The Small Brunette’s Toronto Top 10

Date: 10/25/2020

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Explore Toronto Like a Local
By Neighbourhood

Date: 09/22/2020

I am so happy you are visiting my home! Toronto is such a great city with kind people, a growing food scene, warm and cozy bars and breweries, and diverse neighbourhoods to explore.

WARNING: I feel like I need to take a copywriting class - gone are the days of my creative writing expertise. Get ready to read a lot of the following words and phrases: “cozy”, “must have” or “must eat”, “my go-to”, “hands down”, “great for”…. My apologies in advance! Otherwise, ENJOY!

Please feel free to reach if you have any questions: contactthesmallbrunette@gmail.com.

SLEEP

The Anndore House: A new unique hotel in Toronto at Charles and Yonge Street steps away from Bloor Station in Downtown Toronto. Situated in between the bustling shops of Yonge Street and the bars and restaurants (and unreal drag bars) of Church Street, The Anndore House has a lot to offer. It is also conveniently located steps away from Yorkville and has a delicious restaurant inside: Constantine.

Another newer boutique style hotel on the other side of the Line 1 (University - Yonge Subway Line) is the Saint George Hotel, which is adjacent to St. George Station. The Saint George Hotel is situated between Yorkville and the Annex neighbourhood on Bloor Street. It is simple, easy aesthetics and offers a sense of sophistication and Yorkville class.

The Annex Hotel: Titled boutique hotel in the Annex neighbourhood is a 24-room boutique hotel with a mini food hall and a great wine bar. It channels New York apartment style simplicity and is very Instagram friendly.

Worth noting are the beautiful, more expensive choices in Yorkville: Four Seasons Hotel and The Hazelton Hotel. Both breathtaking, 5 star, beautifully designed luxury style hotels.

As we head more south in Downtown Toronto is full of hotels, but there are about 6 worth mentioning…

Similar boutique vibes to The Annex Hotel is the Broadview Hotel. Located in the East end of Toronto at Queen Street East and Broadview, you are walking distance from the Beaches, and cute restaurants and shops in the Queen East neighbourhood. The hotel has a very fun rooftop bar and resembles a Toronto version of the Ace Hotel.

The Drake Hotel: Perfect for the hipster wanting to spend their weekend at some of Toronto’s best restaurants, bars and shops in the Queen West / Dundas West neighbourhood. The Drake is famous for amazing throwback dance parties and their beautiful Sky Yard rooftop patio. Another option about a block away with similar vibes is the Gladstone Hotel.

The Beverley Hotel: Want to be in the heart of Toronto’s craziness - the Beverley is for you! Right in the heart of Queen and Spadina, this is a perfect hotel to stay at if your friends live in Downtown Toronto and you are wanting a fun shopping trip. Bonus that they have great Mexican food and amazing rooftop bar!

Not mentioned yet is a rooftop pool…. This is very important and definitely an asset to your stay in Toronto if it is summer. Famous for their beautiful views of the Toronto lakefront and skyline, and most importantly, for their infinity pools are The Bisha Hotel and Hotel X Toronto.

EAT & DRINK

What else? Toronto has such a great food and bar scene. I need to break it down for you. Do note that I focused on Toronto from Avenue & Wilson south to the waterfront. I truly only go north for dim sum at Ding Tai Fung in Markham and Center Street Deli in Thornhill.

Restaurants by Neighbourhood:

• Avenue & Lawrence

• Yonge & Eglinton

• Summerhill & Rosedale

• Yorkville

• Annex & Bloor West

• Downtown - East End

• Downtown - West End

AVENUE & LAWRENCE

United Bakers
I have been a regular at UB since I was in a high-chair… even before then. The restaurant has been around since the early 1900s and continues to have the best greek salad, matzah ball soup, gefilte fish, bagels & tuna, and pizza bagels. They have been called a “Toronto tradition”, and I sometimes even call it home.

Riz
Truly great sushi and an asian fusion menu, but my go-tos remain the same: crispy beef and wonton soup. I don’t know what they do differently, but it is SO GOOD! The wonton soup is weirdly sweet in the best way.

Padella
Sometimes you want to have a nicer night out, but don’t want to drive Downtown: go to Padella. It is a classic Italian family style restaurant with fresh pasta and pizza. It is traditional, warm and perfect for a cozy date night.

Cafe Landwer
With multiple locations in the city (Avenue & Lawrence, Thornhill & Financial District), Cafe Landwer brings traditional Israeli dishes to Toronto. Stop by for coffee because its bomb, but make time for brunch: Israeli salads, halloumi shakshouka, delicious tahini and labneh, and beef kebab and charboiled eggplant.

YONGE & EGLINTON
And surrounding neighbourhoods: Davisville, Mt. Pleasant & Bayview

Bar Buca
My reaction to Bar Buca opening… FINALLY! I finally don’t have to go Downtown to have a cocktail. Yes it is open all day as a neighbourhood bar and cafe, but I frequent at night for the Negronis and Aperol Spritz. A must is happy hour here; hands down best after-work aperitivo program. The dishes are mini so you can go for a bite… or just try it all.

Piano Piano
Another HELL YES to opening in the neighbourhood. Urgh, I don’t even know where to begin between the food, the staff and the atmosphere. My ultimate experience at Piano Piano is sitting at the front bar having the lunch special. They are rightfully known for their canestri alla vodka.

Byblos
Hello beachy vibes. You walk in and quickly escape Yonge street and enter beach pastel paradise. The OG location is in the Entertainment District, so again, another trendy swanky restaurant opening more north - yes, yes, yes! A great spot for Mediterranean dishes and Miami feels.

Burger Shack
Sometimes you want to sit in a diner with greasy french fries and a home-burger. Burger Shack has been a regular in my life and brings be back to high school. It is the best for takeout, dine-in…. and drunk late nights (so so so many drunk late nights). Menu favourites: bacon cheese burger & fries and chicken souvlaki.

Fresh
Fresh is everywhere. You can truly find a location in every neighbourhood. Why do I love it? You can have house wine and a healthy, vegan-friendly meal with your healthy friends.. that is actually good. My order is the exact same every time: Beach Bowl with goat cheese and tofu steak, and quinoa onion rings with miso gravy.

Cafe Belong
If you are visiting Toronto you will want to walk around the beautiful Evergreen Brickworks. Make sure to have brunch or at least have a glass of wine and charcuterie at Cafe Belong. It is romantic, peaceful, and such a nice escape from reality.

ST. CLAIR WEST / FOREST HILL

Edo
I dream of Edo… I really do. There is nothing like their Ginger dressing. It is HEAVEN! Hands down one of the most incredible salad dressings. Their sushi is obviously delicious, you can get the classics, just make sure to get a Yasai salad.

Pukka
Really really really good Indian dishes. I weirdly have never eaten there, but I hear it is super sleek with exposed brick walls. I always order it in and order the classics: chicken tikka, paneer, butter chicken and naan.

Banfi
If the atmosphere doesn’t make you feel at home, Nino (Owner) and Johnny (Manager) will. Yes it can be a date spot, but for me it has always been a family spot. Family dinner with lots of laughs, house wine, chicken parm, pizza and lasagna.

Annabelle Pasta Bar
Speaking of Italian restaurants, Annabelle is the perfect spot to go on a date or with a friend to catch up over drinks and little dishes. The menu changes every day (posted on their Instagram) and includes a variety of vegetable dishes, pastas, and sides. Definitely have one of their custom negronis and try to get a seat by the open garage door style windows.

Get coffee at Jack & Lils.

SUMMERHILL / ROSEDALE

Terroni & Bar Centrale
Terroni on Price has the best rooftop patio. You quickly say bye to Toronto and hello to vacation white, paradise vibes. Bar Centrale has a patio as well which is more of a cute city vibe. Regardless, when you are inside in either of their restaurants you will be eating the most phenomenal pastas, great charcuterie, drinks, and classic Sicilian desserts.

Rosedale Diner
Another classic breakfast diner with an Israeli twist. It is snug with a cute back patio and has been around for over 30 years. They say their dishes are “globally inspired”, but they really give me mediterranean, jewish feels. Go for the traditional breakfast, the shashuka or the burger.

There are so many good healthy spots to visit in this neck of the woods for smoothies, brunch, lunch or dinner. Let me break it down for you:
For smoothies and juices, you have Nutbar and Greenhouse Juice.
For keto- and vegan-friendly meals, Mary Be Kitchen, IQ and Impact Kitchen have it all.

Pantry
Dine in and takeout dishes. You can order whatever you want from the prepared food options. I like to do the combos of protein and sides. I love their kale caesar salad, meat balls and Israeli couscous salad.

YORKVILLE

Yorkville (Rosedale too) is Toronto’s exclusive shopping district. It is definitely expensive and high end. Wanting to see celebrities? This is the neighbourhood to whip out your binoculars.
HEADS UP: the restaurants are $$$.

Kasa Moto
Owned by Chase Hospitality Group. It is a great spot for a night out of drinks on their rooftop patio. Until Nobu finally opens in Toronto, I would say Kasa Moto is the Toronto equivalent.

Eataly
If you have experienced Eataly in New York or Chicago, then you know what to expect. Eataly captures Toronto’s local products while serving and selling traditionally Italian cakes, pasta, pizza, olive oils, and sauces. You can walk in, get an Aperol Spritz, shop around for your groceries and divulge in an eating tour of a variety of pizza, seafood, and pasta.

Alobar
Alobar is the newest sister restaurant from Alo - tasting room and Aloette - modern French diner. When you venture down the alley way that takes you to Alo, you escape Toronto and enter New York. MUST ORDER: Aloette Wedge Salad.

Buca
There are multiple Buca locations in Toronto. Buca Yorkville is fresh fish focus (all the crudos are fire). I personally think if you aren’t intending to sit at the bar with your girlfriend for a catch up, then this restaurant is better suited for a visit with your parents or a celebration. I prefer the atmosphere at Buca King Street.

Trattoria Nervosa
One of my favourite restaurants in Toronto - always has been and always will be. I dream of their Mafalde Ai Funghi and Capellini. And don’t get me started on the Cavolo Nero. I truly get the same thing at all of their locations: Nervosa in Yorkville, Gusto 101 at King & Portland and Gusto 501 on the East end).

Jacques Bistro Du Parc
Stop here for a quick shopping break, white wine and french onion soup.

Yamato
#1 in Toronto for teppanyaki and order the filet mignon teppanyaki entree. Wishing you the best of luck in waiting until the whole meal is ready to try the fried rice. You may need to order a second.

Other popular ($$$) restaurants:
Dynasty (Dim Sum); Morton’s (Steak); Joso’s (Fish); and Sotto Sotto (Italian).

BLOOR WEST VILLAGE

Sugo & Conzo
Cheap and delightful. Dinner style, fresh and drool-worthy pasta and pizza (and more).

Guu
The food is NOT noteworthy…. it’s never great… but the experience is worth returning for. Great sake, loud environment and so fun for a group birthday dinner.

Paradise Grapevine
Wine and beer bar with a mix of biodynamic and natural wines, and local beers. Perfect patio spot to visit for snacks and drinks.

Osteria Rialto
Located in the Paradise complex offering specialty Italian dishes and exclusive wines from their bottle shop.

Other spots for Wine & Beer —> Burdock Brewery & Grey Tiger.

KENSINGTON MARKET

TACOS and COCKTAILS are the two things that come to mind when I think of Kensington Market, specifically: Seven Lives, El Trompo, Quetzal and El Ray. Stop at each of those for a drink and taco, and then end your night at Cold Tea.

If you are a tourist visiting, save a Sunday in the summer to walk around Kensington. Pedestrian Sundays is from 12 PM to 7 PM throughout the area. It is Kensington’s way of celebrating the neighbourhood and showcasing the unique businesses that add to the neighbourhood’s character. All of the shops and restaurants have street boots, and artists and musicians perform throughout the area.

JUNCTION

Honest Weight
Cozy - Casual - Easy - Delicious. Honest Weight gives you a New England-style seafood experience with a focus on their daily catch.

Farmhouse Tavern
Farm-to-table Canadian food. Go for weekend brunch or late-night food. They don’t post their menu online as it changes regularly. Think chalkboard menu, local wine, craft beer, and oysters.

ANNEX

Anthony Rose is famous for his restaurants on Dupont.

• Schmaltz Appetizing for bagels and lox. Their smoked and cured fish options are awesome. I love the Lemon Dill Gravlax, Beetroot Gravlax and Pastrama Lox.

• Fet Zun & Fat Pasha = more delicious Middle Eastern food. Menu items include Fattoush and sabich salads, falafel, tahini, hummus, labneh, baba ghanoush, shawarma and schnitzel.

• Madame Boeuf is only open in the summers and is the backyard picnic table chill you have been looking for (or at least I was!). The backyard (behind Fet Zun) spot is colourful and playful: posters, games, picnic tables, lawn chairs and BBQ style food. You’re going here because you want a great burger or hot dog and maybe you have a big appetite and you’ll upgrade your fries to the chilli fries.

While we are on the topic of Toronto’s Middle Eastern, the best falafel is at Parallel. They also have unreal hummus options and the Parallel Salad is fresh (currently dreaming of the lemon + honey vinaigrette).

Down the street from Parallel is the BEST fresh pasta and tomato sauce in Toronto: Famiglia Baldasare. I have (multiple times) had their sugo sauce as soup. Pick up fresh pasta to take home and grab a drink at Blood Brothers Brewery.

HARBORD ST. is full of restaurants and cafes. My recommendations:

• Yasu and Skippa for prix fixe Japanese omakase

• Rasa is a Food Dude’s food-truck inspired restaurant known for their famous burger and chopped salad. I go back because I love their food and wine, but truly because I love the people who work there. It is the best family feeling.

COLLEGE STREET

Feeling sad thinking of College Street. Il Gatto Nero and Giancarlo were forever family favourites and it has been sad to see them impacted and closing due to COVID19. Praying that somehow someway they are able to reopen one day.

With that said, College Street still has some of the best food, bars and date spots in Toronto. Dreaming of nights pre-COVID dancing to the best throwback music at Mrs. Robinson.

Bar Isabel
The vibe and atmosphere here is the best for a Thursday or Friday night. Great music, drinks and spanish-influenced bites. Menu musts is their grilled octopus.

Bar Raval
Go early or be prepared to wait in line. You can always put your name down and grab a drink next door at Woodlot or Dailo. Bar Raval is our next spanish-influenced bar in the neighbourhood. The bar itself is Insta-worthy with its Barcelona vibe and Gaudi-esque wood paneling.

Birreria Volo
Birreria Volo opened during Bar Volo’s renovation. It is a great spot for beer, wine and snacks. It is a minimalistic, simple bar perfect for an easy night of laughs, bites and catch up with friends or your S/O.

DaiLo
New Asian style Chinese meets French-inspired snack bar and dim sum. Make sure to have half your meal on the main floor and then go upstairs for more snacks and drinks at LoPan. They are known for their awesome Big Mac baos.

Giulietta
I feel pretty confident Giulietta is on the top of everyone’s top 10 restaurants in Toronto list. The environment is amazing - I actually prefer and love sitting at the bar there. The wine is amazing, but the food deserves a bow. Menu favourites: carpaccio, crudo, grilled octopus, burrata… all of the pastas and all of the pizzas.

And a burger from Ruby is always good.

PARKDALE / LIBERTY VILLAGE

Chantecler / Le Phenix
If you have asked me where to go for dinner in Toronto, I very likely replied screaming LE PHENIX IS A MUST! (Especially on a Tuesday) They have the best dollar oysters, dollar ounce wine, and the entire menu is amazing. Chantecler sadly closed due to a fire, but don’t worry you can try and enjoy everything at their sister restaurant Le Phenix across the street. My menu favourites: oysters, tuna crudo, steak tartar, french onion soup, trout, duck and steak…. I guess you should invite a friend or two for this meal - it is ALL worth having.

Grand Electric
Some of the best tacos in Toronto. Super casual spot with communal tables, great music and an adorable back patio.

Nice Nice Wine Bar
Burgers and wine? What more do you need?

Hello 123
Owned by Kupert & Kim, Hello 123 offers healthy vegan eats and healthy twists on cocktails. The Green XXX is the best: seared tempeh, pesto quinoa, steamed kale & spinach and broccoli, cucumber, zucchini, smashed avo, pumpkin seeds, tahini and pumpkin pesto sauce.

And then heading over to LIBERTY VILLAGE:

Brodflour
Urban mill and bakery. Great spot to buy bread, but also to eat. They offer toasts & spreads including sourdough with cultured butter, almost butter + jam, avo, and tomato + labneh.

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen
If you do a search for Toronto brunch spots, Mildred’s has and will always be on top of the list. Why? The buttermilk pancakes. They are that good.

OSSINGTON

Taverne Bernhardt’s
Just a block west of Ossington on Dovercourt is everyone’s new favourite spot. Taverne Bernhardt’s is a cozy neighbourhood spot for vegetable-forward fishes and the best rotisserie chicken. The menu changes, but the rotisserie remains. The concept comes from the team behind Dreyfus (new and beloved French bistro on Harbord).

Union
If you follow me on Instagram, you for sure have seen Union’s sliders because I AM OBSESSED. If you go, order the Elk Sliders and drink a Caesar. Also an awesome spot for brunch with a great back patio.

Cote de Boeuf
Union & Cote de Boeuf are owned by Teo Paul (thank you Teo for the best meals and even better memories 🙌). Why go to a big stuffy steak house when you can have an intimate cozy meal at here. The restaurant probably holds at most 20 people, so it is cozy and you escape from the bustling craziness of the city. They offer family style steak dinners, but also just go, order everything on the menu and make sure to have the steak frites.

Superpoint
Go-to for thin crust pizza. Order the Salami pizza with hot honey. Also a great spot for group dinners in the back.

Mamakas Taverna
Best Greek in Toronto. The drinks at both Mamakas and sister restaurant Bar Koukla (next door) are unreal, but all the food is amazing. Order must include the house dips, the lamb tartare and the grilled octopus.

Bellwoods Brewery
You can’t make a list for Ossington and not mention Bellwoods Brewery. Right now with the current state of the world, it is not functioning like it traditionally has - 🙏 the world gets back to “normal”, beer and snacks on their patio is the best and a true Toronto staple.

Boehmer
All that needs to be said: Go on Tuesday for dollar oysters, dollar ounce wine and lobster. (If you’re craving lobster and it isn’t Tuesday - go to Diana’s Seafood).

DUNDAS WEST

Ufficio
The restaurant itself is worth highlighting because the decor is beautiful. Great spot to sit at the bar for a drink and oysters, but also the Italian inspired seafood and pasta dishes are 👏👏 worthy. Seasonally on the menu, the corn agnolotti is unreal: corn butter sauce, romesco & prima donna cheese with paprika bread crumbs.

Paris Paris
Wine bar that also has delicious food. I have enjoyed bringing my computer to work here during the day, and have also rented out the space for events.

Enoteca Sociale
One of the best Italian restaurants in Toronto, specifically loved for their pastas (drooling thinking of the cacio e pepe and the amatriciana).

La Palma
A go-to for brunch, dinner and special occasions. The lasagna is a must have at least once in your life.

Bandit Brewery
Heading West on Dundas towards Roncesvalles, you will find a large patio filled with picnic tables and an adorable white brewery. They have a bottle shop, but also offer a full dining experience.

Antler
Antler is popularly known for their amazing reactions to Vegan protesters over the years, but also because Toronto has a big crush on Chef Michael Hunter. Antler celebrates regional ingredients and if you love meat, it is worth a visit!

QUEEN WEST

Bar Piquette
So yes…. Le Phenix is typically my first recommendation, and very quickly after I scream BUT ALSO MAYBE GO TO BAR PIQUETTE. It is worth screaming about. It is a wine bar with the best food: burrata, mortadella sandy, their butter and sourdough, prosciutto… All small bites, so order it all.

Oyster Boy
Adam and I went here on our first day, so it has a special place in my heart. It is an oyster-focused diner with tons of seafood options.

Apres Wine Bar
Such a good wine selection!

KING & PORTLAND

If you aren’t eating on Ossington, you are eating at King & Portland (and surrounding streets). The list includes: Oretta, Locals Only, Buca & Bar Buca, Gusto 101, Sara, Ascari, Laissez Faire, Parlour, 416 Snack Bar and Early Bird.

Oretta, Gusto 101 and Ascari are great for friend/family group dinners. Just think easy Italian food with a great atmosphere. And for those visiting Toronto needing a coffee shop to work at, Oretta Cafe or Early Bird are perfect.

Sara is owned by The Food Dudes and is one of their fancier restaurants. A perfect spot for a fancy date night or a celebratory dinner.

Buca ^ mentioned many times above. This location is my favourite location.

Go get drunk at Locals Only and/or Laissez Faire, and have a snack at 416 Snack Bar beforehand (the ruben is nuts!).

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

The only reason to be in the Financial District is if you work in the area or if you are going to the Scotiabank Arena or Rogers Centre. With that said, there are great restaurants in the area.

For lunch: St. Lawrence Market, which is known for fresh produce, famous bacon sandys and fresh pasta, and Assembly Chef’s Hall: food hall including some of Toronto’s top chefs.

If you are into sushi / asian fusion, then Miku or Akira Back for fancier meals and Nami for more casual sushi.

The Chase is actually worth venturing into the Financial District for - the whole menu is good. Go for the seafood tower always!

Other options for corporate meals, celebrations and dinners in the neighbourhood: Louis Louis, King Taps, Richmond Station (AMAZING BURGER) or Canoe.

LESLIEVILLE

Maple Leaf Tavern
The entire menu….. IT IS ALL GOOD! Go hungry and enjoy a french onion soup & cheese burger.

Ascari Enoteca
The OG location of Ascari (now open on King West). Classic wholesome Italian, specifically known for the Spaghetti alla Carbonara.

Greta Solomon’s Dining Room
Classic French bistro with great beef tartare.

Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice
A neighbourhood staple for Italian.

The Green Wood
This is the OG location, they followed Ascari’s lead and also opened on King West. The restaurant prides itself on being a local, sustainable neighbourhood eatery. I haven’t been for dinner yet, but the brunch is great. The food is Middle Eastern / Israeli style (i.e. popular menu item is the Pita Nosh).

Wynona
Such a cute intimate restaurant with a great patio and even better wine. The menu changes with each season, but is always seafood forward.

EAST END

White Lily Diner
Easy, greasy-spoon breakfast diner and deli.

Gusto 501
Go for the architecture, stay for the food. Menu is mostly the same as the King West location, but has a couple special items. The food is amazing 🤤.

Impact Kitchen
One of the many locations in the city. Easy, delicious healthy options.

Black Lab Brewery
The title says it all: local brewery that allows (and encourages) you to bring dogs! Black Lab Brewery & Left Field Brewery pre- (and hopefully post) COVID partner with Island Oyster for beer tastings and oyster shucking lessons.

DISTILLERY

If you are a tourist, this neighbourhood is a must. It is gorgeous and reminds me of New York’s Meat Packing District.

El Catrin
Great huge patio for fun group dinner full of tacos and margaritas. Order the corn!

Cluny
Huge beautiful French bistro with the best french onion soup. Great for dates, but also perfect for group meals. My go-tos: tartare, oysters and steak frites.