Greektown

Greektown, also known as The Danforth, has a European sensibility, with its sprawling restaurant and cafe patios, cluster of markets and heavy street traffic. However, over the years, you’ll find it’s just as easy to get Sushi or Indian food among the Greek tavernas.

The Danforth has two identities - north of the Danforth is the concentration of traditional Greek and Italian families; south of the Danforth are more modern Canadian families and a hippie demographic. This is also reflected in the geography of the street: from Chester to the east end of the Danforth there is more of a concentration of Greek Restaurants; the centre of the Danforth, at Chester, is known as The Carrot Common, home to one of the oldest Vegetarian markets, The Big Carrot; west on the Danforth are a plethora of cafes, yoga studios and a mix of restaurants and classic pubs like the Auld Spot, Allens and Dora Keoghs. Adding to the musical sensibility to Danforth’s western edge is the Danforth Music Hall, attracting some of indie music’s biggest acts from Feist to Solange. Along the Danforth and its edges, look out for some great used bookstores like Re-Reading and Circus Books & Music; coffee shops Broadview Espresso and Rooster Coffeehouse are where you’ll meet locals, the latter offering one of the best views of Toronto’s skyline across from Riverdale Park.

During the second week of August, the Danforth hosts one of the biggest festivals in Toronto called “The Taste of The Danforth.” Tourists and locals flock to the closed streets for discount bites from restaurants, festive music and activities for the kids.

Practical Info

Though the main section of Greektown is from Pape to Broadview, there are more Greek restaurants/bakeries just east of Pape and more stores, restaurants and bars spanning to Donlands Avenue. Via TTC, you can stop at Broadview Station walking east to Pape or vice versa walking west. If you want to arrive in the centre of Greektown, exit at Chester Station.