Welcome to Swatow Restaurant
Swatow Restaurant, located at 309 Spadina Ave. in Toronto's Chinatown, offers a vibrant dining experience centered around authentic Chinese cuisine. Known for its fresh, flavorful dishes, it captures the essence of traditional dining without breaking the bank. Diners rave about the amazing shrimp wonton noodle soup and perfectly cooked vegetables, all made to order. The restaurant's cash-only policy adds a quaint touch, while efficient service ensures your meal is swiftly served, allowing you to enjoy fine flavors in a lively atmosphere. Swatow is a must-visit for those seeking hearty, satisfying meals in a bustling, communal setting.
- 309 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 1H1, Canada Hotline: +1 416-977-0601
Welcome to Swatow Restaurant: A Culinary Gem in Toronto's Chinatown
Located at 309 Spadina Ave., Swatow Restaurant captures the essence of authentic Chinese dining with its bustling atmosphere and deliciously affordable menu. This beloved establishment is renowned for its fresh, made-to-order dishes that keep diners coming back for more. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Swatow is a must-visit spot to indulge in some of the best Chinese cuisine in the city.
The charm of Swatow lies not just in the food, but in its vibrant dining experience. As Lisa Young aptly puts it, it's a place where you can enjoy "cheap and cheerful" fare. Expect to see eager patrons savoring their meals as they chat (or more likely, scarf down their dishes) in the lively dining room. The renowned shrimp wonton noodle soup has garnered rave reviews, solidifying its status as a highlight on the menu. When you find a dish that effortlessly combines fresh ingredients with bold flavors, you know you've struck gold.
Highlighting the impressive variety, A.J. notes that Swatow is perfect for group dining. The selection is extensive, featuring everything from classic General Tso’s Chicken to vegetarian options like vegetable fried rice. Each plate showcases the kitchen's commitment to freshness and flavor. In addition, the deep fried shrimp paired with their homemade chili oil is a standout that elevates any meal.
While many customers, including Sergio Senatore, appreciate the hospitable service, it's important to embrace the restaurant's no-frills approach. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the fast-paced vibe and the food rather than linger too long at the table. After all, as Jade A lays out, you’re here for the delicious dishes, not the fine dining experience.
Swatow Restaurant embraces simplicity yet delivers on flavor, embodying the heart of authentic Chinese cuisine. So come hungry, and prepare to leave satisfied. Whether you’re having a late-night snack or a hearty dinner, this spot promises to delight your palate without breaking the bank. Just remember to bring cash—it's the only method accepted here, but rest assured, there's an ATM on-site for your convenience.
In a world where dining can often feel overwhelming, Swatow Restaurant stands out as a beacon for those seeking fulfilling and authentic meals. Don’t miss out on this culinary gem that creates lasting memories through unforgettable flavors!

Well pretty authentic food. Overall I'd say it's good for the price. Don't expect stellar service from authentic Chinese restaurants they're not rude. They just care about getting things done. So either take it or leave it

If you want cheap and cheerful Swatow’s is the place for you. Now it can get really busy here, so forget convo just scarf your food down and leave. Everything i’ve had here tastes amazing. All is very fresh, made to order. The best shrimp wonton noodle soup in Chinatown no doubt! And you’re welcome. Eat it and beat it!

One of my absolute favorite Chinese restaurants in Toronto! The food is consistently fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. I particularly love their impressive selection of vegetables—perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. The staff here are exceptional—warm, welcoming, and incredibly hospitable, making every visit a pleasure. Swatow truly captures the heart of authentic Chinese dining, and it’s a go-to spot for anyone looking for a memorable meal. Highly recommend!

I’ve been to Swatow several times now, and I consider it one of my ‘go-to’ restaurants in Chinatown. If you’re looking for a place to feed a group for a reasonable price, this is a pretty decent spot to consider. There’s a wide selection of dishes on their menu. The staff are pretty good with keeping some attention on your table throughout your stay. They take cash only, and they have an ATM inside the dining room in case you need it.

Found this place on Google. It was delicious! The service was great and fast. Ice cold cans of Coke automatically makes them a winner. The hot tea was really good too. We had rhe sweet and sour chicken, fried rice and shrimp egg foo young. All fabulous. Huge portions. They are cash only though. Luckily they took US dollars for a small fee.

We ate the vegetable fried rice and deep fried shrimp. was amazing, the star of the show was the homemade chilli oil on each table, incredible. fried rice was amazing and shrimp was very soft General Tso’s chicken was very good too. Fast service was served food within 20 mins. would definitely be back

My wife and I got a parking spot almost in front of the restaurant, and we decided to give it a try. We ordered a hot and sour soup, shrimp with eggplant and a seafood combination on a sizzling platter. Every dish was delicious, and the service was excellent. We didn't wait for our food to be served very long.

late night destination. simple, tasty, fast chinese cuisine within affordable price range. highly recommend