Fashion District/ Entertainment District/ Chinatown
- Seven Lives - In Kensington, Taco join, mostly for takeout. Cash only, expect a bit of a line.
- Allwyn's - Carribean/ Jerk join, also takeout. You can order Allwyn's on Ritual.
- Anh Dao - In Chinatown, it's known for their "make your own rolls". They bring you a large plate that includes meat, vermicelli, paper rolls, pickled veggies, herbs, etc. So good.
- Aloette - High end comfort food. Make sure you save room for dessert, whichever sunday they have on the menu (it also comes in a mini version). Best to have a reservation! And ask for Greg, he's a homeboy. Also, Greg does burger pop ups on the side, they are amazing. Ask him about them (they're on IG too).
- Kupfert and Kim and Fresh - they are both plant-based joints. K&K is great for morning smoothies and takeaway, and Fresh is a bit more indulgent and better for sit-down.
- Impact Kitchen - My go to for bone broth after a workout! They serve clean food, so if you're feeling a healthy clean bowl after a boxing class, this is the spot.
- Le Select Bistro - French bistro style restaurant. Good for lunch and brunch. I usually suggest this spot for my external work meetings. Food is always solid.
- Dumpling House - for good ol' Chinese dumpling in Chinatown. Potentially cash only.
- Pai and Khao San Road - Two popular Thai joints! Both very busy, so get a reso, or takeout.
- Edulis - High end, multicourse meal. Farm to table and sea to table (is that a thing?) Mostly seafood and veggies, but delicious.
- 416 Snack Bar - Small eats, great vibe, good for dates (don't bring Ian there lol).
- Juicy Dumpling - Cheap soup dumplings. So yum.
West end (West Queen West/ Parkdale/ Little Portugal/Brockdale/ Roncesvalles/ Trinity-Bellwoods/ Little Italy)
- Le Swan - French joint with good food. Make a reso!
- Nadège Patisserie - At first, I didn't get it. Then I had their cakes. Now I get it.
- Après Wine Bar* - Really nice spot that serves organic, natural and biodynamic wines. The service here has been top notch friendly! Honestly one of our favourite spots to go solo, as a couple, with friends.
- Nuit Social - Tasty and inexpensive food. They have specials almost every night of the week!
- Canis - Locally source, seasonal set menu. The food here is handled with care, and it's frankly delicious, but a bit pricey. Think "modern, simple, fine".
- Lao Thai - It's a family owned and run spot. They service comfort Laotian/ Thai food. My favourite dish on a cold or sick day is the Souk Gai soup.
- Loga's Corner - For when you're craving momos, but fast! Himilayan Kitchen - For when you're craving butter chicken momos (that's right), but slow...
- The Ace - for brunch in Roncesvalles. It was consistently solid, until I returned last year, and they changed the kitchen staff.
- Bandit Brewery - One of my favourite patios in Toronto! The lineups (if any) are manageable.
- Whelan's Gate - Your standard neighborhood pub, but with the (second) best burgers in town (after Greg's burgers of course).
- The Good Fork - Tasty mediteranian/ israeli food, but damn it's not cheap. They probably need to make up for the expensive rent cost.
- Uncle Mikey's - Small hip korean snack restaurant with good but limited drink options. I also think they have a happy hour special from 5-7!
- Sakai Bar - Okay okay. Sakai Bar is super solid. They serve small Japanese dishes, lighter to the palette, and more on the refined side.
- Mezu - Solid Korean food. Order the Ssam, you won't be disappointed.
- Enoteca Sociale - Neighborhood fav. Simply (enough) Italian. Order Cacio e pepe, trust me.
- Superpoint Pizza (on Ossington) - If you're walking down Ossington like a true herd-following Toronto sheep (kidding) and you're craving slice of pizza? Head to Superpoint!
- Bellwoods Brewery - Where all the yuppies grab beers. It's often packed with a long line up. I would opt for Bandit in terms of space, but Bellwoods has better beer.
- Mamakas Taverna - Greek Restaurant: You WILL NOT be disappointed with the food. You might be with the service, but fuck it, the food is great.
- Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery - I don't care what nobody says, you've got to go. If you pass by and there is no lineup, it is your duty to go in.
- Otto's Bierhalle - A solid Germany-style bierhalle, but more hip. People go there to take IG stories in their washrooms.
- Bar Raval - Solid Spanish tapas spot, but unfortunately, they don't take resos, and there are no seats (all standing). For a seated place, go to their (pricey) sister restaurant Bar Isabel.
- Takht-e Tavoos - Persian brunch. 'nough said!
That's it for now. I apologize to the food gods if I left any classics out (I literally wrote this list + comments in 20 minutes)
Last edited: January 16th, 2020
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