A handful of Caribbean food destinations line the Northwest corner of NDG, perhaps none more beloved than Mr. Patty, tucked away in a predominately residential area. This takeout spot makes the flaky, warm titular delicacy from scratch daily. On weekends, they bust out more Jamaican staples like oxtail, jerk chicken, and cow foot soup.

Jiayi Du’s dumplings have become the pride of the neighbourhood. Available in about two dozen varieties, this family restaurant doesn’t mess with the classics, offering dumplings the “traditional Chinese” way, served either steamed, fried, or boiled. It’s in the midst of renovations, so takeout only.

The former K’Bob and the original of a suddenly expanding chain. Previously a more all-encompassing Korean resto, pandemic times forced founder Eunjung Ko to pivot quickly, opting for a takeout menu centred around her crispy, but not greasy, fried bird. The restaurant was quickly deemed a success, and so too were its myriad of sauces to choose from.

In an underrated culinary corner with multiple quality options, this family run Ethiopian restaurant doesn’t skimp on homemade stews brimming with berbere-seasoned chicken, lamb, beef, and veggies. Skip the utensils and scoop it all up with injera bread for the full experience.

A low-key Monkland Village favourite serving home-style Mexican dishes in an unassuming environment. You can’t go wrong with red or green chilaquiles, or a rich mole poblano with chicken.

The quintessential neighbourhood family business the area is known for, this corner restaurant and deli has been making its own fresh pasta and Italian specialities since 1985. Homemade favourites include crowd pleasers like lasagna bolognese to flashier fare like ravioli norcina with black truffle and olives ascolana. 

What started as a cozy, friendly neighbourhood café with hanging greenery and Persian treats has since grown into a cultural gathering spot, with a full menu of hearty traditional Iranian dishes and multi-coloured beverages. Warm up with soups or stews, cool down with rose water and saffron, or fill up with thick eggplant or yogurt dips.

Meaning “pleasantly full” in Taiwanese, Gia Ba chef Andy Su takes care in ensuring diners leave the restaurant feeling that way. Su’s menu mixing Szechuan, Chinese, and Taiwanese cuisines will also satisfy those with a taste for spice.

A takeout and delivery pizza slinger tucked away in a catering kitchen near the super hospital, Giuseppe Sacchetti’s handmade Roman round (tonda) and square (al taglio) pizzas hit the spot. Each unique crust seems to tell a story: whether you pick it up from the man himself or have it sent to your door.

Stephen Leslie remains the dean of Monkland Village after 26 years, and his upscale bistro is a true institution worthy of the accolades. A convivial spot where high rollers rub elbows with casual locals, expect to break bread over cocktails or a bottle of wine before moving on to oysters, AAA Black Angus burgers and steaks, and pasta.

Any introductory spiel to the neighbourhood inevitably comes with effusive praise for the rotisserie chicken mainstay. Around since 1944, the wood-panelled interior and cushy booths are as inviting as ever, or there’s a back takeout window for quick getaways. There’s a reason they’re still in business: generous portions and a peppery gravy perfect for dousing on chicken, fries, and toast.