Kevin’s guidebook
Food scene
Good Food in the City
This place is a must-try!! Best Thai food in Toronto! Try and make a reso, if not the line-up can get big but it moves pretty quick.
Relatively well priced ($15-$20 entrees)
266 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
PAI
18 Duncan StThis place is a must-try!! Best Thai food in Toronto! Try and make a reso, if not the line-up can get big but it moves pretty quick.
Relatively well priced ($15-$20 entrees)
Upscale Sports Bar. Great food and solid prices if you take advantage of the specials. They have various specials, so take a look at the menu.
26 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
King Taps
100 King St WUpscale Sports Bar. Great food and solid prices if you take advantage of the specials. They have various specials, so take a look at the menu.
One of the best A-La-Cart Sushi I have had in Toronto and at a reasonable price.
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Iruka Sushi
550 Queens Quay WOne of the best A-La-Cart Sushi I have had in Toronto and at a reasonable price.
Aji Sai
467 Queen St WAll You Can Eat Sushi place near by
Super good Mexican food, really cool area of Toronto, and one of the best Patio's for a drink!
121 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
El Catrin Destileria
18 Tank House LaneSuper good Mexican food, really cool area of Toronto, and one of the best Patio's for a drink!
Great Mexican food in the King West area. Limited seating
142 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Wilbur Mexicana
552 King St WGreat Mexican food in the King West area. Limited seating
Super cool bar/restaurant for some drinks and good food. Music is quite loud - It is a good vibe and mainly people in their 20's and 30's.
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bar Poet
1090 Queen St WSuper cool bar/restaurant for some drinks and good food. Music is quite loud - It is a good vibe and mainly people in their 20's and 30's.
Gusto 101
101 Portland StGreat Italian food at a fair price
A small Italian Restaurant with amazing food. It is a small place so you often need to wait 20-30 minutes, but it is worth it. Prices are quite good and portions are large.
86 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sugo
1281 Bloor St WA small Italian Restaurant with amazing food. It is a small place so you often need to wait 20-30 minutes, but it is worth it. Prices are quite good and portions are large.
Persian restaurant - Everything on the menu is 10/10 and prices are reasonable! Highly recommend stopping in here.
32 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pomegranate Restaurant
420 College StPersian restaurant - Everything on the menu is 10/10 and prices are reasonable! Highly recommend stopping in here.
More upscale dining. Plan for $80-$120 per person depending on how many drinks you want. It is tapas and my favourite restaurant in Toronto
232 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bar Isabel
797 College StMore upscale dining. Plan for $80-$120 per person depending on how many drinks you want. It is tapas and my favourite restaurant in Toronto
Good brunch spot with crazy Ceasars -- Chicken wings, burgers, etc, as garnish (Ceasars are a Canadian thing. They are like a bloody mary, but actually good). The rest of the menu is good too.
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Score on King
107 King St EGood brunch spot with crazy Ceasars -- Chicken wings, burgers, etc, as garnish (Ceasars are a Canadian thing. They are like a bloody mary, but actually good). The rest of the menu is good too.
Brazilian Steakhouse. About $75 per person (drinks are extra) and it's ALL YOU CAN EAT meats (plus salmon and shrimp). They have many different cuts and styles of steak/chicken (think parmesan crusted, filled with cheese, chimichurri, leg of lamb and SO much more). If you like meat and have a big appetite, this is a must.
94 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Copacabana Brazilian Steakhouse
230 Adelaide St WBrazilian Steakhouse. About $75 per person (drinks are extra) and it's ALL YOU CAN EAT meats (plus salmon and shrimp). They have many different cuts and styles of steak/chicken (think parmesan crusted, filled with cheese, chimichurri, leg of lamb and SO much more). If you like meat and have a big appetite, this is a must.
An upscale vegan restaurant. As a meat lover, I would still eat here every day and never get sick of it. The food is absolutely phenomenal.
There are 2 Planta's. The original one is in Yorkville and another one is on Queen (which I think specializes in Asian food of some sort -- I have only been to the Yorkville location).
48 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Planta Yorkville
1221 Bay St.An upscale vegan restaurant. As a meat lover, I would still eat here every day and never get sick of it. The food is absolutely phenomenal.
There are 2 Planta's. The original one is in Yorkville and another one is on Queen (which I think specializes in Asian food of some sort -- I have only been to the Yorkville location).
Jewish/Mediterranian Food. This place is also amazing. Fairly well prices ($30-$50 per person without drinks depending on how much you want to order). It does not have to be shareable dishes, but it is a much better experience if it is.
75 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Fat Pasha
414 Dupont StJewish/Mediterranian Food. This place is also amazing. Fairly well prices ($30-$50 per person without drinks depending on how much you want to order). It does not have to be shareable dishes, but it is a much better experience if it is.
Neighbourhoods
Lots of restaurants and the main "party" area. Specifically around King & Portland and the surrounding area is where you will want to be. This is where you will find the most well-known bars and is a bit more of the bar star scene.
204 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
King Street West
King Street WestLots of restaurants and the main "party" area. Specifically around King & Portland and the surrounding area is where you will want to be. This is where you will find the most well-known bars and is a bit more of the bar star scene.
This area has a ton of restaurants/bars and some good shopping! It is also home to Trinity Bellwoods, a very well known park to hang out at in Toronto
723 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Queen Street West
Queen Street WestThis area has a ton of restaurants/bars and some good shopping! It is also home to Trinity Bellwoods, a very well known park to hang out at in Toronto
A short uber away, this is a super unique and fun area of Toronto! Amazing spot for a nice coffee, to walk around, and to get some good pictures.
Notable places include:
- Brickstreet Bakery: Amazing Bakery with some food options and good coffee
- Balzacs: Coffee Shop
- El Catrin: Amazing Mexican Food and Awesome Patio
- Spirit of York: A bit pricier, but a beautiful place for a drink.
- Christmas Market in Decemeber is a fun evening, but it gets very busy.
1704 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Distillery Historic District
55 Mill StA short uber away, this is a super unique and fun area of Toronto! Amazing spot for a nice coffee, to walk around, and to get some good pictures.
Notable places include:
- Brickstreet Bakery: Amazing Bakery with some food options and good coffee
- Balzacs: Coffee Shop
- El Catrin: Amazing Mexican Food and Awesome Patio
- Spirit of York: A bit pricier, but a beautiful place for a drink.
- Christmas Market in Decemeber is a fun evening, but it gets very busy.
Casual/Cheap Drinks/Brunch Spots
This is a hilarious little bar with the cheapest drinks I have seen in Toronto, especially during happy hour. It used to be an alleyway that they put a roof on top of. Very limited seating, people will stand around the bar too.
29 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Wide Open Bar
139A Spadina Ave.This is a hilarious little bar with the cheapest drinks I have seen in Toronto, especially during happy hour. It used to be an alleyway that they put a roof on top of. Very limited seating, people will stand around the bar too.
Good specials if there are some on. Great beer selection. Not as brunchy but still good food.
26 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
King Taps
100 King St WGood specials if there are some on. Great beer selection. Not as brunchy but still good food.
Brunch spot, not cheap/casual drinks.
This is located on the top floor (44) of the Bisha Hotel. It has one of the best views of the CN Tower and overlooks the water. If nothing else, you WILL want a picture up here. It is a higher end/slightly pricier place, but worth going up for at least a cocktail. Bruch is also reallllyyy good here.
69 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
KŌST
80 Blue Jays WayBrunch spot, not cheap/casual drinks.
This is located on the top floor (44) of the Bisha Hotel. It has one of the best views of the CN Tower and overlooks the water. If nothing else, you WILL want a picture up here. It is a higher end/slightly pricier place, but worth going up for at least a cocktail. Bruch is also reallllyyy good here.
A Toronto Classic - Great brunch spot, or a casual drink. Pretty averagely priced for the city, with good vibes. Small patio
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ruby Soho
587 King St WA Toronto Classic - Great brunch spot, or a casual drink. Pretty averagely priced for the city, with good vibes. Small patio
Stackt
28 Bathurst StCool place for a few drinks!
Small classic-style diner for brunch. Portions are good but not great if you're a big eater. The quality is worth it though!
67 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The George Street Diner
129 George StSmall classic-style diner for brunch. Portions are good but not great if you're a big eater. The quality is worth it though!
Top Patio's
This place has pretty good food and drinks but more importantly, is an amazing patio on the waterfront.
205 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Amsterdam BrewHouse
245 Queens Quay WThis place has pretty good food and drinks but more importantly, is an amazing patio on the waterfront.
This is an amazing patio with a CN tower view. Very cool place to stop in for a couple of drinks. Food selection is okay.
You can also do a tour which is a fun way to spend a couple of hours. The Cost of the tour compared to the total drinks you get is a great bang for your buck too!
334 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Steam Whistle Brewing
255 Bremner BlvdThis is an amazing patio with a CN tower view. Very cool place to stop in for a couple of drinks. Food selection is okay.
You can also do a tour which is a fun way to spend a couple of hours. The Cost of the tour compared to the total drinks you get is a great bang for your buck too!
This is located on the top floor (44) of the Bisha Hotel. It has one of the best views of the CN Tower and overlooks the water. If nothing else, you WILL want a picture up here. It is a higher end/slightly pricier place, but worth going up for at least a cocktail. Bruch is also reallllyyy good here.
69 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
KŌST
80 Blue Jays WayThis is located on the top floor (44) of the Bisha Hotel. It has one of the best views of the CN Tower and overlooks the water. If nothing else, you WILL want a picture up here. It is a higher end/slightly pricier place, but worth going up for at least a cocktail. Bruch is also reallllyyy good here.
This doesn't have any "wow" factor features like the other patio's but its a nice spot with good beers, average prices, and a fun vibe.
Mascot Brewery
220 King St WThis doesn't have any "wow" factor features like the other patio's but its a nice spot with good beers, average prices, and a fun vibe.
Super good Mexican food, really cool area of Toronto, and one of the best Patio's for a drink!
121 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
El Catrin Destileria
18 Tank House LaneSuper good Mexican food, really cool area of Toronto, and one of the best Patio's for a drink!
Things to Do
I-Rogers Centre
1 Blue Jays WayCatch a baseball game as a fun thing to do!
See details in Neighborhoods. This can be a REALLY fun day
1035 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Toronto Islands
See details in Neighborhoods. This can be a REALLY fun day
Comedy is always a really fun night. This is one of the better Comedy Clubs
99 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Comedy Bar
945 Bloor St WComedy is always a really fun night. This is one of the better Comedy Clubs
If you are already in Ossington area, this is a fun little comedy bar. Very small and cozy, but the comics are always solid.
Nothing Fancy
1185 Dundas Street WestIf you are already in Ossington area, this is a fun little comedy bar. Very small and cozy, but the comics are always solid.
Fun park to have some drinks on the weekend and relax in the heart of Queen West. Lots of restaurants and bars withing a few minutes walking and little ice-cream shops.
743 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Trinity Bellwoods Park
790 Queen St WFun park to have some drinks on the weekend and relax in the heart of Queen West. Lots of restaurants and bars withing a few minutes walking and little ice-cream shops.
A short uber away, this is a super unique and fun area of Toronto and worth visitng! Amazing spot for a nice coffee, to walk around, and to get some good pictures.
Notable places include:
- Brickstreet Bakery: Amazing Bakery with some food options and good coffee
- Balzacs: Coffee Shop
- El Catrin: Amazing Mexican Food and Awesome Patio
- Spirit of York: A bit pricier, but a beautiful place for a drink.
- Christmas Market in Decemeber is a fun evening, but it gets very busy.
1704 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Distillery Historic District
55 Mill StA short uber away, this is a super unique and fun area of Toronto and worth visitng! Amazing spot for a nice coffee, to walk around, and to get some good pictures.
Notable places include:
- Brickstreet Bakery: Amazing Bakery with some food options and good coffee
- Balzacs: Coffee Shop
- El Catrin: Amazing Mexican Food and Awesome Patio
- Spirit of York: A bit pricier, but a beautiful place for a drink.
- Christmas Market in Decemeber is a fun evening, but it gets very busy.
Go up the iconic CN Tower for 360 degree views. A must-do if you are not from the Toronto Area
3509 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
IThawa ye-CN
290 Bremner BlvdGo up the iconic CN Tower for 360 degree views. A must-do if you are not from the Toronto Area
Sightseeing
This isn't really a "thing to do", but it is a beautiful area to walk through with a great view of the city and water. Good place for pictures of the city skyline and CN Tower.
139 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ontario Place
955 Lake Shore Blvd WThis isn't really a "thing to do", but it is a beautiful area to walk through with a great view of the city and water. Good place for pictures of the city skyline and CN Tower.
Go up the iconic CN Tower for 360 degree views. A must-do if you are not from the Toronto Area
3509 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
IThawa ye-CN
290 Bremner BlvdGo up the iconic CN Tower for 360 degree views. A must-do if you are not from the Toronto Area
This is just a pretty area near the waterfront to walk around. There is a Starbucks at Queen's Quay and Spadina if you want a nice drink while you walk through this area.
117 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Toronto Music Garden
479 Queens Quay WestThis is just a pretty area near the waterfront to walk around. There is a Starbucks at Queen's Quay and Spadina if you want a nice drink while you walk through this area.
A Toronto Landmark. Very beautiful castle grounds with lots of historical information about Toronto and a nice view of the city. There is a high-end steakhouse (BlueBlood) in the castle (you may need a reservation but call ahead and check).
If you go to Casa Loma, there is also a short 10-15 minute "movie" that you can watch -- It covers a lot of interesting information about Henry Pellatt, who built Casa Loma and is deeply rooted in Toronto's history, and how the city has developed into what we see today.
Casa Loma
A Toronto Landmark. Very beautiful castle grounds with lots of historical information about Toronto and a nice view of the city. There is a high-end steakhouse (BlueBlood) in the castle (you may need a reservation but call ahead and check).
If you go to Casa Loma, there is also a short 10-15 minute "movie" that you can watch -- It covers a lot of interesting information about Henry Pellatt, who built Casa Loma and is deeply rooted in Toronto's history, and how the city has developed into what we see today.
Catch a Jays Game -- A classic Toronto event. You are allowed to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks into the ballpark as long as they are unopened!
Drinks are pretty expensive, so I recommend having a few first, if you plan on drinking there. Sneaking in a flask is not too difficult either - Although you did not hear it from me.
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Stadium ye-Blue Jays
1 Blue Jays WayCatch a Jays Game -- A classic Toronto event. You are allowed to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks into the ballpark as long as they are unopened!
Drinks are pretty expensive, so I recommend having a few first, if you plan on drinking there. Sneaking in a flask is not too difficult either - Although you did not hear it from me.