Let’s Explore Vaughan’s Culinary Hidden Gems
Let’s visit Vaughan! Just north of Toronto, Vaughan is a treasure trove of culinary delights that often fly under the radar. From smoky BBQ joints to authentic Turkish and Italian bakeries, our recent content trip unveiled some of the most mouth-watering hidden gems this city has to offer.
We’re still daydreaming about the flavours and experiences Vaughan served up. So buckle up, and let us take you on a delicious journey through Vaughan’s must-visit eateries.
Here’s Where Your Taste Buds Need to Travel in Vaughan
Feast your eyes (and stomachs) on these incredible spots we unearthed in Vaughan. They’re sure to haunt your foodie dreams!
1. Big Bone BBQ & Wicked Wings
Where: 10040 Keele St, Maple, ON (View Map)
Roll up those sleeves because it’s time to dive into some seriously delicious BBQ. As you step into Big Bone BBQ, the first thing that hits you is the intoxicating aroma of the grill, immediately followed by the sight of Elvis memorabilia rocking out on the shelves! This was a promising sign of the great time to come.
For over 25 years, Big Bone BBQ has been dishing out mouth-watering Southern BBQ to Ontario locals. We were tempted to order one of everything but decided to settle for a classic order of their wicked wings, especially since it was Thursday’s buy 1 lb, get one free deal—yes, please! These wings, coated in honey garlic and BBQ sauce, practically fell right off the bone, showcasing true grill mastery.
We also couldn’t resist ordering the Fantasy Burger. We were half-jokingly warned that consuming this behemoth might require a doctor’s certificate. Topped with cheese, bacon, and pulled pork, it was truly a dream come true for any BBQ aficionado out there.
We’ve got some delicious Turkish hidden gems coming up – read on for deliciousness!
2. Mama Fatma Turkish Cuisine
Where: 10385 Weston Rd Unit 7B, Woodbridge, ON (View Map)
This gem was a true celebration of Turkish cuisine. We stopped here for lunch, and oh man, we were in for a real treat! Mama Fatma offers premier Turkish dishes and is committed to authenticity and culinary excellence. They truly lived up to their word.
We ordered the ground beef & mozzarella pide. We loved this thin-crust pide that was topped with a blend of ground beef, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, onions, parsley, black pepper, and paprika. We also happily dipped our hot pita into the fresh mixed appetizer plate which included hummus, baba ghanoush, and spicy mashed tomatoes and peppers.
Our main was delicious! We feasted on the Chicken Adana Kebab, which included two chicken skewers seasoned with Turkish spices and served with rice, salad, BBQ tomatoes, peppers, and pita bread.
Pro tip: We highly recommend you try their fresh Ayran! A simple yet delicious drink that pairs well with the beef pide or any chicken dish, it’s refreshing and home made from just three ingredients: yogurt, salt, and water.
3. Cappadocia Bakery
Where: 9000 Weston Rd, Vaughan, ON (View Map)
Step into the enchanting world of Cappadocia Bakery, where instant smiles and a warm, inviting atmosphere are part of the experience. With its impeccable vibes and stylish interior, this new gem has quickly become a beacon of culinary excellence, despite having opened its doors just a few months ago.
Consider this a friendly tip: you might want to skip breakfast before diving into the delights that await you here. The bakery and brunch combos offer a lavish Turkish feast that promises to surpass all expectations.
This impressive mix breakfast features Menemen, a classic blend of eggs, tomatoes, green peppers, and spices.
This is joined by fried eggs, a rich cheese platter, savoury mushrooms with mozzarella, spicy Sujuk, and a vibrant mix of vegetables. This feast also includes a variety of appetizer dips like Haydari and roasted pepper with yogurt, French fries, and a pastry tray filled with the crispiest Turkish bagels, buns, and Borek.
And to complete this banquet, a teapot for the whole table ensures a moment of shared joy and relaxation.
Let’s just say we can’t wait to return and try their lunch/dinner menu!
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Choose your own, bakery adventure:
We’d be remiss if we didn’t highlight at least a few Italian bakeries calling Vaughan home. Feel like you’re sitting in Nona’s kitchen as you bite into the tasty treats from Nino D’Aversa Bakery, or St. Philip’s Bakery. Not sure which to choose? Let us help.
4. Nino D’Aversa Bakery
Where: 7960 Kipling Ave, Woodbridge, ON (View Map)
Nino D’Aversa Bakery is a true gem, offering exceptional breads and baked goods since 1969 and combining traditional European techniques with fresh ingredients to maintain high-quality standards. They truly embody the essence of an Italian trattoria, offering gelato, famous pizza, and tavola calda with an inviting atmosphere.
During our visit, we indulged in the gelato—sampling chocolate, strawberry, and lemon flavours—and savoured a variety of pastries, including the chocolate cannoli, tiramisu, and pastel de nata, each bite a testament to Nino D’Aversa’s understanding of a damn good baked good.
5. St. Phillip’s Bakery
Where: 5100 Rutherford Rd, Woodbridge, ON (View Map)
Branding themselves as a “fresh take on timeless tastes”, here you’ll immerse yourself in the full spectrum of Italian cuisine. More importantly, you’ll encounter Italian traditions “exactly as they’re intended to be experienced.” We couldn’t agree more.
Your eyes will light up upon walking into St. Phillip’s Bakery. The circular shape of the glass cases sends you on a loop of mouthwatering offerings. From their handmade cakes and patisserie to their fresh pane and salumeria, you’ll find everything you’re craving. They also offer the cutest sitting area to enjoy an authentic espresso, cappuccino, or latte alongside all the treats you pick up.
We recommend going in for a brunch experience, as you’ll want to try a bit of everything and end with some delicious pastries for dessert. You can order grilled focaccia or a wood oven pizza, or you can grab an assorted plate of handmade pasta dishes, fried zucchini croquettes, or fried calamari on Fridays. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed here.
No matter where you decide to venture on this foodie adventure in Vaughan, we’re confident you’ll find yourself ordering seconds, and maybe even a bit of dessert. And don’t worry, we won’t judge!
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Bon appetite!
We can’t wait for you to visit Vaughan and explore these delicious hidden gems. Cheers!
