Tasting Lawrence Avenue

The annual Taste of Lawrence Festival kicks off tonight. Last year 125,000 people descended on the pocket of Scarborough known as Wexford Heights. On offer is lots of food, representing the wonderfully diverse local restaurants. There's also live music, marching bands, a midway and a collection of street performers. It all takes place on the stretch of Lawrence Avenue between Warden Avenue and Crockford Boulevard.

Like many festivals, but especially this one, The Taste of Lawrence aims to introduce its neighbourhood to those who might be experiencing it for the first time. For all the Lawrence Avenue virgins among us, here's some spots not to be missed.

Ladan Pastry & Nuts

There are plenty of spots on Lawrence Avenue to stock up on pistachios, but Ladan goes the extra mile with their eye-catching displays, great variety and good prices. There are plenty of nuts and dried fruit to be had here along with hard-to-find Persian food items, fresh baked goods and other snacks. More »

Diana's Seafood Delight

Number six in our list of the best fish stores in Toronto, many would put Diana's at number one. Their customers flock here from all over the province for the city's best selection of Pacific and Atlantic oysters, fresh fish like organic black cod from BC, lobsters, signature mussel salads, squid ink and more. More »

Wexford Restaurant

This classic (and rather large) diner has been in the neighbourhood longer than, well, the neighbourhood. Their sign says they've cracked more than 820 million eggs and squeezed 3.3 billion oranges since the place was founded way back in 1958. Best for breakfast or whenever you're up for indulging in some pancakes, omelettes or French toast. More »

Reid's Dairy

If you frequent small town Ontario you're probably familiar with Reid's Dairy. This small, family run chain may have 23 locations around the province, but this tiny location on Lawrence Avenue East is the closest Torontonians get to indulge in their ice cream, milk shakes and assortment of Reid's Dairy branded milk and dairy products. More »

Shawarma Empire

Number 8 on our list of the best falafel in Toronto. The falafels here aren't the largest in the city and there's some debate if this place even has the best falafel on Lawrence Avenue, but there's no denying the taste of the superbly fresh falafel balls hits the spot. More »

Jung Sushi

Jung Sushi, a little oasis for Korean and Japanese eats, seems almost out of place amidst its Persian, North African and Indian neighbours. The rather extensive menu includes a range of bento boxes, sushi, sashimi, bulgoki, teriyaki, donburi and more! More »

Indian Grocceries

While they may not have been able to master the spelling in their name, Indian Grocceries is definitely somewhat masterful when it comes to their selection of Indian groceries and spices. If you're looking for 5LB bags of tumeric or fennel seeds, massive tubs of ghee, fresh okra or fresh-pressed yogurt, this is the place to go. More »

Farhat

If you're even numbers for lunch, head to Farhat. Get the two for one lamb shawarma and gaze at the four rotating skewers, their meats glistening while you wait. There's also a side patio which means you can stay and eat instead of dealing with messy sauce stains on the car seat. More »

Athena Sweets

While a larger selection of pastries can be found at NASR and Arz Fine Foods, sometimes it pays to go to the source. Greek pastries available here are baked fresh on the spot. Go for the "Best of the Best" baklava but don't leave without tasting their mille feuille. More »

Arz Fine Foods

Arz Fine Foods is sort of like the Pusateri's of Lawrence Avenue East. The ambiance and selection here is slightly more refined than NASR. There's baklava fifty ways, a nice selection of cheese, olives from around the Middle East, fruits, veggies and more. More »

Curry & Roti

If organic or wheat-free is your thing, than Curry & Roti is your saviour. Without a doubt the heathiest roti shop in Toronto. Serving spelt and whole wheat roti options and organic vegetables. The cooking here is influenced from Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. More »

Alexandria

Now under new ownership, Alexandria serves one purpose and one purpose only. Avoid the food, grab a drink, surf on the free WiFi and fork over $10 for a shisha. Smoke it on the front patio as you watch the cars on Lawrence Avenue go by. More »