Greektown on the Danforth: what to eat and when to go

Danforth Avenue, east of the Don Valley, is home to Greektown, one of the largest Greek communities in North America. Along the main stretch you will find tavernas, souvlaki counters, Greek bakeries, cafés and patios, with signs in both English and Greek. It is one of Toronto's most enjoyable food streets, especially on a summer evening, and it hosts one of the city's biggest food festivals.

Where is Greektown in Toronto?

Greektown is on Danforth Avenue, roughly between Chester Avenue and Jones Avenue, in the east end. Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) runs underneath it, with Chester, Pape and Donlands stations along the stretch. Further east, the Danforth continues with other communities, including a cluster of Ethiopian restaurants near Greenwood.

What should you eat in Greektown?

Dish	What it is
Souvlaki	Grilled skewers of pork or chicken, on a plate or in a pita
Gyros	Shaved, spit-roasted meat in pita with tzatziki
Grilled lamb chops	A taverna favourite
Saganaki	Pan-fried cheese, sometimes flambéed at the table
Spanakopita	Spinach and feta in flaky pastry
Moussaka	Layered eggplant, meat and béchamel
Grilled octopus	Charred and dressed with olive oil and lemon
Galaktoboureko and baklava	Custard and honey-nut pastries

A mezze spread of dips, such as tzatziki, taramosalata and melitzanosalata, with warm pita is a good way to start.

What is Taste of the Danforth?

Taste of the Danforth is a huge street festival that takes over Danforth Avenue for a weekend in August, with food stalls from local restaurants, music and crowds that run into the hundreds of thousands. Whether and when it runs depends on the year, so check the official announcements before you plan around it.

Is Greektown good for a summer evening?

It is one of the best places in Toronto for one. The Danforth's patios fill up on warm evenings, the street is lively and family-friendly, and you can follow dinner with Greek pastries or gelato. Weekends are busiest. Book ahead for larger groups at popular tavernas.

Is Greektown good for groups and celebrations?

Yes. Greek tavernas are built for sharing, with big platters of grilled meats, dips and salads, and many restaurants handle birthdays and family gatherings well. Ask about set menus for large groups.

What should you order at a souvlaki counter?

Counters along the Danforth serve souvlaki and gyros quickly, either wrapped in a warm pita with tomato, onion and tzatziki, or as a plate with rice, lemon potatoes, Greek salad and pita. Pork and chicken souvlaki are the classics; lamb and beef are often available too. A pita is a cheap, filling lunch; a plate is a proper dinner. Ask for extra tzatziki if you love garlic, and lemon potatoes if they are on offer.

When is Greek Easter on the Danforth?

Greek Orthodox Easter often falls on a different Sunday from Western Easter, and it is the biggest celebration of the year in Greektown. In the days before, bakeries sell traditional sweet Easter bread and red-dyed eggs, and butchers sell whole lambs for roasting. Many restaurants are busy with family gatherings, so book ahead if you plan to eat out that weekend.

Is Greek food good for vegetarians?

Quite good. Dips, salads, spanakopita, grilled halloumi, stuffed vine leaves (check whether they contain meat), beans and vegetable dishes make a full meal. Some dishes use meat stock or lard, so ask if you are strict.

Where can you buy Greek groceries and pastries on the Danforth?

Greek bakeries, delis and grocery stores along the Danforth sell feta, olives, olive oil, pastries and breads. Some bakeries make loukoumades (honey doughnuts) and traditional Easter breads. Greek Orthodox Easter is a big celebration in the neighbourhood, with special foods sold beforehand.

What Greek desserts and drinks should you try?

Save room after souvlaki. Greek bakeries and cafés on the Danforth are a big part of a visit:

• Baklava, layers of filo pastry with nuts and honey syrup.
• Galaktoboureko, a custard baked in filo and soaked in syrup.
• Loukoumades, small fried dough balls drizzled with honey, often with cinnamon or nuts.
• Bougatsa, a filo pastry with custard or cheese, often eaten for breakfast.
• A Greek frappé, iced coffee shaken until foamy, a summer favourite.
• Greek coffee, strong and served in a small cup with the grounds settled at the bottom.

A pastry and coffee at a café on a summer evening is as much a part of the Danforth as dinner.

How much does dinner in Greektown cost?

Souvlaki and gyro counters are among the cheaper meals in the east end; full taverna dinners with lamb and seafood cost more. Ontario adds the 13 percent HST to restaurant bills. Tip 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax amount at table service, and optionally at counters.

How to plan an evening on the Danforth

1. Take Line 2 to Chester or Pape.
2. Walk the strip and look at the patios.
3. Share a mezze and grill dinner at a taverna.
4. Finish with Greek pastries or gelato.
5. In August, check whether Taste of the Danforth is on.

On Mosey you can rate the tavernas and bakeries you tried and the dishes you ordered, with photos, and keep a list of Danforth favourites for the next warm evening.

More guides to read next:

• Mississauga and Brampton food guide: Punjabi, Pakistani and Caribbean food in Peel Region
• Halal food in Toronto: neighbourhoods, cuisines and how to check
• Happy hour in Toronto: how it works in Ontario and where to go

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