Where to Eat in North York, Toronto: Finch to Sheppard

NOPO Korean Bistro, at 5523 Yonge Street, blends authentic Korean comfort food with Toronto’s modern dining culture. Its own site says it was built around the kind of meal that lingers. Our pick for the first stop if you want a place to settle in.

Gol’s Lanzhou Noodle, at 5505 Yonge Street, is a Chinese noodle place with a Lanzhou beef noodle recipe and a wide selection of hand-pulled noodles. Its site adds that Lanzhou handmade noodles have over 200 years of history and have become a global cuisine. A good swerve from Korean to Chinese noodles in a few steps.

Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu has a Yonge & Finch location at 5445 Yonge Street. Since 2001 the restaurant has served silken tofu stews, spicy, mild or seafood-packed, in traditional stone pots with banchan and hot stone rice. Come cold and leave warm.

Banh Mi Nana, at 5425 Yonge Street, is a Vietnamese restaurant specializing in banh mi. A sandwich is the right answer when you have already had two bowls.

The Famous Owl of Minerva, at 5324 Yonge Street, is a Korean restaurant with locations around Ontario, including one in North York. Its own site calls Yonge Street and Finch Avenue the main branch. Its Instagram bio uses the hashtags kamjatang and porkbonesoup.

Konjiki Ramen’s North York restaurant is at 5051 Yonge Street, by the North York Centre subway. The BIA says its noodles are made from carefully chosen flour and ingredients and finished by machinery imported from Japan. The BIA’s ramen post calls the broths rich and creamy and recommends the dumplings and matcha sweets.

Shelby’s Legendary Shawarma, at 4969 Yonge Street, offers Middle Eastern shawarma with fresh ingredients and bold global flavours. The chain describes itself as fast casual and born in London, Ontario. It is the lightest-footed stop on the route, which is exactly why it belongs here.

Modu Three Brothers, at 4860 Yonge Street, serves Chongqing noodles in North York. Its Instagram bio describes Chongqing-style noodles and snacks.

Kajiken North York, at 4850 Yonge Street, is a Japanese chain known for abura soba. The BIA’s ramen post says it opened its first Canadian location in Yonge North York and specializes in mazesoba, brothless ramen. Kajiken says that with the broth taken out of the equation, the homemade noodles are the heart of the dish.

Daldongnae Korean BBQ has a Sheppard location at 4846 Yonge Street. The restaurant’s site promises the authentic Korean BBQ experience. It is a fitting final stop: bring friends, share, and walk the last few steps to the subway.