The 5 Best BBQ Joints in Toronto You Can't Miss
Toronto's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry, and for those craving smoky, tender, and intensely flavorful meats, the city's BBQ in Toronto offerings stand out. From authentic Southern-style smokehouses to high-end Korean barbecue experiences, this guide uncovers five exceptional places to eat in Toronto that promise to satisfy your cravings. Get ready to explore a world of delicious dishes, impeccable service, and unforgettable dining adventures, whether you're a local or just visiting.
Table of Contents
1. Takja BBQ House
Experience high-end Korean BBQ with exceptional quality and service, where the cooking is done for you.
Takja BBQ House redefines the Korean BBQ experience in Toronto, elevating it to an art form. Guests consistently praise it as one of the nicest KBBQ places, offering excellent value and a truly phenomenal dining experience. The quality of the meat is top-tier, with highlights like the surprisingly tender and flavorful aged hanger steak and premium wagyu beef. What truly sets Takja apart is their attentive service, where the staff (and even the owner!) take care of the grilling, allowing you to relax and soak in the ambiance without smelling like barbecue afterward, thanks to their exceptional ventilation system. It's truly a modern and sophisticated barbecue restaurant experience.
- Rating: 4.7 (148 google maps)
- Address: 962 College St, Toronto
- Phone: +1 647-638-7368
- Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
- Menu: Dive into their exquisite set menus like the Hansang, featuring a delightful seafood tower with a unique gochujang sauce, aged hanger steak, wagyu beef, and an innovative sea urchin seafood pancake. Don't forget to try their incredibly milky and smooth Korean bingsu for dessert.
Read more: Discover the 19 Best Korean Food Spots in Toronto
2. SmoQue N' Bones
Indulge in authentic, melt-in-your-mouth smoked meats and classic BBQ sides.
SmoQue N' Bones is a quaint little barbecue restaurant on Queen Street West, renowned for its BIG flavors and authentic Southern-style BBQ in Toronto. Visitors rave about the melt-in-your-mouth tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone perfect ribs, and succulent pulled pork. Many consider it one of the best BBQ in the city, praising the smoky flavor infused into every bite. Beyond the impressive meat selections, their sides like crispy waffle fries, the popular mac and cheese, and amazing smoked brussel sprouts truly complete the meal, offering great portions and value for a truly satisfying barbecue feast.
- Rating: 4.3 (1797 google maps)
- Address: 869 Queen St W, Toronto
- Phone: +1 647-341-5730
- Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
- Menu: Their sampler platter for two is a popular choice, allowing you to try their delectable pork ribs, moist brisket, and yummy smoked chicken. Don't miss out on their signature pork ribs, sweet cornbread, and classic sides like coleslaw, tater tots, and the highly recommended mac & cheese.
3. Royal Meats BarBeque
Savor fresh, flavour-packed grilled meats with incredibly large portions in a warm atmosphere.
Royal Meats BarBeque, located in Etobicoke, stands out as an absolute gem for meat lovers in Toronto. Despite its "Modern European" categorization, its core strength lies in its incredible grilled meats. Guests consistently praise the amazing quality and freshness of the food, noting how soft, tender, and flavour-packed their beef dishes are. The restaurant boasts a beautifully designed space with a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a great spot for a casual meal or a group gathering. Their meat platters are a fantastic way to sample a variety of offerings, all served in surprisingly large portions that ensure you won't leave hungry.
- Rating: 4.3 (2411 google maps)
- Address: 710 Kipling Ave, Etobicoke
- Phone: +1 416-251-1144
- Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
- Menu: Explore their incredible meat platters, perfect for sharing. Be sure to try their flavorful pork & beef or beef & lamb sliders, the tender calamari starter, or a perfectly seasoned NY strip steak served with sea salt and fragrant olive oil.
4. Barque Smokehouse
A Roncesvalles staple offering comfort barbecue with a great selection of smoked meats and house-made sauces.
Barque Smokehouse has cemented its place as a Roncesvalles staple, known for its dedication to "comfort barbecue." This highly regarded smokehouse delivers tasty smoked meats, including excellent beef brisket and flavorful pork burgers. Customers appreciate the cool-looking restaurant interior and, for those with pets, the comfortable and spacious patio. While some note the portions can be on the smaller side for the price, the overall quality of the food and the commitment to staff well-being (being a no-tipping restaurant) make it a unique and recommended experience. Their BBQ sampler is a popular choice to explore their offerings.
- Rating: 4.4 (1995 google maps)
- Address: 299 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto
- Phone: +1 416-532-7700
- Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
- Menu: Consider the BBQ sampler for two, which includes a starter, three meats (like beef brisket or pork ribs), and two sides. Their beef brisket burger and chicken wings also come highly recommended, complemented by their good assortment of barbecue sauces.
5. Pig Out BBQ
Generous portions of juicy ribs and perfectly smoked brisket at a great value.
Pig Out BBQ is a true gem for BBQ in Toronto, offering incredibly delicious food with generous portions and friendly service. This barbecue restaurant is celebrated for its fall-off-the-bone yummy ribs and perfectly smoked, super juicy brisket. Customers consistently find great value for the price, especially with popular items like their pulled pork burgers, which are both filling and super tasty. Whether you're craving classic smoked meats or flavorful sides, Pig Out BBQ delivers a satisfying and hearty meal that's perfect for casual dining.
- Rating: 4.4 (597 google maps)
- Address: 650 Spadina Ave., Toronto
- Phone: +1 416-792-6120
- Google Maps: Navigate with Google Maps
- Menu: Don't miss the junior BBQ platter, a great way to sample their juicy wings, tender ribs, and perfectly smoked brisket. Their pulled pork burgers are a must-try for their value and flavor. Be sure to try their home fries, baked beans, and fresh coleslaw to complete your barbecue feast.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a high-end Korean barbecue experience, classic American-style smoked meats, or a casual spot with generous portions of juicy ribs and brisket, these five fantastic BBQ in Toronto establishments will meet your needs well. Each offers a unique flavor profile and dining atmosphere, making them top contenders among the city's delicious restaurants. Choose a place that suits your preferences and needs, and don't forget to share your experience with us in the comments section below this article!