Quick Guide to the 6ix
Food & Drink
Quick guide to Toronto's favourite eats and drinks.
The Double B burger at Resto Boemo, the Assembly Chef's Hall booth run by chef Ivana Raca and former Bachelor Brad smith, is my favourite burger in Toronto right now. Two beefy griddle-smashed patties absolutely bursting with beef flavour are topped with American cheese, crunchy shredded iceberg, paper-thin onion slices, the all-important pickle coins and special sauce, then nestled between a buttery toasted potato bun. It's a complete - and completely addictive - package.
Resto Boemo @ Assembly Chef's Hall
111 Richmond St WThe Double B burger at Resto Boemo, the Assembly Chef's Hall booth run by chef Ivana Raca and former Bachelor Brad smith, is my favourite burger in Toronto right now. Two beefy griddle-smashed patties absolutely bursting with beef flavour are topped with American cheese, crunchy shredded iceberg, paper-thin onion slices, the all-important pickle coins and special sauce, then nestled between a buttery toasted potato bun. It's a complete - and completely addictive - package.
Jimson, an International restaurant/event director, sommelier, and service professional, joined forces with Momi, a competition-winning barista to create the minimalist, Eurocentric cafe. The two highly experienced top-level hospitality professionals met in 2015 and found a shared passion and philosophy. They decided to open a terrific coffee shop and event space providing world class food, beverage and service in a top tier location. Ethically and locally sourced and additive-free - HotBlack is also good karma.
10 místní doporučují
HotBlack Coffee
245 Queen St WJimson, an International restaurant/event director, sommelier, and service professional, joined forces with Momi, a competition-winning barista to create the minimalist, Eurocentric cafe. The two highly experienced top-level hospitality professionals met in 2015 and found a shared passion and philosophy. They decided to open a terrific coffee shop and event space providing world class food, beverage and service in a top tier location. Ethically and locally sourced and additive-free - HotBlack is also good karma.
Momofuku Kojin is situated at the Shangri La Hotel, and while the menu has traces of restaurateur David Chang across the menu, the focus is squarely on South America, specifically Colombia, where head chef Paula Navarrete was born. Hominy and cornmeal flatbread - equal parts arepa and Chinese bing - are fully addictive, and even better wrapped around Niagara prosciutto and pickled cherries. Navarrete is a master of the wood-fired grill, which touches everything from zucchini and potato to avocado and steak. One standout is the rib-eye, mildly funky from 32 days of dry aging, grilled to a magnificent, well-seasoned crust, and a scoop of bone marrow butter for the final note of excess. Navarrete serves it with a whole forearm-length green chili, blackened from the grill - a dare on a plate.
59 místní doporučují
Momofuku Noodle Bar
190 University AveMomofuku Kojin is situated at the Shangri La Hotel, and while the menu has traces of restaurateur David Chang across the menu, the focus is squarely on South America, specifically Colombia, where head chef Paula Navarrete was born. Hominy and cornmeal flatbread - equal parts arepa and Chinese bing - are fully addictive, and even better wrapped around Niagara prosciutto and pickled cherries. Navarrete is a master of the wood-fired grill, which touches everything from zucchini and potato to avocado and steak. One standout is the rib-eye, mildly funky from 32 days of dry aging, grilled to a magnificent, well-seasoned crust, and a scoop of bone marrow butter for the final note of excess. Navarrete serves it with a whole forearm-length green chili, blackened from the grill - a dare on a plate.
The Toronto skyline is one of the most appealing features of cocktail hour in this city, but until recently, all of the best vantage points have been in the west end. That all changed with the arrival of the Broadview Hotel's indoor-outdoor top floor, which offers sweeping views not only of the city's skyscraper-filled core, but also of the greener expanses that stretch to the east and south. See the skyline from a fresh angle while sipping a cocktail and snacking on beef tartare, Russian dumplings, or dry-aged beef and pork kotleti for which it's worth making a reservation.
129 místní doporučují
The Broadview Hotel
106 Broadview AveThe Toronto skyline is one of the most appealing features of cocktail hour in this city, but until recently, all of the best vantage points have been in the west end. That all changed with the arrival of the Broadview Hotel's indoor-outdoor top floor, which offers sweeping views not only of the city's skyscraper-filled core, but also of the greener expanses that stretch to the east and south. See the skyline from a fresh angle while sipping a cocktail and snacking on beef tartare, Russian dumplings, or dry-aged beef and pork kotleti for which it's worth making a reservation.
The swooping mahogany interior is enough to signify this slice of Barcelona on college as one of Toronto's most unique drinking experiences at any hour. Open mid-morning to late, Raval's default atmosphere is bustling; hanging in the air is the temptation to cancel plans in favour of a copa of palo cortado and some smoked mackerel. Bartenders mix long-sipping, low-proof cocktails with a base of vermouth, sherry, or house-made amaro, which pack full-octane flavour but a lighter punch. The Velvet Thunder (Amontillado, Curacao, amaro, cucumber, mint, lemon, nutmeg) marries a mojito with the nutty, oxidized tang of Spain's cool-again fortified wine, forming an argument for revisiting the era of liquid lunch through a far more elegant - and dare I say responsible - lens.
235 místní doporučují
Bar Raval
505 College StThe swooping mahogany interior is enough to signify this slice of Barcelona on college as one of Toronto's most unique drinking experiences at any hour. Open mid-morning to late, Raval's default atmosphere is bustling; hanging in the air is the temptation to cancel plans in favour of a copa of palo cortado and some smoked mackerel. Bartenders mix long-sipping, low-proof cocktails with a base of vermouth, sherry, or house-made amaro, which pack full-octane flavour but a lighter punch. The Velvet Thunder (Amontillado, Curacao, amaro, cucumber, mint, lemon, nutmeg) marries a mojito with the nutty, oxidized tang of Spain's cool-again fortified wine, forming an argument for revisiting the era of liquid lunch through a far more elegant - and dare I say responsible - lens.
You could stop by the Rec Room *just* for a meal at Three10, the on-site restaurant with a menu inspired by Canada's three territories and 10 provinces, but that would be missing the point. This modern playground features 40,000 square feet of food and entertainment, including virtual reality and driving-simulation games, ping pong, shuffle board, pool, and a collection of classic video games - not to mention regular trivia contests, live music, and comedy.
185 místní doporučují
The Rec Room
255 Bremner BlvdYou could stop by the Rec Room *just* for a meal at Three10, the on-site restaurant with a menu inspired by Canada's three territories and 10 provinces, but that would be missing the point. This modern playground features 40,000 square feet of food and entertainment, including virtual reality and driving-simulation games, ping pong, shuffle board, pool, and a collection of classic video games - not to mention regular trivia contests, live music, and comedy.
Neighbourhood
Toronto is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct flavour, personality, and traditions - a fact that speaks to the diversity of Canada's largest, most vibrant metropolis. This guide takes a quick look at popular downtown areas, their major attractions, and their lesser-known gems.
There's no denying that the Danforth's main draw is food - the stretch from Chester to Jones officially is known as Greektown for good reason. Some of the longest-standing and most highly recommended restaurants include Pantheon, Athens, and Mezes, and Messini.
Greek food may be the star here, but it doesn't shine alone. Depending on what end of the street you're at, grab an order of fish and chips at Off the Hook or Len Duckworths, or settle in for an old school burger at Square Boy. Allen's is an upscale pub with checkered tablecloths, an incredibly well-stocked bar, and a locally famous burger menu.
The Danforth Music Hall, one of the city's best live music venues, is a great spot to see large acts. Walk west past Broadview and stroll onto the historic Prince Edward Viaduct, a truss-arch bridge that has several lookout points with great views on the Rosedale Valley. At night, the protective Luminous Veil lights up in real-time response to the weather.
34 místní doporučují
The Danforth
There's no denying that the Danforth's main draw is food - the stretch from Chester to Jones officially is known as Greektown for good reason. Some of the longest-standing and most highly recommended restaurants include Pantheon, Athens, and Mezes, and Messini.
Greek food may be the star here, but it doesn't shine alone. Depending on what end of the street you're at, grab an order of fish and chips at Off the Hook or Len Duckworths, or settle in for an old school burger at Square Boy. Allen's is an upscale pub with checkered tablecloths, an incredibly well-stocked bar, and a locally famous burger menu.
The Danforth Music Hall, one of the city's best live music venues, is a great spot to see large acts. Walk west past Broadview and stroll onto the historic Prince Edward Viaduct, a truss-arch bridge that has several lookout points with great views on the Rosedale Valley. At night, the protective Luminous Veil lights up in real-time response to the weather.
This legendary neighbourhood is officially a National Historic Site, and is known for solstice celebrations, traditional food vendors, and pedestrian-only Sundays add to the area's counterculture, hippie-haven vibe.
The longest standing and most legendary shop selling previously loved apparel is Courage My Love (14 Kensington Ave). They are a purveyor of fine tuxedo jackets, cashmere sweaters, and dresses with alt-prom potential, not to mention all manner of beads, buttons, and vintage jewellery.
El Trompo (277 Augusta Ave) is the neighbourhood's best-kept Mexican secret.
For a snack or dessert, stop into I Deal Coffee (84 nassau St), a cafe committed to fair trade beans and homemade treats.
Cosmic Treats (207 Augusta Ave.) is 100% gluten-free, organic, and non-GMO.
Handlebar (159 Augusta Ave.) pours a fine selection of Ontario craft beer (and only Ontario craft beer). And good tunes are always on tap at the Embassy (223 Augusta Ave.), an unassumingly retro place for a quiet drink.
1698 místní doporučují
Kensington Market
This legendary neighbourhood is officially a National Historic Site, and is known for solstice celebrations, traditional food vendors, and pedestrian-only Sundays add to the area's counterculture, hippie-haven vibe.
The longest standing and most legendary shop selling previously loved apparel is Courage My Love (14 Kensington Ave). They are a purveyor of fine tuxedo jackets, cashmere sweaters, and dresses with alt-prom potential, not to mention all manner of beads, buttons, and vintage jewellery.
El Trompo (277 Augusta Ave) is the neighbourhood's best-kept Mexican secret.
For a snack or dessert, stop into I Deal Coffee (84 nassau St), a cafe committed to fair trade beans and homemade treats.
Cosmic Treats (207 Augusta Ave.) is 100% gluten-free, organic, and non-GMO.
Handlebar (159 Augusta Ave.) pours a fine selection of Ontario craft beer (and only Ontario craft beer). And good tunes are always on tap at the Embassy (223 Augusta Ave.), an unassumingly retro place for a quiet drink.