Taste the Danforth — even before the festival begins.

Each August, Torontonians flock to the east end of this city to indulge in Greektown’s notoriously delicious street food festival, Taste of the Danforth.

From Friday night to  Sunday evening, the strip of Danforth Avenue between Broadview and Pape subway stations closes to everything but pedestrian traffic. Performers and restaurateurs take to the street, celebrating the season and sharing their talents with the throngs of festival-goers that descend on the neighbourhood each day.  Admission is free and patrons can access street demonstrations as they wander; fill your pockets with loonies and toonies (Canada’s $1 and $2 coins) to let the taste test begin!

And note: while Taste of the Danforth attracts renown as North America’s finest Greek festival — and though Hellenic delicacies abound — souvlaki, gyro and taztziki share the stage with samplings from the neighbourhood’s Japanese, Mexican and Thai cuisine options.

Though the festival proper spans only one weekend in August, travelers unable to visit the city during this window needn’t be left out. Check out the following hot spots to get a taste of the Danforth and its increasing culinary diversity, in advance of the festival.

Lolita’s Lust: This Danforth destination has been called one of Toronto’s best romantic restaurants and it doubles as one of the neighborhood’s staple night spots among young locals. Extensive martini and wine options complement a menu that emphasizes sophisticated Mediterranean flavours at reasonable prices.

Myth: A primary nightlife destination for the Danforth’s young adult population, Myth serves Greek and Mediterranean food in a casual environment — and on its street-front patio during the good weather.

Dora Keogh: This busy Irish pub blends the Celtic and contemporary: it dedicates Thursday nights and Sunday afternoons to traditional Celtic seisuns, but allows local DJs and musicians to share their eclectic tastes and talents much of the rest of the time. Yer Ma’s Kitchen serves traditional pub food to hungry patrons and the fireside snug allows friends to curl up with a drink and enjoy the entertainment.

Diner’s Thai: Don’t be put off by facade — Diner’s Thai is a cozy, friendly dinner destination, where gentle ambiance accents rich tastes. Try ginger tea for two and split basil tofu (among other excellent meat, veggie and seafood options) in a window seat before venturing out into the Danforth nightlife.

El Sol: A bit further east, family-owned and operated El Sol serves Northern Mexican food and functions as an art cafe. Crafts from Mexican artisans line the space and are available for sale. An extensive Dinners menu and supplemental listings of specialty Antojitos, Combos and Specialities (all with vegetarian options, too) ensure no one leaves hungry or with niche tastes unsatisfied.

Urbanspoon Toronto rates Aji Sai Japanese (783 Danforth Ave; 416.469.2124), Sushi Delight (461 Danforth Avenue; 416.406.0288), Katsu Sushi (572 Danforth Ave; 416.466.3388) and Sakawaya (867 Danforth Ave; 416.778.6894) the best sushi on the street.

To access these restaurants, or the Taste of the Danforth street life next August, take the subway to any of the following subway stops: Broadview, Chester and Pape.

[photo courtesy of Melissa Goodman]