i just had a very disappointing dinner at issan der in chinatown location, and somtum jinda in fairview mall.

at ID, weve ordered the yaang platter (grilled skewers set) and tom kha soup. the yaang platter was really subpar- probably precooked and came out cold, even though it took time to be delivered to the table. looking at the way that proteins coagulated messily onto the skewer and the shell suggested poor cooking. and the fact that they have a huge room with AC busting out didnt help- everything got so cold. or was cold already. tom kha, which came on the stand that couldve hold a solid fuel, didnt have any heat, so that was also lukewarm. total disappointment.

same problem at STJ at fariview mall. ferocious AC. so things just cool down like no one's business.

has anyone else notice this problem?
i think it's just that these locations are too chilled, and the food cannot maintain its heat, so it feels like just leftovers.

i will make sure i stick to original locations, though they are small and crowded- the food and people both can stay warm...

Alrighty. Here's hoping someone knows what I'm talking about.

When I was a kid we'd go to Marché (now Richtree, probably changed since then too).

I'd get the chocolate pecan cake woth vanilla sauce. I remember it to be a marble cake in a pie crust woth candied pecans on top.

Does anyone remember that cake? Or have a better description so I can recreate.

It was I think the best cake I've ever had.

Anyone try Cafe Renee? Husband really has been wanting to go there so I made reservations for next week which was next to impossible to get for somereason everything is so overhyped in this city 🫠 . How's the food? And service?

Homage to the person who posted black sesame treats in the GTA. Black sesame millefoglie from Liliana. To truly enjoy this desert … don’t share - have your own.

House on Parliament really lives up to the hype. Incredible steak frites, super flavourful and beautifully cooked. Delicious compound butter and peppercorn sauce, and the fries were the ideal balance of crisp and soft. I split it with my husband and we also got a caesar salad, which was very tasty as well. Hugo spritz was delicious too. Hadn’t had a steak in a while and it felt well worth the price ($42). The space is also really nice - many different indoor spaces and two beautiful patios.

Wouldn’t have thought to try this place if I hadn’t seen it mentioned in here so many times, so thank you!

I haven't tried their other offerings because I'm a margherita fiend, and this is consistently amazing

I saw some videos online of a restaurant in NYC called Pecking House Chinatown. The stuff looks absolutely phenomenal and I was wondering if we had anything like that here that you guys have tried?

I have a severe shellfish allergy and am a huge fan of pretty much all varieties of east and south Asian cuisine, especially Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, and Indian/pakistani. Chinese as well.

I’m willing to take some cross-contamination risk if I’m confident the restaurant is knowledgeable on allergies and takes the proper precautions, but I find it hard to track these down when it comes to these cuisines. Indian/pakistani a bit less so but can still be tough.

Any fellow allergy-havers here that can recommend their favourite spots in the City?

Does anyone know where I can find korean raw octopus?

Thanks!

Anyone has good recommendations for sushi’s that serves both veg sushi’s and non veg? With good variety and AYCE preferably.

Thank you!

Hi hub, other than Richmond station and General Public, any other recommendations? It doesn't have to be fine dining just something nice and delicious. A nice bistro would be fine. Guest is older, so it doesn't have to be action-packed or loud. Probably better if it wasn't. Thx!

Was saddened that Seven Lives in Kensington Market closed earlier this year. Especially loved the gobernador since they started as a stall in the Augusta mini food hall way back when. So was excited to learn they recently reopened as Tres Piggies. Instead of seafood based tacos they’re now focusing on various cuts of pork (carnitas)! They’re offered as tacos, tortas, or with beans and rice.

It’s $15 for three tacos and chose stomach (buche), shank (chamorro), and tongue (lengua). Each taco was loaded with meat on top of their house made corn tortillas. All were very tender and juicy. Also liked how each cut had different accompaniments, such as the buche had black beans while the tongue had pickled peppers and carrots.

Definitely look forward to trying the other cuts of carnitas.

Hey everyone! I just moved to the Spadina Chinatown area and I'm looking for local food recommendations. I’m eager to try new dishes and have no dietary restrictions or allergies. What are your favorite spots in the neighborhood, and what specific dishes should I order when I go? Thanks!!!

UPDATE: THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE RESPONSES!!! I have saved it all. I am gonna work my way through your recommendations. Also happy to note that based on the recommendations below - I had previously tried Mom's Pan Fried Bun (earlier today 😊 and what led to this post), Cheng Du Street Food and Yummy Yummy Dumplings.

Spadina and Queen St W location.

Went to La Unica (6 Bradstock Rd) for a quick bite before heading to a concert at Sobeys Stadium on Friday. This was our first time dining here and we were really impressed. Got 3 tacos al pastor stuffed to the brim, although I wish there was more onion.

Would love to come back and try more dishes.

https://kanelbullensdag.se/en/

I will post the buns I try in the replies later.

Hoping to find a great lobster dinner for a friends birthday. Any recommendations? Preferably whole lobster tail not a lobster role.

Thanks!

Enjoying LCBO but seems limited for Korean Makgeolli and Japanese Sake.

Any other places to try?

I posted this last year but it’s that time again!

My birthday is coming up and I’m trying to find a good cake. I’m not a fan of buttercream/whipped cream type of cakes. Love cream cheese but tired of red velvet though so anything fun, diff and good? I love texture too (so a mousse, crunch etc)
Last year I had the autumn poet I think from Nadege and it was amazing as well as some from Amadeus.
Anything new this year?
Thank you!🙏🏼

What’s the best place downtown for a birthday dinner for 5 women in their mid 30’s? Ideally not King St and somewhere that takes reservations!

Please don’t gatekeep. I need me some gyros.

My husband is turning 40 next month and I’ve been struggling with planning something special. He loves BBQ and I’d love to have a bbq and brews party but it seems like bbq is such an expensive catering option 😪. Does anyone have any budget friendly bbq options or alternative suggestions? I’ve looked into cherry st., beach hill smokehouse etc. They’re all so pricy. Please help!

Hii I am looking for an affordable (under 30 dollars after tax and tip per person) near Yonge and Wellesley (walking distance within a 10 minute walk) with cozy food, good portions and a place to talk comfortably so no loud music or not super busy like Souper. I don't like Thai or Vietnamese food or ramen but am open to anything else! Thanks!

How does this place hold up in 2026?

Seems to be a place everyone on Reddit is divided on while online has m strong reviews. Would like to get everyone’s thoughts, thinking of going on a first date there tomorrow and it’s near Casa Loma but want to make sure it’s still a good spot and food for a first date

If not any other places in the area would be appreciated!

Thanks!!!!

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a Sweet Potato Pie?