Guidebook for Toronto
Food Scene
It's great for a quick bite and very affordable. I recommend the chicken shawarmas - they are big and include a generous serving of chicken.
7 persone del luogo consigliano
Laziza Mediterranean Cuisine
950 Bloor St WIt's great for a quick bite and very affordable. I recommend the chicken shawarmas - they are big and include a generous serving of chicken.
PAI
18 Duncan StGreat Thai food!
One of my favorite Thai restaurants. I recommend the Pad Siew
8 persone del luogo consigliano
Thai Elephant
813 Queen St WOne of my favorite Thai restaurants. I recommend the Pad Siew
I recommend their ice cream cookie sandwiches but the rest of it is also pretty good. Personally, I tend to have the Chocolate Squared flavor.
113 persone del luogo consigliano
Bakerbots Baking
1242 Delaware AveI recommend their ice cream cookie sandwiches but the rest of it is also pretty good. Personally, I tend to have the Chocolate Squared flavor.
Pizzeria Libretto
221 Ossington AvePretty good Italian pizza
Enjoy traditional Pakistani food at the (ridiculously decorated Lahore Tikka House) but also walk the streets of the ethnic neighborhood, full of small shops owned by people of Pakistani/Indian origin. You can try places that serve Pakistani dessert (such as kulfi) or Kashmiri chai (pink tea).
100 persone del luogo consigliano
Lahore Tikka House
1365 Gerrard St EEnjoy traditional Pakistani food at the (ridiculously decorated Lahore Tikka House) but also walk the streets of the ethnic neighborhood, full of small shops owned by people of Pakistani/Indian origin. You can try places that serve Pakistani dessert (such as kulfi) or Kashmiri chai (pink tea).
Banjara Bloor
796 Bloor St WNorth Indian Cuisine
I would try the hot chocolate or the Nutella-Pizza but they generally have really good (and unique) desserts.
14 persone del luogo consigliano
CACAO 70 Eatery
28 Gristmill LaneI would try the hot chocolate or the Nutella-Pizza but they generally have really good (and unique) desserts.
This restaurant reminded me of the delicious food I've had in Malaysia - everything that I had there on my one visit was scrumptious. I'd try the nasi goreng (fried rice) for sure besides other dishes.
21 persone del luogo consigliano
Little Sister Indonesian Food Bar
2031 Yonge StThis restaurant reminded me of the delicious food I've had in Malaysia - everything that I had there on my one visit was scrumptious. I'd try the nasi goreng (fried rice) for sure besides other dishes.
A nice old-school diner that is a good place for brunch as they do pancakes, eggs and have enough choices for burgers, salads and other entrees. Prices aren't bad with meals costing about $10-15 person without tip.
351 persone del luogo consigliano
The Lakeview Restaurant
1132 Dundas Street WestA nice old-school diner that is a good place for brunch as they do pancakes, eggs and have enough choices for burgers, salads and other entrees. Prices aren't bad with meals costing about $10-15 person without tip.
Indie coffee shop. Sparsely decorated with beige wooden furniture, the shop has a homely feel to it. There are a few tables that are normally hogged by students with their laptops, while the long benches make it a communal space.
91 persone del luogo consigliano
The Common
1028 Bloor St WIndie coffee shop. Sparsely decorated with beige wooden furniture, the shop has a homely feel to it. There are a few tables that are normally hogged by students with their laptops, while the long benches make it a communal space.
Portugese bakery.
I recommend the brownies and the Nutella tarts. Apparently they have good coffee too.
19 persone del luogo consigliano
Venezia Bakery
114 Ossington AvePortugese bakery.
I recommend the brownies and the Nutella tarts. Apparently they have good coffee too.
Not the greatest pizza at all but if you're really tired and are looking for an adequate meal with drinks on a patio, it's not bad as it's right around the corner.
6 persone del luogo consigliano
Fort York Pizzeria
219 Fort York BlvdNot the greatest pizza at all but if you're really tired and are looking for an adequate meal with drinks on a patio, it's not bad as it's right around the corner.
This is only included since it's a short minute walk from our place. It has typical cafe food - I recommend their Nutella Crepes (overpriced compared to rest of the city but you pay for convenience).
A mini-mart by the same name is located next door - and that too is pricey but useful if you want to grab a quick snack.
19 persone del luogo consigliano
Parisco Cafe
215 Fort York BlvdThis is only included since it's a short minute walk from our place. It has typical cafe food - I recommend their Nutella Crepes (overpriced compared to rest of the city but you pay for convenience).
A mini-mart by the same name is located next door - and that too is pricey but useful if you want to grab a quick snack.
I loved their pancakes! They have an indoor as well as a patio, and serve alcohol. Perfect for a brunch.
114 persone del luogo consigliano
School
70 Fraser AveI loved their pancakes! They have an indoor as well as a patio, and serve alcohol. Perfect for a brunch.
Great sausages and hot dogs, with multiple meat options including rabbit, bison and venison.
198 persone del luogo consigliano
WVRST
609 King St WGreat sausages and hot dogs, with multiple meat options including rabbit, bison and venison.
A small, intimate restaurant that has a mini outdoor patio. They have a good selection of soft tacos and they are all delicious! http://grandelectrictoronto.com/menu/
292 persone del luogo consigliano
Grand Electric Parkdale
1330 Queen St WA small, intimate restaurant that has a mini outdoor patio. They have a good selection of soft tacos and they are all delicious! http://grandelectrictoronto.com/menu/
Sneaky Dee's
431 College StCheap-drinks and generous serving of nachos
Popular Egyptian brunch place in the east-end. I recommend the Mind Blowing Chicken (sandwich) but the other choices are also very good.
108 persone del luogo consigliano
Maha's
226 Greenwood AvePopular Egyptian brunch place in the east-end. I recommend the Mind Blowing Chicken (sandwich) but the other choices are also very good.
La Carnita
501 College StGood Mexican food
This is my favorite place for smoothies. They also have pretty nice bagel sandwiches and some good salads. I'd try the "He must workout" smoothie - peanut/almond butter, regular/almond milk, oatmeal, vanilla protein and maple syrup.
55 persone del luogo consigliano
What A Bagel
130 Spadina Ave.This is my favorite place for smoothies. They also have pretty nice bagel sandwiches and some good salads. I'd try the "He must workout" smoothie - peanut/almond butter, regular/almond milk, oatmeal, vanilla protein and maple syrup.
Slightly pricey but has some great Indonesian/Pan-Asian food. I recommend the Char Kway Tweo (rice noodles). Some of the other dishes are not as consistent though which is probably why it has a 3.8 rating on Google
Matahari Grill
39 Baldwin StSlightly pricey but has some great Indonesian/Pan-Asian food. I recommend the Char Kway Tweo (rice noodles). Some of the other dishes are not as consistent though which is probably why it has a 3.8 rating on Google
Ryu's Noodle Bar
33 Baldwin StreetTheir ramen noodles are amazing!
Parks & Nature
It has breathtaking views of Lake Ontario. If you're adventurous, you might want to go close to the edge of the cliff and perhaps go for a hike.
198 persone del luogo consigliano
Scarborough Bluffs Park
It has breathtaking views of Lake Ontario. If you're adventurous, you might want to go close to the edge of the cliff and perhaps go for a hike.
On first sight, Trinity Bellwoods is only a park. Upon closer inspection, in the summer Trinity represents urban Toronto. The park is abuzz with people of all shapes and sizes - playing sports (tennis, volleyball etc.), doing yoga or engaging in a plethora of other summertime activities.
The park is big enough to accommodate everyone - from the little kids taking their first laps in the pool to the veterans playing badminton on the volleyball courts (because why not?) to the hipster smoking weed..to the homeless who sleep on the park benches. The park represents downtown Toronto even if it isn't always pretty (I mean, no one should be homeless. Wtf Toronto?).
590 persone del luogo consigliano
Trinity - Bellwoods
On first sight, Trinity Bellwoods is only a park. Upon closer inspection, in the summer Trinity represents urban Toronto. The park is abuzz with people of all shapes and sizes - playing sports (tennis, volleyball etc.), doing yoga or engaging in a plethora of other summertime activities.
The park is big enough to accommodate everyone - from the little kids taking their first laps in the pool to the veterans playing badminton on the volleyball courts (because why not?) to the hipster smoking weed..to the homeless who sleep on the park benches. The park represents downtown Toronto even if it isn't always pretty (I mean, no one should be homeless. Wtf Toronto?).
Arts & Culture
Museo Reale dell'Ontario
100 Queens ParkYou can get lost in the museum for hours!
Galleria d'Arte dell'Ontario
317 Dundas St WOver a 100 years old, Revue Cinema is a designated heritage site. They often show old classics that you obviously wouldn't be able to see in mainstream cinemas. For instance, they recently aired Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas!
116 persone del luogo consigliano
The Revue Cinema
400 Roncesvalles AveOver a 100 years old, Revue Cinema is a designated heritage site. They often show old classics that you obviously wouldn't be able to see in mainstream cinemas. For instance, they recently aired Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas!
Essentials
It has higher prices than Walmart but is far more accessible. Shoppers has numerous outlets all over Toronto and is very convenient to shop at even if it is the evil, corporate branded store that is probably driving out mom & pop convenience stores. But it does have everything from toilet paper to soap to chocolates and bread and milk and ice cream...and everything in between.
515 persone del luogo consigliano
Shoppers Drug Mart
388 King St WIt has higher prices than Walmart but is far more accessible. Shoppers has numerous outlets all over Toronto and is very convenient to shop at even if it is the evil, corporate branded store that is probably driving out mom & pop convenience stores. But it does have everything from toilet paper to soap to chocolates and bread and milk and ice cream...and everything in between.
Getting Around
The intersection of Fort York and Fleet is where the Harborfront 509 Streetcar stops. The streetcar goes all the way to Union station, which connects to Line 1 (Yonge/University/Spadina Line).
To connect to Line 2 (Bloor/Danforth), take the Bathurst 511 bus to Bathurst station from the same intersection (but across the street).
Both 509 and 511 are very frequent - running at about 5-6 minute intervals.
The 121 Fort York/Esplanade Bus stops at the same intersection, before going along Fort York towards Union. The bus runs every 15 minutes but goes to St. Lawrence Market and Distillery District - both tourist hotspots.
54 persone del luogo consigliano
Fort York
The intersection of Fort York and Fleet is where the Harborfront 509 Streetcar stops. The streetcar goes all the way to Union station, which connects to Line 1 (Yonge/University/Spadina Line).
To connect to Line 2 (Bloor/Danforth), take the Bathurst 511 bus to Bathurst station from the same intersection (but across the street).
Both 509 and 511 are very frequent - running at about 5-6 minute intervals.
The 121 Fort York/Esplanade Bus stops at the same intersection, before going along Fort York towards Union. The bus runs every 15 minutes but goes to St. Lawrence Market and Distillery District - both tourist hotspots.
Sightseeing
Numerous reasons. The place is bubbling with life and character. You'll find an area of Toronto that is gradually being gentrified but still retains much of its old charm. It has restaurants, bars, coffee shops, a park but most of all Kensington is home to the eccentrics, the oddballs and the people who don't conform to society's norms. You will see artists and musicians and all kinds of people...in a word, it's eclectic.
1698 persone del luogo consigliano
Mercato di Kensington
Numerous reasons. The place is bubbling with life and character. You'll find an area of Toronto that is gradually being gentrified but still retains much of its old charm. It has restaurants, bars, coffee shops, a park but most of all Kensington is home to the eccentrics, the oddballs and the people who don't conform to society's norms. You will see artists and musicians and all kinds of people...in a word, it's eclectic.
From Wikipedia:
The Distillery District is a commercial and residential district in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Located east of downtown, it contains numerous cafés, restaurants, and shops housed within heritage buildings of the former Gooderham and Worts Distillery. The 13 acres (5.3 ha) district comprises more than forty heritage buildings and ten streets, and is the largest collection of Victorian-era industrial architecture in North America.
1704 persone del luogo consigliano
Distilleria quartiere storico
55 Mill St From Wikipedia:
The Distillery District is a commercial and residential district in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Located east of downtown, it contains numerous cafés, restaurants, and shops housed within heritage buildings of the former Gooderham and Worts Distillery. The 13 acres (5.3 ha) district comprises more than forty heritage buildings and ten streets, and is the largest collection of Victorian-era industrial architecture in North America.
An open public square that hosts an ice skating rink in the winter and features the iconic Toronto sign in giant letters.
350 persone del luogo consigliano
Piazza Nathan Phillips
100 Queen St WAn open public square that hosts an ice skating rink in the winter and features the iconic Toronto sign in giant letters.
From See Toronto Now:
Toronto is home to Canada’s largest gay community and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Gay Village, or “The Village” as the locals call it, is a predominantly gay neighbourhood nestled within Toronto’s downtown core. Centred at the intersection of Church and Wellesley Streets, the area is packed with cafés, restaurants, gay-oriented shops and a vast array of hot bars and nightspots.
http://www.seetorontonow.com/explore-toronto/neighbourhoods/the-gay-village/#sm.000080i0zdotnd1drdr1tgcxsr6d5
115 persone del luogo consigliano
Chelsea Area
From See Toronto Now:
Toronto is home to Canada’s largest gay community and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Gay Village, or “The Village” as the locals call it, is a predominantly gay neighbourhood nestled within Toronto’s downtown core. Centred at the intersection of Church and Wellesley Streets, the area is packed with cafés, restaurants, gay-oriented shops and a vast array of hot bars and nightspots.
http://www.seetorontonow.com/explore-toronto/neighbourhoods/the-gay-village/#sm.000080i0zdotnd1drdr1tgcxsr6d5
From Wikipedia:
St. Lawrence Market is a major public market in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is located at Front St. East and Jarvis St in the Old Town district of Toronto. There are three buildings in the complex, each having a different purpose. St. Lawrence Market North, on the north side of Front St, hosts weekly farmer's markets and antique markets. A public market has been held on the north building site since 1803.
1398 persone del luogo consigliano
St. Lawrence Market
93 Front St EFrom Wikipedia:
St. Lawrence Market is a major public market in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is located at Front St. East and Jarvis St in the Old Town district of Toronto. There are three buildings in the complex, each having a different purpose. St. Lawrence Market North, on the north side of Front St, hosts weekly farmer's markets and antique markets. A public market has been held on the north building site since 1803.
http://www.blogto.com/libertyvillage/
Liberty Village is condo central - so not the place if you really want to get a sense of what Toronto's like. However, it has a lot of places to eat, drink and shop, and is a very walkable neighborhood.
You should check it out if you don't want to go too far (as LV is within walking distance from my place) and want to have a relaxing evening, but ultimately it's an enclave for condo-dwellers who IMO live in a bubble (literally, even if they are otherwise the most well-informed people on earth).
Don't expect to encounter Toronto's famed diversity.
140 persone del luogo consigliano
Liberty Village
http://www.blogto.com/libertyvillage/
Liberty Village is condo central - so not the place if you really want to get a sense of what Toronto's like. However, it has a lot of places to eat, drink and shop, and is a very walkable neighborhood.
You should check it out if you don't want to go too far (as LV is within walking distance from my place) and want to have a relaxing evening, but ultimately it's an enclave for condo-dwellers who IMO live in a bubble (literally, even if they are otherwise the most well-informed people on earth).
Don't expect to encounter Toronto's famed diversity.
Koreatown
http://www.blogto.com/koreatown/
The islands are located south off the coast of Toronto, and can be accessed via a short but scenic ferry ride (from Queens Quay Station).
The islands - which are a car-free zone, offer a great place for picnics, and to laze around in the ample green space. Center Island (the most popular destination) can get busy but still has quiet spots.
There is an amusement park for kids and a small water strip for canoeing/paddling.
The only downside is the limited food options as the restaurant is overpriced and has bland food, while Subway and Pizza Pizza are perfunctory.
1035 persone del luogo consigliano
Isole di Toronto
The islands are located south off the coast of Toronto, and can be accessed via a short but scenic ferry ride (from Queens Quay Station).
The islands - which are a car-free zone, offer a great place for picnics, and to laze around in the ample green space. Center Island (the most popular destination) can get busy but still has quiet spots.
There is an amusement park for kids and a small water strip for canoeing/paddling.
The only downside is the limited food options as the restaurant is overpriced and has bland food, while Subway and Pizza Pizza are perfunctory.
One of Toronto's old neighborhoods that hasn't quite faced the scourge of gentrification and does not host a Tim Horton's every three blocks. It instead houses more indie places including multiple bars, cafes and restaurants as well as the historic Revue Cinema. Relatively quaint compared to a lot of downtown spots, which makes it a great spot to walk around and hang out.
135 persone del luogo consigliano
Villaggio di Roncesvalles
147 Roncesvalles AveOne of Toronto's old neighborhoods that hasn't quite faced the scourge of gentrification and does not host a Tim Horton's every three blocks. It instead houses more indie places including multiple bars, cafes and restaurants as well as the historic Revue Cinema. Relatively quaint compared to a lot of downtown spots, which makes it a great spot to walk around and hang out.
Drinks & Nightlife
Nice patio that can be covered with a transparent roof in case of rain. In Yorkville, an upscale part of downtown Toronto.
41 persone del luogo consigliano
The Pilot
22 Cumberland StNice patio that can be covered with a transparent roof in case of rain. In Yorkville, an upscale part of downtown Toronto.
Hemingway's Restaurant
142 Cumberland StBarChef
472 Queen St WUnique cocktails - even if they are a bit pricey
Has multiple bars including a roof-top patio that is frequented by a younger crowd.
538 persone del luogo consigliano
The Drake Hotel
1150 Queen St WHas multiple bars including a roof-top patio that is frequented by a younger crowd.
A trendy bar in the heart of downtown Toronto that appears to be frequented mainly by a young crowd. On Wednesdays and Fridays it sells local beers for only $2.5 that easily offsets the $5 cover charge.
32 persone del luogo consigliano
Crocodile Rock - Bar - Night Club
240 Adelaide Street WestA trendy bar in the heart of downtown Toronto that appears to be frequented mainly by a young crowd. On Wednesdays and Fridays it sells local beers for only $2.5 that easily offsets the $5 cover charge.
A multi-level bar where each floor is divided into several compartments. On a given night, you could listen to live music on one floor, have dinner on the patio upstairs (in the summer), play pool on another floor, encounter another live performance on a different floor and then find a spot for a quiet conversation.
Note: The crowd is young and seems to be mainly populated by UoT students.
52 persone del luogo consigliano
Madison
14 Madison AveA multi-level bar where each floor is divided into several compartments. On a given night, you could listen to live music on one floor, have dinner on the patio upstairs (in the summer), play pool on another floor, encounter another live performance on a different floor and then find a spot for a quiet conversation.
Note: The crowd is young and seems to be mainly populated by UoT students.
- Outdoor patio
- Decent food
- Affordable drinks with a decent selection of craft beer
- In Kensington Market
23 persone del luogo consigliano
Trinity Common
303 Augusta Ave- Outdoor patio
- Decent food
- Affordable drinks with a decent selection of craft beer
- In Kensington Market
Upscale bar with a good selection of wines aside and Italian cuisine.
131 persone del luogo consigliano
Cibo Wine Bar King St West
522 King St WUpscale bar with a good selection of wines aside and Italian cuisine.