Dining at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

As Canada’s largest and busiest airport gradually recovers from the pandemic’s impact, travelers are slowly returning to global adventures. This resurgence means longer wait times at check-in, security, and gates—creating ample opportunities for hunger to strike.

Fortunately, Pearson has made significant improvements in the variety and quality of dining options available before boarding. With an expanded selection of cuisines, partnerships with celebrity chefs like Susur Lee and Lynn Crawford, and new restaurant locations, there’s much more to choose from.

Navigating Pearson can be a bit complex, as it features two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 (Terminal 2 has been out of service since 2007). Terminal 1 includes three separate security areas for domestic, U.S., and international flights, prohibiting movement between them. Terminal 3 combines domestic and international flights in one area, while U.S. flights are separated; again, crossing is not permitted between these zones.

Nonetheless, it's well worth any inconvenience to track down a good meal before your flight.

Top Picks at YYZ

The Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles Express: Not everyone craves fried chicken and waffles before a flight, but the remarkably tasty Dirty Bird is anything but ordinary. If you haven't had the chance to visit its flagship in Kensington Market, treat yourself to the gluten-free and halal-friendly OEB (featuring dark meat, a crispy waffle, buttered maple, and their signature dirty sauce). For a tidier option, the OG with thigh meat, pickles, and dirty aioli is a solid choice. (Located in Terminal 1 after security, Canadian area, Gate D20)

Boccone Trattoria by Massimo Capra: Opened by the well-known local chef Massimo Capra from Food Network Canada, this family-friendly trattoria offers an extensive Italian breakfast menu, including signature scaccia (Sicilian folded pizza), antipasti, salads, pastas, pizzas, paninis, and hearty dishes like pan-seared pickerel and roasted porchetta. The partitioned seating gives it a more authentic restaurant feel compared to typical airport dining. (Located in Terminal 1 after security, Canadian area, Gate D41)

The Hearth by Lynn Crawford: Led by celebrity chef Lynn Crawford from Top Chef Canada and Iron Chef America, this restaurant features a central hearth where staff crafts signature flatbreads topped with ingredients like mushroom, leek, and Parmesan béchamel. The menu highlights Canadian comfort food classics, such as Montreal-style poutine, Fogo Island fish and chips, and traditional spaghetti and meatballs. (Located in Terminal 1 after security, American area, Gate F60)

Caplansky’s Deli: For those looking to avoid overpriced snacks mid-flight, Zane Caplansky offers hearty “Jewish soul food.” Indulge in options like the towering Caplansky (challot French toast), brisket sandwiches, knish pockets, and matzo ball soup. (Located in Terminal 3 after security, Canadian/international area, Gate B39)

Cluny Grill: This casual outpost is the sibling to the original Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie in Toronto’s Distillery District. Here, classic dirty dogs and poutines are reimagined: Dogs can be dressed with bacon lardons, smoked cheddar, sour cream, and scallions; while the Québecois poutine is elevated with beef brisket and crispy chicharrones. (Located in Terminal 3 after security, American area, Gate A10)

Lee Kitchen by Susur Lee: If you prefer small plates over a full meal, check out celebrity chef Susur Lee’s airport branch. This venue, inspired by the Asian fusion/French influences of his original Lee Restaurant on King West, offers popular items like cheeseburger spring rolls, teriyaki strip steak, and all-day dim sum. (Located in Terminal 1 after security, international area, Gate E73/F73)

Vinifera: This spot is primarily known for its impressive selection of nearly 100 wines and 20 craft beers, complemented by a variety of mains and handhelds including flatbreads, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and quesadillas. Unique dishes like masala rose pasta will tantalize your taste buds, but the straightforward lemon rosemary chicken panini is also a reliable option. (Located in Terminal 3 after security, Canadian/international area, Gate C32)

Highlights in bold indicate the top dining choices beyond those previously mentioned.

Terminal 1

Before security

• Booster Juice: A popular Canadian juice and smoothie chain, mainly found in malls, serving meals in liquid form. (Located at Level 2 parking and Link Train)
• Starbucks: This multinational giant serves overpriced coffee and elaborate espresso drinks that come with a hefty price tag. (Located at Level 1 arrivals and Level 3 check-in)
• Subway: Known for its distinctive synthetic yeast aroma, this American fast-food chain offers “healthy” (but not really) foot-long subs for any meal. (Located at Level 2 mezzanine)
• Tim Hortons: A budget-friendly Canadian doughnut chain (acquired by an American multinational) that serves doughnuts, sandwiches, basic coffee, and sweet espresso drinks. (Located at Level 1 arrivals)

After security (for flights within Canada)

• A&W: A mid-range burger joint known for its signature root beer. (Gate D37)
• Bar 120: Culinary innovation: Simple molecular gastronomy by chef John Placko focuses on practicality, featuring items like dome-smoked chicken wings. (Gate D20)
• Bento Sushi: Standard mall-style sushi, now available at the airport. (Gate D22)
• Boccone Trattoria by Massimo Capra: This celebrity chef’s rustic Italian Mytoury serves breakfast, pasta, pizzas, antipasti, and bar snacks. (Gate D41)
• Camden Food Company: An airport chain offering organic, fair-trade, and local options that often fall short in taste, especially given their prices and portion sizes. (Gate D31)
• Farmer’s Market: Contrary to its name, no farmers are here. Instead, find packaged wraps, salads, snacks, and typical grab-and-go offerings. It’s only slightly better than onboard meal options. (Gate D4)
• Mill Street Brewery Pub: This pub extension at Pearson brings the friendly atmosphere of Mill Street’s Distillery District location, serving locally brewed beers alongside an interesting mix of pub food. (Gate D20)
• Starbucks: Expect long lines for pricey coffee and sugary pastries that could spike your blood sugar. (Gates D42, D20)
• Thai Express: Fast service with Thai dishes, where the pad thai tends to be overly saucy and greasy. (Gate D45)
• The Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles Express: A local favorite from Toronto, offering a limited menu at this Pearson location. (Gate D20)
• Tim Hortons: Known for their lackluster coffee paired with reheated doughnuts. (Gate D42)
• Twist by Roger Mooking: Toronto chef Roger Mooking presents a varied menu of global dishes, highlighting bold flavors in otherwise mundane airport fare (burgers, wraps, salads). (Gate D36)

After security (for flights to the U.S.)

• Booster Juice: A selection of high-calorie smoothies, shakes, and bowls, with forgettable wraps and paninis available. (Gate F57)
• Apropos: A typical airport bar serving cocktails and light bites. (Gate F62/F65)
• Cibo Express Gourmet Market: Distinct from Via Cibo and Cibo Wine Bar, this airport-specific venue stocks sandwiches, drinks, and various travel necessities. (Gate F61)
• Starbucks: If you have their app and star rewards, it’s a great time to redeem for free items. (Gate F60)
• The Burger Federation: A paradise for burger lovers, available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (with major Donald Gorske vibes). (Gate F87)
• The Hearth by Lynn Crawford: One of celebrity chef Lynn Crawford’s last standalone Mytouries (her popular Ruby Watchco closed in 2020). (Gate F60)
• Tim Hortons: Doughnuts, with or without the endorsement of Justin Bieber. (Gate F66)
• Upper Crust: Offering pizzas, baguettes, sandwiches, and pastries. (Gate F57)
• Wahlburgers: A step above fast food burgers, created by Marky Mark Wahlberg and his brothers, though they also feature salads and breakfast scrambles. (Gate F67)

After security (for international flights)

• Built Custom Burgers: A haven for burger enthusiasts, serving up a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that might leave you questioning your choices. (Gate E74)
• Banh Shop: True to its name, this spot specializes in banh mi sandwiches and offers a selection of Saigon street food, including spring rolls, soups, and noodles. (Gate E74)
• Heirloom Bakery Cafe: Featuring Devin Connell from Food Network Canada, this café serves standard sandwiches and snacks in a cozy atmosphere. (Gate E75)
• Lee Kitchen by Susur Lee: Here, you won’t find the elaborate salads Susur Lee is known for, but you can enjoy simpler options and some Asian fusion dishes like hoisin chicken and jerk barbecue ribs. (Gate E73/F73)
• Marathi: One of the standout spots in the airport, offering a delightful array of Indian street food that bursts with flavor. Expect dishes like coconut prawn curry, jackfruit and chicken, khurma, and spicy masala scrambled eggs for early risers. (Gate E78)
• Rock Squeeze: A selection of over 20 premium whiskies is available here, paired with a few light snacks. (Gate E74)
• Starbucks: A place where drinks often cost more than the food, which is usually microwaved sandwiches, wraps, and baked goods. (Gate E75)
• Tim Hortons: The most affordable dining option at the airport, where two people can grab sandwiches and drinks for under $10 CAD. (Gates E81 and E66)
• Wahlburgers: Here, you can indulge in a seasonal cranberry-turkey Thanksgiving burger, even in the heat of summer. (Gate E67)

Terminal 3

Before security

• Freshii: Offering nutritious meals in the form of burritos, tacos, bowls, smoothies, salads, snacks, and frozen yogurt. (Departures level)
• Starbucks: The only spot in Toronto where coffee shops outnumber cannabis dispensaries. (Departures level)
• Subway: Endorsed by Canadian snowboarder Mark Lee McMorris, this chain still serves the same subs as during Jared Fogel's era. (Domestic arrivals)
• Tim Hortons: Often referred to as “as Canadian as maple syrup,” this icon is known for the “double double” order, a favorite among locals. (Arrivals level)
• Wendy’s: Featuring square patties, chili, and Frosties, it stands out as a typical fast-food burger joint. (Arrivals level)

After security (for USA flights)

• Acer: Named after Japan’s famous maple trees, this spot offers rice bowls, rolls, curry rice, and ramen, as well as American breakfast items. (Gate C36)
• Archeo Pizzeria: A sister location to the Distillery District's Archeo, this outlet specializes in focaccia-style pizzas. (Gate A10)
• Cluny Grille: Known for high-quality hot dogs and indulgent poutine. (Gate A10)
• Distillery Bar: Aiming to capture the friendly atmosphere of Toronto’s Distillery District, this bar features a selection of draft and bottled beers, alongside a few snack options. (Gate A10)
• Nobel Burger: Endorsed by celebrity chef Mark McEwan, this gourmet burger bar features unique toppings like Brie, truffle oil, and oyster mushrooms. (Gate A13)
• Starbucks: Once a quaint Seattle coffee shop, now a global staple, including at this airport. (Gate A14)
• Urban Crave: Promoting “global street food,” but its offerings resemble more of a diner menu with items like egg breakfast buckets and chicken chop bowls. (Gate A12)
• Urban Market: A blend of 7-Eleven convenience and Panera Bread-style offerings with numerous pre-packaged foods. (Gate A9)

After security (for flights within Canada or international)

• Beerhive: A destination for local and international craft beers, accompanied by classic pub fare like burgers, wraps, and pizza. (Gate B41)
• Booster Juice: A pricey health food chain that’s perfect for those who prefer sipping their meals rather than chewing them. (Gate B41)
• Caplanksy’s Deli: Though Chef Zane Caplanky’s popular College Street location has closed due to landlord issues, the spirit of his Jewish deli continues at this airport venue. (Gate B39)
• Corso Pizza and Pasta: Neapolitan-style pizzas baked in a traditional wood-fired oven. (Gate B29)
• Fionn MacCool’s: One of the few spots in Pearson that feels like a true restaurant with its enclosed space. It serves typical Irish pub fare, including pot pie, fish and chips, burgers, and shepherd’s pie. (Gate B24)
• Heirloom Bakery Cafe: While the name suggests a family legacy of recipes from food personality Devin Connell, it ultimately serves as just another airport Mytoury with a variety of sandwiches, sweets, and snacks. (Gate E75)
• Paramount Fine Foods: Lebanese-Canadian Mohamad Fakih’s restaurant chain features Middle Eastern dishes like shish tawouk platters, fried kibbeh, and kafta kebabs, all at reasonable prices with generous portions. (Gate C36)
• Smashburger: A Denver-based burger chain focusing on smash-griddled burgers, and the only location in Toronto is at Pearson. (Gate B26)
• Starbucks: Despite the closure of 33 locations in Toronto this year for “business transformation,” all nine airport locations remain open. (Gate B39)
• Subway: Claiming to offer over 2 million sandwich combinations, yet most share a flavor profile reminiscent of sadness (and sometimes, mystery meat). (Gate B22)
• Tap & Pour: A pub offering local Mill Street brews with the expected pub fare, such as fish and chips, burgers, and wraps. (Gate B3)
• Tim Hortons: Canadians have a complicated love/hate relationship with Timmies; while often criticized, we fiercely defend it against non-Canadians. (Gates B22, B3, and B26)
• Vinifera: The place to go when you need a bar at 4 a.m. because your body thinks it’s happy hour somewhere. (Gate C32)
• Vino Volo Wine Bar: Offering over 30 varieties of wine alongside snack options like marcona almonds and charcuterie boards for those on a layover. (Gate B22)