City Guide: Toronto

EATING & DRINKING

Bar Isabel – One of my favourites, Bar Isabel is just a fantastic place to eat and drink. Beautiful food, fantastic wine selection and exceptional hospitality. A few of their greatest hits? Sweetbread and tuna, the octopus and the Basque cake.

Bar Raval – Pintxo spot owned by Grant Van Gamren with a beautiful ornate wood interior. This is a great all-day spot for a coffee and some small bites in the morning that transfers into a bustling cocktail bar that is always packed at night. If you’re willing to stand and socialize while you eat, this is the spot for you.

Dandylion – Easily my favourite place to eat. Innovative and beautiful food that is simply executed with love and integrity. The menu is always three starters, three mains and three desserts that change according to what is best. The bread is exceptional. Fantastic wine and beer list with a focus on great hospitality and making you feel at home. Great for a date-night or something more intimate to catch up with friends. Sit near the kitchen and watch how they work; it’s a true pleasure. 

Kensington Market – This outdoor walking market is the spot to really experience what Toronto has to offer. There’s so much to see and explore; great shops, vintage stores, restaurants, produce, butchers, fishmongers, coffee etc. Here’s where to go when you’re in Kensington.

• Sanagan’s Meat Locker – a butcher shop that makes strides in producing ethical, well-raised local meat. They offer a huge array of cuts and really take connecting with guests seriously. They also have pre-made dishes to take home and enjoy as well if you’re in a rush. 
• Blackbird Baking – exceptional bread (something I’ve learned is a big deal here in London) made by exceptional people. They produce so many fantastic types of bread; great to grab a loaf and break bread with friends.
• Chocolates by Brandon Olsen (CXBO) – great spot if you’re in need of a sweet fix. Stunning chocolates with absolutely divine flavour variations. If you’re looking to really wow some guests or friends, splurge on the Ziggy Stardust Disco Egg – smash it in slo-mo for the ‘gram.
• Augusta Fruit Market – my favourite place for beautiful produce run by people who truly love what they do. A lot of pride goes into what they offer and they always have a lot of variety in their store. They also sell some fantastic dry-goods that may be hard to find elsewhere. 
• Cold Tea Bar – great night spot that is hidden in Kensington (not so hidden anymore). This place is all about the vibe (and is now also about the food!); great place to hear some music, have a dance and meet some beautiful people. Definitely a spot for a night out (but you may have to line up once you find it!)

Sam James Coffee – Multiple locations in Toronto run by a great team. Fantastic coffee in an almost “too cool” cafe where everyone makes you feel at home. Great varieties that change frequently, great spot to start the day.

Tucana Coffee – Great little local spot that I visit regularly in the west-end (Dundas & Dufferin) with some great snacks. It’s a small shop so grab coffee to go or people watch on the bench outside.

Chinatown – It’s hard to say where exactly you should go (Rol San, King Noodle), but this is somewhere that does great food anytime of day (especially post-bar meals with friends). Be mindful, a lot of places are cash only so come with money in hand. Get some duck or pork belly! 

Santouka Ramen – My favourite spot in Toronto for ramen. Located basically right downtown, near the Eaton Centre. Always filled with Japanese businessmen, hungry university students and an array of people – everything about this place is fantastic. The broth and noodles really blow me away. A must for those looking to get a noodle fix in the city. 

KOTN – Located near Trinity Bellwoods Park this place is a triple threat: ethical, sustainable and financially accessible, this is a company to watch out for. Fantastically comfortable clothing that works with Egyptian farmers to create a great product, that also happens to provide fair wages and build up communities surrounding these farms. KOTN works to build schools in Egypt and support the communities that work so hard to create beautiful Egyptian cotton. Visit the store, try on some shirts for yourself. You’ll get what I mean. Great people doing amazing things.

Community 54 – Located in Parkdale neighbourhood, this place has become a community staple for shopping in this area offering all things sneaker and hypebeast related. Originally run out of NYC, the store works tirelessly to curate a fantastic offering for guests to enjoy that are ahead of the “cool curve”.

Francis Watson – While you’re in Parkdale, swing by here for more refined modern clothing run by a great team. It has fantastic options for men and women’s ware that are a bit more daring and intriguing. Definitely somewhere to check out.

Lost & Found (Ossington Strip) – Great menswear store for people looking to step it up a bit and wear some garments that may not be as easy to come across. Very thoughtfully curated, very friendly staff in a relaxing shop. Definitely a go-to for me when I’m in need of something new.

SHOPPING

OTHER COOL STUFF

Trinity Bellwoods Park – Massive park that you will find packed to the brim as soon as the temperature heats up and the sun shows its face. This is a great spot to sit and soak up some rays surround by people having a great time. Cops frequent the park so be mindful with your cocktails; but this is somewhere you’ll find people slack-lining, playing croquet or reading quietly. There’s also a “dog bowl” in the centre of the park full of puppers having a great run around. 

Art Gallery of Ontario – At times, I find myself wandering through here alone. Very relaxing, very beautiful & well-laid out. It offers a great opportunity to see Canadian art (both classic and modern) with a rotation of artists’ works that changes frequently. 

Cheese Boutique – Worth the trip to the “very” west-side. This place is a play-ground for all things cheese and all things food if you’re looking to spoil yourself and your friends. Amazing cheeses and charcuterie selection, as well as a fantastic little grocery and meat spread to pick yourself. Treat yourself, have an espresso and take a stroll in the cheese aging room. Let your nose soak in the funk.