Renowned chef Cody Wilkes has been making waves in the Toronto culinary scene with his popular eatery, Simpl Things. When he’s not creating culinary masterpieces, he’s exploring the city’s vibrant food scene. In this article, we’ll explore “10 Toronto restaurants the chef behind Simpl Things swears by — and the soft serve that’s ‘always banging’”. We’ll get an insight into his off-the-clock dining go-tos, giving us a taste of Toronto through a chef’s eyes. Let’s dive in.

A Taste of Toronto: Chef Cody Wilkes’ Culinary Favorites

Often referred to as a foodie’s paradise, Toronto is brimming with exciting dining options and innovative menus. Here’s a selection of the city’s gastronomic gems that have won over Chef Cody.

1. Bar Isabel

Bar Isabel, with its vibrant Spanish fare and warm, inviting atmosphere, tops Cody’s list. The chef praises their grilled octopus, saying it’s a must-try for any seafood lover.

2. DaiLo

Next on his list is DaiLo, a restaurant that successfully marries traditional Asian cuisine with modern techniques. Cody particularly recommends their crispy octopus tacos.

3. F’Amelia

F’Amelia, a charming Italian trattoria in Cabbagetown, is another of Cody’s favorites. He swears by their thin-crust pizzas and house-made pastas.

4. Foxley

Foxley, a Pan-Asian inspired bistro on Ossington Avenue, is admired by Cody for their ceviche and lamb ribs that are fall-off-the-bone tender.

5. Antler Kitchen & Bar

Antler Kitchen & Bar is renowned for its commitment to local, seasonal ingredients. Cody is a big fan of their game meats and mushroom pasta.

6. Richmond Station

Richmond Station, a bustling downtown spot, is praised by Cody for their hearty, innovative dishes and top-notch service.

7. Scaramouche

For a special occasion, Cody suggests Scaramouche, a restaurant known for its stunning city views and exquisite French cuisine.

8. Grey Gardens

Grey Gardens, a hip spot in Kensington Market, impresses Cody with its eclectic wine list and creative small plates.

9. Alo

Alo, a contemporary French restaurant and cocktail bar, makes Cody’s list for their impeccable tasting menu and world-class service.

10. Bang Bang Ice Cream

Last but not least, Cody raves about the soft serve at Bang Bang Ice Cream. He says it’s “always banging” and recommends their unique flavor combinations.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a culinary tour of Toronto from the perspective of a top chef. These are the spots Chef Cody Wilkes swears by when he’s off the clock. Happy dining!

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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