Toronto’s winter just got a major upgrade. From alpine-inspired bites to wild après-ski parties, the city’s serving up all the snowy fun you could ask for. Whether you’re ready to dance the night away or just want to kick back in your best retro ski gear, this season’s got you covered. So grab your crew, bundle up and get ready for the ultimate winter celebrations!
Here are Toronto’s hottest après-ski events you don’t want to miss this winter.
Hit the slopes — well, almost — at Toronto’s coolest après ski bash! On Feb. 14, The Pint Public House is transforming into a winter wonderland, complete with a poutine bar and toasted marshmallows(hello, comfort food!), lawn games, arcade games and beer and liquor sampling to keep the good times rolling. Whether you’re rocking your most fabulous ski gear or just looking to sip, snack and socialize in style, this is the ultimate winter party. Bonus points for showing up in your most Instagrammable après ski outfit — there’s a contest with prizes, so you could be crowned Toronto’s chicest skier.
Escape to the Alps — no passport required! Black Sheep is bringing the cozy mountain vibes of a slopeside chalet straight to Toronto. Nosh on an exclusive brunch menu and welcome cocktail, try out the shot ski, slide down an ice luge and dance all afternoon to live DJs spinning chill tunes. Running from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Feb. 7, this event is more about dressing for the vibes than for the warmth — it all takes place indoors!
Who says Texas can’t get a little wintry? Head to Paris Texas on Feb. 15 for an après-ski party with a bit of Western twang. Enjoy free hot chocolate, merch and snacks, and come dressed for the slopes (or the chalet). Of course, this is Paris Texas, so expect some drinks that will warm you right up, like boozy snow cones and a champagne gun.
Toronto’s 2026 Winter Craft Beer Festival is happening Feb. 21 at Roundhouse Park from 11 a.m.to 6 p.m. It’s the ultimate après-brew-ski party, featuring local craft beers, ciders, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic options. Enjoy a live DJ, indoor warming areas, food trucks, photo stations and plenty of winter games and activities. Don your most retro winter gear and join the fun.
On Feb. 21, Fox on John is encouraging you to bring the mountain vibes indoors for an unforgettable slopeside party. Enjoy high-energy DJ sets from Scott Peebs, Manzzy and more, a packed dance floor and all the drinks you need to keep that super chill energy going all night long. At this party, the dress code is key: partygoers are encouraged to think ski lodge vibes. Pull out that faux fur, goggles and boots!
Toronto’s original Après Ski party is back for its 11th year, and it’s set to be bigger than ever. On Feb. 28, head to The Porch for an epic two-floor party that kicks off at noon and goes all night long. Skip the slopes and go straight for the Coronas, shot skis and wintertime fun. Also on board is live DJs, chalet eats, warm drinks, champagne showers and plenty of giveaways. It’s the perfect way to embrace the après ski vibes without ever leaving the city.
One of the last remaining Club Monaco stores in Toronto has reportedly been hit with a formal eviction notice, showing just how turbulent the brand’s brick-and-mortar footprint has become.
The North Yonge Club Monaco location in Lytton Park, at 2610 Yonge St. (just north of Eglinton), was issued a notice by its landlord on Jan. 26, 2026, citing an alleged $133,917.05 in unpaid rent, as well as additional costs. According to blogTO, the notice posted at the storefront also states that the lease for the four connected retail units spanning 2604-2610 Yonge St. has been terminated and that the locks have been changed.
Realtors are already imaging what could replace the two-storey space.
“I could easily picture a Ralph Lauren restaurant, bistro, cafe here. Especially with the caliber of new tenants that have opened (and are opening) here in the Lytton Park area,” one local realtor stated in an Instagram post.
For Toronto shoppers, the news lands only weeks after another symbolic closure. In Dec 2025, Club Monaco shuttered its first-ever store on Queen West. The 403 Queen St. W. location first opened in 1985 and helped cement the brand’s “better basics” reputation in the city’s style canon.
But perhaps the closures have been years in the making. According to Retail Insider, Club Monaco was acquired by Ralph Lauren in 1999, then sold in 2021 to private equity firm Regent, in a shift that coincided with a broader era of belt-tightening across many mall and street-front portfolios.
The brand’s Canadian network has been pared back significantly from its peak, with the remaining footprint focusing more on mall-based locations, including multiple sites in the GTA (Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Sherway Gardens, Square One in Mississauga and Promenade in Thornhill).
Bright cherry red is trending this season — but this month, we’re calling it Olympic red. Jeanne Beker has helped us source all things crimson for a wardrobe that’s fit for the perfect Valentine’s Day date or cheering on Team Canada when they head to the 2026 Milan Games.
A. Faux leather trench
“This has got a lot of classic trench detailing on it. I love the flaps and the big, wide belt.” Hilary MacMillan, $325, hilarymacmillan.com
B. Floral beret
“At this time of year, when things get a bit gloomy, this adorable hat would put a little spring in your step.” Frock, $89, 97 Roncesvalles Ave.
C. Oval sunglasses
Don’t want to lean too hard into the red trend? Go for a subtle pop of colour with these super chic sunglasses. Good Neighbour, $145, 1212 Yonge St.
D. Leather gloves
“These are really chic and would be really nice as a gift. What a great way to inject a little colour into your wardrobe!”Gravitypope, $150, 1010 Queen St. W.
E. Sheer crew socks
Don this pair of sheer socks with your loafers for a splash of colour (and fun). Frock, $40, 97 Roncesvalles Ave.
F. Zip-up cable knit
“I love the cable knit and the great big mock neck. There’s something very retro about this sweater.” Kotn, SALE $158, 148 Ossington Ave.
G. Crochet sweater
“This is just charming; it appeals to those of us who love anything artisanal. And it’s got great little hearts for Valentine’s Day!” Desigual, $209, desigual.com
H. Square toe ankle boots
“These boots are fantastic. I really love that block heel and square toe. They’ll add a bit of flash to your wardrobe.” L’intervalle, SALE $105, 220 Yonge St.
I. Heart bag
“This bag looks like a little pillow!” Loversland, $245, 215 Ossington Ave.
J. Wavy hoops
These wavy hoops by Canadian jewelry brand Par Ici comes in both silver and gold, with this adorable candy heart-inspired detail. Par Ici, $179, paricijewellery.com
K. Balaclava
The balaclava trend continues, and this cherry red iteration is super cozy and classic. Tusk, $70, 888 Queen St. W.
L. Men’s vintage vest
“We love our vests, and this one has a nice, casual feel to it with a great pop of colour.” Exile Vintage, $59.99, 60 Kensington Ave.
M. Wide leg corduroys
Wide leg and high-waisted, these corduroys are a chic and trending alternative to classic denim. TNT, SALE $225, 87 Avenue Rd.
N. Men’s polo
“This is very sporty and graphically arresting; it’s got such a cool vibe. Great for someone who wants to bring out their inner jock!” Lost & Found, $380, 12 Ossington Ave.
O. Baseball cap
Trust Toronto-based brand Province of Canada to design a baseball cap with a little extra love. Province of Canada, $56, 104 Ossington Ave.
P. Triangle cashmere scarf
Scarf dressing is more popular than ever this season, and this cashmere take on the triangle scarf more than does the job. Lemonwood, $220, 1224A Yonge St.
While filming in Toronto, Alexander Skarsgård found his new favourite artist over a bowl of noodles. Appearing on Late Night with Seth Meyers this week, the actor admitted that while he leaned into the “Brat” trend in 2025, Charli XCX only hit number two on his most recent Spotify Wrapped.
The top spot went to Eiichi Ohtaki, a Japanese pop star from the 70s. When Meyers asked how a Swedish actor discovers vintage Japanese pop, Skarsgård credited a Toronto kitchen. “In a noodle shop in Toronto,” he said. “I was there filming and I was like, ‘This is a banger.'” He asked the staff who was playing, went down a rabbit hole, and Ohtaki became his most-played artist of the year.
The “receipts” point to Nuit Regular’s Thai (and celebrity) hot spot PAI.Skarsgård was a constant fixture there during his time filming the series Murderbot, even posing for photos with the staff.
The music at PAI caught Skarsgård’s attention for a reason. Owners Nuit and Jeff Regular have been involved in music since the early 2000s, when they met Toronto musician Jaime Ruben at a bar in Thailand. That connection eventually turned into a collaboration, with PAI making its own music rather than just playing background tracks. They even released an album, PAI Toronto, with Ruben and backing vocals from Nuit, and both locations have vinyl listening stations. For Skarsgård, one meal was enough to take over his listening for the year.
Set an early alarm (or plan a very late night), because one of the prettiest sky shows of 2026 is about to line up over Toronto.
In the early morning of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, a Full Moon will slip into perfect alignment with the Sun and Earth, passing through the deepest part of Earth’s shadow in a total lunar eclipse! Expect this aptly-named ‘Blood Worm Moon’ to be a smoky copper-red for about an hour at peak, depending on where you’re watching from.
Toronto is in a good spot for this eclipse, but your best window to catch it is short (and horizon-dependent): the Moon will be low in the west as totality begins, and it sets before the eclipse is fully over.
According to TimeandDate.com, here are the best times to spot it!
4:50 am: Partial eclipse begins (this is when the Moon starts reddening)
6:04 am: Totality begins (the Moon goes fully red!)
6:33 am: Maximum eclipse (deepest point of totality)
6:52 am: Moonset in Toronto (your viewing likely ends here, maybe even earlier if it fades near the horizon)
If you’ve never seen a total lunar eclipse in person, the colour shift can feel surreal! The Moon goes from bright grey to a muted rust or “blood” tone, and the science behind it is somewhat poetic.
According to NASA, during totality (when the Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon), Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon, but some light still bends through Earth’s atmosphere. NASA describes it as the effect of sunlight filtered through a thick slice of Earth’s air, making it “as if all the world’s sunrises and sunsets are projected onto the Moon.”
March’s full moon is commonly called the Worm Moon. As per the Weather Network, it’s a name that’s associated with seasonal thaw timing (linked to the appearance of beetle larvae in early spring in the Great Lakes/Northeast region), while “Blood Moon” is the popular nickname for a total lunar eclipse (hence, the “Blood Worm Moon” mashup).
Because the Moon is setting during totality, you’ll want a spot with a clear sightline to the west as it gets very low. If you’re setting an alarm, aim to start watching by the partial phase (from 4:50 am), when the colour shift becomes more obvious.
Toronto is bursting with Italian flavours that blend Northern and Southern influences. Stroll through Little Italy or King Street west, and you’ll discover everything from creamy risottos and wood-fired pizzas to mouthwatering gelato and flaky pastries. If you’re a fan of great food, the city’s best Italian restaurants are definitely worth exploring!
25. La Palma
@lapalmato
Chef Craig Harding returns with La Palma, a compact 50-seat all-day eatery inspired by a trip to Venice Beach, California. The menu offers Italian-inspired dishes with a West Coast twist, featuring wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas and a variety of vegetarian options. Highlights include whipped ricotta toast with kabocha squash and maitake mushrooms, gemelli trapani with sundried tomato pesto and lamb chops “scottadito” served with tahini yogurt and preserved lemon. After over seven years as a Dundas West favourite, La Palma continues to impress diners old and new, especially with its famous 100-layer lasagna.
24. Cafe Oro di Napoli
@cafeorodinapoli/Instagram
This laid-back pizzeria is all about Naples-style pizza, homemade pasta, and creamy gelato, all served in a chic, contemporary space. With a signature Stefano Ferrara pizza oven as the star attraction, the menu showcases dishes like pappardelle osso buco, featuring braised veal ragu and grilled shrimp with Italian bomba and citrus dressing. The décor strikes a balance between rustic and industrial, featuring red metal stools, locally crafted wooden shelves, and exposed brick walls.
23. Gusto 101
Gusto 101, a happening spot located in a repurposed garage, offers a modern twist on Southern Italian classics with a side of global flair. Since 2012, the restaurant has ben dishing out tasty dishes like mafalde ai funghi, featuring a rich truffle cream sauce with a medley of mushrooms and a juicy 8oz AAA hanger steak with a red wine demi-glace. Therestaurant is not just about the food; it’s also a neighbourhood hub, inviting diners to enjoy the warmth of a wood-fired grill or a glass of wine on the rooftop patio.
22. Piano Piano
@pianopianotherestaurant/Instagram
With not one but four locations, Piano Piano by chef Victor Barry invites you to slow down and indulge in delicious Italian cuisine. This restaurant offers elevated traditional dishes that balance soulfulness and fun. From scratch-made maccheroni to perfectly crisp pizza and garlic-slicked rapini, each bite is a celebration of flavour. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes you feel at home, with every dish carefully crafted to satisfy without overwhelming. Designed by talented local creatives, each location showcases whimsical interiors and original artwork by Victor and Nikki’s daughters, creating a truly unique dining experience.
21. Trattoria Taverniti North
@tavernitis_north/Instagram
Trattoria Taverniti North brings bold Calabrese flavours to Dovercourt Village with cosy charm and rustic, exposed brick. This family-run spot, helmed by Rosina Taverniti and family, serves up heartwarming classics like gnocchi gorgonzola—hand-rolled potato dumplings in a creamy gorgonzola sauce with crushed walnuts and black pepper. Other must-tries include the meat lasagna, calabrese pizza and penne Rosina with n’duja and spicy soppressata in a rich rosé sauce. It’s Italian comfort food done right, served with real warmth in the heart of the neighbourhood.
20. Wynona
@wynonatoronto/Instagram
Michelin Bib Gourmand? Check. Delicious food? Double check. Wynona on Gerrard Street is the place to be, and it all starts with two words: handmade pasta. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg crafted by chef and owner Jeffrey Bovis. The restaurant’s sleek, modern open-concept design, featuring high ceilings and a massive front window, creates an airy atmosphere that perfectly complements the fresh, mouthwatering dishes on offer. It’s a dining experience that’s as delightful to the senses as it is to the palate.
19. Mattachioni
@mattachioni/Instagram
Whether you’re team west or team east, Mattachioni is a must-visit destination in Toronto, boasting two locations in the Junction Triangle and Leslieville. This full-service Italian restaurant, bodega and bakery delivers inventive Italian dishes, killer sandwiches, beautiful pizzas and fresh zeppole that will keep you coming back for more. Chef David Mattachioni is known for his commitment to scratch cooking and baking, whipping up everything from sourdough loaves and fresh house-made pasta to the mouthwatering mortadella and porchetta panini. With fresh produce and artisanal offerings, it’s truly a one-stop shop for all your Italian cravings.
18. Porzia’s
@porzias_lasagne/Instagram
Make way, Toronto—there’s a (somewhat) new lasagna queen in town! Porzia’s has swiftly evolved from a humble online takeout service to a cosy dine-in spot, now boasting seating for 26. This recently opened spot serves lasagna for both lunch and dinner, cementing its status as the main attraction. But it’s not just about the lasagna; the menu has expanded to showcase highlights like fluffy focaccia, silky tagliatelle and ricotta agnolotti, which are quickly becoming crowd favourites. And for those looking to indulge further, there’s a delicious selection of antipasti, hearty mains and even soft-serve desserts to sweeten the experience.
17.Terroni
@terroni.to/Instagram
Terroni’s reputation is built on a famous, Southern Italian stubbornness. Since 1992, they have famously refused to cut their pizzas or allow menu substitutions, a “take it or leave it” policy that ensures you eat the food exactly as the kitchen intended. This rigid dedication to authenticity has turned a former Queen West panini shop into a city-wide empire. The menu focuses on regional precision, from the peppery house-made sausage in the Garganelli Geppetto to the beef-stuffed Ravioli al Brasato. Whether you’re ordering the 28-day aged ribeye or the sugar-dusted Nutella bomboloni, you’re getting a meal that hasn’t been diluted to suit local trends.
16. F’Amelia
F’Amelia brings rustic Italian charm to Cabbagetown in a cozy cottage setting, complete with a glass atrium and patio. This neighbourhood favourite seats 80 and dishes up hearty northern Italian cuisine, featuring everything from wood-fired pizzas to refined mains. Their menu shines with dishes like white anchovy linguini, braised rabbit pappardelle and pan-seared glazed duck, plus special features every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Perfect for a cozy night out with a glass of world-class wine in hand.
15. Annette Food Market
@annettefoodmarket/Instagram
On Annette Street in the Junction, you’ll find Annette Food Market—a cozy but powerful spot that’s been firing up wood-fired, aged sourdough pizzas and Italian sharing plates for nearly a decade. The pizza lineup shines with options like Hot Honey & Salumi and Carbonara, but don’t miss out on the other Italian treats: think fresh pasta, eggplant parma and pork chop Milanese. With original cocktails, craft draught beer and a rotating wine and champagne list boasting over 50 varieties by the glass or bottle, it’s a neighbourhood gem we hope sticks around for ten more.
14. Don Alfonso 1890
@donalfonsoto/Instagram
Yes, it’s a splurge, but Michelin-starred Don Alfonso 1890 is an experience you’ll want to try at least once if you can. Perched on the 38th floor of the Westin Harbour Castle, this gem serves breathtaking views of Toronto’s skyline and Lake Ontario alongside unforgettable Italian cuisine. The tasting menu, at $220 per person, includes dishes like eel gelato, seared Quebec Muscovy duck breast, and pheasant-stuffed ravioli. There’s also an à la carte option if you’re looking to tailor your experience. It’s definitely a spot for a special occasion, but it’s one you won’t regret.
13. Ardo
@ardorestaurant/Instagram
At Ardo, chef Roberto Marotta conjures Sicilian magic in the heart of Toronto, blending authentic flavours with a contemporary twist. Inspired by his roots in Milazzo and his romance with creative director Jacqueline Nicosia, this cozy spot serves mouthwatering dishes that feel like a warm family embrace. The menu dances between tradition and innovation, featuring house-made pastas like salsciccia orecchiette — spicy Sicilian sausage, provolone, rapini, heirloom cherry tomatoes and chili — and the rich ragu torchietti with dry-aged organic beef, Parmigiano, and porcini jus. Don’t miss their fresh seafood, wood-fired pizzas and vibrant cocktails
12. Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice Restaurant
@thenosegios/Instagram
Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice Restaurant is, you guessed it, really really nice. Most folks just call it The Nose, thanks to the giant fibreglass schnoz that greets you at the door instead of a conventional sign. Open since 1989, this Leslieville spot has stood the test of time, winning hearts and appetites as one of Toronto’s top Italian spots. The menu is a delicious journey featuring house-made crespelle, crispy Tuscan fries and rich mushroom pappardelle. Trust us — you’ll leave with a full belly and a big smile!
11. 7 Numbers
@7_numbers/Instagram
Since opening its doors on Eglinton Ave. West in 2001, 7 Numbers has carved a niche in Toronto’s bustling Italian dining scene. This family-run gem is led by the beloved matriarch, Mama Rosa Marinuzzi and her children. Dining here feels like stepping into a lively Italian family gathering — boisterous, warm hospitality, and food crafted from the freshest ingredients. Expect to find staples like pillowy gnocchi and mozzarella-stuffed meatballs, delivering a delicious taste of home.
10. Bar Prima
@barprima.to/Instagram
This one’s not just a goodie — it’s a showstopper! Celebrity chef Craig Harding and Julian D’Ippolito’s Bar Prima made a splash just a year ago, and it’s been stealing hearts ever since. With a modern yet minimal approach to Italian cuisine, the menu spotlights handmade pasta and expertly crafted mains. Don’t miss the tantalizing “Rockefeller” featuring East Coast Diver Scallops, plus fresh takes on Italian-American classics. Step inside Bar Prima, and you’re transported to another era. Designed by FutureStudio with branding by Biography Design, the space radiates old-world glamour, showcasing mahogany finishes, Klein blue leather and a striking marble inlay floor. The amber glass façade, handmade in Murano, Italy, beckons you into a realm of molten gold leaf ceilings and timeless white tablecloths.
9. Tutti Matti
@tutti_matti/Instagram
An oldie but a (delicious) goodie: Chef Alida Solomon’s Tutti Matti was inspired by her six years in Tuscany, where she fell in love with the region’s food and wine culture. She wanted to bring that authentic Tuscan experience to North America, showcasing seasonal ingredients and classic dishes. The menu boasts house-made gnudi, pici, pappardelle and tagliatelle, alongside seasonal specials like stuffed zucchini flowers in summer and hearty winter soups. The ever-changing antipasto trays are a must-try. Tutti Matti’s wine list has exploded from a handful of reds and whites to hundreds, featuring everything from 1985 Brunellos to the latest vintages. Chef Alida loves teaching guests about the perfect pairings, often hosting tastings to highlight the best Tuscan wines. It’s a culinary love letter that keeps evolving!
8. Sammarco
Sammarco
After years of ruling the West End, Rob Rossi and David Minicucci have finally brought their magic downtown with Sammarco, and honestly, it’s about time. They’ve taken that stuffy, “suits-only” steakhouse energy and given it a chic Italian makeover at 4 Front St. E. The 90-seat room is a total dream, draped in marble, gold accents and heavy linens that feel expensive but never boring (think: gallery vibes, not a museum). While everyone is buzzing about the 60-day dry-aged Cumbrae’s beef, you’d be making a mistake if you skipped the pasta. The fettuccine alla scrofa is a literal tableside show made with a 100-egg dough that is as rich as it sounds. Start your night with the sausage-stuffed olives, save room for the chocolate torta and don’t forget to look up — the walls are basically a private art tour.
7. DaNico
@danico.to/Instagram
DaNico is Toronto’s latest fine dining sensation, tucked inside a gorgeous heritage bank at 440 College St. Crafted by acclaimed chef Daniele Corona, hospitality icon Nick Di Donato and Michelin-starred chef Ernesto Iaccarino, it offers a Michelin-level experience with a modern Italian twist and Asian flair. The eight-course tasting menu runs $225, featuring dishes plated on unique vessels that tell a story, while an impressive wine selection of over 3,000 bottles can elevate your meal — pairings are an additional $120. With just 60 seats, DaNico boasts 30-foot vaulted ceilings, a lively open kitchen and luxurious décor, making every visit a feast for the senses. As Chef Corona puts it, “Opening DaNico is truly my dream realized.”
6. Osteria Giulia
@osteriagiulia/Instagram
Chef Rob Rossi’s Osteria Giulia delivers a standout Italian dining experience centred on Ligurian seafood traditions. The warm atmosphere features candlelight, cream-coloured walls, and blond-oak tables, paired with attentive service. Seasonal ingredients shine through dishes like squid ink spaghetti with king prawns and tortelloni with mushrooms. Be sure to try the house-made focaccia di Recco. With a robust wine list and a creative cocktail program, Osteria Giulia guarantees an unforgettable meal. Just remember to book ahead, as reservations fill up fast.
5. Sugo
@sugotoronto/Instagram
The buzz around Sugo, a lively Italian-American spot in the west end, is totally warranted. This place isn’t just Instagram bait; it’s the real deal. With a no-frills vibe, Sugo serves up all the classics that keep diners coming back for more. Think lasagna, generous portions of pasta in vibrant red, white, and cream sauces, hearty parms, and hefty sandwiches — all made with love. There are no reservations here, so brace yourself for those inevitable lineups. But trust us, the wait is worth it for a taste of nostalgia and comfort.
4. Viaggio
@viaggiorestaurant/Instagram
Viaggio occupies that enviable Dundas West sweet spot where historic bones meet a beautifully restless kitchen. Owners Jon Vettraino and Jason Romanoff eschew rote nostalgia for a menu of intellectual detours: hand-rolled Pici paired with duck ragu and saffron butter, or Casoncelli brightened by marsala-poached prunes and pickled mushrooms. It is Italian fare reimagined through a modern Canadian lens, where even a classic Cacio e Pepe is emboldened by ’nduja. The journey culminates in the Tiramisu Pancake — a soufflé-like marvel requiring a twenty-minute commitment —proving that at Viaggio, the most rewarding path is the one that takes its time. 1727 Dundas St. W.
3. Famiglia Baldassarre
@famiglia_baldassarre/Instagram
An Italian restaurant that opens only for lunch? You heard right! Famiglia Baldassarre draws crowds eager to savour its daily rotating menu, featuring specialties like La Carbonara di Alberigo and Cacio e Pepe. Starting in a College Street basement in 2010, Baldassarre initially supplied handmade fresh pasta to top Toronto restaurants. In 2017, the operation moved to Geary Ave., opening to the public as a wholesaler, retail shop and dine-in ‘factory’ a few days a week, sharing their passion for authentic Italian cuisine with the community.
2. Enoteca Sociale
@enotecasociale/Instagram
You had us at burrata! Enoteca Sociale in Little Portugal is a west-end treasure that’s been slinging housemade pasta and fine wines for over a decade. Under the skillful hands of Chef Kyle Rindinella, the menu celebrates traditional Roman cuisine with a fresh, Ontario twist. Dive into the Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe — simple but downright addictive with its Pecorino Romano and black pepper. For mains, don’t miss the tender tagliata di pollo and juicy pork eye—just make sure to leave room for dessert.
1. Giulietta
@giulietta972/Instagram
While Rob Rossi’s Michelin-starred Guilia often steals the spotlight (and for good reason—hello, yum!), his other Italian restaurant, Giulietta, located in Dufferin Grove, deserves a closer look. Launched in 2018, Giulietta has quickly won over Toronto foodies with its authentic Italian fare. The chef’s bar is the crown jewel, placing diners right in the heart of the action. “Cooking is all about entertaining,” Rossi says. He and partner David Minicucci serve up clean, simple, and addictive dishes. Pasta lovers will revel in Tonnarelli, a Roman classic with kampot black pepper and pecorino. And don’t overlook the showstopper: the $125 bistecca all Fiorentina a bone-in striploin seasoned with rosemary, garlic, and sea salt—truly a standout in Toronto.
Toronto’s pickleball scene keeps growing in popularity, and now you can book a game inside an actual subway station. On Monday, Pickleplex Social Club announced that its newest outpost, Pickleplex Pod York Mills, is open inside York Mills station, taking over a space that had previously sat unused and turning it into a compact indoor pickleball hub!
The formerly abandoned pocket within the station complex has been reimagined as a small sports facility, with about 7,000 square feet converted into three fenced courts. Expect a fully automated, self-serve facility that offers extended hours, so you can play anywhere from early mornings to late evenings (or, you know, since it’s on the subway line, maybe squeeze in a quick game on the way home from work).
Newcomers can also try free introductory classes at the York Mills location! And for the opening stretch, Pickleplex is waiving its usual $45 to $55 hourly court fees, letting players book courts for free until Feb 8.
This new indoor space is critical! Pickleball remains one of the fastest-growing sports in North America, and in Toronto, the numbers have been climbing fast enough that the city has had to play catch-up on court space. In a May 2023 staff report, the City of Toronto said it had expanded outdoor pickleball courts from one to 165 in the previous five years, with pickleball programming offered in more than 50 community recreation centres (even old Mercedes dealerships are getting in on the game).
If you’re up for a game, Pickleplex Pod York Mills is located on the subway level of the York Mills Centre (10 York Mills Rd, North York). Take the escalators down to the subway entrance level and follow the hallway towards the elevators.
Walk in and see if a court is available, or to be on the safe side, book online!
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has released its updated three-month seasonal outlook for February-April 2026, and while much of southern Ontario sits in the normal or near-normal range overall, the probability breakdown for Toronto tilts toward colder-than-average conditions.
For Toronto, ECCC’s table shows a 50-59% chance that temperatures end up below normal across the three-month period, compared with a 30-39% chance of near-normal temperatures and just a 10-19% chance of above-normal warmth.
For precipitation, Toronto is labelled as “below”, meaning that Torontonians can expect less overall precipitation than normal in the three months! There’s a 40-49% chance the city gets less total precipitation than normal from February to April, a 30-39% chance of near-normal precipitation and a 20-29% chance of wetter-than-normal conditions.
Here’s the twist: while the next three months might present near-normal or slightly cooler conditions, ECCC is also warning that 2026 is likely to be among the hottest years on record globally!
According to a recent news release, ECCC says global temperatures are expected to stay at historically high levels this year, with the global mean temperature projected to fall between 1.35°C and 1.53°C above pre-industrial levels (with a central estimate of 1.44°C). There’s also a 12% chance that global temperatures exceed the 1.5°C threshold in a single year. If so, 2026 would actually mark the 13th consecutive year with global temperatures more than 1.0°C above pre-industrial levels.
“There is a greater than 99% chance that 2026 will be hotter than every year on record prior to 2023,” the release said.
Even with global temperatures trending higher, it looks like Torontonians will have to get through this last stubborn cold stretch before warm weather really sets in!
The Year of the Horse will come blazing in on Feb. 17. With it comes the potential for energy, confidence and forward movement — and Toronto, as usual, is celebrating big. Whether you want to find somewhere to ring it in with your family, or if you’re hoping to find a cool spot to grab good eats, the city is filled with events and activities to observe this special day. Here are 14 ways for you to ring in the beginning of the 15-day festival in Toronto.
This iconic celebration is taking place for the second year in a row at City Hall, and it has a lot to offer. In addition to a huge fireworks display at 9 p.m., you can also expect entertainment like robot dance performances and even an ice-skating fashion show. It all takes place at Nathan Phillips Square — tickets for purchase can be found online.
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra! This unforgettable evening will capture the spirit of renewal and prosperity for the Lunar New Year, featuring renowned pipa virtuoso Wu Man and 15-year-old Toronto pianist Ryan Huang, a Lang Lang International Music Foundation Young Scholar who will perform the first movement from Grieg’s instantly recognizable Piano Concerto. And don’t forget to come early to shop the Asian artisan market and enjoy lion dancers!
The Chinatown BIA is back for yet another Lunar New Year celebration for two full days. Programming includes lots of events to ring in the Year of the Horse, such as live performances, booths and so much more. Come one, come all at Chinatown Centre and Dragon City Mall.
This mall celebration is one of a kind. Taking place the weekend before Lunar New Year, experience a lively time at STC with a special appearance by the God of Fortune, lion dances, and Chinese folk dance performances. It’s all you could want and more, happening between 2-3 p.m. on both dates.
This three-day celebration at the Aga Khan Museum is in partnership with the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, and it’s pretty unique in terms of offerings around the city. Happening on Family Day weekend, ring in the Lunar New Year by checking out activities like lantern painting workshops and calligraphy demonstrations. Make sure to book admission online.
The Chinese Canadian Museum is celebrating the Year of the Horse by offering some festive programming. With tons of family-friendly activities, you can pop in and enjoy treats, crafts and cooking classes — including joining Chef Christopher Leow for a hands-on Prosperity Salad workshop. Book your spot here.
Get all dressed up for Fëte Chinoise, an annual black tie celebration and cultural showcase taking over the Ritz-Carlton. Honour the Lunar New Year and the essence of Chinese culture and heritage through, design, music, fashion and art, and network with inspiring creators and artists. Expect performances by Alex Porat, Tyler Shaw and more and culinary installations by incredible chefs like Eva Chin and Braden Chong.
With three DJs, an all-you-can-eat seafood showcase and more, Chinese eatery Hong Shing is bringing all the cultural music and food to College Street this Lunar New Year. Don’t miss out and book your spot online.
This event combines the Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day if you’re hoping to enjoy a mix of both in one weekend. Hosted by the Mon Sheong Youth Group, this market will bring all the festive vibes with booths, DIY workshops and a lucky draw, too. It’s a celebration you don’t want to miss out on, happening from 10-6 p.m. Reserve a spot here.
As the ROM combines Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day celebrations, this museum is set to bring forth a dazzling night filled with music, DJs and even selfie stations. Each ticket also includes a complimentary drink, perfect for starting off the night right. Expect amazing performances by Asian artists, a lion dance and even the chance to craft your own red envelope.
For one day only between 2-3 p.m., you can watch a stunning eye-dotting ceremony and also receive a lucky red envelope to ring in the new year. It’s all happening at Centre Court in Fairview Mall, so get in touch with the spirit of the horse as families and friends gather for this fun celebration. There will also be a stunning installation (and photo op) inspired by Singapore’s Marina Bay.
Big Trouble’s Big Fortune is going to be one lucky Saturday night. Find snacks, DJs and lucky envelopes at this well-known Chinatown bar. Sounds (ranging from hip-hop to R&B) will be spun all night by YOSOAJ and Manalang. Make sure to grab tickets online before they sell out.
This two-day event is perfect to bring friends and family alike, and the best part is that it’s free — right at Markham’s Varley Art Gallery. This weekend is inspired by the themes Brave the Wind and the Year of the Horse, and is the perfect moment to celebrate and share culture right in the heart of Unionville. Enjoy live performances, workshops (like sculpting your own lunar dragon) and a glowing lantern exhibit designed by local artists.
Featuring performances, celebrations and stories, the Small World Centre will be ringing in the Lunar New Year — or Tết — with Toronto’s Vietnamese community. Experience an array of cultural and traditional festivities and enjoy a lively weekend welcoming spring and the Year of the Horse. Visitors of all ages can try out traditional games and hands-on crafts, shop an indoor Tết marketplace full of local vendors, savour authentic Vietnamese dishes and groove to the beat of DJs and live performances while counting down to the New Year!
Super Bowl LX lands this Sunday, Feb 8, 2026, so now’s the time to lock in the best southern BBQ for your living-room watch party! We know that Super Bowl spread planning can be a sport of its own, so the easiest way to win is to let Toronto’s smokehouses handle the heavy lifting. Here are some of the best BBQ orders in the city to put on your game-day roster!
Cherry St. Bar-B-Que is ranked among the best BBQ joints in the world, and for Super Sunday, it’s offering a dedicated pre-order menu with limited features like beef back ribs, jalapeño cheddar sausages, pork belly burnt ends, and smoked lamb, alongside classics like wings, brisket, ribs and pulled pork! If you’re hosting a smaller party, order the Wings & Ribs Platter (serves 4): smoked wings, a rib trio with sides, or the Super Bowl Sampler (serves up to 6): beef back ribs, pork belly burnt ends, smoked wings, spareribs, jalapeño cheddar sausage, BBQ beans, coleslaw and potato salad.
Looking for a massive collab-style spread? The Super Tailgate Feast platter (serves 10) is laden with assorted sandwiches, as well as brisket, sausage, pulled pork, smoked wings, mac & cheese, coleslaw and BBQ beans. And don’t skimp on the BBQ sauces: order Original, Espresso BBQ, Canadiana Gold and/or Maple Whisky! The pre-order cut-off is Thursday, Feb 5, at 4:00 pm. Pick-ups and deliveries will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Super Sunday. Click here for the full Super Bowl menu! 275 Cherry St.
Shop The Carbon Bar x Craig’s Cookies
Shop The Carbon Bar is the direct-to-consumer “baby sister “of Toronto’s iconic The Carbon Bar! If you live in the GTA, you can have their famous protein delivered straight to your doorstep. The protein is frozen and can easily and conveniently be heated up at home, so you’ll get restaurant-quality food in minutes.
For Super Sunday, order the Ultimate Snack Feast (feeds about 4-6): a BBQ slider kit with brioche buns, pulled pork, pulled brisket, pulled chicken, coleslaw, pickles, mayo and multiple BBQ sauces. It also includes a warm dessert finish: 12 frozen classic chocolate chip cookie dough pucks from Craig’s Cookies! Or try the Ultimate Taco Kit (feeds about 5-7): tortillas, roasted jalapeño salsa, chipotle queso, with three pulled proteins (chicken, pork and brisket).
Beach Hill is offering a Super Bowl Pack for pickup over Super Bowl weekend, and it’s designed to cover the whole spread without needing add-ons! Expect two pounds of pork ribs, one pound of brisket, two sausages, 26 smoked chicken wings, four large sides (choose at checkout), and drinks: six cans of beer or 10 cans of pop. If your crew is sauce-happy, you can tack on extra BBQ sauce: 16 oz ($10) or 8 oz ($5). The pack is only available for pickup from Feb 6 to 8. On Sunday, all orders must be picked up before 5 p.m.! Various locations in Toronto, including 620 Yonge St.
SmoQue N’ Bones platters are loaded with classics, with plenty of room for sides! If your meat math is off, they recommend planning about half a pound of meat per guest. Going solo for the Super Bowl? Try the BBQ Sampler for one ($57): half a rack of pork side ribs, half a pound of beef brisket, regular coleslaw and two pieces of cornbread.
If you’ve got a date or a friend over, try the Weekend Party platter (serves two, $80): a full rack of pork side ribs, half a pound of beef brisket, two links of SmoQued sausage, medium coleslaw and two pieces of cornbread. For three to four people, indulge in the Family Feast ($135): one pound of SmoQued chicken wings, a full rack of pork side ribs, half a pound each of pulled pork, beef brisket, SmoQued turkey, medium coleslaw and medium beans.
For a larger group, you can also build your own BBQ Feast with ribs, two BBQ meats, three Southern sides and extra add-ons. Beyond platters, SmoQue N’ Bones has a full menu lineup for topping up your spread, including starters, mac n’ cheese, BBQ mains, Southern sides, sandwiches, desserts, sauces and drinks. 869 Queen St W | 30 Baldwin St.
Barque is a go-to for Southern-style BBQ in Toronto, and for Super Bowl Sunday, it’s running a 2-for-1 full-rack baby back ribs feature: $39 for two full racks, with your choice of Rack O’ Bama sauce, lemon pepper rub or 5-spice honey garlic. If you’re hosting three to five people, try the “Ribs + Snacky Starters” cart: 2-for-1 baby back ribs ($39), smoked chicken wings ($19) or crispy chicken tenders ($19, gluten-free), as well as pimento mac n’ cheese ($15) and smokey dill pickle slaw ($11) or shoestring fries ($10)! 299 Roncesvalles Ave.
When Team Canada arrives in Milan this month, there’s one sport everyone is going to be watching: curling. Ranked number one in the world, the Canadian women’s team is also the first to win consecutive world championship gold medals in over 30 years. All eyes will be on Toronto’s own Sarah Wilkes: playing lead on Team Homan, she’ll be throwing the first stones in her first ever Olympic Games. We caught up with the two-time world champion ahead of Milan.
You’re top-ranked heading into the Games. What is it about this team that’s so special?
We all have our own roles and are fully committed to those. We all bring such different things to our team, and I think that we all complement each other really well in that sense. And no one’s trying to do someone else’s job. We know what we have to do for us to perform at our best, and we all are fully committed to that.
Curling is obviously an iconic Canadian sport. How does it feel representing the country on the biggest stage?
I think it’s an incredible privilege. I just think back to myself as a little kid watching curling and saying, “I want to be able to do that someday.” So I hope to be able to bring that joy and inspiration, especially to young girls watching. It’s really cool that there are going to be so many eyes on it.
Name:Sarah Wilkes
Hometown: Toronto
Sport: Curling
Olympic event date:Feb. 12, first game vs. Denmark
Favourite Toronto memories:Walking the Beaches and the Bluffs; meeting friends at Enrico’s Pizza
Second sport: Almost gave up on curling to pursue fastball in the U.S.
Curling lore:Has experience playing all four positions on the ice
Fan club: Will be joined by her husband, daughter and parents in Milan to cheer her on from the stands
Thinking back to little kid you, when did this all start?
I’ve been curling since I was six, and I remember when I was around 12, a team at the club I was curling at, Tam Heather, actually went to the Olympics, so that was inspiring. And I played on the curling team at Wilfred Laurier University, and we ended up going to the World University Games, which was kind of like the closest thing to an Olympic games you could get without being at the Olympics.
Was there a moment when it kind of clicked for you that this is something you could really do professionally?
Leading into the last Olympic trials, I decided to take a leap from my day job and just try and put as much attention as I could on curling. That was six years ago now, and it was definitely a turning point. I still work as a psychotherapist, just not full-time, and it has helped me be able to be as prepared as I can.
Has your psychotherapy background influenced you as an athlete?
There’s a ton of self reflection that happened throughout my education to become a psychotherapist, and that’s on top of all the work I’ve done in the past with mental performance consultant and all of that. It’s definitely helped me look inwards, be a little more reflective and identify strategies that work for me in really stressful situations. I’m always checking in with myself before every game to see where I’m at emotionally and remind myself of my values. What am I doing this for? What’s the bigger picture?
Which other sport are you most excited to watch in Milan?
Figure skating.
If you had to swap sports for one Olympics, what would you pick?
I’m actually not very naturally athletic! But maybe hockey.
Torontonians are about to get a new landmark that will pull them back to the early 1990s, when the entire city was living and breathing baseball.
The Toronto Blue Jays have announced plans to build a bronze statue honouring Joe Carter, the two-time World Series champ whose ninth-inning, walk-off homer in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series sealed the club’s back-to-back titles! The statue will be installed outside Rogers Centre, according to a social media video shared by the team.
The announcement was made in a social media video in which Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro and president Paul Beeston surprised Carter with the news.
“Next year we’re celebrating our 50th, and we’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about the best ways to celebrate that,” Shapiro said in the video. “Something that our fans have been clamouring for and we both get emails about all the time. We’re going to have a statue, out front, in between Gate 5 and Gate 6.”
“There’s not a Canadian who was alive at that time who doesn’t know where they were,” Beeston noted about the Oct 23, 1993, game, with Shapiro adding that “[it was the] first World Series won on Canadian soil and something for our fans to be able to come, when they come to the games, to spend time and remember and celebrate.”
Carter’s connection to that era is hard to overstate. The Blue Jays won the World Series in both 1992 and 1993, with Carter playing on each championship roster. But in 1993, he delivered the three-run blast in Game 6 against the Philadelphia Phillies to clinch it all!
“My teammates from ’92 and ’93 are a special group, and we all understood what it meant to play for an entire country. We felt such pride wearing the maple leaf on our uniforms. Fans embraced us, and we loved them right back. This statue is for the fans,” Carter said in a release.
According to the MLB, the statue is planned for a July unveiling ceremony that will include alumni from the championship teams.
A. Faux leather trench
G. Crochet sweater
M. Wide leg corduroys 
