Where to eat before a Toronto Maple Leafs game in Downtown Toronto

So you’ve got tickets to see the Toronto Maple Leafs and want to make an evening out of it. You’ve read my last post, so you know how you’re getting to and from the arena, and if you’re driving, to arrive early. But now you’re in downtown Toronto, hungry, and not particularly willing to pay $14+ for a mediocre slice of pizza. 

Worry no more, for here is your one-stop guide to the best places to eat before a Leafs game!

Quick Bites

Union Station has become a hub for quick yet tasty options right in the heart of Toronto. The food court is well-stocked and has options beyond the typical mall offerings—special shoutouts to Paramount Fine Foods and Sansotei Ramen. Not in the food court, but close by are more quick “fast food” spots. I particularly like Union Chicken for a wonderful fried chicken sandwich. 

Beyond the food court, there are other options right in Union Station if you feel like sitting down for a meal and a drink. Shake Shack is a classic popular option; don’t be deterred by the long line, it moves quite quickly. Wvrst is a great option offering an extensive sausage menu, more upscale versions of the classic sports snack. Also, check out their rotating beer list, which offers local brews. 

Pub Fare

If you want a simple meal that won’t break the bank and a few drinks to pre and avoid the $18 Coors Lights, there are plenty of spots to choose from. 

Loose Moose and Jack Astor’s are both on Front and are reliable spots to get a table and get in and out in a quick fashion. Slightly more upscale, across the street from Jack Astor’s, is Kelly’s Landing, although securing a table there is a bit more challenging. 

Fine Dining

Say it’s a special occasion, or you’re taking some clients to the game on the company card, and you want a nicer place. In Union Station is Blue Bovine Steak + Sushi House, which is exactly what it sounds like. An added bonus to all of the places mentioned is that if you tell your server you’re going to the game, they are very adept at ensuring you don’t miss puck drop. 

Chotto Matte on Front St is another excellent Toronto spot. Part of a worldwide chain, they offer Japanese Peruvian fusion with a spectacular mixology program and a well-sourced wine list. 

Just down the street at Bay and Wellington is Ki Modern Japanese + Bar, an upscale sushi spot. What makes this place stand apart is its extensive sake and wine list with knowledgeable servers to help you choose. Best experienced in larger groups, this is an excellent spot to bring a corporate group. 

Finally, a little bit further still at Bay and Adelaide is Cactus Club. The least fancy of our fine dining options, Cactus Club is a nice, contemporary location that’s a sure crowd-pleaser. 

Where to watch

Maybe dropping the equivalent of a month’s rent on a couple of tickets isn’t in the budget for you, or you just can’t justify the spend to see the Leafs invariably lose to a team they very much should beat. Yet, you still want to come downtown and enjoy the game with fellow fans. Where should you go? 

My favourite sports bar is One Eyed Jack at Peter and Richmond St W. The food is quite good, still standard pub fare, but slightly more elegant and plenty of options. But what I really appreciate about it is the television coverage. Basically, no matter where you sit, you’ll have a view of the game. Come playoff time, however, be sure to reserve your table early as all these spots book up quite rapidly. 

Closer to the arena, if you want to celebrate with the crowd afterwards, are King Taps First Canadian Place and The Bottom Line. The former is a general sports bar known for its draught beer offerings. It’s quite large with both indoor and outdoor seating (for the few games at the start and end of the season). The Bottom Line is much smaller but is a true hockey bar. The energy in there, especially around playoff time, is truly unmatched.