Danforth Ave., between Chester and Jones Ave. TTC: Chester Station

A large collection of restaurants feature authentic Greek cuisine in this lively area, which also boasts a fascinating mix of speciality shops. "The Danforth" (its local nickname) is also a night owl's haven with clubs and cafés open into the wee hours.

The Details

In 1907, there were just 20 Greek names in Toronto’s city directory. Over the years, immigrants came from Greece mainly to work in agriculture or in Northern Ontario’s mines, forests, and railways. The population gradually grew in Toronto, particularly after the Second World War. In the 1950s, the Greek community moved into the Danforth area, which was originally a neighbourhood for Anglo-Saxons, and later an Italian enclave.

Walking down Danforth Avenue today, you can sense the rich cultural heritage. Street signs are in English and Greek, blue and white Greek flags line the avenue, and the classical architecture of the National Bank of Greece and other buildings contribute to the decidedly Mediterranean atmosphere.

The street is filled with animated fruit and vegetable stands, butcher shops, Greek bakeries and pastry shops, and dozens of European-style cafés and restaurants. The scent of traditional Greek food is everywhere, and in the warmer months, when the glass walls of the restaurants are opened up, the shouts of “Opa!” reverberate.

Greektown has built a reputation as an excellent dining destination. Many of its restaurants feature open kitchens, where you are welcome to watch the preparation of authentic Greek cuisine. In recent years, a number of non-Greek restaurants have opened, capitalizing on the crowds of hungry visitors which descend upon the area. Weekends are particularly vibrant, when the action spills onto the sidewalks, open-air terraces and onto the street itself.

Interesting Facts & Trivia

• Toronto’s Greek population is the second largest outside of Greece; the largest resides in the borough of Queens in New York.

• For many years, Andreaous Papendreaou taught economics at York University in Toronto. He went on to become the Prime Minister of Greece.

• The annual Taste of the Danforth festival is an outstanding opportunity to sample the various delights offered by Greektown restaurants. Thousands of people converge on the area for a lively weeklong celebration, as the many restaurants set up street kiosks to offer samples. Music and other activities are also scheduled. The festival takes place in early August.