Guidebook for Toronto
Food Scene
Great Italian restaurant with a lovely patio and balcony during the summer months!
92 locals recommend
Trattoria Nervosa
75 Yorkville AveGreat Italian restaurant with a lovely patio and balcony during the summer months!
Great Italian restaurant with a delicious menu and great vibe! (May I recommend the octopus grilled appetizer, the lobster ravioli and an Aperol Spritz) ;)
46 locals recommend
Cibo Wine Bar Yorkville
133 Yorkville AveGreat Italian restaurant with a delicious menu and great vibe! (May I recommend the octopus grilled appetizer, the lobster ravioli and an Aperol Spritz) ;)
Punto Gelato
2076 Yonge StOur go-to gelato place
Iconic ice cream shop where many a famous person have been - so delicious
45 locals recommend
Summer's Ice Cream
101 Yorkville AveIconic ice cream shop where many a famous person have been - so delicious
Over Easy
208 Bloor St WOur go-to breakfast/brunch place just around the corner
If you're in the mood for tasty Indian food. Try the chai.
18 locals recommend
The Host Fine Indian Cuisine (Toronto)
87 Elm StreetIf you're in the mood for tasty Indian food. Try the chai.
If you're in the mood for Japanese food, (whether it's hibachi or sushi), this place is a great place to go.
13 locals recommend
Yamato Japanese Restaurant
24 Bellair StIf you're in the mood for Japanese food, (whether it's hibachi or sushi), this place is a great place to go.
My favourite Japanese restaurant in the city. I recommend either sitting at the robata grill in the front, or in one of the tatami rooms for an authentic experience.
11 locals recommend
Nami Japanese Restaurant
55 Adelaide St EMy favourite Japanese restaurant in the city. I recommend either sitting at the robata grill in the front, or in one of the tatami rooms for an authentic experience.
Dynasty
69 Yorkville AveFor upscale Chinese food, great place for dim sum
Zaza espresso bar
162 Cumberland StIf you want to pop in for an espresso, Italian style.
It's always key to know where the nearest Timmy Ho's is. Double double, please?
497 locals recommend
Tim Hortons
120 Fort York BlvdIt's always key to know where the nearest Timmy Ho's is. Double double, please?
Starbucks
1545 Bayview AveClosest Starbucks for when you want to keep things basic.
Great place if you're feeling fancy and want to stop in for afternoon tea in an upscale setting. Everything is vegan, gluten free, dairy free, you name it.
12 locals recommend
Sorelle and Co. Bakery
161 Yorkville AveGreat place if you're feeling fancy and want to stop in for afternoon tea in an upscale setting. Everything is vegan, gluten free, dairy free, you name it.
One of my favourite places in the city, and where I do my grocery shopping on the weekends. If you're a food and want to feel like you've gone to food heaven, go here. The Farmer's Market is on Saturday if you want to check it out. If you want to try somethings truly Canadian, go to Carousel Bakery for a peameal bacon sandwich (a.k.a. Canadian bacon sandwich), Future's bakery for butter tarts, and the Farmer's Market for golden maple syrup for your morning pancakes. You won't regret it.
1398 locals recommend
St. Lawrence Market
93 Front St EOne of my favourite places in the city, and where I do my grocery shopping on the weekends. If you're a food and want to feel like you've gone to food heaven, go here. The Farmer's Market is on Saturday if you want to check it out. If you want to try somethings truly Canadian, go to Carousel Bakery for a peameal bacon sandwich (a.k.a. Canadian bacon sandwich), Future's bakery for butter tarts, and the Farmer's Market for golden maple syrup for your morning pancakes. You won't regret it.
One of the best and trendiest Thai restaurants in the city, definitely worth a visit if you're in the mood for Thai!
266 locals recommend
PAI
18 Duncan StOne of the best and trendiest Thai restaurants in the city, definitely worth a visit if you're in the mood for Thai!
During the summer months, you'll see lines out the door for some of this delicious ice cream, particularly their famous ice cream sandwiches - vegan options are available as well!
171 locals recommend
Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery
93A Ossington AveDuring the summer months, you'll see lines out the door for some of this delicious ice cream, particularly their famous ice cream sandwiches - vegan options are available as well!
If you're a brunch person, this is one of the most popular brunch places in the city. Get there early, because you'll be queuing out the door!
207 locals recommend
Lady Marmalade
265 Broadview AveIf you're a brunch person, this is one of the most popular brunch places in the city. Get there early, because you'll be queuing out the door!
On recommendation from a friend as one of his favourite brunch spots. I can't wait to try it myself!
143 locals recommend
Mildred's Temple Kitchen
85 Hanna AveOn recommendation from a friend as one of his favourite brunch spots. I can't wait to try it myself!
Arts & Culture
Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queens ParkHow perfect that it's only a block away!
If you're into shoes/fashion and having a Carrie Bradshaw moment, check out Mrs. Bata's incredible shoe collection - I'm dying to see the Manolo Blahník exhibit myself
326 locals recommend
Bata Shoe Museum
327 Bloor St WIf you're into shoes/fashion and having a Carrie Bradshaw moment, check out Mrs. Bata's incredible shoe collection - I'm dying to see the Manolo Blahník exhibit myself
A beautiful museum with some great permanent collections and special exhibits throughout the year. It's nice to even just come to check out the architecture.
2262 locals recommend
Art Gallery of Ontario
317 Dundas St WA beautiful museum with some great permanent collections and special exhibits throughout the year. It's nice to even just come to check out the architecture.
An awesome science centre if you're in the mood for some learning.
426 locals recommend
Ontario Science Centre
770 Don Mills Rd.An awesome science centre if you're in the mood for some learning.
A fascinating museum about Islamic art, Iranian art and Muslim culture. And a beautiful building to boot.
156 locals recommend
Aga Khan Museum
77 Wynford DrA fascinating museum about Islamic art, Iranian art and Muslim culture. And a beautiful building to boot.
Designed by Raymond Moriyama, this iconic library features an epic atrium with serpentine floors best viewed from one of the cylindrical elevators. It was most recently featured in The Weeknd's music video for his song "Secrets" (who fun fact, are also Torontonians). Take a few moments to walk in and check out the busiest urban library system in the world.
88 locals recommend
Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library
789 Yonge StDesigned by Raymond Moriyama, this iconic library features an epic atrium with serpentine floors best viewed from one of the cylindrical elevators. It was most recently featured in The Weeknd's music video for his song "Secrets" (who fun fact, are also Torontonians). Take a few moments to walk in and check out the busiest urban library system in the world.
Royal Alexandra Theatre
260 King St WSee a show in this beautiful heritage venue!
If you're a fan of the opera, see if you can catch a show while you're in town!
26 locals recommend
Canadian Opera Company
145 Queen St WIf you're a fan of the opera, see if you can catch a show while you're in town!
Essentials
Delicious organic food for a pretty penny (the closest grocery store to me)
204 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
1860 Bayview AveDelicious organic food for a pretty penny (the closest grocery store to me)
Bloor Street Market
55 Bloor St WWhere I usually go for my groceries
If you need to pick up something from the pharmacy (and collect Optimum points)
180 locals recommend
Shoppers Drug Mart
710 Mt Pleasant RdIf you need to pick up something from the pharmacy (and collect Optimum points)
If you need to pick up something from the pharmacy (and collect Air Miles)
109 locals recommend
Rexall
474 Spadina Ave.If you need to pick up something from the pharmacy (and collect Air Miles)
Getting Around
St George Station
Closest entrance on Bedford Rd
Museum station
Closest entrance on the west side of Avenue Rd
Closest entrance on Cumberland although the entrance on Bellair is not too far
70 locals recommend
Bay station
1240 Bay St. Closest entrance on Cumberland although the entrance on Bellair is not too far
If you need to get the train to the airport, you can take Museum all the way to Union and get the Express to Pearson from there. It's also just a beautiful station in general.
713 locals recommend
Union Station
55 Front St WIf you need to get the train to the airport, you can take Museum all the way to Union and get the Express to Pearson from there. It's also just a beautiful station in general.
Sightseeing
CN Tower
290 Bremner BlvdHow can you not when you're in the 6ix?
"The pedestrian-only Distillery District, set in quaint 19th century buildings that once housed a large whiskey distillery, draws crowds to its cobblestone streets lined with hip indie restaurants, bars and boutiques. Art lovers come for the galleries, outdoor sculptures and dance, music and stage performances at the area's several theatres. In December, the annual Toronto Christmas Market takes over the streets." Not going to lie, I stole that description from Wikipedia. But it's 100% true so check it out. My personal recommendation would be to check out Izumi for some Ontario sake tasting!
1704 locals recommend
Distillery Historic District
55 Mill St"The pedestrian-only Distillery District, set in quaint 19th century buildings that once housed a large whiskey distillery, draws crowds to its cobblestone streets lined with hip indie restaurants, bars and boutiques. Art lovers come for the galleries, outdoor sculptures and dance, music and stage performances at the area's several theatres. In December, the annual Toronto Christmas Market takes over the streets." Not going to lie, I stole that description from Wikipedia. But it's 100% true so check it out. My personal recommendation would be to check out Izumi for some Ontario sake tasting!
A unique historic neighbourhood that is the product of decades of waves of immigration from around the world. A great place for some delicious Mexican or Jamaican food. (If I am cooking anything Mexican or South American I come here to get the ingredients).
1698 locals recommend
Kensington Market
A unique historic neighbourhood that is the product of decades of waves of immigration from around the world. A great place for some delicious Mexican or Jamaican food. (If I am cooking anything Mexican or South American I come here to get the ingredients).
I love taking the ferry out here and walking around the islands - highly recommend! One of the best views of Toronto can be taken in from these islands. Rent bikes or if you have kids, take them to Centre Island to enjoy the small amusement park.
1035 locals recommend
Toronto Islands
I love taking the ferry out here and walking around the islands - highly recommend! One of the best views of Toronto can be taken in from these islands. Rent bikes or if you have kids, take them to Centre Island to enjoy the small amusement park.
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
288 Bremner BlvdFun aquarium to go check out if you have the time!
Graffiti Alley
Graffiti AlleyA great place to take some awesome photos. Do it for the gram.
LOVE this neighbourhood. Just go wander around the shops, chose a nice restaurant or pub, and take it all in.
723 locals recommend
Queen Street West
Queen Street WestLOVE this neighbourhood. Just go wander around the shops, chose a nice restaurant or pub, and take it all in.
My food recommendations: Rol San or Lee Garden, these are local classics. If you want something a bit more upscale, try the Peoples Eatery, which is a Chinese fusion restaurant.
My tea recommendations: Crimson Teas. If you like teas the man who works there (Phillip) is extremely knowledgable about Chinese teas, particularly Pu-erh tea. If you are a first-time visitor, he will do a tea tasting for you. The milk tea is delicious as well.
740 locals recommend
Chinatown
292 Spadina Ave.My food recommendations: Rol San or Lee Garden, these are local classics. If you want something a bit more upscale, try the Peoples Eatery, which is a Chinese fusion restaurant.
My tea recommendations: Crimson Teas. If you like teas the man who works there (Phillip) is extremely knowledgable about Chinese teas, particularly Pu-erh tea. If you are a first-time visitor, he will do a tea tasting for you. The milk tea is delicious as well.
Great place to come for some delicious Korean eats and if you want, a good night out at a Korean pub and Korean karaoke to follow. My favourite restaurant there is the Owl of Minerva (locally known as simply the Owl) for their simple yet delicious dishes. My other favourite is Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu, which specializes in soon tofu dishes.
161 locals recommend
Koreatown
Great place to come for some delicious Korean eats and if you want, a good night out at a Korean pub and Korean karaoke to follow. My favourite restaurant there is the Owl of Minerva (locally known as simply the Owl) for their simple yet delicious dishes. My other favourite is Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu, which specializes in soon tofu dishes.
In the winter, this is a great place to come down and go ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square.
259 locals recommend
Toronto City Hall
100 Queen St WIn the winter, this is a great place to come down and go ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square.
The lively gay district of Toronto and the epicentre of the Toronto Pride during the month of June.
115 locals recommend
Chelsea Area
The lively gay district of Toronto and the epicentre of the Toronto Pride during the month of June.
I just love this cozy little neighbourhood. My recommended eats include: Kekou Ice Cream for Asian style ice cream, Arctic Bites for Thai style ice cream, Margaritas for tasty Mexican food (beware the spice!), and Kinton Ramen for, well, ramen!
23 locals recommend
Baldwin Village
I just love this cozy little neighbourhood. My recommended eats include: Kekou Ice Cream for Asian style ice cream, Arctic Bites for Thai style ice cream, Margaritas for tasty Mexican food (beware the spice!), and Kinton Ramen for, well, ramen!
If the weather is good, this is a great place to go for a stroll and take in Lake Ontario, especially during the summer.
424 locals recommend
The Beaches
If the weather is good, this is a great place to go for a stroll and take in Lake Ontario, especially during the summer.
Toronto's castle and former residence of financier Sir Henry Pellatt. If you're European this may be commonplace but for North Americans, we don't have have too many of these. A popular filming location for movies and television and venue for wedding ceremonies. Check it out! And while you're up there, treat yourself to ice cream at Dutch Dreams (open year round) or Bar Apé (only open during the summer).
1217 locals recommend
Casa Loma
1 Austin TerraceToronto's castle and former residence of financier Sir Henry Pellatt. If you're European this may be commonplace but for North Americans, we don't have have too many of these. A popular filming location for movies and television and venue for wedding ceremonies. Check it out! And while you're up there, treat yourself to ice cream at Dutch Dreams (open year round) or Bar Apé (only open during the summer).
Hockey Hall of Fame
30 Yonge StIf you're a hockey fan, this is the place to visit!
Shopping
If you're looking for everything in one place and want to check out Dundas Square as well.
2460 locals recommend
CF Toronto Eaton Centre
220 Yonge StIf you're looking for everything in one place and want to check out Dundas Square as well.
I do most of my shopping here and along Bloor St (a.k.a. the Mink Mile) because it's so close by, highly recommend!
40 locals recommend
Manulife Centre
55 Bloor St WI do most of my shopping here and along Bloor St (a.k.a. the Mink Mile) because it's so close by, highly recommend!
A Canadian department store where you can find some uniquely Canadian clothing, items, etc. in addition to all the usual things you would expect at a department store.
25 locals recommend
Hudson's Bay Centre
44 Bloor St EA Canadian department store where you can find some uniquely Canadian clothing, items, etc. in addition to all the usual things you would expect at a department store.
Holt Renfrew Bloor
50 Bloor St WAn upscale Canadian department store.
A uniquely Canadian clothing store with iconic sweatpants, leather bags, and wool socks. Nearly every Canadian owns something from this store!
13 locals recommend
Roots
80 Bloor St WA uniquely Canadian clothing store with iconic sweatpants, leather bags, and wool socks. Nearly every Canadian owns something from this store!
Drinks & Nightlife
When I feel like barhopping close to home, I go here and then to the Duke of York across the street (or vice versa). I just love the cozy atmosphere.
14 locals recommend
The Bedford Academy
36 Prince Arthur AveWhen I feel like barhopping close to home, I go here and then to the Duke of York across the street (or vice versa). I just love the cozy atmosphere.
When I feel like barhopping close to home, I go here and then to the Bedford Academy across the street (or vice versa). I just love the cozy atmosphere.
12 locals recommend
Duke of York
39 Prince Arthur AveWhen I feel like barhopping close to home, I go here and then to the Bedford Academy across the street (or vice versa). I just love the cozy atmosphere.
Sin & Redemption
136 McCaul StIf you love Belgian beer (as I do), go here.
Love this cozy English pub, especially during patio season.
50 locals recommend
The Oxley Public House
121 Yorkville AveLove this cozy English pub, especially during patio season.
A lively Japanese bar with a long sake list - fun place to go if you've never been to an izakaya!
10 locals recommend
Don Don Izakaya
130 Dundas St WA lively Japanese bar with a long sake list - fun place to go if you've never been to an izakaya!
A fun izakaya offering Japanese small plates & drinks in a lively atmosphere.
96 locals recommend
KINKA IZAKAYA
398 Church StA fun izakaya offering Japanese small plates & drinks in a lively atmosphere.
CRAFT Beer Market - Toronto
1 Adelaide St EAll the craft beer your heart could desire.
A great little local brewery with great craft beers and delicious food if you want to try something local! Plus the surrounding shops on Ossington are nice to check out.
373 locals recommend
Bellwoods Brewery
124 Ossington AveA great little local brewery with great craft beers and delicious food if you want to try something local! Plus the surrounding shops on Ossington are nice to check out.
Cold Tea is one of Kensington Market’s worst-kept secrets. In a neighbourhood where a hidden speakeasy or after-hours club is always right under your nose waiting to be stumbled upon, this bar in Kensington Mall marked only by a red light above the door fits right in. The name itself is taken from local jargon, code for beer often served less than legally in teapots at Toronto’s nearby Chinatown restaurants.
96 locals recommend
Cold Tea
1186 Queen Street WestCold Tea is one of Kensington Market’s worst-kept secrets. In a neighbourhood where a hidden speakeasy or after-hours club is always right under your nose waiting to be stumbled upon, this bar in Kensington Mall marked only by a red light above the door fits right in. The name itself is taken from local jargon, code for beer often served less than legally in teapots at Toronto’s nearby Chinatown restaurants.
Perched on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre on Bloor St, this bar offers one of the best views of Toronto (because you can't see the CN Tower from the CN Tower). Said to be the highest patio in all of Canada, the Panorama serves up a 180-degree view of the city.
106 locals recommend
The One Eighty
55 Bloor St WPerched on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre on Bloor St, this bar offers one of the best views of Toronto (because you can't see the CN Tower from the CN Tower). Said to be the highest patio in all of Canada, the Panorama serves up a 180-degree view of the city.