Think you know Lester B. Pearson International Airport, a.k.a. Pearson? The busiest airport in Canada has inspired several lesser-known facts. One is that it’s a paradise for food lovers!
Pearson is home to many eateries that offer delicious and varied cuisines. So, if you’re visiting Toronto or going somewhere via Pearson, add the following eating spots to your bucket list and tantalize your taste buds with some amazing meals.
Where to Eat at Toronto Pearson Airport
Whether you want a fine dining experience or pub fare, Pearson won’t disappoint. Here’s a list of some eating spots worth visiting before takeoff.
1) Apropos
Apropos is the perfect place for light meals and cocktails. Located in Terminal 1 near gates F62/F65, this eatery is open daily from 4:00 a.m. until the day’s last flight. Enjoy unique sandwiches and other small plates of light items accompanied by a craft beer or local and international wines. Apropos also offers vegetarian and gluten-free options.
2) Bar 120: Cuisine Transformed
Affiliated with John Placko, the renowned chef famous for his expertise in molecular gastronomy, Bar 120 is a paradise for travellers who love new tastes and foods. Get ready to be surprised by conventional cuisines with a twist, including mac and cheese flatbread, edible helium balloons and sandwiches topped with playful gels. This open-style restaurant in Terminal 1, near gate D20, is the ideal place to grab an offbeat bite before starting your journey.
3) Bento Sushi
Are you a sushi lover? Want to try an authentic Japanese entrée before catching your flight to Tokyo? Then Bento Sushi is your go-to Pearson restaurant. You can either get takeout sushi or dine in to dive into a rice and noodle bowl. Just head toward gate D22 in Terminal 1 to satisfy your craving for fresh sushi rolls.
4) Camden Food Company
Travelling with kids is always a challenge, and things get even more complicated when they’re hungry. That’s when having a kid-friendly eatery nearby becomes important. Fortunately, your search ends at Camden Food Company.
Located in Terminal 1 near gate D31, it offers healthy snacks and meals including gluten-free, organic and fair trade options from a salad bar and deli. Don’t want to worry about finding healthy food for your little ones on the plane? Pick up some snacks to keep them full (and a cup of Balzac’s coffee for yourself) before boarding.
5) Corso Pizza and Pasta
Ready to go on a pre-flight culinary tour of Italy? Corso Pizza and Pasta will surely excite you with their authentic Italian food. From fresh Neapolitan-style pizza to mushroom agnolotti, their extensive menu’s wide selection is sure to entice your palate. This trattoria is in Terminal 3, near gate B29. Open daily from 4:00 a.m. to last flight; breakfast is served until 11:00 a.m.
6) Distillery Bar
Want a pint before takeoff? Then visit Distillery Bar. They have Mississauga-brewed Mill Street beer on tap and a menu of pub-inspired burgers, sandwiches and pastas. Situated in Terminal 3 near gate A10, Distillery Bar also boasts a curated cocktail menu that includes their own creations as well as the classics.
7) Freshii
As the name suggests, Freshii is the dream food destination for any traveller in search of a delicious, fresh and healthy meal. There are three locations in Terminal 3 – departure level (before security), near gate B18 (after security CAN/INTL) and near gate A18 (after security USA). They have salads, soups, rice bowls, burritos, frozen yogurt and many other nutritious options when you’re on the go.
8) LEE Kitchen by Susur Lee
Pearson is home to eateries offering a diverse range of cuisines from many parts of the world. LEE Kitchen by Susur Lee specializes in Asian and French-influenced meals. This is the perfect eating spot for traditional dim sum lovers. Mango salad with teriyaki chicken satay, steamed beef dumplings, green curry chicken and chili garlic shrimp, and scallop and salmon brochette are just some of the dishes on offer.
Newsflash: airport food is no longer inedible! We hope this post encourages you to try some mouthwatering meals at Pearson. If you have a layover longer than six hours and would prefer to explore your downtown dining options, book an airport limo. Otherwise, these spots will come in handy when you want to grab a quick bite. If you have a flight to catch or are arriving at Pearson soon, make sure you visit at least one of these eateries and let us know about your experience!