Discover our locals' 145 hidden gems in Toronto

Let's uncover Toronto’s hidden gems with Spotted by Locals! From cozy cafes and local boutiques to unique art spots and lively bars, our Spotters share the city's authentic charm. Experience Toronto through the eyes of true locals.

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✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Toronto

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Things to do in Toronto

Plenty Market & Cafe

Cute cafe meets sweet market

Not only do they have delicious coffee and delightful baked goods, but they also stock a solid selection of Canadian-made food and drink products...

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

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Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 22, 2025

Unboxed Market

A lovely little slow-waste market

Pick up a quick lunch at the front of this low-waste shop, which you can take away in your own or borrowed containers that can be returned later!

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Shopping
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Snacks

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Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 21, 2025

Riverdale Farm

Smack in the middle of downtown

"Riverdale Farm" is an oasis of culture, nature, animals and trees at the heart of Toronto. I like visiting with my camera, especially for macro photos

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

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Mauricio

Alas

Apr 20, 2025

Planta Queen

Amazing Asian-inspired vegan eats

I recommend ordering a few of their smaller dishes to try, which should definitely include their renowned Bang Bang Broccoli!

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Restaurants

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Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 17, 2025

Khau Gully

Best Northern Indian Food in Toronto

"Khau Gully" is my favorite Northern Indian restaurant in Toronto. Street food is its thing but it's best to sit in for its beautifully painted dining room

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Restaurants

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Cameron

Bryant

Apr 15, 2025

RE Place / Poured Coffee

Low-waste for the win

From biodegradable bamboo products to personal care items that are better for both you and the planet, you can find plenty here for a more sustainable life.

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Coffee & tea
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Shopping

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Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Good Intentions

Shop to support women

It’s rare that I leave this store without having bought something, be it a beautiful ring for myself, or a unique piece of artwork to give as a gift.

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Shopping

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Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Gia Restaurant

Plant-forward perfection

With environmental sustainability in mind, Gia is a “plant-forward” restaurant, with the goal of sourcing produce locally, and organic when possible.

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Restaurants

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Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Scout

Gift giving made easy

Besides selling goods from small, often local, independent makers and mindfully selected brands, they also help to support local charities and initiatives.

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Shopping

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Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Philistine

Curated clothing & goods

Founded over 15 years ago as a purveyor of vintage goods at local markets and pop-ups, Philistine now has two shops of its own, both on Queen Street.

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Shopping

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Cassandra

Della Mora

Apr 13, 2025

Aloette

Toronto’s best restaurant's cooler sister

"Aloette" in Toronto is an upscale bistro with a wider range of food. Their burger is definitely a staple, and their iceberg wedge salad is a sleeper hit!

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Restaurants

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Anita

Kim

Apr 11, 2025

Gift Shop

A not-so-secret secret speakeasy

"Gift Shop" is a secret, magical, speakeasy-type cocktail bar at the back of a barber shop in Toronto. It's actually quite well known though, so get read

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Bars

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Anita

Kim

Apr 11, 2025

Heading to Toronto?

145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

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What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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