Nestled between Chinatown, the Ontario College of Art and Design, and the University of Toronto is the fine assortment of establishments that make up Baldwin Street. With so many eateries and styles of cuisine on one small street, it’s no wonder that Baldwin is so busy and popular amongst students, families, and office workers alike. But what is it that makes Baldwin so unique? The answer is quite simply: diversity.

On the corner of McCaul & Baldwin, Margarita’s Fiesta Room (14 Baldwin Street) is a bright pink house that quickly grabs the attention of anyone approaching the neighbourhood from the east. With the neon-coloured sign and upstairs patio, this Mexican spot is where customers can enjoy giant sizzling fajitas served with some of the best homemade guacamole ever. Ice-cold Margaritas in a variety of flavours quench the thirst and put everyone in the mood to dance to the catchy Latin tunes.

Yung Sing Pastry Shop (22 Baldwin Street) is a must visit for delicious Chinese pastries, including steamy BBQ Pork buns and Egg Custard Tarts that seem to instantly melt in the mouth. Healthier fare can be found at Baldwin Naturals-Organic Food Market (20 Baldwin Street), where grocery items such as veggie crackers, snacks or organic bread are all available.

French-inspired Café La Gaffe (24 Baldwin Street) has been a Baldwin Street icon since the late 80s when it moved from Kensington Market. The pretty front patio is a perfect place to sit with a cafe au lait or a glass of wine and people-watch on a sunny afternoon. Further down the street, Bodega Restaurant (30 Baldwin Street) continues with the French offerings. From brandy-soaked escargots to hamburgers made out of Kobe beef, their classic menu also offers prix fixe meals which include an appetizer, entrée, coffee or dessert.

John’s Italian Caffe (27 Baldwin Street) has been a fixture on this street since even before La Gaffe moved in. In the early 90s they expanded into the former Mandel’s creamery next door, which finally made it possible to get a seat on a Saturday night. Perched on the corner of Baldwin and Henry Streets, Bocca on Baldwin (26 Baldwin Street) boasts the largest patio on the strip, with a great view of the entire ‘hood. And for those who can’t decide between French or Italian, Midi Bistro (168 McCaul Street) around the corner offers a little both of both with their Mediterranean cuisine.

Kon-nichi-wa (31 Baldwin Street) across the street is the perfect place for a bowl of hot udon noodles cooked in a fishy broth or to enjoy a refreshing plate of cold soba. Further west, Fujiyama (49 Baldwin Street) offers sushi and sashimi as well as a selection of tasty don buri.

Should it be an occasion where rich flavours and spices are in order, the affordable Jodhpore Club (33 Baldwin Street) fits the bill. This casual restaurant serves up some fantastic North Indian food, including Tandoori Chicken sautéed with aromatic veggies. Their hot lunch buffet rings in at less than ten bucks per person.

Representing the other areas of Southeast Asia are Thai Paradise (37 Baldwin Street), an intimate restaurant with a pleasant ambiance, and MataHari Grill (39 Baldwin Street), one of the few places in Toronto offering authentic Malaysian cuisine.

And lest the vegans and vegetarians think there’s nothing on Baldwin Street to accommodate them, Vegetarian Haven (17 Baldwin Street) is a popular spot with a whole menu of healthy offerings. The food here is cooked in the Buddhist tradition of no onions or garlic, although they are available on request.

And it would be remiss to neglect the many Chinese restaurants in the area, given that Baldwin Street was long an extension of Chinatown a few blocks to the south. Wah Sing Seafood Restaurant (47 Baldwin Street) offers an excellent selection, including their 2 for 1 lobster special for under 30 dollars. Prices are comparable at Eating Garden (43 Baldwin Street), probably the longest-running restaurant on the Baldwin street strip.

With cuisine on offer from so many different locales, visitors to Baldwin Street can take a gourmet trip around the world without leaving the block.