International student favourites: 15 best restaurants in Toronto
International student favourites: 15 best restaurants in Toronto is a part of the International Student Guide — a resource carefully curated by current international students to equip new international students with the essential knowledge and insights you need to thrive in Toronto. View the full list of articles on the International Student Guide web page.
Toronto is home to a wide range of cultures and in turn, many diverse restaurants! Especially around TMU campus, you’ll never run out of options for where to grab breakfast, lunch or an afternoon snack.
We asked international students about their favorite restaurants in and around Toronto, and put together a guide of 15 restaurants with cuisines from all over the world we’re sure you’d enjoy.
To help you browse the list easily, we grouped our recommendations based on how much money you'd likely spend on a meal at every restaurant.
(less than $20)
($20 - $40)
(over $40)
Afghan
“It's the only South Asian food place downtown that has butter chicken that tastes almost like my Indian friend's mum's butter chicken.”- Isioma
126 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5B 1E2
Trinidadian and Caribbean
“The texture and flavor of the doubles is the closest thing to home. Their roti and bake and shark is huge too. They also sell a bunch of Trini snacks and drinks."- Nick
4207 Keele St, North York, ON M3J 3T8
Caribbean
“Good Indo-Caribbean food in a convenient location in front of the Student Learning Centre (SLC); it’s also very fresh and authentic.”- Faheel
335 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2L3
Chinese
“The most cost-effective Chinese restaurant in Toronto with delicious and large meal size and relatively cheap price”- Rena
443 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T1G6
Korean
“A place with history in Toronto specializing in unbeatable tofu stew, with protein options like beef, pork, spam and mussels to pair with”- Jennifer
691 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1L3
Mexican
“The people who work there are so nice and always down to speak Spanish and have a conversation! Also, the tacos de birria are the most authentic ones I have found, but my personal favourite off their menu is the Birria Gringa (quick and budget friendly too)”- Giuli
335 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2L3
Nigerian
“Their food is as authentic as it gets. Even the atmosphere of the restaurant takes you back home. They are also really affordable and give huge portions for the price.”- Isioma
925 Weston Rd, York, ON M6N 3R4
Sichuanese
“Free noodle refills for your ramen! Also, their beef brisket is the most delicious thing you'll ever have, and not too expensive either! (They also have slushies, highly recommend the mango one)”- Giuli
478 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G9
Chinese
“It’s a Chinese buffet with amazing food options from chicken, beef and seafood to countless desserts and even sushi. They also have a generous lunch discount of $26 per person (subject to future increases). This is a “eat to your heart's content” spot that can’t be beat for Chinese food. The customer service is also great.”- Dumebi
2200 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M4S 2C6
Pakistani/North Indian
“Featured in multiple Toronto magazines; very popular in the South Asian community for their curries.”- Faheel
741 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G1
Vietnamese
“Award winning restaurant for a reason. What I like the most is their great rare selection of northern dishes.”- Jennifer
90 Weston Road, Toronto, Ontario, M6N 0A6
Vietnamese
“It’s nice to enjoy traditional pho in Toronto whenever you want to relax after school is finished."- Rena
394 Pacific Ave, Toronto, ON M6P 1Z2
Chinese
“Dim Sum spot with HUGE Sui Mai and Har Gow! There’s always a lineup during dim sum hours on the weekends so make sure you get there early!”- Nick
9019 Bayview Ave Unit 9, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1Y3
Italian, Mediterranean
“The patio in Leslieville is super cute and the menu changes weekly!”- Nick
819 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Y8
Japanese
“Lively atmosphere, great food and everyone gets welcomed by the staff upon entering the restaurant. Be prepared for screaming/yelling- it’s part of the experience!”- Nick
4775 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5M5