The 15 Best Restaurants in Markham that Locals Absolutely Love

Markham has so many restaurants, but not knowing where to go for great-tasting food is a very frustrating feeling. You could ask your friends for suggestions, but their suggestions are the exact ones that you’ve already thought of.

We know that trying new restaurants can be intimidating, so we’ve made it easy for you by narrowing it down to the best of the best. You won’t regret giving any of these restaurants a try – they’re sure to leave you wanting more.

From popular noodle places to sushi and Italian restaurants, we’ve got all your favourite cuisines covered. So whether you’re in the mood for something spicy or something sweet, you can find the perfect restaurant to satisfy your cravings.

Treat yourself to a night out and start your next dining adventure!

 

1. Smash Kitchen & Bar

Smash Kitchen & Bar is known for its creative menu and welcoming atmosphere. Everyone loves coming here to watch the game and catch up with friends over a few drinks. They have a nice cozy patio at the back for you to enjoy the summer weather.

Offering a wide range of delicious dishes like classic fish n’ chips, juicy burgers, and tender steak, there is something on the menu to satisfy every palate. If you like appetizers as much as we do, you’ll definitely want to try their famous nachos, wings, or fish tacos.

Whether you’re looking for a casual night out or a special occasion, Smash is definitely a spot you don’t want to miss.

 

2. Skyview Fusion Cuisine

You can’t be in Markham and not go for dim sum. All the best dim sum restaurants are in Markham and Richmond Hill. Yes, we dare say they’re even better than the popular dim sum places in downtown Toronto!

Their menu is expansive and offers a wide range of dishes, including traditional items like jumbo-sized har gao (steamed shrimp dumplings), and flavourful siu mai (steamed pork and shrimp dumpling), silky rice noodle rolls, and freshlybaked BBQ pork buns.

We’ve tried practically every dim sum restaurant in the city and Skyview Fusion Cuisine is one of the top dim sum spots in the city.

 

3. NextDoor Restaurant

NextDoor is a popular choice for both locals and visitors alike. This upscale restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its contemporary Canadian cuisine.

Their signature Brunch Tower (with a choice of two or four servings), is packed with eggs, smoked bacon, lamb sausages, potato hash, and much more, and will definitely live up to the hype.

The menu changes seasonally, so you can always expect to find something new and exciting. They use the freshest ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes that will leave you wanting more.

We highly recommend you make reservations ahead of time, as this place is often packed. But it’s definitely worth the wait and you’ll be glad you came!

 

4. Inspire Restaurant

This cozy restaurant has a rustic vibe with modern decor and serves up Asian fusion cuisine. Their menu features items such as chicken and waffles, shrimp noodles, and beef short ribs.

Inspire is known for its unique take on traditional carbonara pasta by using udon noodles instead of the usual spaghetti. Order the Udon Carbonara if you want something creamy, rich, and filled with flavours.

The food is reasonably priced and the portions are large, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for a hearty meal. The service is also friendly and efficient.

We wrote our honest reviews and posted mouth-watering photos of all the dishes we tried from Inspire here.

 

5. Alchemy Coffee

At Alchemy, they pride themselves on serving the best breakfast in Markham. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the mood for savory or sweet, they’ve got something to satisfy your taste buds. With a wide selection of egg benedicts, french toast, pancakes, and waffles to choose from, diners never leave hungry or disappointed.

For first-timers, definitely try their Salmon Benny. It’s a classic dish and one of the most popular items on the menu. The poached eggs are cooked to perfection and the smoked salmon is incredibly flavourful. The hollandaise sauce is rich and creamy without being too heavy. You’ll get roasted potatoes and a healthy side salad to round out the meal.

Start your day right with a hot cup of coffee and a full stomach.

 

6. Sansotei Ramen

Instant ramen is quick and easy, but if you want the real deal, you have to go to Sansotei Ramen in Markham.

Boasting some of the best ramens in the GTA, Sansotei Ramen has a diverse menu that features classic Japanese noodle soups as well as some unique creations that will take your taste buds on a delicious journey. Whether you’re craving the rich and flavourful tonkotsu broth or something a bit lighter and more refreshing like the shoyu broth, you’ll find it here.

Their piping hot bowls of ramen are the perfect meal to warm up your body and soul.

 

7. Il Postino

There are a lot of unique shops along Main St. for you to browse, but if you’re looking for a delicious Italian meal in Markham, look no further than Il Postino!

Their menu features all of the classic Italian dishes that you know and love, as well as some exciting new creations that are sure to impress. They serve everything from the staples like seafood linguine and meatballs to the best pizzas in the city.

Inside the restaurant is warm and inviting, with an old-world charm that makes you feel right at home. If the weather is nice, take advantage of their patio area in front of the restaurant for a more intimate dining experience.

The service at Il Postino is top-notch, and the food is consistently delicious. No wonder it’s so popular among locals!

 

8. Big Beef Bowl

Sometimes, restaurants come up with names that are unique, funny, or have some sort of meaning to them. For Big Beef Bowl, you can take it at face value, they serve BIG bowls of hand-pulled noodles. In comparison to Japanese ramen and udon, we found that the portion at Big Beef Bowl is massive!

Most people order the Classic Beef for the first time, and it’s a good place to start. The broth is light and flavourful without making you feel dehydrated, the hand-pulled noodles are very fresh and al dente and the beef is incredibly tender. For an extra boost of flavour, add a splash of their house-made chili oil.

Be sure to come with a big appetite because you’ll definitely need it!

We included a Big Beef Bowl review along with irresistible food photos of the items we tried.

 

9. Mi-Ne Sushi

When it comes to Japanese cuisine, there’s no shortage of great sushi places in Markham to choose from. But if we had to pick just one, it would be Mi-Ne Sushi.

The sushi is fresh and flavourful, the nigiri is firm but not too hard, and the sashimi is always nicely sliced. When you look at the special rolls section, you might get overwhelmed by the choices. But don’t worry, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Remember, sushi platters are perfect for sharing with a group. If you’re running out of ideas for your next gathering, you know where to go.

 

10. Main St Greek

An authentic Greek restaurant located in the middle of Main St? Sign us up!

Main St Greek is the perfect place to hit up for a taste of Greece without having to leave Markham. You’ll find all of your Greek favourites here, from chicken souvlaki and pork gyros to fluffy pita bread stuffed with delicious Mediterranean flavours and creamy tzatziki sauce. The spanakopita is a fantastic appetizer to add to your meal.

The quality of the food is definitely comparable to the best Greek restaurants on the Danforth.

 

11. Big Bone BBQ

You didn’t expect Markham to have a legitimate BBQ joint, did you?

At Big Bone BBQ, they take their barbecue very seriously. The meats are cooked low and slow in a smoker, resulting in tender, juicy, and flavourful meats that will have your taste buds singing and you licking your fingers as you eat.

From juicy pulled pork to fall off the bone, tender ribs, and perfectly coated fried wings, Big Bone BBQ is the place to go for all your barbecue cravings.

 

12. Bamiyan Kabob

The beauty of living in a diverse city like Toronto is that you’re never far from some great international cuisine. Beyond the typical Chinese restaurants, you’ll also find a number of great Afghan restaurants in Markham. Bamiyan Kabob is one of the best, serving up authentic Afghan cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting.

The menu at Bamiyan is full of classic Afghan traditions that will have you drooling. The dinner platters are served with your choice of meat, rice, and a variety of delicious sides. For something a little lighter, try one of their kabob wraps.

When we were at Bamiyan Kabob, the lamb kabob was our fave, but the Chicken Kofta Kabob dinner is to die for. It’s filled with fragrant basmati rice topped with tender chunks of chicken and well-seasoned ground beef. The dinner also comes with a big piece of freshly baked naan bread and creamy dips.

You’ll definitely want to check out our very honest Bamiyan Kabob review here.

 

13. The Pho Restaurant

You know what’s good just by reading the restaurant name. However, Vietnamese food is so much more than just pho. We love pho, the rice noodles in beef soup because it’s so comforting and familiar. Like a bowl of mother’s chicken soup or a grilled cheese sandwich, pho is an instant comfort. And that’s why it’s so popular.

But before you order your usual bowl of pho, let us introduce you to a different side of Vietnamese cuisine that’s just as delicious – bun bo hue. Pho lovers will surely fall in love with the deep and meaty broth of bun bo hue.

The bun bo hue at The Pho Restaurant is one of our favorite dishes. This spicy, rich beef soup has a noticeable lemongrass flavour and surprisingly refreshing sour notes. Topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a lime wedge on the side, it’s the perfect bowl to soothe your soul and warm your belly on a cold day.

If you don’t mind driving a little further for the best Pho restaurants, Nam Vietnamese Restaurant is another top choice. When you’re there, you have to get a side order of dry wings with lime sauce with your meal. You’ll never think about wings in the same way again!

We visited The Pho Restaurant and here’s what we personally thought about their best-selling dishes.

 

14. Peter’s Fine Dining

This classic steakhouse has been serving the Markham community for over 40 years, offering fine dining at its best. Well known for its delicious steaks and seafood, Peter’s Fine Dining is a foodie haven in Markham.

On the menu, you will find fresh seafood options like meaty lobster tails and sweet Alaskan king crab legs, as well as classic steakhouse dishes like peppercorn steak and their signature prime rib. Their steaks are touted as one of the best in Markham, so be sure to order one if you’re looking for a truly exceptional dining experience.

The interior has an old-school elegance to it with chandeliers and wall sconces lighting, dark wood finishes, and crisp white tablecloths. The cozy environment is the perfect place for a celebration or a special night out.

Seriously, ask your parents or find a babysitter to look after the kids for the evening and indulge in a night out at Peter’s Fine Dining. You deserve it!

 

15. Mr ChiMaek

For those of you that are Korean food lovers, you’ll be happy to know that there are several amazing restaurants in Markham serving up some of the best Korean fried chicken around!

Mr ChiMaek is one of these places, and their fried chicken is definitely worth the hype. It’s super crispy and tender and goes great with soju or two. The honey butter seasoned fried chicken is a popular choice, but if you want a slightly spicier option, try the spicy garlic and soy sauce flavoured chicken.

Another popular restaurant that has really good Korean fried chicken is Kore Chicken. You can try both places and decide which one is your favourite!

If you want regular Korean food, Sung Won has superb pork bone soup and yummy bulgogi and kalbi. They’re relatively new, but they deliver quality food at very reasonable prices, making them one of the best takeout places in Markham!