The Taste of the Danforth happens this weekend and to help you navigate your way through the crowds (there are approximately 1.5 million people who attend annually), I’ve picked the best spots to eat, drink and be merry. These restaurants are here long after the festival is over, so be sure to also visit them throughout the year.
It’s not often you see lineups for restaurants past midnight, but for the last 12 years, people have come from all over and queued up for Owner Marions Dafnas’ uncle’s 1969 gyro recipe from Greece. It's no wonder - this tasty snack includes french fries right in the wrap! Try them for yourself during Taste of the Danforth. Messini will be serving them up alongside fresh salad and fries.
If you want great Greek comfort food, Ouzeri is the place to be. Their exquisite signature Rosemary Pies will be available for the festival. They’ll be offering both chicken and lamb. My advice? Get one to eat during the festivities, and some to take home. Many of their other items will be offered inside the restaurant, though from a condensed menu during Taste.
This Greek-style tavern, owned by George and George, is known for their delectable quail for the festival, and luckily, they’re serving it up again. While there’s nothing wrong with having souvlaki while checking out the sights and sounds this weekend, I say leave room for Athen’s iconic quail with crisp skin and moist meat. Because how often do you get the chance to have quail? And it might just become your favourite must-have dish.
If you’re looking for authentic Greek cuisine, look no further than Pantheon. They’ll be offering their full menu in the restaurant during the festival, including fresh fish and salty canned sardines from Greece, stuffed wine leaves and many other specialties from back home. You might not be back in Greece, but you’ll feel like it, at least for a little while.