Best new restaurants in Leslieville in Toronto
Published March 22, 2025 at 10:00 am
Several restaurants in Toronto’s Leslieville neighbourhood have closed over the past year, but thankfully, new ones have also opened.
The east end of the city is a unique place. Generally quieter than the west end, lively (but not crowded) urban roads are surrounded by residential streets marked by old Victorian houses and compact wartime row homes and semis, sprawling parks and colourful playgrounds. The sky-high towers that define the downtown are absent, but the restaurant scene is far from lacklustre.
Here’s a look at three (listed in no particular order) must-try places in Leslieville that opened last year.
1) Ricky + Olivia
Photo by Jackie Reale
A cool new cocktail bar and restaurant specializing in refined (but still fun) shareable plates, Ricky + Olivia was warmly welcomed by patrons when it opened its doors on Queen Street East in 2024. Defining its concept as “Jovial and playful. Nostalgic and thoughtful,” the restaurant (which boasts a lounge and dining room) offers locals a moodily lit spot that’s ideal for a romantic date night or casual friend dinner. The cocktails are top-notch and creative (there’s a Saltini made with deep-fried saltine-infused vodka, olive brine, vermouth, R+O seasoning and sesame) and the menu boasts some unforgettable gems, including a luscious steak tartare that you don’t want to miss. Also, try the latkes.
Photo by Jackie Reale
2) El Hijo de Tizoc
This popular outpost recently moved to Leslieville and the east-end community has been more than happy to welcome the casual but memorable Mexican resto to the neighbourhood. Located on Gerrard, the restaurant says it blends traditional recipes with local ingredients and the result is indeed something special. Open for lunch and dinner, the best place to start is an amigos platter, which offers a small serving of guac and chips and your choice of tacos, burritos and quesadillas. You’ll leave full and happy, especially if you top it all off with some churros.
3) Belle Isle
Photo by Kate Dunn
Is it okay to still call things trendy? It’s how we would describe Belle Isle, the latest project by the operators of beloved Little India rockstar Lake Inez. Also located in Little India on Gerrard Street East, this small but cozy hotspot has all the trappings of the Cool Place To Be: Low-lighting, a hidden entrance (the signage out front is teeny-tiny), loud music, wild wine, friendly servers who know their booze and small plates that “definitely aren’t dinner.” Sit down for a cocktail called “these gays are trying to kill me,” order a glass of wine that tastes a little homemade and pair the food with some fried mushrooms and a slice of pie. You’ll feel full–and hip (if it’s okay to still call things hip).
