Food and Cooking in Toronto, ON

From dry-aged steak to freshly made sausages, many butchers in Toronto are committed to locally sourced products. The variety you’ll find at these butcher shops are endless and can include lasagna, fresh sandwiches, deli meats and even a prix-fixe menu! Here are the best butcher shops in Toronto.[Photo credit: iStock]

During Persian New Year (first day of spring), known as Nowruz, it’s tradition to set up a table called the “haft-seen.” Seven symbolic items starting with the Farsi letter “s” – with few additions like gold fishes and decorative eggs – are placed on the table to bring wealth, health and happiness to the new year. Guests also get together for sweets and tea for 13 days of festivity. Here’s where to shop for Nowruz essentials.

Some of Toronto's best baguettes, breads and butter tarts are baked in the east end, their heavenly aromas pouring out of the oven and onto the bustling Queen Street East strip. Other bakeries in Riverside and Leslieville feel like true hidden gems, tucked up side streets that only the locals frequent. Here are the spots to visit on the east side. [Feature image: Bobbette & Belle]

Now let’s see – a fresh loaf of artisan bread versus store-bought. Is there really any comparison? Sinking your teeth into a fresh-baked slab of handmade bread is one of life’s great pleasures that shouldn’t be denied. Taste the difference real hands make at these local artisan bakeries. [Feature image: Blackbird Baking Co.]

Toronto is home to many chocolate shops that offer unique takes on truffles, chocolate bars and more! From vodka infused chocolate to artisanal hot chocolate, there are so many ways to indulge your craving for chocolate. Here are some of the best chocolate shops in Toronto. [Photo of Delight Chocolate’s ginger ganache-filled chocolates]

Move over caffeine and say hello to sweet, colourful, energy-boosting juice. Whether you’ve decided it’s time for a cleanse or you’re simply hooked on the limitless fruity elixirs nature has to offer, cold-pressed juice is the organic solution to your afternoon crash. Best of all, these healthy spots  in Toronto will deliver your daily or weekly supply of juice right to your door. [Feature image: Anti Vice Juicery]

Roncesvalles has long been a destination for Toronto’s foodies and at-home chefs. Known for its traditional Polish delis and indie produce markets, Roncey is also home to a slew of gourmet grocers, home-style bakeries and ethical meat shops. Spend an afternoon perusing this casual west end stretch and pick up the ingredients for your next kitchen creation.  [Image credit: iStock.com/martin-dm]

Torontonians can feed those sugar cravings at one of the bright and colourful candy stores across the city. From UK imports to retro candies, you can find tasty treats sure satisfy any sweet tooth. Here are the top eight candy shops in Toronto.[Photo credit: iStock.com/Blade_kostas]

Have you got hot sauce fever? Symptoms include craving cayenne, choosing spicy over sweet, and pouring hot sauce on just about anything (spicy mac ’n’ cheese, anyone?). If variety is the spice of life, turn up the heat with these Toronto hot sauce selections and you’ll be in for a flavourful ride. [Photo courtesy of Café Con Leche]

Looking to add a little sizzle to your summer? Stop coveting your neighbour’s grill and check out these barbecue shops in and around Toronto where you’ll find a wide variety of barbecues and smokers that’ll get you cooking in no time.

Making your own coffee at home instead of buying it at the coffee shop can save you plenty and give you control over the strength of your brew. Skip the long lineup for that cuppa joe and bag some beans instead at one of these Toronto roasters.

Wine is known as the nectar of gods and for good reason. The complex body of flavours comes from a simple grape to reveal a world of tastes. There are plenty of places to pick up a bottle (or a case) of fine wine in Toronto, here are a few of our faves.