The Local Gest in Toronto, ON

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Telephone:	+1 416-961-9425
Website:	www.thelocalgest.com
Address:	424 Parliament Street, Toronto, ON, M5A 3A2
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:	160 ftGerrard Street East 250 ftGerrard Street East/Parliament Street 500 ftParliament Street
Categories:	Canadian (New)

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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations	Yes
Delivery	No
Take-out	Yes
Accepts Credit Cards	Yes
Bike Parking	Yes
Good for Kids	Yes
Good for Groups	Yes
Attire	Casual

Noise Level	Quiet
Alcohol	Full Bar
Outdoor Seating	Yes
Wi-Fi	Free
Has TV	Yes
Waiter Service	Yes
Caters	No

Today

Today	11:30 am – 2:00 am Closed now
Local time (Toronto)	06:53 Wednesday, 23 April 2025

Business hours

Monday	11:30 am – 2:00 am
Tuesday	11:30 am – 2:00 am
Wednesday	11:30 am – 2:00 am
Thursday	11:30 am – 2:00 am
Friday	11:30 am – 2:00 am
Saturday	11:30 am – 2:00 am
Sunday	11:30 am – 2:00 am

Description

Specialties

The Local Gest brings Farm to Table eating to the heart of Cabbagetown, on Parliament. Enjoy fresh local produce — growing vegetables and herbs at a plot on Fresh City Farms, using mostly certified organic seeds, is just one of the ways that real food arrives on your plate. Choose from an array of classic dishes for lunch and dinner — burger, po’ boy, steak frites, fajitas and schnitzel, to name just a few. And weekend brunch offers both egg and savory options. Nightly entertainment includes Trivia Night on Wednesday, live music on Thursdays, and Sunday Jazz.

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20 reviews of The Local Gest

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Sean F.

Place rating: 3
Gainesville, FL

actually 3.5 stars. Cool place and super nice staff. I had the burger and it was pretty good but not great. Wife had the Cuban which was pretty good not great. The music was really amazing and the beer was good too. I want to come back because I think this place is really a 4 or 4.5 but on this day is was a 3.5.

Grayce Y.

Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada

Waaaahoo! The Local Gest has been in my bookmarks for a while so when I owed a friend dinner, I decided to take this opportunity to try out the Local GEST. I went with the Beef Burrito in mind but when I got there, I decided that I really really wanted the Po Boy. So I made my friend get the Po Boy and I got the Beef Burrito. I would say the Beef Burrito was tasty (in a kitchen-sink way) but the Po Boy was better. They also allow for half fries and half salad which is great because I can never decide.

K K.

Place rating: 5
Saskatoon, Canada

This place has the trifecta. Good food, great service, great atmosphere! We were in Toronto for a month and this place kept popping up but we always opted for something else. On our last night in town we decided to make the journey to the local gest and it was well worth it.
Cozy European pub atmosphere, staff was super friendly and accommodating, let us take a 6top on a Friday night just because we wanted the couch (we were a party if 2). Multiple staff (besides our waiter) came by and chatted with us throughout our meal and we even ended up in the middle of a joke between the table across from us and their waiter. Casual, comfortable, stay as long as you want, unpretentious type of place. We loved it. My husband had the burger I had the pasta special that night which was carbonara. Both were delicious. Cocktails were lovely, but we can’t say enough about the staff and warm atmosphere on a dreary Toronto night. We’ll be back next time we are in town!

Pegs S.

Place rating: 5
Mississauga, Canada

This is a wonderful little place; excellent customer service and food.

Charlee K.

Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada

First time I came to this place I was amazed with the food and service, everything was delicious and even the owners chatted with us.
This second time we went, we were there for brunch, there was only 5 tables at the restaurant and it took forever for our food to come.
My friend’s steak was cold, my hamburger was ok, but my husbands Po something sandwich was Amazing, wowwwww, I should have asked for that one instead.
Yeap I will go back, to give them another chance to see if it was only this one time they took forever with food.

Tammy H.

Place rating: 5
Bellaire, Houston, TX

This is a great restaurant with a local neighborhood flavor. We really enjoyed our time there and met the chef. He’s a fantastic «cook»!

Elliot P.

Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada

Due to an unexpected turn of events, your faithful reviewer was forced to become an east-ender earlier this year. Since this time, I have searched and searched for a place to call home. There has been near-successes and disasters, but it was not until I found the Local Gest, that I could finally hang up my wandering boots.
The Gest has a warm and personable staff who make time for banter, even when the crowd is thick. Their food is comfortable «Canadian» but fun and healthy (if you do choose!). The environment is laid back, like a well built cabin that sticks to tradition but updates when time calls for it. We had the arancini balls, the beef burrito and the Po Boy. Each were delicious, generous and tasty as left overs.
We will most certainly be back to our new home away from home!

Valeri C.

Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada

This place is the real deal. Warm atmosphere, charming staff and food that had me sighing with eyes closed. The beef burrito, Po Boy sandwich and the meatloaf sandwich are incredibly delicious. Go. You will thank me.

Heather L.

Place rating: 5
Oakville, Canada

Love this place. All of the staff are super friendly — they are great not just to regulars (like some places in the area) but to everyone who comes in. Food is fresh, locally sourced and delicious. Decent beer menu too. To be honest, the service alone would be enough to bring me back! And they love dogs. Enough said.

Anne E.

Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada

We had trouble choosing from a menu of tempting, interesting choices and decided on a pasta and a sandwich. Both were tasty and well prepared – the pasta was correctly al dente, and the asparagus in the goat cheese veggie sandwich was cooked to the right degree of tenderness. Their was a blip in the service, but not a serious one, and the space is not the most attractive one in town, but the low prices represent great value for food of this quality. We were impressed to find such high standards in a casual setting.

Brian D.

Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada

Popped in for lunch last Friday as we had the time! Was very happy we did. Had a chance to catch up with a couple of the owners, and am very impressed with what they continue to do with the place. They’ve been operating a farm in Sutton ON. I believe they said, and are incorporating their own organic produce into their menu. They are also doing a weekly Farmers Market which we’ll need to stop by and visit next weekend. If you are tired of some of the other markets selling produce from the Ontario Food Terminal, this is probably right for you. Keep up the good work guys. I’m a huge fan of your model. I taste the difference and admire your creative, authentic establishment!

Boris L.

Place rating: 5
Belgium

Great food, great price, great atmosphere, great staff and realy close to our guesthouse! A must do when you are in the neighbourhood.

Bernie D.

Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada

These guys deserve to do a lot better than they are. The food is excellent and the servers were great but last night they were dead while a few other places up the road were hopping. The unfortunate subterranean location (formerly Ben Wicks) worked well for a pub but doesn’t for a resto.
But if you go for the food, beer and wine and service and you won’t be disappointed.

Monique G.

Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada

Really wasn’t expecting much as I had a Groupon and I’m not a huge fan of «canadian» food but kudos to this place.
Friendly service and locally grown ingredients really do add to the experience here. I usually assume that local grown means bland but you really consume real food! I should also mention that the portions are HUGE — two people could share a dish.
We ordered the chicken schnitzel and beef burrito. Both really good although the beef burrito was the home run tonight. The beef was just so chunky and tender, almost reminded me of pot roast. The chicken was good as well but I needed a sauce. The gravy is amazing. Homemade and spiced perfectly.
When I’m back in the area, I’d like to come back and try the fish and chips.

Megan C.

Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada

I absolutely love this place! I went for dinner a few nights ago and it was wonderful. I ordered the chicken schnitzel which came with a warm garlic potato salad. It was super delicious and I would highly recommend ordering it. The service here was great as well – the servers were very friendly and attentive. All of their food comes from a farm in Sutton, so you can feel good about eating local. I really enjoyed my experience here and highly recommend giving it a try. I can’t wait to eat here again soon!

Eric L.

Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada

Excellent food with great prices. Best selection of local only beers in Toronto. Very friendly staff.

Tara Z.

Place rating: 4
Toronto, Canada

Excellent food, clearly prepared with care. The menu is thorough enough to satisfy almost everyone (between us, we tried one of their dinner-size salads (huge and filling!), one of their grilled sandwiches (well balanced, nicely crisped, and stuffed full of delicious cheese and pork), and one of their entrees (the chicken schnitzel, perfectly tender and well seasoned). The patio feels very secluded even though it’s right on Parliament – a great location for an afterwork drink or a weekend brunch!

Phan D.

Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada

I drool when I think of the sandwiches here.
Such an amazing little place. Great for big groups as there is ample comfy seating. The staff are always really friendly and helpful with the menu.
I’ve never had a bad meal here. Menu items appear to change with the seasons, which I love because it means the food is fresh and thoughtful.
Some of the other Cabbagetown pubs have become quite crowded, noisy and expensive. This is a nice change of pace.

Ittela U.

Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada

Ok… Its my absolute favorite… Everything there is just perfect for me… Its my spot! Love their daily special soups, Sandwiches… their drinks are awesome… both fresh and cocktails… Try the cranberry fizz! The seafood chowder is just mind-blowing!!! Keep in mind that the portions are big but you’ll love it. The owners are serving most of the time and they are beautiful people!!! The patio is a plus!!! Feels friendly and cozy in there! I work nearby so I end up having lunch every alternative day… I’m still not tired… neither bored!

PD M.

Place rating: 5
Toronto, Canada

Went to The local GEST for lunch & enjoyed a spicy seafood chowder & a large artisan meat & cheese platter with marinated olives & grainy mustard & fried capers. My 1^st charcuterie ever was excellent. So was the Soho Princess lychee cocktail (I had seconds, something I NEVER do). Hubby spilled my drink over the platter & the staff cheerfully mopped it up, replaced my drink & cheese at no charge. The staff are wonderful & friendly, informative & I loved the abstract prints & lamps decorating the below ground pub. This is a cozy ambience suitable for seasonal celebrations.