When it comes to dining out in Toronto, few people are better equipped to share their top picks than local chefs. Chef Cody Wilkes of Simpl Things is known not only for his culinary creations but also for his discerning palate. Here, he shares his off-the-clock dining favorites, including “10 restaurants this Toronto chef swears by — and the soft serve that’s always banging.”

Discovering Toronto’s Culinary Scene with Chef Cody Wilkes

As a professional chef, Cody Wilkes’ appreciation for food extends beyond the confines of his own kitchen at Simpl Things. From hidden gem eateries to popular crowd-pleasers, Cody’s list of must-visit Toronto restaurants offers something for everyone.

The Soft Serve That’s Always Banging

First on his list is the soft serve ice cream at Bang Bang Ice Cream and Bakery. Cody raves about their innovative flavors and the consistently delightful texture of their soft serve. “It’s always banging,” he quips, giving a nod to the establishment’s fitting name.

Ten Toronto Restaurants to Try

When it comes to his top 10 Toronto restaurants, Cody’s selections display his diverse range of culinary interests. He recommends northern Italian dishes at Giulietta, the fusion cuisine at DaiLo, and the fresh seafood at Honest Weight.

For casual dining, Cody swears by the burgers at Rudy and the tacos at Grand Electric. He also mentions the brunch at Lady Marmalade as a weekend favorite and praises the inventive menu at Bar Raval.

A Chef’s Off-The-Clock Dining

Cody’s off-the-clock dining isn’t limited to his top 10. He regularly explores new places and revisits old favorites. He loves the Portuguese chicken at Churrasqueira Martins and the sushi at Yasu, and he’s a regular at the city’s numerous food festivals and pop-up events.

A Culinary City to Explore

Chef Cody Wilkes’ recommendations offer a glimpse into Toronto’s thriving food scene. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, these are places you’ll want to experience for yourself. After all, what better way to explore a city than through the palate of one of its most knowledgeable chefs?

Remember, this list is just the beginning — Toronto’s culinary scene is always evolving, always surprising, always ready to offer something new and delicious. So, next time you’re in Toronto, why not take a page out of Chef Cody’s book and make your own culinary journey?

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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