snack bars toronto

The Best Snack Bars in Toronto

The best snack bars in Toronto excel at serving up small plates with full-sized flavours. Modest and cozy, welcoming and fun, these spots understand that the only thing better than a great drink is a great drink sipped alongside a tableful of impressive bites.

Here are the best snack bars in Toronto.


416 Snack Bar
1

416 Snack Bar

At this Queen West spot, cutlery is verboten, the drinks are stiff, and the snacks feature flavours from around the world. Regular dishes include the famed eggplant sangwich doubledown and Korean fried chicken, while specials can be as simple as albondigas or as complex as cured salmon en croute with beurre blanc.

Golden Peacock
2

Golden Peacock

A sister spot to Donna's, this Roncesvalles Village restaurant serves up simple snacks, done right. Marinated lupini beans, toasted favas, grilled beef heart and octopus pair deliciously with the teams "peacock-tails." A snack some might consider a meal, the Peacock Burger is a can't-miss stunner.


Hanmoto
3

Hanmoto

A Japanese-style snack bar where dishes are big enough to satisfy, this Dundas West haunt has been drawing crowds since 2015. Crafted to enhance every pour, the list of dishes includes raw and hot options, from salmon aburi to spicy, slick dyno wings.

Big Trouble Bar
4

Big Trouble Bar

From golden crispy tofu to curry beef pockets, there's no shortage of drink-appropriate eats at this Chinatown gem. Pair them with sake, soju, mixed drinks, tall cans — and reservations! — and you'll quickly understand this spot's lasting appeal.


Short Turn
5

Short Turn

When 416 Snack Bar is full, the overflow head to its sister Queen West spot — steps away. A place that adds a casually sophisticated vibe and killer cocktails to the original's finger-food blueprint, it's no wonder there's nary an empty table. Order the fries and a Freezer Martini, and die happy.


Pinkerton's Snack Bar
6

Pinkerton's Snack Bar

A menu of inventive bao buns is just part of this popular Leslieville local's allure. Also on offer? Striking snacks ranging from duck fried rice to ahi tuna tostada, a line of house-made, canned cocktails (including espresso martinis and French 75s), and a room that hums with the cheery chatter of contended patrons.

Borrel
7

Borrel

Inspired by Holland's brown cafés, this casual Danforth East restaurant appeals to locals and expats with a menu of Dutch and Indonesian eats. From nasi goreng and krupuk to bitterballen and frikandellen, there's plenty here to pair with a pint of local craft beer.


Trinity Market
8

Trinity Market

Fuel marathon errand runs on West Queen West with a bevy of bites from this wine bar/bottle shop/snack bar and café. Midday to sundown, unwind with natural wines, caffeinated beverages, and a list of satisfying snacks — from empanadas and pizza to cheese boards and charcuterie spreads — that easily add up to a meal.

Simpl Things
9

Simpl Things

Owned by cocktail maven Evelyn Chick, this spot is Parkdale's best bet for stellar cocktails and equally enjoyable snacks. Italian by day, neo-Chinese by night, the menu jumps from an eggplant parm mini sando to a char siu pork bao as effortlessly as you'll hop from a sultry Smokey Robinson to a lively Pink Cadillac.

Lead photo by

Fareen Karim


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The Best Snack Bars in Toronto

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