Matty Matheson drops must-visit Toronto restaurant list

Local foodies may have caught wind that a certain annual ranking of the country’s best restaurants was just released.

And Matty Matheson, with his ear always to the ground of the local food scene, has something to say about it.

“Lists are f*cking stupid,” the beloved chef wrote after the national ranking went live. However, the story posts that followed, ironically, created his own list of must-visit Toronto spots.

Described as “incredible and timeless,” the 13 joints below are the picks Matheson highlighted on his Instagram story this week, immortalized for your convenience:

Korean Village Restaurant

This Bloor West joint offers Japanese, Korean, and Chinese eats all in one place. Whether you’re craving BBQ or sushi, you can grab takeout or order through Uber Eats, Door Dash, or Ritual from this eatery, six days a week.

Address: 628 Bloor Street West
Phone: 416-536-0290

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Loga’s Corner

This Tibetan restaurant is cozy. Tucked away on Close Avenue, if you didn’t know it was there, you might stroll right by. While dining in still isn’t an option, you can drop by to grab some mouthwatering momos for takeout until 11 pm, every day.

Address: 216 Close Avenue
Phone: 647-761-0965

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Pho Linh

This College Street soup house is beloved for its pho and other Vietnamese classics. It’s hidden away in Brockton Village — a little out of the downtown core — but if you make the trip, you’ll be rewarded with a warm, comforting bowl of traditional goodness.

Address:  1156 College Street
Phone: 416-516-3891

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Yummy Yummy Dumpling House

(Once you’re allowed to,) slip down into this underground eatery serving Chinese pancakes, dumplings, noodles, and steamed buns galore. You can order your goods for takeout while you wait for dine-in service to resume.

Address:  79 Huron Street
Phone: 647-859-8998

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Lao Thai

This is another one that you’d probably glance over if you weren’t paying attention. And what a loss that would be. Laotian and Thai options are on the menu at this Gladstone Avenue eatery, and meals are available for delivery via Skip the Dishes.

Address: 4 Gladstone Avenue
Phone: 416-855-2028

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Gandhi Roti

A gem that won’t be around much longer. Gandhi Roti recently announced that it’ll be shuttering at the end of the month, citing issues related to the pandemic. To support them before they leave the neighbourhood, drop into the Queen West storefront for a takeout butter chicken roti.

Address: 554 Queen Street West
Phone: 416-504-8155

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King’s Noodle Restaurant

This Chinatown spot is golden. Peking duck in all its forms is available on the menu, alongside pretty much every soup combination your carbiest dreams could ever summon. Luckily, this spot is offering takeaway while the dining area is closed, so you can soak up a couple at-home beers with all the noodles you need.

Address: 296 Spadina Avenue
Phone: 416-598-1817

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Tacos El Asador

Soft and crispy tacos, burritos, tostadas, quesadillas, papusas, and tamales line the menu at this Bloor West joint. The mouthwatering options, ranging from vegetarian to shrimp to lengua (beef tongue), are available for takeout.

Address: 689 Bloor Street West
Phone: 416-538-9747

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Pat’s Homestyle Jamaican Restaurant

If Jerk Chicken has been calling your name, this Queen West spot is sure to satisfy your cravings. Hot, comforting, and open late, Pat’s eats are there for you — for takeout or via Door Dash, until literally 4 am. An alternative to the aforementioned after-beer noodles, if a patty’s more your speed.

Address: 558 Queen Street West
Phone: 416-304-0767

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Allwyn’s

Allwyn’s is another fierce spot for Jerk Chicken, patties, and oxtail, and it’s particularly special due to its several locations. Whether you’re downtown, or you reside on the further edges of the city, you can enjoy goodness from this joint for takeout or on Uber Eats.

Address: 404 Queen Street West
Phone: 416-901-1882

Address: 81 Underhill Drive
Phone: 647-847-4698

Address: 4750 Yonge Street
Phone: 416-479-2848

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Randy’s

The patties at this spot are unreal. Melt-in-your-mouth fillings make it worth it to stand in a (socially-distanced) line to grab your fair share, with your fingers crossed the joint isn’t sold out early before you reach the front.

Address: 1569 Eglinton Avenue West
Phone: 416-781-5313

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CiCi’s

A Parkdale treasure. This spot’s got big ol’ slices, wings, pastas and salads, the turnaround on orders is quick, and the staff is super kind. If you’re in the west end and a pepperoni pie is on your mind, this must be the place.

Address: 1618 Queen Street West
Phone: 416-533-3311

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Pete’s Corner Grill

Another one for Parkdale! While many of the spots on this list are there for you into the night, this restaurant can support you with some early-morning grub. Menu options include steak and eggs, pancakes, Western sammies, and Montreal smoked meat, and the goods are available on Uber Eats or Skip the Dishes.

Address: 1582 Queen Street West
Phone: 416-530-5736

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