If your plans lean east—the older part of the city—the Broadview is a good call. Built in 1891 by a soap baron, later reincarnated as Jilly’s (a strip club that allegedly featured live tigers), it’s now a sharp-looking boutique stay with 58 rooms and a few subtle nods to its past—spot the dancer wallpaper in the stairwell or vintage prints of pin-up girls in some rooms. The brasserie downstairs works well for a quick breakfast, but we usually save our appetite for the rooftop—great 360-degree views at sundown, even better with a drink in hand.
On the west end, the Drake has long been more than just a hotel. Its 51 rooms sit above a rotating mix of shows, live sets, rooftop DJ nights, and a very decent brunch situation. The vibe skews local and creative, and the expansion has made it even more of a scene—expect to arrive home to lineups and Ubers outside your lobby door! Even if not staying here, I’d swing by for a coffee and croissant when strolling the west end, it’s that kind of place.
A familiar name, but with a Toronto twist. This Ace is tucked just off the main drag—about a 15-min walk from Union Station—and within easy reach of Queen St, King St, Kensington, and Chinatown neighbourhoods. The design leans local, with Douglas-fir cabinetry, Ontario’s Dhillon’s gin in the mini bar, and paintings by Nadia Gohar (yes, of the Gohar World) in the café. Alder, the restaurant downstairs, runs on wood-fire everything, and the rooftop lounge with a fireplace is good for the soul after a long day. Request a park-facing room and Dhillon’s Rose Gin in your mini bar—it’s all very tempting to hole up, but you should still leave the building.
A brunch classic in Liberty Village with an airy room, notorious stacks of buttermilk pancakes, and no reservations on the weekends. Locals will drop their name, do a few errands nearby, then return just in time for a table. Treat yourself to their Caesar—the Bloody Mary’s superior mother (sorry, not sorry)—for enduring this necessary evil.
Now a mini-empire, with outposts everywhere from the hip East Room coworking space to the MOCA, the King West location is closest to Ace Hotel and makes for an easy stop for a quick sandwich, cookies, and DOP groceries. Founder Andrea Mastrandrea is a third-generation baker, with roots in Puglia and the Amalfi Coast, and the space channels that history. A worthwhile coffee stop, but it’s less espresso bar, more modern bakery & alimentari.
A personal favorite, and apparently not just mine. A New Yorker friend once called it “consistently excellent like Locanda Verde, but Greek,” and honestly, that’s the best shorthand I’ve heard. Feels like a Mediterranean summer vacation fantacy, if it happened to be set on the buzzy Ossington Street: whitewashed walls, low lighting, and food that hits that rare note of casual and elevated at once. I’ve been here on regular Tuesdays and for celebratory dinners—both feel right. Get the mezze, get the lamb, get the fish… just get a table.
Tucked away on Niagara Street next to a Buddhist temple, Edulis plays it modest for a Michelin-starred spot. It’s a small, warm space—ten tables, preset menu, seasonal dishes that often center seafood, vegetables, and mushrooms (the latter, on the plate and in décor). The vibe is more upstate bistro than fine dining, which is part of the charm. If you happen to come in during Quebec snow crab season, you are in luck! It was an IYKYK place and flew under the radar until the Michelin guide finally came to town in 2022, so plan ahead!
Toronto’s Persian community is second only to LA’s in size, so this one’s essential. Pomegranate sits on College Street, dressed in hand-painted tiles and textiles, and serves the kind of cozy, traditional food that’s especially satisfying on a grey day. You’ll see a mix of families, solo diners, and University of Toronto grad students filling the room. My go-to is Jujuni: boneless lamb with pomegranate molasses and eggplant. Don’t skip on the extra serving of Barbari bread either!
Three decades strong, Pearl is a classic for dim sum with a Lake Ontario view. It’s tucked into the Queens Quay Terminal, walking distance from Harbourfront’s cultural spaces and the ferry terminal. Ideal for a slow breakfast or post-flight lunch—grab a window-side table and watch the marina shuffle unfold while you load up on dumplings.
More community table than traditional restaurant, The Depanneur is one of those places that feels like it could only exist in Toronto. It runs on a rotating lineup of home cooks, professional chefs, and food lovers hosting one-night-only dinners, cooking classes, and drop-in brunches. You might land on Palestinian mezze one night, handmade Italian pasta the next. It’s casual in the best way and built around conversation as much as food. Check the schedule ahead; things change weekly, and that’s the point.
A relative newcomer compared to others on this list, Wynona is in that sweet spot between polished and relaxed. It’s light-filled and unfussy, with a seafood-forward and Italian-adjacent menu: house-made pastas, grilled fish, seasonal vegetables done simply and well. Natural wines round things out and might keep you there ‘til close. It’s on Gerrard East, a quieter stretch on the east side that’s quietly becoming its own dining destination.
Named after the OG Toronto area code, 416 is the kind of place that invites you from the street. Drinks are solid, the energy’s always right, and the menu is pure chaos in the best way: a rotating mix of snacks inspired by whatever the kitchen’s into that week (bao, jerk whole fish, Gujarati fafda—yes, really). It’s not a full dinner, but definitely more than a bar snack. Great for when you're not ready to go home yet, but don’t want a full production either. If packed, try their sister cocktail bar around the corner, Short Turn.
Once, everything was on Queen West. Then it was Dundas West. And slowly but surely, we’ve creeped up to the once industrial area along the Dupont Street corridor. Contra sits quietly along that migration path, just north enough to feel like you’ve made the effort. Tucked into a residential stretch, you can almost miss it unless you’re looking. Solid espresso and just enough room to sit and pretend you live nearby while devouring the coconut-walnut-carrot cake. A great stop on your way to check out the buzzier strip on Geary Ave.
Right across from Trinity Bellwoods Park, Sonndr feels like a well-designed neighborhood living room: warm wood, natural light, seating for lingering. The espresso’s great, the matcha has a quiet following, and the pastries rotate with the seasons. But that’s just surface-level—Sonndr is the brainchild of three friends who envisioned something more than a café. The camaraderie shows: the space doubles as a retail/gallery/wholesaler hybrid and occasionally hosts live music and art residencies, so you might catch rotating work by local creators while you sip.
My favorite East End bar and somehow still flying under the radar. The Comrade leads with a sharp cocktail list (get.the.Sycamore!) and a wine selection focusing on the lesser-known producers. It’s intimate but buzzy, with a deep-red interior that lends between a boudoir and a hunting lodge (just trust me!). Great for a nightcap after a Riverdale Park sunset or a walk at the Beaches. And while it’s a drink-first kind of place, no one’s stopping you from ordering the beloved burger.
Tucked just off College Street, next to the main restaurant, Bar Pompette is dim, Paris-ish, and the cocktails are thoughtful. The bar has a serious ice game—crystal-clear blocks, laser-cut to fit each glass—which feels quietly extravagant. If It’s Pink! is on the menu, order it: seasonal rhubarb vermouth, tart and bright. Oh, and it’s #7 on North America’s Top 50 Bars, right after NYC’s Overstory. Not bad for a little room in Little Italy.
Speaking of Littles, further east on College Street is another cosy spot. Technically a hi-fi listening bar, it’s got a really good drink list with range: vermouths, amaros, wine, beer, and cider, all curated by founders who know their way around a turntable. Pair your glass with a house‑made snack—maybe whipped butter brioche or a conserva—and you’ve nailed the laid‑back listening bar vibe this place does best!
Reposado’s been holding it down on Ossington Street since 2007, which is saying something in a neighborhood that flips fast. Their website’s a mess, and the socials aren’t much better, but none of that matters once you’re inside. The bar is long and narrow, the shelves are stacked with agave, and every so often a full jazz band—including a stand-up bass—somehow squeezes in and transforms the whole vibe. Not your typical mezcal-and-tequila situation. Before we got together, my husband used to bring dates here. Not me—but we did throw our moving-away party here before heading to NYC, so I guess I win!
I wasn’t planning to include the already-much-written-about spots, but if you’re new to Toronto, skipping Bar Raval would honestly be a miss. The inside looks like a Gaudí fever dream carved out of mahogany. It’s standing room only, packed from opening till late—for cortados, pintxos, and cocktails over ice. In warmer months, the crowd spills onto the sidewalk like it’s Barcelona. Good sherry, great energy, really teleports you!
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Souvenir walks the line between gallery and shop in a way that feels distinctly Toronto—quiet, curated, and full of things you didn’t know you wanted until you saw them. The space rotates a mix of home goods, textiles, ceramics, and slow fashion, all from emerging designers, many Canadian. Spending time here feels a bit like looking through a looking glass on a sunny afternoon—carefree, curious, and satisfying. Come for a quiet pause in your day, and you’ll likely leave with something beautiful made in small batches.
If you’re after a souvenir that is more literally Toronto, this is the spot. The Spacing Store is a love letter to the city in design-object form. Think neighbourhood toques, retro city logo items, and a healthy amount of public library pride (the library cards come with city perks, you see). It’s smart, fun, and refreshingly free of moose clichés. I’d recommend something raccoon-related—our beloved trash pandas deserve shelf space or Honest Ed’s-style thank you cards: Big Thanks for your .02 cents!
gravitypope is on the stretch of the infamous Queen West Street that still retains its shopping ethos. The Toronto outpost of this Canadian mini-chain is beautifully merchandised, carrying everything from Margiela sneakers to minimalist Japanese raincoats to that one pair of boots you didn’t know you needed (until now). Clothes, shoes, apothecary—all fashion-forward without being overly precious. It’s a pared-down vibe in a two-floor sunlit space, yet somehow still feels like you are browsing your cool friend’s closet.
Around the corner from gravitypope, is a menswear shop dreamed up by two friends, fueled by their love for toys, comics, and clothing. The spread at Lost & Found leans into quality, longevity, and quiet flexes—Engineered Garments, Andersen-Andersen, Battenwear, Arpenteur, plus solid footwear and design-forward objects. The vibe is casual but intentional, with music always humming in the background. You might come in for a jacket, but leave rethinking your whole closet.
A risky rec, but stay with me. This antique lighting shop has been around for 40+ years and looks like it—chandeliers everywhere, loose parts in piles, and just enough room to squeeze through. There’s been a “for sale” sign in the window for at least two decades, but Sam is usually still there—don’t trust me, call ahead! If you’re patient (and not afraid to dig), you might score a vintage fixture you’ll brag about for years.
Tucked into an industrial stretch along Carlaw Ave, Modulo Shop opened in 2023 as a Toronto gallery-meets-showroom with an eye for quiet detail. This is the spot for curated collectible furniture—think modular seating, sculptural tables, material-forward lighting—with a meticulous focus on form. It’s not flashy, but everything here feels considered and functional.
Vessels & Sticks began as an online gallery for contemporary ceramics, and now it has a beautiful brick-and-mortar space to match. It’s the first spot in Toronto making high-concept ceramic work feel genuinely accessible: less museum pedestal, more intentional everyday design. You’ll find pieces that balance form and function from Canadian and international artists (including a few familiar NYC names). Founder Jennifer Kerbel Poirier brings real enthusiasm for the medium and ensures each object comes with a story. Whether you're clay curious or a full-on collector, it’s a space that invites slow looking.
Toronto has a handful of great chocolatiers, but SOMA is the one we always end up returning to. Their King Street West location is a classic—part shop, part chocolate lab—stacked with truffles, tiny molten chocolate shots, and chocolate bark you definitely should not skip. They roast their own beans and experiment often. Go for a gift, leave with a bag for yourself too.
Yes, it’s touristy—but also, it’s great. St. Lawrence Market has been operating in some form since the 1800s, and the current mix of butchers, bakers, fishmongers, and bulk spice vendors still holds up. You’ll find locals lining up for peameal bacon sandwiches and out-of-towners marveling at 12 types of mustard. Come hungry, and don’t overthink it—just wander, snack, and eavesdrop. It’s part food crawl, part civic institution.
Named for that untranslatable Portuguese feeling of longing for a person, place, or thing, Saudade brings a little of the homeland to Toronto’s Little Portugal (for a not-so-little Portuguese community). The shelves are stacked with Benamore hand creams, handwoven textiles, ceramics, and tins of Bom Petisco sardines—many somehow end up in my tote. A great stop to dress up your patio dinner, or just passing through en route to a picnic at Trinity Bellwoods Park. Can’t make it to the original location? They have an outpost at Union Station!
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Take those Saudade snacks and post up here for the afternoon—this is our Fort Greene Park. Picnics, tennis, drum circles, birthdays, hangovers... it all happens on the grass. Grab a coffee from Sonndr, ice cream from White Squirrel, or a delicate treat from Nadège Patisserie—all lining the park’s perimeter—and head to the north end for one of the city’s best CN Tower views. A classic West End reset.
Once a tin lithography factory, 401 Richmond was one of Toronto’s earliest industrial-to-arts conversions, and it still sets the standard. Now home to over 150 artists, nonprofits, and urbanist orgs, the building is steeped in Jane Jacobs’ urbanist ethos. It’s open to the public, so you can wander the halls, pop into small galleries, and catch a quiet moment on their secret rooftop patio (a personal favorite). Grab a coffee at Dark Horse Espresso Bar downstairs, then flip through design-forward titles at Swipe Books right next to the Spacing Store.
A lush little surprise tucked just off busy Jarvis, Allan Gardens is one of the city’s oldest parks and home to a tropical greenhouse that feels like you’ve stepped into another climate entirely. The Victorian-era conservatory is free to visit, full of palms, cacti, orchids, and that warm, earthy greenhouse smell that hits the second you walk in. Great for a mid-winter mood boost or a quiet walk when the city feels a bit much.
Right across from the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) but usually way less crowded, the Gardiner is Canada’s national ceramics museum that’s chic. The permanent collection covers everything from ancient pottery to modern sculptural work, and the rotating exhibits are bold. Stay for lunch at Clay, the museum’s café—it’s bright, seasonal, and it overlooks the ROM. Then stroll the Philosopher’s Walk that cuts through the University of Toronto’s historic buildings and gardens.
There are plenty of places in Toronto to catch a boogie, but Rooms stands out and could’ve landed in just about any section of this guide. It’s a true hybrid: by day, a Japanese-inspired café with soft lighting, vinyl on rotation, and carefully brewed coffee (the peach yuzu latte is worth it). Mondays bring the Boring Friends Chess Club hangs. By night, it shifts into a hi-fi listening bar where jazz, funk, and soul take over—and yes, people start dancing. It lives inside 915 Dupont, a building brimming with creative energy (shout out Mima Ceramics studio!). Think disco ball meets low-key café, with a vibe that turns up just enough.
Having melted into NYC pavement for a few summers, I’ve come to really appreciate Toronto’s green spaces—thanks to its massive ravine system, you are never more than a 10 min walk away from a green garden and can be downtown one minute, deep in the woods the next. Evergreen Brick Works sits right in the middle of that, tucked into the Don Valley in a former brick factory turned environmental hub. On weekends, there are bustling farmers, food, and vintage markets; during the week, it’s quiet trails, art installations, and industrial architecture reclaimed by nature. A great spot for a walk, a wander, or a healthy bowl at the cafe.
Yes, those are real islands just off downtown. A quick ferry (or water taxi) gets you from glass towers to bike trails and beach blankets in under 15 min. Centre Island is family central, but head east for quieter spots or west to Hanlan’s Point if you’re feeling a little Euro (read: clothing optional). Grab something at the Runaway Café and rent a quadracycle. There are beaches, boardwalks, cottage-y homes, and just enough snacks to keep you going. In summer, it also hosts Electric Island—a ticketed outdoor dance party that turns this chill green space into a full-on plein air club. Just don’t miss the last ferry back!
I’ve been rooting for Geary Ave since 2015, when I wrote about it for the now-defunct NakedUnderground mag. Back then, it was just a bakery, a few studios, and a lot of promise. These days, it’s a full-blown creative corridor. You may already have your coffee from Contra, but if not, swing by Gaucho Pie Co. for an Argentine empanada and a moment. Then wander into one of the street’s galleries—Station Independent Projects, Canvas, or Bau-Xi are a good place to start. Cap it all off with dinner at General Public, restauratrice Jen Agg’s two-floor dedication to the modern pub: brasserie cool below, retro-glam above. Public art dots the walls and sidewalks (some commissioned, some claimed), and if you're out late enough, you just might catch a STANDARD TIME party.
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The quickest move is Air Canada’s LaGuardia-to-Pearson flight. With 1h 40m gate-to-gate time, the running joke is that you spend more time on the tarmac than in the air. From arrivals, follow the signs for the UP Express: $9, 25 minutes, and you’re standing in Union Station in the heart of downtown.
If you don’t mind a Newark departure—and want to land right in the city centre—Porter Airlines drops you on Billy Bishop’s island runway. A two-minute ferry (or the pedestrian tunnel) puts you on the mainland; the low-altitude skyline view on approach is a nice welcome bonus.