Leslieville's Queen Street East strip is packed with incredible restaurants. From Italian to Egyptian, seafood to Mexican, here's where the locals actually eat.
Written by
Famelee Toronto
Published: Saturday, December 20, 2025
Updated: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Why Leslieville is Toronto's Best Food Neighbourhood
Leslieville, the stretch of Queen Street East between Carlaw and Coxwell, has quietly become one of Toronto's best dining destinations. What was once an industrial area is now home to dozens of excellent restaurants, from cozy Italian trattorias to innovative seafood spots.
The neighbourhood attracts serious foodies without the pretension — restaurants here focus on quality food in welcoming settings.
Italian
Gio Rana's Really Really Nice Restaurant
Location: Queen Street East at Carlaw
Known locally as "The Nose" due to the giant nose sculpture hanging outside, this Italian restaurant serves housemade comfort food in a character-filled space. It's been a Leslieville institution for decades.
What to order: Fresh pasta dishes and their signature meatballs
Price: $$ (mains $18-30)
Nodo Leslieville
Location: Queen Street East
A charming spot known for its beautiful patio, Nodo offers authentic Italian pizza, pasta, and delicious calzones — all made from scratch. The wood-fired pizzas are particularly excellent.
What to order: Margherita pizza or the truffle mushroom pasta
Price: $$ (pizzas $16-22)
Tulia Osteria
Location: Queen Street East
Fresh addition to Leslieville's Italian scene, Tulia focuses on seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques with a modern twist.
What to order: Seasonal pasta specials
Price: $$-$$$ (mains $22-35)
Middle Eastern & Mediterranean
Tabule Middle Eastern Cuisine
Location: Queen Street East (established 2012)
A vibrant restaurant celebrated for its authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Traditional favourites are served in a warm atmosphere that transports you to the region.
What to order: Mezze platter to share, lamb kebabs
Price: $$ (mains $18-28)
Pasaj
Location: Queen Street East
Specializing in Aegean cuisine, Pasaj is also a beloved brunch destination. Their shakshouka — poached eggs in tomato sauce — delivers peppery, tangy, and creamy flavours.
What to order: Shakshouka for brunch, grilled fish for dinner
Price: $$ (mains $20-32)
Seafood
Eastside Social
Location: Queen Street East
One of Leslieville's favourite seafood restaurants, Eastside Social specializes in coastal-inspired dishes. The nautical-themed room sets the scene for clam chowder, grilled octopus, and fresh catches.
What to order: Grilled octopus or the fish and chips
Price: $$-$$$ (mains $22-38)
Wynona
Location: Queen Street East
Minimalist decor meets a seafood-forward menu at Wynona. House-made pasta, seasonal Ontario ingredients, and natural wine make this a date-night favourite. The patio is one of the best on the strip.
What to order: Daily fish special with seasonal sides
Price: $$$ (mains $28-45)
Mexican
El Hijo de Tizoc
Location: Queen Street East
Described by locals as "hands down the best Mexican spot in the city," this taqueria delivers authentic flavours in a casual setting.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, guacamole made tableside
Price: $ (tacos $4-6 each)
New & Notable
Ricky + Olivia
Location: Queen Street East (opened 2024)
A new cocktail bar and restaurant that's become the neighbourhood's go-to date night spot. The moodily lit room, creative cocktails, and luscious steak tartare have made it an instant hit.
What to order: Steak tartare and a signature cocktail
Price: $$$ (mains $28-42)
Brunch Spots
Maha's
Location: Queen Street East (Maha's Café location)
Egyptian brunch like nowhere else in Toronto. The Mind Blowing Chicken Sandwich alone is worth the visit.
What to order: Cairo Classic or the Chicken Sandwich
Price: $$ (mains $18-28)
Classics & Pubs
Maple Leaf Tavern
Location: Gerrard Street East
The building has been around since 1910, and the old-school vibe remains. Classic pub fare in a historic setting.
What to order: Fish and chips, local craft beer
Price: $$ (mains $16-25)
Lake Inez
Location: Queen Street East
Creative Asian-inspired dishes and an extensive beer list make Lake Inez perfect for comfort food with a twist.
What to order: Fried chicken and craft beer
Price: $$ (mains $15-24)
Getting There
By TTC: 501 Queen streetcar runs the entire length of the neighbourhood
By bike: The Leslieville strip is very bike-friendly
Parking: Side streets have free evening/weekend parking; limited meters on Queen
The Leslieville Dining Experience
What makes Leslieville special is the mix — family-run trattorias next to innovative newcomers, casual taquerias beside upscale seafood spots. The vibe is welcoming, prices are reasonable, and the food is consistently excellent.
Pro tips:
Whether you're craving tacos, fresh pasta, or a two-hour brunch, Leslieville delivers. Take the Queen streetcar east and eat your way through one of Toronto's best food neighbourhoods.
Explore More Toronto Dining
Looking for more food inspiration? See our guides to best brunch spots and top coffee shops. Learn more about Toronto's neighbourhoods and discover other great food districts.
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