Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Leslieville / Riverdale

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

North EndOld TorontoTorontoWest EndYork

Neighborhoods

Baldwin VillageBayviewBloor West VillageCabbagetownChinatown / Kensington MarketChristie Pits

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

190 restaurants available nearby

A photo of La Carnita - Leslieville restaurant

1. La Carnita - Leslieville

4.1

Excellent(376)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Entertainment District

La Carnita is the ultimate spot for a group night out, combining the vibrant flavours of Mexican cuisine with a fun, casual vibe. Locally designed with the help of some of Toronto's top street artists, our space is a lively, colourful backdrop for delicious tacos, nachos, fajitas, churros, and more. Pair your meal with a refreshing margarita, creative cocktails, or local beer, and let the live DJ soundtrack your evening almost every weekend.Our Queen St. East location in Riverside and Leslieville is part of a tight-knit community of young professionals and families. Through this spot, we've built strong connections with East End breweries and local businesses, creating unique and fun collaborations that bring people together. Experience the art, music, and flavours that make La Carnita a standout for Mexican-inspired fun!

2. Tabule on Queen

4.8

Exceptional(686)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Middle Eastern • Leslieville / Riverdale

Booked 3 times today

Tabule on Queen specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine. It provides a modern, trendy atmosphere to enjoy an authentic meal with friends and family. The restaurant features a full service bar with a menu of specialty cocktails. Tabule also offers outdoor seating when the weather is nice.Begin your meal with a hot or cold appetizer. Cold appetizers include options like homemade Lebanese yogurt cheese mixed with garlic and garnished with Lebanese spices or the special Tabule house salad. Chicken livers and garlic shrimp are just a couple of the many hot appetizers to choose from. For your main course, try a popular entrée like kefta with two skewers of ground, spiced mixed lamb and beef or fresh Atlantic salmon kebabs. Desserts include traditional options like baklava or rice pudding with raisins and a hint of orange blossom.

3. MIMI Chinese

4.6

Exceptional(80)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Chinese • The Annex

Booked 16 times today

Located on the outskirts of Toronto’s vibrant Yorkville neighbourhood, the MIMI story begins with memories of the past. Loud conversation over plates of steaming noodles. The rush of servers moving quickly about in starched white dress shirts and pressed black bow ties. Darkly lit nooks with deep shades of red. The clanking of cutlery as cocktails are shaken swiftly in the background. A fragrant scent of Sichuan peppercorns toasting in the wok. Moments of celebration and togetherness over both new and familiar food. MIMI Chinese offers a place of wonder that brings back a taste of the past.

4. Cluny

4.5

Awesome(5580)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Distillery District

Booked 25 times today

Experience the vibrant charm of Cluny, where modern French cuisine meets unparalleled ambiance in the heart of the Distillery Historic District.Our exciting, unpretentious menus are inspired by France's modern food movement and paired with lively music and breathtaking design. Complement your meal with a selection from our carefully curated wine list, recognized by Wine Spectator and featuring nearly 200 exquisite bottles.For those on the go, our adjacent café offers a delightful array of pastries, macarons, and housemade terrines, perfect for taking a piece of Cluny home. Whether it's freshly brewed coffee or a made-to-order crêpes, our café has something to satisfy every craving.Join us at Cluny for an unforgettable dining experience that blends refined cuisine, personalized service, and an energetic atmosphere. For inquiries or to secure your spot, please call 1-416-203-2632 or email us at reservation@thedistillery.ca.

5. El Catrin

4.5

Awesome(5691)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Distillery District

Booked 27 times today

Situated in the vibrant Distillery Historic District, El Catrin Destileria combines an exciting, tapas-style menu with Canada’s largest collection of mezcal and tequila. Celebrated as one of Toronto’s top dining spots, we offer a fun and lively atmosphere where traditional and modern Mexican cuisine come together for a truly transportive experience. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or enjoying a delightful brunch with friends, our local ingredients and vibrant flavours promise a transportive dining experience. Join us for delicious food, expertly crafted cocktails, and unforgettable moments!

6. Maxime's

4.4

Awesome(319)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • King West

Booked 20 times today

Discover the allure of Toronto’s newest steak, seafood, and cocktail destination.Maxime’s oozes European chic from its very soul, and is so much more than just a place to enjoy a glorious meal. Opulence and indulgence weave their way through an enchanting evening of mischievous & intriguing moments that mingle late into the night.Its name, meaning ‘greatest,’ is also the inspiration behind Maxime’s menu, showcasing timeless dishes & sips enhanced with playful, unique touches. The interiors are lush and elegant, the sounds are deep and soulful, all coming together to bring each of your senses alive from the moment you enter.Discover late night eats, theatrical drinks, and a DJ spinning every day from 8:00pm. Smart casual dress code strictly enforced. No hats, hoodies, track pants or sunglasses.

7. Sunnys Chinese

4.8

Exceptional(115)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Chinese • Chinatown / Kensington Market

Booked 35 times today

Sunnys Chinese is inspired by high energy dining cultures found throughout China tied with the history of the space in Kensington Market - a place you discover with friends. From Shaokao spots in Chengdu and Xi’An to Dai Pai Dongs in Hong Kong, the team looks to regional traditions to create an experience that’s casual and playful. Diners can expect an extensive beverage list and ingredient-driven dishes.

8. JOEY King St

4.7

Exceptional(401)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Financial District

Booked 108 times today

In the heart of Toronto’s iconic King Street in the vibrant financial district, JOEY King St is the largest JOEY in North America, spanning 19,000 sq ft in the historical Royal Bank building. With creative culinary concepts, elegant private dining spaces, a thoughtfully curated art collection, and a menu fit for a king, the Toronto location will redefine the dining experience with exclusive offerings.

9. Akira Back

4.8

Exceptional(1941)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Asian • Entertainment District

Booked 32 times today

Chef Akira Back opens his first Canadian namesake restaurant in Toronto’s Bisha Hotel. Drawing on inspiration from his Korean heritage and travels around the globe, chef Back has created a menu that blends modern Japanese cuisine with authentic Korean flavours. In addition to his signature dishes, Back has created new items unique for the Toronto location. Complemented by the sleek design with layers of gold detail and tactile finishes in carbon black, the unparalleled dining experience is a true statement of luxury.

A photo of Prime Seafood Palace restaurant

10. Prime Seafood Palace

4.7

Exceptional(858)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Queen West

Booked 14 times today

Prime Seafood Palace is a modern steakhouse offering a selection of beef, seafood, and vegetables all sourced from purveyors we love and value. Unexpected - a space to truly experience in person. The main entry is located in a quiet courtyard, drawing patrons away from the humming activity of Queen Street West. Inspired by Matty Matheson’s travels, East Coast roots, and appreciation for architecture, the menu nods to the classic steakhouse tradition while highlighting seasonal ingredients.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Amara
Toronto / Ontario •1 review
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
It was great vibes and loved the ambiance and the servers were great. It started getting louder towards night time and it was fun. The food wasn’t the top of my list, it could need a little bit of seasoning. but everything else made up for it.
More info
Paris TexasPrice: Moderate• American• King West
•
4.3
P
Pat
Toronto / Ontario •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Love this place, so sad it is closing! Great staff, great food and great beer!
More info
Liberty CommonsPrice: Moderate• Comfort Food• Liberty Village
•
4.7
K
Khilna
Toronto / Ontario •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Enjoyed the Winterlicious Dinner menu, the food came out quickly and the flavours were great! The staff was friendly and attentive. Also enjoyed the Hibiscus Margarita.
More info
The Cottage CheesePrice: Moderate• Indian• Chinatown / Kensington Market
•
4.6
A
AshleyVIP
Toronto / Ontario •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 9, 2025
Three of us went for winterlicious, we got to pick 4 different courses. Guacamole n chips, ribs, 2 tacos and churros is what I got. The ribs were delicious, fish tacos had a lot of cabbage and not enough fish but it was still tasty. The server was great. Overall a good experience.
More info
La Carnita - LeslievillePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Entertainment District
•
4.1
V
Victor
Toronto / Ontario •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 29, 2025
Went for a pre-show dinner. It is small restaurant only one server but service was good and prompt. Food was just as good as the higher priced downtown restaurants.
More info
Stages Restaurant & LoungePrice: Moderate• Canadian• Yonge and Dundas
•
3.7

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Spicy food

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