Dining in Toronto: New surprises at every turn

Just two years ago, Toronto’s dining revolution was merely in its infancy stage, said Benjamin Leszcz in Bon Appétit. Today, the city’s West End has “exploded with ambitious eateries,” and the boom has become so visible that even celebrity chefs Daniel Boulud and David Chang are setting up Toronto outposts. The whole city, it seems, “has embraced an era of culinary adventure.”

The Black Hoof This West End trailblazer helped change expectations. Want proof? “One of the most lauded dishes” at this no-frills destination is horse tartare, mixed with spicy nduja and served with crisp fries and caper hollandaise. The dish is “a bewitching combination of crunchy, salty, fatty, and creamy.” But don’t miss the Hoof’s charcuterie platter or beef tongue sandwich. 928 Dundas Street W., (416) 551-8854

Hopgood’s Foodliner Chef Geoff Hopgood celebrates his Nova Scotian roots with a

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seafood-centric menu of “thoughtful but playful plates” such as hot crab dip with Triscuits, made with rock crab from Prince Edward Island. Follow it with a “kitschy-delicious” dessert, like the crispy toffee—a bar of puffed rice, white chocolate, and caramel that’s topped with chocolate dust. 25 Roncesvalles Ave., (416) 533-2723

Grand ElectricYou don’t need to be a hipster yourself to get a table at this year-old taqueria—”just patience.” Grand Electric is “the buzziest taco joint” north of Chicago’s Big Star, where chef Colin Tooke served time. “This is the place for braised beef-cheek tacos, blaring ‘90s hip-hop, and whiskey galore.” 1330 Queen Street W., (416) 627-3459