The Best Seafood in Toronto | TasteToronto (2024)

FAQs

Is Toronto known for seafood? ›

Toronto is filled with plenty of local and international seafood options. Specialized oyster bars, massive crab legs, hearty cuts of halibut that make seafood lovers across the city rejoice. Fresh supplies and top-quality wild products from around the world fill these seafood restaurants.

Some of the best seafood in Canada is on the East Coast, and it is ingrained in the region's culture. This is evident in the plentiful fishing boats hugging the shores and menus from New Brunswick to Newfoundland and Labrador. Most people have tried seafood, but fresh seafood is in a league of its own.

Some may disagree (like the restaurant owner in that episode) because they all come from the same water. Canadian lobster is much less expensive, usually than Maine lobster.

Salmon, tuna, shrimp, cod, and crab are the most frequently consumed seafoods in Canada.

Sure, Toronto has terrific restaurants, especially Asian cuisine, but Montréal is no slouch when it comes to eating, either. Vin Mon Lapin has been named the best restaurant in Canada, and Montréal has the most delicious smoked meat and bagels in the world (yeah, you heard me New York).

Many visitors come to New Brunswick, an eastern maritime province, to enjoy fresh seafood—especially lobster. New Brunswick is home to Shediac, the self-proclaimed “Lobster Capital of the World” (for the record Barrington, Nova Scotia and Rockland, Maine claim the same title).

Built between 1972 and 1976, the CN Tower was once the tallest building in the world, at 553 meters tall. It is the most famous tourist destination in Toronto.

Poutine is the iconic Canadian snack dish, and while it originally hails from Quebec, some of the best can be had in Toronto at the iconic restaurant, Smoke's Poutinerie. The basic form of poutine is made by topping coarse-cut French fries in thick, rich brown gravy and crumbling soft and creamy cheese curds on top.

What is classic Toronto food? ›

Poutine. Last, but certainly not least, is poutine. This quintessential Canadian dish of piping hot fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich gravy is everything comfort food stands for. Originating from the French-speaking province of Quebec, poutine has found its place in Toronto's food scene as well.

Renowned for its delicate flavor and versatile texture, cod has captured the hearts and palates of seafood lovers around the world. With its mild, slightly sweet taste and texture that ranges from tender to firm, cod offers a culinary canvas that lends itself well to various cooking techniques and flavor profiles.

Maine is widely considered to be the lobster capital of the world, and with good reason.

Canada: Pioneers in Seafood Excellence

Canada's seafood industry is celebrated for its high-quality products, particularly lobster, crab, and salmon. Its pristine waters and vast coastlines provide an ideal environment for these species to thrive. Canadian seafood is known for its rich flavor and superior quality.

The city is also home to the renowned Toronto Children's Chorus. As Canada's recording industry centre, Toronto is also home to many Canadian pop, rock, and hip hop musicians. Live music is centred primarily in the Entertainment District on Queen Street West, though many music venues exist in other neighbourhoods.

THE SEAFOOD CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

If you've ever enjoyed the delicious flavor of lightly breaded and fried seafood, you already know a little about what makes Calabash, NC famous.

It's always a good idea to know what you're hoping to catch; walleye, salmon, trout, bass, pike or musky are all options in Ontario. The first step is to get a fishing licence (or take advantage of one of the free family fishing weekends) before you head out.

Toronto's urban wildlife is incredibly diverse, with thousands of unique species calling this city home. Our parks, green spaces, and ravines provide an ideal habitat for many animals including coyotes, foxes, raccoons, deer, skunks, opossums, squirrels and more than 300 species of birds.