Discover Markham’s Hidden Gems

Markham residents are passionate about supporting local businesses, and have unique insight into local neighbourhoods and eateries.

Several high-profile influencers also call Markham home, and have their own hidden gems! Check out some amazing recommendations by our own resident influencers!


Hungry Jo

HungryJo
HungryJo
HungryJo
HungryJo

Hungry Jo is a resident “OG” Influencer, and during these unprecedented times has been working hard to support and promote our local restaurants!

We asked her how she would describe Markham in one word- and she said “Family”.

Because “Markham is a wonderful and safe place to raise families with access to some of the top schools in Ontario. Great city run problems for adults & kids in one of the many modern community centres including world class Markham Pan Am Centre”

What are some of Hungry Jo’s favourite restaurants?

Ala Kitchen – a hidden gem located behind First Markham Place, it has been her go-to for Xiao Long Bao and Fried Dumplings!

Website: http://alakitchenshanghai.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alakitchenshanghai/
Address: First Markham Centre, 11 Fairburn Dr Unit 18, Markham, ON L6G 1A6
Phone: 905-946-7990

Mi-ne Sushi is a neighbourhood favourite. She recommends the lobster tail tempura!

Website: https://mine-sushi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minemarkham/
Address: 8865 Woodbine Ave, Markham, ON L3R 5G1
Phone: 905-470-1688

Kinton Ramen : she is enjoying the new vegetarian ramen, and has a special tip for us!
Now until December 30th, take advantage of Hungry Jo’s special promo code “hungryjo15” to get 15% off when you use their online ordering system!

Website: https://www.kintonramen.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kintonramen/
Address: 505 Hwy 7 Unit 54-58, Markham, ON L3T 7T1
Phone: 905-597-8775


Aleemchicoeats

Aleemchicoeats
Aleemchicoeats
Aleemchicoeats
Aleemchicoeats

Aleem has lived in Markham for the majority of his live- it holds a special place in his heart as he attended elementary and high school here. He is a proud educator at one of the best high schools in Canada located in Markham!

Aleem chose the word “Unity” to describe Markham – No matter what comes Markham’s way, we are strong and we keep moving on as a united front. On top of that we do it with grace and class. Hello! It’s Markham after all! 🙂

What are some of Aleem’s hidden gems?

Santorini – serves up authentic Greek food, be it souvlaki, gyro, saganaki or their delish grilled steak!

Website: http://www.santorini.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santorini_estiatorio/
Address: 288 John St, Thornhill, ON L3T 6M8
Phone: 905-731-4400

Osaka Markham – Aleem highly recommends the Gold 888 and Toronto Roll: he also says that the bento boxes are perfect as they come with tasty tempura and fresh sashimi!

Website: http://markhamosakasushi.ca/
Address: 5762 Hwy 7, Markham, ON L3P 1A5
Phone: (905) 471-8006

Diane Oyster Bar serves up fresh seafood and oysters. Aleem highlighted their seafood platter that comes full of shrimp, scallop, crab, lobster and calamari!

Website: http://markham.dianasoysterbar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianasoysterbarmarkham/
Address: 7501 Woodbine Ave, Markham, ON L3R 2W1
Phone: 905-415-7792


Hungry Wongs

HungryWongs
HungryWongs
HungryWongs
HungryWongs

Hungry Wongs went to elementary and high school in Markham, and considers this a second home. They word they have chosen to describe Markham is “Eclectic”- because of the wide range of food options available!

These are the restaurants they recommend!

Bamiyan Kabob – serves up hulking plates of Afghan food, like the Tandoori Chicken Kabob and the Kofta Kabob.

Website: https://www.bamiyankabob.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bamiyankabobofficial/
Address: 7760 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L3S 4S1
Phone: 905-910-1043

Tapagria is their go to place in Markham for Spanish tapas! Check out their amazing paella!

Website: https://www.tapagria.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tapagriarestaurant/
Address: 230 Commerce Valley Dr E #2, Thornhill, ON L3T 7Y3
Phone: 905-771-8868

Tai Ping Hsiang is one of their hidden gems- located in Metro Square, they serve delicious popcorn chicken and other amazing Taiwanese dishes!

Address: 3636 Steeles Ave E #139, Markham, ON L3R 2Z5
Phone: 905-947-9998


BarleeLounge

BarleeLounge
BarleeLounge
BarleeLounge
BarleeLounge

Barlee Lounge describes Markham with 1 very true word: Delicious!

Markham is one of the best places in the GTA to find a wide variety of delicious eats. Anywhere you look, there’s a delicious café, bakery, or restaurant! As a foodie Markham is the perfect place to find delicious food.

Barlee Lounge’s three hidden gems include:

Duo Patisserie – a fantastic bakery café with some of the best croissants in the city. Her favourite is the ham and cheese croissant!

Website: https://duopatisserie.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duo_patisserie/
Address: 230 Commerce Valley Dr E #4, Thornhill, ON L3T 7Y3
Phone: 905-763-2232

Zen Japanese restaurant is one of her go-to places for sushi, sashimi, and omakase: everything is extremely frehs, high quality, and their presentation is top notch!

Website: http://zenjapaneserestaurant.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenjapaneserestauranttoronto/
Address: 7634 Woodbine Ave, Markham, ON L3R 2N2
Phone: 905-604-7211

Golden Tycoon Seafood Restaurant – Barlee Lounge says it serves one of the best dim sum in the city!

Website:http://goldentycoon.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldentycoonsf/
Address: 5284 Hwy 7 #3, Markham, ON L3P 1B9
Phone: 905-294-8833


Markham Foodie

Markham Foodie
Markham Foodie
Markham Foodie
Markham Foodie

Markham Foodie has lived in Markham for almost their entire life!

They say that when they think of Markham, they think of the word “Diverse”.

“It’s full of diverse food, culture, and people. We honestly just love our city, so we want to Show Some Markham Love.”

Their hidden gems include:

Butter Baker Toronto, their favourite spot for treats and sweets!

Website: https://butter-baker.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butterbakerto/
Address: 140 Amber St Unit #10, Markham, ON L3R 3J8
Phone: 905-604-3997

Komeya, their favourite local spot for ramen and poke right in their neighbourhood.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/komeya81/
Address: 9506 Markham Rd Unit 102, Markham, ON L6E 0W5
Phone: 905-554-8048

Cha Kee Restaurant their favourite HK café spot!

Website: https://order.mrsdigi.com/045309202403099/4dded227-89d9-5433-b445-2506ec98d868#/stores
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chakeerestaurant/
Address: 50 Bur Oak Ave #9, Markham, ON L6C 0A2
Phone: 905-534-5788


Is your favourite restaurant missing from this list? Send us an email, and we will be sure to include them in our online itinerary!

Have a cuisine or restaurant you would like to see featured? Destination Markham is always on the lookout to support
A safety reminder to wear a mask, keep physical distance, and wash your hands. Together we can keep #markhamsafe

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