Ossington and Dundas West: a guide to Toronto's coolest food streets

Ossington Avenue, in Toronto's west end, is a short street with a big reputation. In a few blocks between Queen Street and Dundas Street West, it packs in some of the city's most talked-about restaurants, cocktail bars, wine bars, cafés and vintage shops, and it has been named among the world's coolest streets. Dundas Street West, which crosses it, continues the scene for many more blocks. Together they are a favourite for dinner and a night out.

Where is Ossington in Toronto?

The busiest stretch of Ossington Avenue runs between Queen Street West and Dundas Street West, just west of Trinity Bellwoods Park. Dundas West stretches from around Bathurst west toward Roncesvalles, with especially dense blocks near Ossington and in Little Portugal. The 501 Queen and 505 Dundas streetcars serve the area; Ossington station on Line 2 is further north.

What is Ossington known for?

What	Why
Chef-driven restaurants	Small rooms with ambitious, often seasonal menus
Cocktail and wine bars	Some of the city's most respected bars
Late-night food	Kitchens that run later than most
Cafés and bakeries	Weekend coffee and pastries
Vintage and independent shops	Something to browse between meals

The street changes often, with new openings every year, so check what is open when you visit.

What is Dundas West like for food?

Dundas Street West is a longer, more varied strip, running through Little Portugal and the Portuguese and Brazilian community, with Portuguese bakeries and churrasqueiras (grilled chicken spots) alongside modern restaurants, bars and cafés. It is a great street for a walk from Trinity Bellwoods to the west, stopping for a custard tart, a coffee or a glass of wine.

What is a Portuguese custard tart?

A pastel de nata is a small tart with flaky pastry and a rich egg custard, caramelized on top. Little Portugal's bakeries sell them fresh, often still warm, and many locals buy them by the box. They are best eaten the day they are made, with a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like.

How do you get a table on Ossington?

Many of the best-known restaurants are small and busy, especially Thursday to Saturday. Book as far ahead as you can, use waitlists, or try for a bar seat at opening. Some places take walk-ins only; arrive early or late. Weeknights are much easier.

Is Ossington good for a date night?

It is one of the best streets in Toronto for one: intimate rooms, good cocktails and wine, and a walk through Trinity Bellwoods Park nearby. Book ahead, and expect a lively, sometimes loud atmosphere at peak times.

Where can you get late-night food near Ossington?

Ossington and Dundas West are among the better areas in the west end for food after 10 p.m. Several bars keep their kitchens open late, and there are slice shops, taco spots and casual restaurants nearby that serve the after-dinner crowd. On weekends the street stays busy well past midnight. Hours change often, so check before you set out, and ask whether the kitchen is still open when you sit down at a bar.

Is Ossington good for a group?

It can be harder, because many rooms are small. For groups, book well ahead and ask about larger tables or set menus, or choose a bigger restaurant on Dundas West or Queen Street.

How much does a night on Ossington cost?

Ossington's chef-driven restaurants and cocktail bars are among the pricier in the west end, while Portuguese bakeries, chicken spots and cafés on Dundas West are much cheaper. Ontario adds the 13 percent HST. Tip 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax amount at table service.

What else is near Ossington?

• Trinity Bellwoods Park, a popular picnic and people-watching spot.
• Queen Street West, for shopping and more restaurants.
• Little Italy on College Street, a few blocks north.
• Kensington Market and Chinatown, a short ride east.

Can you picnic at Trinity Bellwoods Park?

Yes, and on summer evenings it is one of the most popular picnic spots in the city. Trinity Bellwoods Park sits on Queen Street West, a short walk east of Ossington, and its slopes fill with groups on warm weekends.

Ossington and Queen West make it easy to gather picnic food: bakeries, sandwich shops, pizza by the slice and takeout counters are all within a few blocks. Bring a blanket, arrive early on hot weekends for a good spot, and follow the park's current rules on alcohol and waste, which the City sets and can change. Leave room for dinner on Ossington afterwards.

How to plan an evening around Ossington

1. Start with a drink at a cocktail or wine bar.
2. Book dinner at one of the street's restaurants.
3. Walk Dundas West afterwards for a late drink or dessert.
4. Pick up custard tarts for the next morning.

Ossington's scene moves fast, which makes notes from people who actually ate there valuable. On Mosey you can rate the places you visit and the dishes you ordered, see where friends you follow went, and keep a list of Ossington and Dundas West spots to try. Mosey Gold marks places diners rate highly, and it cannot be bought.

More guides to read next:

• Mississauga and Brampton food guide: Punjabi, Pakistani and Caribbean food in Peel Region
• Eating in the PATH: a guide to Toronto's underground food courts
• Patio season in Toronto: CafeTO, rooftops and how to get a seat

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