – $)

You don’t have to spend a small fortune to stay in Toronto. If you’re on a tighter budget, Town Inn Suites Hotel is the best choice for you. Starting from only $170 CAD per night (in the low season), this centrally located hotel is tastefully decorated and features plenty of amenities. Rooms also feature a kitchenette, which comes in very handy. You can check prices and secure your room online here.

Samesun Toronto (Budget Hostel – $)

The Samesun Toronto is the perfect choice for backpackers or solo travelers wanting to meet others. The hostel has a great location as well as communal spaces (including a huge kitchen) where you can relax. They offer both dorm beds as well as budget private rooms, but bathrooms are all shared.

You can grab a dorm bed for less than $100 CAD per night during peak season. You can book the Samesun Toronto online on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.

One of the best ways to experience Canada is by hitting the road. Some of the best things to do and attractions are located in remote areas between destinations. For that reason, we highly recommend getting your own wheels!

  • Rent a car – To simply rent a vehicle, search on Discover Cars where they compare tons of different rental companies near you. This way you can easily compare prices, features, policies, and more!
  • Rent a campervan or motorhome Motorhome Republic is great for finding a motorhome or campervan to rent in Canada. With your own home on wheels, you can camp in beautiful places and save money on accommodation!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Bailey and daniel at the Kensington Market in Toronto on a food tour
Thanks for reading!

Well, I’m getting hungry already after writing about the best food tours Toronto has to offer! You really can’t go wrong with any of the ones on this list and maybe even two? No judgment here! It’s one of the best activities for spending a few days in Toronto!

We wouldn’t blame you if eating the amazing food in Toronto was the only reason you came! But if you’re looking for other fun things to do in Toronto you can check out our other blogs or have a look at what we’ve written about traveling around Canada and the USA.

The 5 BEST Niagara Falls Tours from Toronto

9 Things to Know BEFORE Visiting the Toronto Distillery District

How to Spend FOUR DAYS in New York City – An Ideal NYC 4-Day Itinerary

22 BEST Places to Visit in BC, Canada – British Columbia Destinations