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Guide · Toronto
Headed to the Ex? Skip the corporate chains. From Hotel X rooftops to Liberty Village smash burgers and Parkdale momos, here is where to eat near the CNE.
Visiting the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) or attending an event at Exhibition Place in Toronto doesn't mean you have to settle for standard carnival eats or generic corporate chains. While the Food Building is legendary for its wild, experimental fair creations, sometimes you want a sit-down meal, a craft beer, or a scenic rooftop table without the overwhelming crowds.
Fortunately, some of the city's top-ranked culinary destinations are situated directly on the Exhibition grounds or just a short walk north in Liberty Village and west in Parkdale. From upscale rooftop sushi lounges to legendary cash-only dumpling joints, we have verified the best local spots to visit before or after your event. You can also explore the full community rankings for the best overall restaurants in Toronto to plan your next food crawl.
Located on the second floor of Hotel X, Roses Social offers modern North American fare directly on the Exhibition Place grounds. The dining room features a bright, welcoming aesthetic, but the real highlight is the outdoor terrace overlooking Lake Ontario.
The menu focuses on comforting, elevated classics like local albacore tuna crudo, hearty chopped salads, and signature griddled cheeseburgers. It is an excellent, convenient choice for client dinners, pre-game cocktails, or a relaxing meal away from the bustle of the fair. We recommend booking ahead during peak event season.
Perched on the 28th and 29th floors of Hotel X, Valerie Toronto is the premier destination for upscale dining with panoramic views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario. This multi-level rooftop space pairs dramatic design with a sophisticated atmosphere.
The culinary program is Japanese-influenced, featuring a curated selection of sushi, nigiri, and small plates like Wagyu beef dumplings and skewers. It is a fantastic spot for sunset drinks or a celebratory dinner. Given its popularity and limited rooftop capacity, reservations are highly recommended.
For a casual, high-flavor stop just north of the CNE tracks, head to Ghost Taco operating inside Something in the Water Brewing Co. on East Liberty Street. This lively craft brewery features a cozy patio and a taproom where you can enjoy local brews alongside fresh, creative eats.
Their menu features top-ranked tacos, ranging from crispy beer-battered fish to hot honey chicken and slow-braised brisket. The casual counter-service model makes it perfect for a quick bite before heading into the Exhibition grounds, and the pairing of fresh tacos with craft sour beers or IPAs is hard to beat.
Located on Atlantic Avenue in Liberty Village, Burger Drops has built a reputation for serving some of the finest smash burgers in the city. What started as a backyard pop-up has grown into a highly-rated local storefront with a dedicated following.
Their burgers feature premium chuck patties smashed thin with lacy, caramelized edges, topped with American cheese, pickles, and their signature drop sauce on a soft potato bun. Pair your burger with their seasoned crinkle-cut fries or onion rings. Seating is limited, so be prepared for a takeout-friendly experience.
If you are craving Italian comfort food, NODO Liberty on Lynn Williams Street offers scratch-made regional dishes in a spacious, warm neighborhood environment. It is an easy walk from the CNE grounds and accommodates groups and families comfortably.
The kitchen turns out excellent wood-fired pizza, fresh hand-rolled pasta, and local craft beers. Signature items like their light-as-air gnocchi and crispy calamari make it a favorite for post-event dinners. Be sure to check their seasonal hours during the summer festival months.
Tucked away on Hanna Avenue, Mildred's Temple Kitchen is an industrial-chic culinary institution in Liberty Village. Known for its airy dining room and commitment to local, seasonal ingredients, it has been a favorite gathering spot for years.
While their lunch and dinner menus are excellent, they are most famous for their weekend brunch. You cannot miss Mrs. Biederhof's Legendary Blueberry Pancakes, which are served fluffy and hot in a cast-iron skillet with warm maple syrup. They do not accept reservations for weekend brunch, so walk in early to avoid long wait times.
If you want a highly satisfying, budget-friendly meal a short walk west into Parkdale, Loga's Corner on Close Avenue is a legendary local gem. This family-run corner shop is famous for making some of the best Tibetan dumplings, known as momos, in Toronto.
You can choose between steamed or fried momos stuffed with seasoned beef, chicken, or vegetables, all accompanied by their highly addictive house-made hot sauce. Note that this is a strict cash-only establishment, so make sure to bring cash with you. There are only a few counter stools, so most patrons order their momos to go.
Located on Brock Avenue, BB's is an acclaimed, intimate diner serving modern Filipino cuisine. The restaurant pairs retro-inspired decor with bold, vibrant flavors, drawing food lovers from all over the city.
Their popular weekend brunch features classic garlic-rice silog plates topped with a fried egg and your choice of longganisa sausage, sweet cured pork tocino, or fried eggplant. For dinner, they serve creative dishes like chicken adobo, beef sinigang, and shaved ice halo-halo for dessert. It is a fantastic destination for an original, high-quality meal.
For a completely different dining experience right on the Exhibition grounds, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is a classic destination. Located inside a stone fortress at Exhibition Place, it offers a theatrical dinner show that is highly popular for families and large groups.
Guests are seated in a grand arena to watch knights joust on horseback and perform feats of horsemanship. The set menu is a four-course medieval-style feast, including roasted chicken, garlic bread, and sweet corn—all eaten entirely without utensils. Tickets should be booked well in advance of the show time.
Located on Pardee Avenue, Brodflour is a unique stone-mill and bakery that is changing how locals think about bread. They source organic grain directly from Canadian farmers and mill it fresh on-site every day to preserve nutrients and flavor.
Stop by this bright Liberty Village space for fresh sourdough loaves, cardamom buns, and chocolate chip cookies. They also serve excellent espresso drinks alongside fresh, open-faced sandwiches built on their signature fresh bread. It is a perfect, quiet morning stop before the exhibition crowds arrive.
Situated on East Liberty Street, Chiang Mai Liberty offers authentic Northern Thai cooking in a stylish, plant-filled environment. The dining room is beautifully decorated with floral installations, creating an inviting space for a sit-down meal.
Their menu features comforting noodle dishes like Khao Soi, rich green curry, and a top-ranked pad-thai. They also offer a fantastic selection of tropical cocktails and non-alcoholic options, making it a great destination to unwind after a long day of walking around the fair.
Yes, Liberty Village is located directly north of Exhibition Place, just across the railway tracks. You can easily walk there in 10 to 15 minutes by taking the pedestrian bridge or using the tunnel at the Exhibition GO Station, which connects the fairgrounds directly to Liberty Village.
If you prefer to stay on the grounds, Hotel X Toronto offers excellent elevated choices, including Roses Social (modern North American dining) and Valerie Toronto (rooftop Japanese dining). Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament also provides a themed dinner show inside the Exhibition fortress.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended during the CNE (which runs from mid-August through Labour Day) and other major events at BMO Field or the Coca-Cola Coliseum. Nearby restaurants fill up very quickly with event-goers, so book a table in advance or arrive early to secure a walk-in spot.
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