Cabbagetown and Riverdale, Toronto: Parliament Street, the Tuesday market and Sunday brunch

Cabbagetown is a neighbourhood of Victorian houses on the east side of downtown Toronto, bounded roughly by Parliament Street, Carlton Street and the Don Valley. It gets its name from the cabbages that Irish immigrants once grew in their front gardens. Riverdale, to the north and east, shares the same leafy calm. Together they offer a mix of Parliament Street restaurants, a working farm in the middle of the city and a lively Sunday brunch scene.

What is there to eat on Parliament Street?

Parliament Street is the neighbourhood's food spine, running through Cabbagetown, with a run of cafés, bistros, bakeries and pubs. You will find Canadian, French, Italian and Middle Eastern food, plus a few places that have been there for decades. Dinner reservations are wise on weekends, and many places take walk-ins at the bar.

What is Riverdale Farm and why does it matter for food?

Riverdale Farm is a city-run working farm on the edge of Cabbagetown, with animals, gardens and a pretty heritage setting. It is free to visit. During the growing season, a farmers' market is held at the farm, usually on a weekday afternoon, with local producers selling vegetables, bread and prepared food. Hours and days change by season, so check the farm's page before you plan a trip.

Where do you go for brunch?

Brunch is popular on the blocks around Parliament and Carlton, and on Broadview Avenue and Danforth Avenue to the north. Weekend lines form by 10 a.m. Arrive early or try a weekday morning.

What else is nearby?

• Gerrard Street East has a lively South Asian food area known as Little India, with sweets, thali restaurants and spice shops.
• The Don Valley trails are good for a walk before or after a meal.
• Broadview Avenue has small restaurants and bars that suit an evening out.

How do you get there?

The 506 Carlton streetcar runs along Carlton Street. The 65 Parliament bus runs north and south, and the Castle Frank, Broadview and Bloor-Yonge subway stations are within a short walk or ride. Parking is limited on residential streets.

What about families?

Cabbagetown is calm and family friendly. Riverdale Farm is a favourite with young children, and nearby cafés and restaurants welcome strollers. A picnic in the farm's gardens can be a good, cheap meal.

How do you eat well on a budget?

Weekday lunch is the best value, and bakery sandwiches and soups are the cheapest option. Brunch can be pricey, so share plates. Prices are shown before 13 percent HST.

What should you look for in a Parliament Street restaurant?

Look for a menu that changes with the season and a room that fills with neighbours on a weeknight. Older bistros on the street often hold their regulars for years, while newer rooms change menus more often. If you plan to eat after a show at a nearby theatre, ask what time the kitchen closes, because neighbourhood restaurants close earlier than downtown ones.

How do you tip and pay?

Most businesses accept cards. Tip 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill at a sit-down meal, and tipping at a counter is optional.

Can you find dietary options?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are easy to find on Parliament and around the farm. Ask about allergens directly and at the time you order.

How do you remember what you ate?

Walk, taste and take notes. If you rate the dishes you try on a day in Cabbagetown, you will have a short list of favourites for the next visit.

What does a good day look like?

Start at Riverdale Farm in the morning, when the animals are active and the grounds are quiet. Walk north along the edge of the valley, then loop back along Winchester or Carlton Street into Cabbagetown. Have lunch on Parliament, then spend the afternoon on the side streets looking at the Victorian houses. For dinner, return to Parliament or walk across to Broadview. If you are visiting the market, time your arrival for when it opens, because fresh bread and produce go first.

What changes through the year?

Spring and summer bring the farm market, garden tours and patios. Autumn is warm and colourful. Winter is gentle, with fewer visitors and a slower pace on Parliament Street, and a good season to settle in at a bistro.

Mosey is a food discovery app where diners rate what they ate and share lists with friends, which is a useful way to keep a good brunch spot to yourself or pass it on.

More guides to read next:

• Mississauga and Brampton food guide: Punjabi, Pakistani and Caribbean food in Peel Region
• Corso Italia and St. Clair West, Toronto: espresso bars, bakeries and Sunday lunch
• The Beaches, Toronto: ice cream, patios and where to eat near the boardwalk

More in the Canadian food guides and the ranked lists of places.