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Takeout and Delivery

Convenient options for food delivery or takeout, widely accessible across the city.

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Comprehensive Guide to Takeout and Delivery in Toronto, Canada

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, and its food scene reflects this diversity. Whether you're craving authentic Indian curries, Italian pasta, Chinese dim sum, Middle Eastern shawarma, or Canadian comfort food like poutine, Toronto has it all. The cityโ€™s takeout and delivery options are vast, convenient, and cater to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate Torontoโ€™s takeout and delivery scene.


Toronto has a well-established network of food delivery platforms that make ordering food easy and efficient. Here are the most commonly used services:

  1. Uber Eats

    • One of the most popular platforms in Toronto, offering a wide variety of restaurants, from fast food to fine dining.
    • Features include real-time tracking, scheduled deliveries, and options for contactless delivery.
    • Delivery fees range from $1.99 to $4.99, depending on the distance and restaurant.
  2. DoorDash

    • Known for its extensive restaurant selection, including local favorites and chain restaurants.
    • Offers promotions like free delivery for new users or DashPass subscribers.
    • Delivery fees typically range from $2.99 to $5.99.
  3. SkipTheDishes

    • A Canadian-based platform with a strong presence in Toronto.
    • Offers a mix of local eateries and national chains.
    • Delivery fees are usually between $1.99 and $4.99, with frequent discounts and promotions.
  4. Ritual

    • Focused on takeout rather than delivery, Ritual allows you to order ahead and pick up your food.
    • Great for office workers or those on the go.
    • Often features loyalty rewards and discounts.
  5. Fantuan

    • A platform catering primarily to Torontoโ€™s Asian community, offering Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and other Asian cuisines.
    • Delivery fees vary but are generally affordable.
  6. Instacart (for groceries and prepared meals)

    • While primarily a grocery delivery service, many stores offer prepared meals and ready-to-eat options.

Variety of Cuisine Options

Torontoโ€™s multicultural population has created a food scene that spans the globe. Here are some of the most popular cuisines available for takeout and delivery:

  1. Canadian Classics

    • Poutine, butter tarts, peameal bacon sandwiches, and Nanaimo bars are must-try items.
    • Popular spots: Smokeโ€™s Poutinerie, The Stockyards.
  2. Asian Cuisine

    • Chinese: Dim sum, Peking duck, and Szechuan dishes are widely available. Try restaurants in Chinatown or Markham (a suburb with excellent Chinese food).
    • Japanese: Sushi, ramen, and izakaya-style dishes are popular.
    • Korean: Korean fried chicken, bibimbap, and bulgogi are favorites.
    • Indian: Butter chicken, biryani, and samosas are staples.
    • Thai: Pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice are common orders.
    • Popular spots: Pai (Thai), Kinka Izakaya (Japanese), Daldongnae (Korean BBQ).
  3. Middle Eastern Cuisine

    • Shawarma, falafel, and kebabs are widely available.
    • Popular spots: Paramount Fine Foods, Osmowโ€™s.
  4. Italian Cuisine

    • Pizza, pasta, and risotto are staples.
    • Popular spots: Terroni, Pizzeria Libretto.
  5. Caribbean Cuisine

    • Jerk chicken, patties, and oxtail stew are popular.
    • Popular spots: The Real Jerk, Chubbyโ€™s Jamaican Kitchen.
  6. Latin American Cuisine

    • Tacos, empanadas, and ceviche are widely available.
    • Popular spots: Seven Lives (Mexican), La Carnita.
  7. Vegan and Vegetarian Options

    • Toronto has a thriving plant-based food scene.
    • Popular spots: Fresh, Planta.
  8. Fast Food and Chains

    • Tim Hortons, McDonaldโ€™s, and Popeyes are widely available for quick and affordable meals.

Typical Price Ranges

  • Budget-Friendly: $10โ€“$20 per person (e.g., fast food, casual takeout like shawarma or pizza).
  • Mid-Range: $20โ€“$40 per person (e.g., sushi, Indian curries, or Italian pasta).
  • High-End: $40+ per person (e.g., fine dining, premium sushi, or steakhouse meals).

Delivery fees and tips are additional, so factor in an extra $5โ€“$10 for these costs.


How the Process Works

  1. Choosing a Platform

    • Download one of the apps (Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc.) or visit their website.
    • Create an account and input your delivery address.
  2. Browsing Restaurants

    • Use filters to search by cuisine, price range, or dietary preferences.
    • Check ratings and reviews to find highly recommended spots.
  3. Placing an Order

    • Select your items and customize them (e.g., spice level, add-ons).
    • Add the items to your cart and proceed to checkout.
  4. Payment

    • Payment is made online via credit/debit card, PayPal, or other digital wallets.
    • Some platforms allow cash payments, but this is less common.
  5. Delivery or Pickup

    • Choose between delivery or pickup.
    • For delivery, you can opt for contactless drop-off.
    • Track your order in real-time.
  6. Tipping

    • Tipping is customary in Toronto. A 10โ€“20% tip for the delivery driver is standard, depending on the service and distance.

Tips for Finding Good Restaurants

  1. Check Reviews

    • Platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, and the delivery app itself often have detailed reviews and ratings.
  2. Ask Locals

    • Toronto residents are usually happy to recommend their favorite spots.
  3. Explore Neighborhoods

    • Torontoโ€™s neighborhoods are known for specific cuisines. For example:
      • Chinatown (Chinese, Vietnamese)
      • Little Italy (Italian)
      • Greektown (Greek)
      • Kensington Market (eclectic, global eats)
      • Little India (Indian, Pakistani)
  4. Follow Food Bloggers and Social Media

    • Toronto has a vibrant food blogging community. Instagram accounts like @torontofoodie and @tastetoronto often highlight hidden gems.

Cultural and Local Considerations

  1. Multiculturalism

    • Torontoโ€™s food scene is a reflection of its diverse population. Donโ€™t hesitate to try cuisines you may not be familiar withโ€”authentic flavors abound.
  2. Dietary Preferences

    • Many restaurants cater to dietary restrictions, including halal, kosher, vegan, and gluten-free options. Look for these labels on menus or use filters on delivery apps.
  3. Peak Times

    • Delivery times may be longer during peak hours (6โ€“8 PM) or bad weather (especially in winter). Order early to avoid delays.
  4. Local Ingredients

    • Many Toronto restaurants emphasize local and seasonal ingredients. Look for farm-to-table options if youโ€™re interested in sustainable dining.
  5. Support Local Businesses

    • While chain restaurants are convenient, consider supporting local eateries, especially family-owned spots, to experience authentic flavors and help the community.

Conclusion

Torontoโ€™s takeout and delivery scene is as diverse as its population, offering something for every palate and budget. With a variety of cuisines, reliable delivery platforms, and a strong emphasis on quality and authenticity, youโ€™ll have no trouble finding delicious meals to enjoy at home. By following the tips above, you can make the most of Torontoโ€™s vibrant food culture while supporting local businesses and exploring new flavors. Bon appรฉtit!