Tea-N-Bannock ⚠️ Temporarily Closed

⚠️ Temporarily closed — check @TeaNBannock on social media for reopening updates. Toronto's most established Indigenous restaurant, run by owner Wanda Vanasse. The menu centres on bannock — a traditional First Nations bread — served multiple ways: stuffed with fillings, as a sandwich base, or alongside wild game stews. Indigenous herbal teas, pemmican, bison dishes, and wild rice round out a menu rooted in Anishinaabe food traditions. A genuine Toronto institution.

Neighbourhood: Leslieville — 1596 Gerrard St E · Address: 1596 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4L 2A4 · Hours: Temporarily closed — check @TeaNBannock for updates. When open: Tue–Sat 12PM–8PM | Sun 12PM–5PM | Closed Mon · Price Range: $ · Phone: (647) 347-1517 · Website: https://teanbannock.com · Editorial status: Not yet verified

Why Visit

There’s nowhere else in Toronto where you’ll eat this many Indigenous staples in one stop: bannock, bison, wild rice, and more cooked with care. The menu changes with seasonal ingredients and tradition — you’ll taste something new with every visit.

What Makes It Unique

Tea-N-Bannock isn’t pan-Indigenous or pan-fusion — it’s straightforward Anishinaabe food made by Indigenous cooks. Everything from the teas to the pemmican is prepared in-house, keeping recipes close to tradition. The space feels genuinely communal, and the menu doesn’t cater to tourists — it’s made for those curious about real Indigenous meals.

Tea-N-Bannock is Toronto's most established spot for Indigenous cooking, with a menu deeply rooted in Anishinaabe foodways. Owner Wanda Vanasse keeps things straightforward: bannock is made fresh daily and served with fillings like bison stew or as a hearty sandwich base. The room is homey, studded with Indigenous art and craftwork, and has the sense of a real neighbourhood gathering place. Regulars know to start with one of the house herbal teas — cedar and Labrador tea taste earthy and wild in the best way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a reservation?

Reservations aren’t strictly required, but calling ahead is smart for groups, as hours can shift and it’s a small space.

What's the best thing to order?

Definitely the bannock stuffed with bison stew — it nails everything this place does best.

Is it good for groups?

It’s a small room, so best for groups of 4–6; larger party? Call ahead to check.

What's the price range?

Most mains are $10–$18; a big meal with tea should run under $25 per person.

WTF Toronto creates guides using independent editorial research, official sources, local knowledge and firsthand experience where available. Commercial relationships are disclosed where applicable.