Why Visiting Queen West Toronto is Absolutely Amazing

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Recently, my back-home friends and relatives moved to Toronto (outside of the GTA) and wanted to explore the immensely beautiful downtown area. Learning about their curiosity, I decided to write this post and came up with the 12 best places to stop and hang out on West Queen West. I am familiar with many of these spots and often revisit when I’m back in this neighborhood.

West Queen West

West Queen West is one of Toronto’s remaining authentic neighborhoods, with tons of character and charm. When I used to live in this eclectic neighborhood, I fell in love it with it, so I always make time to return when I’m back in Toronto.

Perfect for both business and budget travelers looking for a quiet space in one of Toronto’s “hottest” neighborhoods chock full of restaurants and cafés.

Vogue Magazine voted this the best neighborhood in the world for its eclectic shops and spacious and unique patios overlooking the city skyline. You’re also just a few minutes walks to the city’s trendiest shopping, galleries, dining, and nightlife.

If you’re coming from West GTA, take the Gardiner expressway, you can make a stop at Sunnyside park and the beach on Lake Shore West. From here, you will get the first glimpse of Queen West as you cross Roncesvalles avenue into Parkdale.

This street runs all the way to the Eaton Centre Mall at Younge street, so there’s quite a lot to take in. This route will allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds, starting with the beach park with nature paths and water adventures such as kayaking while also taking you past the high park and into the heart of the neighborhood with its relaxed vibe and urban setting.

Save some notes on transit, transportation, and parking:

Transportation: on-site private parking is available on the street.
Transit Notes:
Lansdowne Bus (North/South) short ride to Lansdowne Subway Station/ GO Station and the UP Express (or 5-minute taxi/uber to UP Express)
Quick Car access to Gardiner Expressway and other major Highways
Transit and exceptional walkability to neighbourhoods like Roncesvalles, College West, Dundas West, Queen West, and Parkdale.
Bike-Share Toronto and TTC are just steps away wherever you live on West Queen West.
Bike Share Toronto offers 24/7 convenient access to 7,185 bikes and 630 stations across the city. Download the app, grab a bike and ride!

To make life easier, I’ve included 12 ‘stops’ that are worth visiting across the entire stretch of Queen West, regardless of what you’re interested in.

1. Dosa Mahal

Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or not, you’ll enjoy eating at Dosa Mahal Place.

Their Queen location focuses on fresh ingredients with authentic flavors, and some inspired dishes include Steamed Rice and Lentil Patty, chickpea flour pakora, and spinach lentil soups.

They’ve got some unique vegan and gluten-free dishes, like eggplant tomato curry, and special personal meals for groups of five or more.

Their spot is on Roncesvalles/Queen, is easy to access, and is Instagrammable if you’re searching for Instagram-worthy restaurants to eat at!

Dosa Mahal, 9 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2K2, (647) 341-8553

2. Paddler, Boat Noodles in Parkdale

The intersection at Queen and Landsdowne is residential, with decent rental units if you are on a budget and want to stay close the action.

Paddler Thai Boat Noodles in Parkdale is one of the best Thai restaurants in Toronto, and their restaurant has been a fave of ex-pats for years!

They are located in the Parkdale neighborhood on Queen West, where you can enjoy everything from their Khao Tom to Green Curry. While their menu is delicious and has a wide variety of items, their boat dry noodles are the best. You can also mix it up with curries, desserts, and a few sides as well.

Paddler Thai, 1710 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1B3, (416) 672-0311

3. Vegan Danish Café on Queen

If you stay in Parkdale or near Lansdowne, this Vegan Danish Café is worth checking out. It’s one of my go-to spots to eat in Toronto.

They have created a unique menu and a cozy atmosphere, so get a table for two and settle into this small café.

Also known for its delicious vegan eats and Christmas blend hot cocoa, the portions are decent here, even though it’s a little pricey.

Vegan Danish, 1312 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L4, (647) 352-1312

4. The Darek Hotel and Café – Small Boutique Hotel

There’s only one 3-star boutique hotel on Queen west, The Drake Hotel. While there is another boutique hotel, the Gladstone, down the street, it’s more of a dated building than a modern contemporary space.

Even if you’re staying at a rental or a different hotel, The Drake warrants a visit for an afternoon coffee or supper at the Darek café and bar & restaurant.

Everything on their food menu is also in an affordable price range, including their mushroom pappardelle and Drake burger.

Their drink menu is massive, with plenty of cocktail options, though it is a bit pricy (which balances out with plenty of food options).

The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J3, (416) 531-5042

5. Mabel’s Bakery

Mabel’s is one of Toronto’s best homestyle-based and handcrafted artisan bakeries, and they serve up amazing mouth-watering cakes, pies, cookies, bars, artisan bread, and prepared specialty food options.

I always get the blueberry pie and huge brioche in my good-to-go order.

Their Roncy Queen West location is the OG spot, but they’ve now got three more locations across the city!

Mabel’s, 1156 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J5, (647) 748-4700

6. Mofer Coffee – Birthplace of Coffee

Can’t get enough of coffee?

You can enjoy this Ethiopian store, a newly opened high ceiling café on queen street near Ossington ave.

The inside of their café has substantial seating arrangements, and cute bar-style chairs make you hang out with friends or work a few hours from there!

They’ve also got a selection of premium-origin coffee beans in small batches to purchase if you want to take them home and drink ’em!

The Mofer, 1025 Queen St W unit 7, Toronto, ON M5J 1H1, 1(416) 530-4408

7. Trinity Bellwoods Park

After drinking and eating those delicious delights, you need some Cal-burning time, which is perfect to do at Trinity Bell Woods Park.

Take a stroll through the park grounds full of picnickers, playgrounds, and people out to enjoy this lush green space in the center of the city.

You can bring your furry friends to the famous dog bowl part of the park.

If you plan to visit in the fall season, you can take in the infamous multi-colored trees and autumn colors that southern Ontario is known for.



Trinity Bellwoods Park, 790 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G3, (416) 338-2614

8. Naan & Chai – Café

If you’re in the mood for tea and are not a coffee person, this is worth checking out; it’s one of the best Indian cafes on West Queen West Toronto.

They’ve been around for almost a decade, and they serve up their secret family recipes that are inherently paired and universally accepted.

Everything on their menu is incredible, with 30 different stuffed Naans.

I’d recommend ordering a bunch of stuffed Naans to share; that way, you can try as many things as possible!

Their restaurant has an awesome vibe with all the warm colors, so it’s a perfect spot for a meetup or socializing.

Naan And Chai, 712 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 2K4, (416) 366-6226

9. My Roti Place

Another Indian restaurant is My Roti Place, mainly for takeout, and it is one of my favorite vegetarian restaurants in Toronto, primarily because of its authentic food.

Their vegan menu is impressive, as well as their sweet desserts such as Gulab Jamun and Mango Lassi.

While I love them for their vegan comfort foods, they’ve also got healthy food options like Chef’s recommendations and pick your curry options.

They’ve got a bunch of locations across Toronto, including Burlington, Oakville, and Woodstock, Ontario.

My Roti Place, 406 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A6, (416) 366-5554

10. The Black Bull – British Pub

If you’re in the mood for playing billiards or music and for a good pub vibe, you’re lucky – this historic local pub has a cozy atmosphere serving hot and good-tasting food.

They have been around for decades and have a solid establishment in Toronto that serves excellent English food and British Beer.

They have a spacious outdoor patio to enjoy or watch people on queen street, especially when the temperature is around 22C.

They also have a great selection of beer on tap at an affordable price.

If you’re visiting Toronto during the warmer months, I highly recommend this place.

The Black Bull, 298 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A1, (416) 593-2766

11. Aux Merveilleux de Fred

This amazing Flemish bakery in the trendy Queen West neighborhood makes everything on-site, handmade, and uniquely flavored.

They have a spacious interior with hanging chandeliers from the ceiling and excellent seating space.

If you have a sweet tooth and have heightened tastebuds, you’ll love Artisan Aux Merveilleux de Fred’ Le Merveilleux.

Aux Merveilleux de Fred, 224 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z6, (647) 812-5982

12. City Hall – Toronto Sign & Nathan Philips Square

While this square is home to Toronto city hall, it is bustling with activities for all ages year-round. With live concerts, art expositions, and seasonal markets, you’ll be bound to find something to do and maybe even a locally-made souvenir to take home.

It’s a quintessential spot for family, especially in the winter, with sparkling lights, a skating rink, and a large holiday tree.

While not directly on Queen street, The Marriott CF Toronto Downtown Hotel, nestled in Trinity Bell Square, is in the heart of the action. Just steps from the Eaton Centre for shopping, Restaurants on Queen West, and Nathan Phillips Square, this hotel will allow you to keep busy without having to travel far.

Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N2, (416) 392-2489

Bonus: CF Toronto Eaton Centre Mall

Can’t get enough shopping in West Queen West?

If you’re looking to do a little shopping nearby, The Hudson bay, Saks Fifth, and CF Eaten mall are fantastic retail stores that house many US & European retail brands, including high-end brands; you won’t miss New York City.

CF Eaton Centre, 220 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2H1, (416) 598-8560

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