Eat & Drink
The top 5 restaurants in and around Regent Park
Where to eat in and around Regent Park will likely elicit new suggestions in the next few years to come. Regent Park is right in the midst of its area revitalization, and glass and steel cladding has been appearing with evermore resolve. And while new visitors may soon be popping by to check out the Daniels Spectrum community centre, the new aquatic centre (wait for it...), and soon-to-come condo and rental options, they're inevitably going to want to find a place to nosh. And yes, there are options beyond the relatively recent FreshCO and Timmies arrivals. Here are some places to check out in and around Regent Park.
J Pizza Plus
Despite its name, pizza is not the main attraction here. J Pizza Plus is a family-run business serving hot samosas, various types of biryani, jerk chicken, basa fillets, curry beef and more. Prices are pretty cheap, too, with biryani ringing in around $5 and a pizza slice (yes, people too order the pizza) for a couple of coins.
Paintbox Bistro
Speaking of, it's impossible to drop name of the new community centre without mentioning its newest corner bistro. Paintbox offers a clean and somewhat eclectic menu of dishes such as lentil dahl, flank steak, and... uh... fried pig head. In an unpretentious yet contemporary environment to boot. With chef and George Brown instructor Chris Klugman at the helm, Paintbox will remain a for-profit business but with a dedication to help foster new community growth. A Paintbox Express is expected to open in the coming weeks.
Qi Sushi
Whereas most neighbourhoods are utterly overflowing with sushi options, there is a relative dearth in the Regent Park area. But that doesn't mean, however, that area locals must "resort" to the options at Qi Sushi. Quite the contrary. On the border of Regent Park and Cabbagetown, Qi offers great dinner deals for in and around $10, with all your favourite sushi, sashimi, and maki options on the menu. Opened earlier this summer, the relative emptiness during the week should simply be taken as Qi still waiting to be discovered.
Sukhothai
The sister restaurant that preceded Kaoh San Road and undoubtedly one of the best Thai restaurants in Toronto. Casual but fine for eat-in or take-out, Sukhothai wins for its delicious pad thai made with unrivaled authenticity, and Tom Yum soup best for those under-the-weather days. Service over the phone occasionally can be iffy, but Jeff and Nuit's Northern Thai fare make the odd premature hang up worth the hassle.
Figs
If you're in the mood for breakfast, brunch, bacon, Figs is your answer. At Queen and Parliament, this all-day-breakfast spot has the obligatory Sunday comfort food menu of omelettes, eggs Benny, waffles, and homemade Hollandaise. Pictures on the menu is just a charming plus, and shredded potatoes are a signature favourite.
MAP
Discussion
33 Comments
Sort By Oldest First / Newest First
Subscribe
I live near Dundas and Parliament and generally go up to Cabbagetown to do my shopping and dining but am looking forward to trying these places closer to home. It was a revelation when Sukhothai opened and I'm imagining Paintbox Bistro will be the same. I've never been to J Pizza Plus but I'll definitely check it out now that I know they have biryani :)
To add that list would be Thai2Go my wife and I go here frequently for the great food, atmosphere, service, and bottles of wine are $28... I find the food here better than Mengrai Thai or Sukothai...
On the surface you may get the impression its not safe, but that's not the case. Especially around Dundas/Parliament.
Sure you see the characters, but they are harmless and don't tend to bother anyone. Some even are quite hilarious to chat with.
I agree as you go a bit farther east into the still surviving "ghetto" that one could deem it unsafe. But unless you live there, you wouldn't have any reason to be there anyway.
The area as a whole has turned a corner for the better and over time it will continue to grow. Just as Parkdale has. No one and their mother wanted to go there 10 years ago.
http://www.peterscajunpizza.ca/Home.htm
The cast of people that you encounter in these neighbourhoods are what adds to its character. 99.9% of them wont even bat an eyelash at you, let alone harm you.
Only way to make an area better is by immersing yourself in it, seeing its not as bad as it is and enjoying it.
Every neighborhood has its issues, some just take longer to rectify.
How many times have we heard of murders in an area and all you hear from people is "its such a quiet neighborhood, no one ever would have expected this" etc. Crimes will happen anywhere and everywhere.
This is a fantastic area!
just leave the city and never come back.
It's worth noting that Regent park is bordered on the North and West by Cabbagetown, and on the South by Corktown. These are lovely neighbourhoods filled with well-educated and well-paid professionals, living in $500-$800K+ Victorian houses. Regent Park itself might not be pretty, but anyone who can appreciate urban living should be able to enjoy it.
If you're afraid of Regent Park, or its residents, I'd venture to say you must be a bed-wetting weenie.
and to all the haters; ive lived in this area for the past 2 years and i dont plan on moving any time soon. i am a 28 year old ~*young professional and this place suits me perfectly.
How could I forget MYLK UNCOOKIES? So great.
Also, seconding:
Thai 2 Go
Ontario Bistro
Redline Coffee
Morning Glory
Schnitzel Queen (a bit of a hike, but delicious!)
I hear Weezie's is great but have never been.
I understand you folk love being so progressive, forward thinking and positive, but there are dangerous realities to your bury your head in the sand Pollyanna approach that you should also consider.
There are much nicer areas of the city to go to, where you don't have to worry about stepping over a drunk to get inside the restaurant, having your tires stolen while you eat, and being mugged on the way back to your tireless car.
Some of you people are ridiculous.
Back to the topic...Figs has fabulous food but the owner is a rude, condescending b***h. I cannot bring myself to spend another cent at her establishment. She doesn't deserve my money; only the cooks there do.
I believe BlogTO has blog about Corktown few months ago, they see the area with potential.