The 2025 Food Diaries: From High Views to Comfort Chews

Morning Coffee

If 2025 taught me anything, it’s that a memorable meal doesn't always require white tablecloths (though sometimes they help). This year, my culinary map of Toronto was all over the place—literally and figuratively. I bounced from the 38th floor of The Well to hidden corners of Kensington Market, and from first-in-Canada burger drops to reliable neighborhood standbys.

Here is the official roundup of the spots that defined my 2025 dining card.  They are in no particular order.  

1. Le Paradis

The “Paris without the Plane Ticket” Pick

There is a reason this Annex staple has been around forever. Stepping into Le Paradis feels like teleporting to a bustling bistro on the Left Bank. It’s loud, it’s tight, and it’s unapologetically French. The steak frites here are a rite of passage, and the atmosphere is pure, chaotic joy. It was the perfect spot this year for when I needed comfort food with a side of sophisticated noise.  We have been going here for well over 20 years.  And it's a short stumble from the home front.  You got to like that.

Le Paradis

Stella’s (RIP)

2. Stella's on Dupont

The Neighborhood Gem

Stella’s (Stella's Kitchen) on Dupont had that rare "come as you are" energy that makes for a perfect local hangout. It’s unpretentious and cozy, with a menu that hits all the Italian-American comfort notes. Whether it was a Tuesday night pizza fix or a casual pasta dinner, Stella’s delivered that home-away-from-home vibe that made it a standout in my rotation this year.  Alas - I guess I may have been the only one who liked it.  It has since closed.  Sad!

Badali

3. Badali (Pizzeria Badiali)

The Slice Worth Waiting For

I’m assuming we are talking about the legends at Pizzeria Badiali here (because if you know, you know). This continues to be the year of the slice. The lineups on Dovercourt are real, but so is the payoff. Their vodka pie and classic pepperoni are arguably the best in the city. It’s greasy, crispy, tangy perfection. 2025 was the year I accepted that eating pizza on a sidewalk is a valid form of fine dining.

4. Aera

The "Feeling Fancy" Spot

When I needed to impress (the kid), Aera was the move. Perched on the 38th floor of The Well, the views of the skyline and lake are absolutely unmatched. But it wasn’t just about looking out the window; the menu—a slick mix of steakhouse classics and top notch cocktails. It’s luxury dining with a literal top-tier perspective.  Go for the view and have a drink at the bar.

The Well (Aera)

Sunny’s Chinese

5. Sunny's Chinese

The Coolest Vibe in Kensington

Tucked away in Kensington Market, Sunny's Chinese feels like a secret you’re lucky to be in on. The vibe is electric—dim lights, loud music, and charcoal-kissed air. The regional Chinese dishes here pack a serious punch (the dan-dan noodles and "General Tsao" chicken are non-negotiables). It was easily the one of most "fun" dinner vibe I experienced all year.

Sunset Grill

6. Sunset Grill

The Ol’ Reliable

Look, sometimes you don’t want fusions or foams; you want three eggs, home fries, and bottomless coffee. Sunset Grill was a special anchor of my mornings in 2025. It’s the consistent, no-nonsense breakfast champion that is always there when you need a recharge. No glam, just jam.

Shake Shack

7. Shake Shack

The Hype Beast

2025 was the year Shake Shack finally landed at Yonge-Dundas, and yes, I went - many times. Was it busy? Yes. Was the ShackBurger paired with those crinkle-cut fries worth navigating the crowds? Absolutely. It brought a little taste of NYC to the downtown core, and frankly, the cool vibe alone earns it a spot on this list.

Y Not Italian

8. Y Not Italian

The Cozy Corner

Located at Manning and Harbord, Y Not Italian is the definition of a hidden neighborhood treasure. It’s intimate, warm, and serves incredible pasta without the downtown price tag. It felt like dining in a friend’s living room—if that friend made incredible fettuccine. A total comfort spot for 2025.  It is always, always our #1 Spot.  

Blanco Cantina

9. Blanco Cantina

The Fiesta

When the mood called for tacos and tequila, Blanco Cantina in the Annex was the answer. It’s loud, colorful, and energetic. With their massive list of tequilas and tacos that drip with flavor, it was the ultimate "week day go to" spot. If I needed a margarita to wash down the week, this is where I went.

The honorable mentions. 

I can't close the book on 2025 without giving a nod to a few other heavy hitters that truly made an impression on my palate.

The Chop delivered on pure, unapologetic steakhouse excellence. It's the kind of place that's always dependable for a perfect, expertly-aged cut—whether it's a massive bone-in ribeye or a leaner filet mignon—and a classic side or crispy onion rings. It is a good place for a celebration or when you simply crave that rich, indulgent atmosphere that only a top-tier steakhouse can provide but you don’t want to break the bank. 

For those quick, satisfying lunches, California Sandwiches continues to reign supreme. This isn't fine dining; it's glorious, messy, delicious excess. Specifically, their veal or chicken parmigiana sandwiches, smothered in their house tomato sauce and topped with peppers and provolone, are absolutely massive, gloriously messy, and totally worth the subsequent food coma. It's a quintessential Toronto experience that never disappoints, proving that sometimes, the simplest food is the most soul-satisfying.  I’m hungry just thinking about this place.

The pastries and sweet treats from Tre Mari Bakery is the ideal weekend indulgence. Stepping inside is like walking into an authentic Italian nonna's kitchen. It’s a true slice of Italian tradition, from the perfectly flaky sfogliatelle and the creamy, rich cannoli to the seasonal fruit tarts and exquisite biscotti. Their coffee and selection of fresh bread make it a dangerous—and delicious—stop there whenever you can.  We buy the takeaway frozen lasagna.  Amazing.

Porzia's offered that perfect blend of upscale-casual Italian dining in an unusual area of the city.  Known for basically one thing - lasagna.  And it was very, very good.  

A few doors down from the former Stella's (RIP), is Martino’s.  It is our go to place for a basic cheese and pep pizza.  Just around the corner it gets a 9/10.  

When the craving hits for Roman-style pizza al taglio—the thick, airy, rectangular slices—Fresca is the absolute king. The crust is light and perfectly blistered, offering that ideal balance of chewy interior and crispy bottom. It’s quick, easy, and provides a unique pizza experience that stands apart from the typical Neapolitan or New York slices in the city. A must-visit for a casual, high-quality bite. it.

So….that’s it for now. I need to loosen the belt a few notches. See you soon and thanks for reading.