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Passing through Toronto, the Queen City? Here is our list of favorite spots, a mix of classic favorites, hidden gems, and new places to discover.

FOR THE DRINKS & ATMOSPHERE

Little Italy

Bar Raval, with its interiors inspired by Gaudi's organic wooden designs, takes you straight to the heart of Spain. This Toronto gem offers a refined array of cocktails alongside delicious tapas.

Chinatown

Big Trouble, a snack bar serving East Asian cuisine and drinks, celebrates the vibrant culinary culture of East Asia with an atmosphere that's lively and enjoyable, promising a memorable fusion of flavours.

Financial District 

Louix Louis, the sophisticated restaurant nestled on the 31st floor of the St. Regis hotel, doubles as an upscale cocktail bar. Whether you're drawn in for cocktails or decide to stay for dinner, the experience promises elegance and culinary excellence. 

Queen Street West 

BarChef offers cocktails that are quite literally drinkable art, using molecular gastronomy to create the most memorable concoction. This is a place you absolutely must experience at least once.

Bloordale Village

Grey Tiger transitions from a vegan coffee cafe by day to a cozy-chic cocktail bar by night. This small intimate spot offers excellent curated cocktails and plant-based snacks, drawing in a fashionable crowd that fills the space quickly.

Fashion District 

Evangeline at Ace Hotel features warm, rich tones, comfortable seating, and two cozy fireplaces that create a homelike atmosphere. The highlight is its expansive rooftop terrace, offering the best seating views in the city. 

FOR A DELICIOUS MEAL

Leslieville 

Maha’s Brunch delivers Egyptian classics in an authentic, homey setting. As a family-run business, they prioritize authenticity, crafting homemade-like dishes that make for the best brunch in the city. 

Little Italy

La Bartola is fully plant-based, but meat lovers will be pleasantly surprised by their brilliant interpretations of traditional Mexican cuisine. The flavors are outstanding, and the presentation is nothing short of artistic. 

DaiLo brings exquisite Asian flavors with a French touch that will leave you in ecstasy. The menu surprises with unexpected items, all emphasizing sustainability and high-quality ingredients.

DaNico is housed in a historic bank building, filled with art pieces that make the restaurant feel like a gallery tour. Locally sourced ingredients enhance the Italian dishes with subtle Asian influences, creating a truly delectable dining experience.

Financial District

Chotto Matte combines Japanese and Peruvian culinary to create exquisite Nikkei flavors, complemented by sophisticated cocktails. The vibrant and colorful interior will have you feeling festive and joyful.

Dovercourt Village  

Actinolite, a hidden gem of Ontario cuisine, features a frequently changing menu that showcases the best seasonal ingredients, many of which are sourced directly from the restaurant’s own backyard garden.

Yorkville

Eataly offers the finest Italian products, bringing a taste of Italy right to you. Within the market, you'll find several restaurants where you can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes, from pizza and pasta to fresh seafood and more.

Harbord Village

Dreyfus is renowned for its delectable meals that offer excellent value. The cuisine is French with a strong Quebecois influence, reflecting the chef's Montreal roots. You won't be disappointed.

Fashion District

Alo requires advance planning for a visit, as everyone yearns for a seat at this Michelin-starred establishment. Once you secure your spot, you'll understand why this modern French restaurant is so sought after.

FOR A COFFEE BREAK

Trinity-Bellwoods 

Sonndr Cafe is the trendy spot to grab a cup of coffee. Their new and improved location in the most vibrant neighbourhood attracts all the stylish Torontonians who come to work or chat with friends.

Cafe23 is consistently bustling for a good reason! Everyone covets a spot on their spacious patio offering a serene garden-like atmosphere that's a sought-after escape from the city hustle.

Leslieville

Nut Bar is a must. This very popular spot describes itself as a “healthy coffee shop” that focuses on nutrient-rich and highest quality foods. Their coffee is delicious, snacks are yummy, and everything is 100% organic, and made in house (even the nutmilk). Try their Summerhill location if you’re in the area.

Kensington Market

FIKA Cafe, a Swedish coffee shop located in a bright blue converted house — you can’t miss it! Their unique menu includes specialty drinks and house made pastries that are simply irresistible.

Fashion District

Forget Me Not Coffee lives up to its name with unforgettable coffee and a one-of-a-kind menu. The drinks, music, and immaculate vibes make this place truly special.

St. Lawrence

NEO COFFEE BAR boasts three modern locations adorned with refreshing, minimalist designs. Renowned for its delightful coffee and heavenly Japanese-style treats, guests can witness the whole preparation firsthand through the glass wall.

Versus Coffee serves colourful latte art for a vibrant twist on the classics. The adventurous can also opt to add a shot of alcohol to their coffee. Their indoor area is intimate and cozy, while their terrace is spacious and inviting — the choice is yours!

Alexandra Park

Milky’s has put a lot of effort into designing the café to lift customers'
spirits from the moment they step in. Every detail, from the decor to the coffee presentation, has been carefully considered. Plus, the menu features creative twists on beloved classic drinks.

AND…
Bang Bang or Dutch Dreams for ice cream, Fleur du Jour for the best French pastries, Le Gourmand for warm homemade cookies, and Bloom Café for those with an extra sweet tooth.

TYPICAL

Escape the urban hustle without leaving the city by heading to High Park and Trinity Bellwoods Park, and enjoy a sunny afternoon at Woodbine Beach or Sugar Beach. Don’t hesitate to take the ferry to Toronto Island Park, where you can go biking or simply relax while taking in breathtaking views of the city. Explore the St. Lawrence Market and its incredible flavors, then catch a Blue Jays baseball game.

FOR A CULTURAL WALK

Discover art and national heritage at the magnificent Art Gallery of Ontario. If you love fashion, don't miss the unique Bata Shoe Museum; stroll through Graffiti Alley and Kensington Market to admire the impressive street art, and enjoy the art galleries, outdoor sculptures, and dance performances in the Distillery District.

FOR SHOPPING

Shop until you drop at Toronto’s Eaton Center, walk along the lively Ossington Street and its numerous cool shops, explore the best luxury boutiques in Bloor-Yorkville, and visit Kensington Market for its unique and creative businesses. For vintage treasures, check out Common Sort, I Miss You Vintage Inc. and VSP for top designer consigned pieces, Space Vintage for a gold mine of true vintage finds, and Penny Arcade for timeless classics.

FOR A PERFECT NIGHT'S SLEEP

Located downtown, The Drake Hotel is a refreshing change from the typical higher-end hotels, offering a funky boutique experience in unique decors. Everything about this place is praised by visitors, and it is one of Canada’s most sought-after hotels. Bisha Hotel, in the heart of the Entertainment District, features stylish, luxurious rooms and an incredible rooftop pool offering breathtaking views of the city. Situated in the lively King West neighborhood, 1 Hotel (formerly the Thompson Hotel) is renowned for its luxurious setting and exceptional service, along with its commitment to sustainability. If you want to treat yourself, book a stay at the Ritz-Carlton, a favorite spot for celebrities when they visit the city.