Between the big-energy late-night clubs and happy hour hot spots, King Street has hatched a new morning destination. Since its late-April debut, Eggslut has gone viral for far more than just its cheeky name — it’s the elevated breakfast fare that’s actually keeping the crowds.
Anticipation was inevitable. Known for its blend of classic comfort and modern innovation, the Los Angeles-born brand has built a massive global following since 2011. With successful outposts in the U.K., Japan, and Australia, its arrival on King Street marks the latest chapter in its international expansion.
Egg Salad
“We saw a real opportunity to bring a globally recognized food concept to Canada in a way that felt exciting, accessible and culturally relevant,” says Adam Flook, Development Lead of Westrich Hospitality Inc., the independent franchise partner in Canada.
“Toronto felt like the natural first market. It’s one of the most diverse and food-forward cities in the country, with a strong appetite for international brands, quick-service concepts, and experiences that feel both premium and casual. We felt Eggslut could really resonate here, especially with the way people in Toronto engage with food, social media and brand culture overall.”
Flook says King Street was intentionally selected for the debut location because it offers the “right mix of office traffic, residents, hospitality and cultural energy.” It won’t be long before Eggslut is a national staple. A second Toronto location at Yonge and Dundas is already locked in for a summer launch, and Vancouver is reportedly next on the radar as the brand continues its “local-first” expansion across Canada.
The Fairfax
The Canadian location uses Ontario-based suppliers and key partner Burnbrae Farms to serve a menu that is a step above what you’d expect from a grab ‘n’ go breakfast spot.
Eggslut still brings the signature items found at international locations, including the fan-favourite Fairfax — scrambled egg with chives and cheddar cheese, caramelized onions and sriracha mayo sandwiched in a brioche bun.
It’s not just about the sandwiches. The menu features truffle hashbrowns, French toast sticks and the viral sensation known as The Slut — a coddled egg over creamy potato purée. Pair them with a cinnamon toast cold brew or fresh orange juice for the ultimate King Street breakfast.
‘The Slut’
“There is a clear need in the market for breakfast options that are quick and convenient but still feel premium,” says Flook. “A lot of people are looking for something that fits into their day without feeling like a compromise. Eggslut fills that space: it’s fast, craveable, and casual, but still has the quality and brand experience people are looking for.”
While the brand is already making waves in the city, Flook says it’s only just the start to Eggslut’s arrival in Canada.
“For us, this launch is about more than opening a restaurant. It’s about introducing a brand that already has global awareness to a city that we believe will really embrace it,” says Flook. “We’re excited for Toronto to experience Eggslut in its own way, whether that’s grabbing a sandwich before work, lining up with friends on the weekend, or coming in for that first bite. This is the beginning of Eggslut in Canada, and we’re really looking forward to building the brand here.”
You may think motherhood content creator Alexandra Cunningham (also known as @thisfamilytree) drew in her over 400,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok with the kind of aspirational videos that incite envy. But from the beginning, the Toronto influencer’s approach was the opposite: she wanted to create totally relatable videos that reflect the truth of parenting. Whether it’s joking about the perils of the holidays with young kids or poking fun at the judgment that mothers face, Cunningham has done just that. She and her frequent collaborator and manager, husband Shane Cunningham, shared the story of how fate brought them together and their whirlwind romance.
How they met
Alexandra: I got asked to do a music video for our friends’ band, The Arkells, because they didn’t have a budget, so they were trying to get people they knew. I didn’t know that Shane was doing the casting. I don’t remember much from that day. But five years later, Shane and my cousin matched on Tinder, and my cousin had met the love her life the night before and she said she didn’t want to waste this guy and told me to go on the date instead.
Shane: She goes, I’m going to cancel our date, but I have someone better for you! I wasn’t so sure about being set up on a blind date over Tinder — Tinder is enough of a risk as it is. Then she said, “You know her.” And I was like, “Well everyone I know, I’m not interested in, so no thanks.” And she sent me a picture of Alex, and I was like, “Oh hell yes, it’s her!” I didn’t even think it was a possibility that it would be this actress I had met five years before.
Alex doesn’t know this either, but I found her ID two years after that on the ground in a bar, and I messaged her on Facebook, and she goes, “Oh, I’m just backpacking through Europe,” or something like that, and said to just leave it at the bar. She didn’t even remember it was me, the guy who directed her, she thought I was just some random person!
The first date
Alex: So Shane messaged me that this all went down, and I had been pre drinking with some girlfriends who were going out that night. And then Shane told me, “I want to strike while the iron is lukewarm and go out, like, right now.” I was feeling pretty good, so I agreed. We met up at one of our favourite local neighbourhood bars called Gallagher’s in Hamilton, and I was nervous and excited because I had just gotten out of a relationship a few months before. Shane told me he was going to be the guy at the bar with eyeliner on. I didn’t know if he was joking or not but I thought it was funny!
Shane: She was wearing a little belly top and she just had a $20 bill in her hand. And I’m like, that’s a weird move, because she wanted to show that she could pay. I didn’t realize that was the only $20 she had to her name. She was going to Portugal the next week, and all of her money was for that trip. So she’s like, I’m going to buy the first drink, and then I guess he’ll just have to buy the rest, to show that I’m independent enough. It worked! She knew every single person at the bar; she barely talked to me, to be honest. People kept talking to her, and then people would walk by and she would have a 20-minute conversation with every single person. I was just thinking, this is not going to work, she doesn’t care about me. And then at the end of the night, another person walked by, and she was like, after party at my place! And I thought, am I even invited? It doesn’t seem like she likes me that much. But then the after party fell apart with everyone else except for me.
Alex: Intentionally.
The proposal
Alex: The dating phase only lasted about six months, and then we got engaged, so we were fast and furious, but that whole time was kind of like a whirlwind. And honestly, we were still getting to know each other. We just knew we wanted to be together. The proposal itself was my birthday celebration. We were at the Drake Devonshire in Prince Edward County, and we were just having a really great night, and we drank a lot of wine, a little too much wine.
Shane: Alex popped this cork, and it bounced all across the room and went right in this metal garbage. And we were like, wow, this is a magical moment, the odds of that happening are one in a million, right? And then we started drinking, and we looked at each other and we were like, we should get married.
We woke up kind of hung over, and Alex is like, oh, what a wild night. And I’m like, indeed. We don’t even know if we both really proposed to each other. Then we asked each other, do you want to get married? And then before I knew it, we were doing a Facebook invite to all of our friends. We just recorded a quick impromptu video and sent it to all of our friends.
The wedding
Alex: We ended up getting married about a year after our first date. We got married in the backyard of my parents’ house, and it’s the house that we now live in. It’s right on the escarpment, so it overlooks the entire city of Hamilton. We were like, let’s just get married now, because I hate planning things, I’m very disorganized, and I’ll put in as much effort if we get married tomorrow as if we do right now. So I wore my mom’s dress, and we had a big barbecue from this barbecue vendor, and it was just such a homegrown fun celebration. It was perfect.
The honeymoon
Shane: We went to Saint Martin and stayed in this Airbnb that had this nice infinity pool. And this very strange woman was living in the Airbnb above us, and she was just obsessed with Alex and doing photoshoots with us. She got us to kiss on camera. She told us we could stay there for free afterwards! We found out the woman herself was going through a divorce, so she was really loving new love. It was pretty memorable; there was a power outage, and we were so hot in the middle of the night and just woke up sweating because there was no air conditioning, so we would just hop in the pool. We had this nice, magical kind of new love, newlywed time.
The kids
Screenshot
Alex: We have two daughters, an almost 8-year-old named Lucy — she was born on Shane’s birthday. And Betty is our six-year-old.
Shared hobbies and interests
Alex: I think most of what we do is shared, and we’ve talked about this before. I don’t know that it’s healthy for every set of people, but we’re codependent in a lot of ways, and neither one of us really minds. We started off early in our relationship playing a lot of basketball together. Now, our shared interest is that we take part in each other’s work a lot. I’m a content creator, and Shane’s my manager, but then we also have a lot of fun doing videos together. He’s doing a show right now and I’m helping him out as his assistant on his show, which is a blast for me, just to be able to see him at work and everything. And I just think we just like having fun. We’re both people who just seek out a good time, with our kids, or with two of us.
The secret to success
Alex: Putting our relationship first before so many things, including sometimes parenthood, in the sense that we want to make sure our partner is okay and that our relationship is okay, because it makes us better parents when we do that.
Shane: There’s obviously the saying, treat people the way you want to be treated. I think it’s different when you’re in a relationship. I think it’s more, treat people the way they want to be treated.
The future together
Shane: We’re such simple people, we don’t need a lot, but I think we just want to feel comfortable, and that is our goal. We want we don’t need to be kazillionaires, but we want to be comfortable. We want to be on track. I don’t want our kids to worry. And I think comfort, to me, is just a comforting thought.
Alex: For me, and I tell Shane this all the time, it’s old people on the front porch having a coffee — that’s our end goal.
A landmark building in Toronto’s west end, home to two incredible live music spaces, is up for sale with a nearly $20-million asking price.
The Great Hall, located at 1087 Queen St. W. at the corner of Queen Street West and Dovercourt Road, is listed for $19,999,000. The historic property has been a fixture in the neighbourhood for more than 135 years.
Originally opened in 1890, the red-brick building was designed by Canadian architectural firm Gordon & Helliwell as a home for the Toronto West End YMCA. The High Victorian-style structure quickly became a community hub and has since evolved into one of the city’s best-known event venues.
It was here that Tom Longboat, an iconic running legend, trained for the Boston Marathon on a track that exists today, rimming the outside of Longboat Hall, one of two music venues inside the building.
The other is The Great Hall, long considered one of the best places to see a concert in Toronto.
The Great Hall includes roughly 20,000 square feet of space spread across several floors. The venue regularly hosts concerts, weddings, corporate events, film shoots and television productions. Its four event spaces can accommodate gatherings ranging from small private functions to crowds of more than 1,000 people.
The property underwent major renovations in 2016, including upgrades such as a new HVAC system, accessibility elevator, high-speed internet and modern sound and lighting systems.
In addition to the event venue, the building is also home to Gloria American Bistro Bar and several office tenants on its upper floor.
According to the real estate listing, property taxes for the building were approximately $35,588 last year.
The building is a designated heritage property with the city of Toronto.
The listing marks a major moment for one of Queen West’s most recognizable historic properties, which has long been a cultural and entertainment destination in Toronto’s west end.
Cherry blossom season has been as amazing as ever this year in Toronto, but we knew it had to end eventually — and all signs point to this weekend being the last one to enjoy those pink blossoms in full bloom.
Weather always has a major effect on the longevity of the delicate flowers, and a couple of days of rain this week has definitely shortened bloom time this year.
Resident cherry blossom predictor Steve Joniak (also known as Sakura Steve) noted this week that, if heavier than normal rain occurs: “I predict we may lose a significant amount of bloom by the end of the week and head into the Mother’s Day weekend with only about 60% of bloom left on the trees.”
During his visit on Monday, he said the sakura trees by the sports fields as well as those on popular viewing spot Cherry Hill were solidly into peak bloom. The ones by the Dock on Grenadier Pond only recently hit peak bloom, while those by High Park Zoo and Jamie Bell Adventure Playground were only in full bloom (60–80 per cent open blossoms versus 90–100 per cent) as of Monday — so if you’re visiting this weekend, this will be a good spot to see cherry blossoms in their prime!
Recent social media posts from Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8 still show plenty of pink flowers in view, but there’s quite a bit of rain in the forecast for Saturday, May 9, which will once again shorten the lifespan of these blooms.
As visitors flock to the park to take photos and get up close to the flowers, people pulling branches or shaking trees could shorten the lifespan of the blooms — so just don’t do it!
Just like last year, the city of Toronto is restricting vehicle access and parking within High Park for the duration of peak bloom, so prepare to head over on foot or on bike.
Mississauga’s Ridgeway Plaza got a surprise dose of soccer royalty this week when Brazilian legend Ronaldinho Gaúcho stopped by Sumaq Iraqi Charcoal Grill, giving one of the restaurant’s most popular shawarmas his personal seal of approval.
“The legend @ronaldinho gave us a visit & he absolutely loved our Supreme Chicken Shawarma!” Sumaq wrote in its Insta caption, alongside a reel showing Ronaldinho surrounded by fans as he takes a big bite of the wrap before giving the “OK” sign.
If you’ve somehow missed the Ronaldinho era, the 46-year-old former attacking midfielder is one of the most recognizable players in soccer history. During his five seasons with FC Barcelona, he helped the club win two league titles and the 2006 Champions League. The star is currently in Toronto for the Living Legends match at BMO Field on Friday evening, an exhibition that will see Brazil legends face Toronto FC legends.
His Mississauga food stop put the spotlight on one of the GTA’s most talked-about shawarma destinations. Sumaq is an authentic halal Iraqi and Middle Eastern restaurant that specializes in traditional charcoal-grilled kebabs, shawarma, and other Iraqi dishes rooted in slow grilling, aromatic spices and freshly baked bread.
The Supreme Chicken Shawarma that Ronaldinho dove into features juicy, slow-roasted chicken slices marinated in flavourful Middle Eastern spices, but the restaurant’s wider menu also includes veal and mixed shawarma, Iraqi kebab, chicken and lamb tikka, Arabic platters, fresh tanoor and samoon bread, and desserts like baklava and cheesecake.
And this isn’t the first time Sumaq has caught the attention of a major name. TikTok’s most famous food critic, Keith Lee, visited Sumaq during his Toronto food tour in 2024, making the Scarborough location his first stop in the city! Lee sampled three shawarma wraps and was a huge fan of the veal and chicken shawarmas. After Lee’s visit, the restaurant’s follower count jumped from just over 6,000 to more than 20,000 followers.
Today, the restaurant has 160,000 Insta followers and counting, with Ronaldinho’s visit now giving it another viral moment!
Follow @sumaqbbq, or check out the shawarma yourself at Sumaq’s Mississauga location (3920 Eglinton Ave. W. #25) or its Scarborough location (1961 Lawrence Ave E.).
From left: Chefs Jackie Lin, Michael Hunter and Anna Chen
Every chef has their spots — the restaurant they quietly recommend to friends or the dining room they save for a big night out. We spoke with 70 of Toronto’s top chefs about the restaurants they genuinely love, from special-occasion splurges to under-$100 neighbourhood favourites perfect for a random Tuesday night.
These are the restaurants Toronto chefs keep coming back to.
ITALIAN
Pasta that won’t cost ya: OCCHIOLINO
“Think delicious shareable appetizers, some of the best pasta in the city and soft serve ice cream to finish.” Chef Roderick Tomiczek, Canoe
OUR TAKE: When the team behind two of the city’s most mourned favourites — Bacchanal and Campagnolo — takes over a mechanic’s garage, the result is bound to be sharp. Occhiolino(“wink”) is a collaboration between Luke Donato — once Drake’s personal chef — and Nick Manzone of the elite wholesale brand Pastificio Double Zero. They’ve stripped the space back to its bones — less flour and eggs, more wood, steel and concrete. The result is a light-filled concrete piazza that feels like a deliberate gallery, while the soul of the place remains unmistakably unpretentious “cucina povera.” Manzone’s pasta is the star split between “fatto a mano” (handmade) and “al bronzo” (extruded) varieties. A must-try is the zucca fritti paired with an Amaretto Sour — a sweet, and salty combo that perfectly anchors the restaurant’s balance of city edge meets Italian warmth. 499 Bathurst St.
THE TEA: The restaurant is basically a front for a factory. Partner Nick Manzone runs Pastificio Double Zero here, supplying fresh, handmade pasta to many of Toronto’s top-rated Italian dining rooms daily.
Like a first-class trip to Italy: PASTA PRIVATO
Pasta Privato/Instagrams
“This intimate dining room is a true hidden gem. Thoughtful and intentional menu, delicious pasta and wine pairings.” Chef Craig Wong, Patois
OUR TAKE: The latest, most personal project from the powerhouse team behind Notte Ristorante and the Berczy Tavern is a radical departure from the high-volume buzz of Toronto’s typical hot spots. With only 30 seats, Pasta Privato acts more like a chef’s private workshop than a traditional dining room. Walls lined with chef Michael Angeloni’s process notebooks and a 40-year-old recipe card from his grandmother set a stage rooted in storytelling. This intimate scale allows Angeloni to “scratch a creative itch,” focusing on artisanal, technically driven pastas that are impossible to execute at scale. The current menu, Un Omaggio (“an homage” in English), is a deep dive into the global influences that shaped him. You’ll find the spizzulus — a pan-braided noodle inspired by Mexico City and finished with Hokkaido uni —and an Ibérico pork and rabbit agnolotti enriched with Quebec foie gras. It’s easily the most exciting pasta program in the city right now. 9 Church St.
THE TEA: True to its “Privato” (“private”) name, there’s no street entrance. You must enter through Notte Ristorante and slip past a heavy red velvet curtain at the back into a dimly lit, entirely separate dining space.
STEAK HOUSE
The premier cut: Sammarco
@sammarcosteak/Instagram
“Flawless from start to finish — an impeccably designed room, polished service and perfectly executed dishes.” Chef Tomer Markovitz, Romi’s
OUR TAKE: Rob Rossi and David Minicucci have officially landed downtown, bringing the same sharp, obsessive quality that made Osteria Giulia a titan. Sammarco skips the predictable Bay Street steak house vibe for something far more interesting: a high-performance Italian operation. The room is a massive mood, with custom leather seats that take cues from vintage Alfa Romeos and an amber glass entrance that makes the Front Street noise disappear. The space is effectively a gallery, filled with a massive collection of Canadian art and hand-poured floors meant to look like an aerial map of an Italian village. Although the prime beef (dry-aged 60 days on site) is the big draw, the fettuccine alla scrofa is impeccable. It’s a 100-egg dough pasta tossed at your table with 24-month-aged Parmigiano —a dish so rich it holds its own against a prime rib-eye. Sammarco is a restaurant rooted in storytelling that just so happens to serve a world-class steak. 4 Front St. E.
THE TEA: Michael Carlevale, a legend of Toronto’s dining scene in the ’80s and ‘90s, previously ran a restaurant in this very building. The owners kept his name on the room as a nod to the space’s history and its original soul.
No beef with the bill: Côte de Bœuf
@cotedeboeufossington/Instagram
“I love old school French bistro cooking, and there aren’t many places doing it like this anymore.” Chef Carolyn Reid, Scaramouche
OUR TAKE: Stepping into Côte de Bœuf is an immediate escape from the Toronto grey. Part butcher shop, part pint-sized bistro, this Ossington staple ignores the trend cycle for something far more durable: a zinc bar, a tiled ceiling and the heavy scent of dry-aging beef. Chef Teo Paul, an alum of Michael Stadtländer’s Eigensinn Farm and the Parisian kitchen circuit, has built a space that feels like it’s been there for 50 years. The menu is a tight list of French hits that rely on high-quality sourcing rather than kitchen gymnastics. The steak frites are finished with a peppercorn sauce that’s pure silk, but the duck fat fries are the actual obsession here. They’re crisp, rich and probably the best thing you’ll eat all week. For a bigger group, the 48-ounce Côte de Bœuf is carved tableside with beef tallow butter. It’s walk-in only and usually packed, so show up early, grab a glass of Burgundy and snag a spot at the window to watch the neighbourhood go by. 130 Ossington Ave.
THE TEA: If you want to reach Côte de Bœuf, they’ve got one of the most on-brand phone numbers in the city. 416-532-BEEF (2333). A small detail, but it speaks to their commitment to being the go-to authority on all things carnivorous.
MEXICAN
Guac on the wild side: Comal Y Canela
@comalycanela/Instagram
“I’ve been going here for years; everything is made from scratch.” Chef Michael Hunter, Antler
OUR TAKE: There’s something special about a kitchen that treats food like it actually means something. At Comal Y Canela, “made from scratch” isn’t a tagline — it’s just how they do things. They grind their own nixtamal masa in-house — a labour-intensive process akin to a bakery milling its own flour — and you can taste that dedication in every hand-pressed quesadilla. Owner Yasmen De Leon has cultivated a space that feels like an extension of an abuelita’s dining room. The energy is easy and lived-in, born from a genuine commitment to the neighbourhood that saw De Leon running a food bank out of the back during the pandemic. The birria tacos are the undisputed stars here — balanced, meaty and paired with a consommé widely regarded as the city’s best. However, skipping the shrimp tacos or the complex, chocolate-noted artisanal mole would be a monumental error. Come hungry and trust the kitchen; you’re in expert hands. 1692 Jane St.
THE TEA: If a specific ingredient isn’t available from Mexico, they’ll remove the dish entirely rather than substitute it, so the menu shifts depending on what can be sourced from the home country.
The whole enchilada: Quetzal
@quetzaltoronto/Instagram
“Their immersive open-fire dining experience makes it one of the most exciting restaurants in the city.” Chef Martine Bauer, Bar Allegro
OUR TAKE: Toronto’s only Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant is anchored by a 26-foot wood-burning hearth that commands the room. At Quetzal, every dish is transformed by flame, creating an immersive experience where the boundary between the kitchen and the guest simply vanishes. Executive chef Steven Molnar brings a deeply personal perspective to the line, inspired by the quiet strength of his mother and the culinary patience of his Hungarian grandmother. The menu is an exercise in fire-driven precision, from the delicate Hokkaido scallop ceviche with crispy leek to the rich lamb barbacoa empanadas. For the curious, house-made salsas even feature chicatana ants — a nod to pre-Hispanic traditions that honoured insects as a vital, nutrient-dense delicacy. Whether you’re devouring the black garlic mole negro or cooling off with a prickly pear cocktail, the energy here is palpable. 419 College St.
THE TEA: The ceiling is the architectural star: glass-fibre gypsum swells that resemble a bleached ribcage or drifting snow, cleverly concealing the heavy-duty air system for the 26-foot wood-fire grill below.
TASTING MENUS
A major production: 20 Victoria
Restaurant 20 Victoria
“The team delivers one of the warmest, most cohesive nights out in the city. Every dollar at 20 Victoria feels well spent.” Chef Eva Chin, Yan Dining Room
OUR TAKE: The departure of a chef like Julie Hyde usually triggers a mourning period for a room as small as 20 Victoria. For years, the 20-seat Financial District spot was known for a certain quiet — simple, stripped back and closely tied to the seasons. But the transition to Rafael Covarrubias isn’t a eulogy; it’s a vivid debut. The space still has that easy, approachable cool, but the food has moved in a more global, confident direction. Covarrubias has retained the restaurant’s soul — the meticulous sourcing, the street-side white tents in summer — while layering in a new, daring vocabulary. A kampachi tartlet is sharpened by salsa macha; beef arrives alongside cassava and sweet onion. Even the scallop, paired with artichoke custard and mole verde, reads like a conversation between the restaurant’s seafood past and its more vibrant, Mexican-leaning future. It’s a rare thing in a city that’s always turning over: a second act that could possibly outshine the first. 20 Victoria St.
THE TEA: True to its name and address, the restaurant is incredibly small, with just about 20 seats. That near one-to-one ratio is intentional, allowing the chef and his team to keep a laser focus on every plate leaving the pass.
Small plates, small talk: Bar Isabel
“It’s consistently great, always delivers, and I usually go for the tasting menu when I visit. I really like it as a way to experience the kitchen at its best.” Chef Rosa Marinuzzi, 7 NUMBERS
OUR TAKE: If 20 Victoria is high-art tasting menus, Bar Isabel is its cooler Mediterranean cousin.This Grant van Gameren stalwart has spent over a decade proving that “tasting menu” doesn’t have to mean white tablecloths and miniscule portions.The design is pure Old World tavern closer to a Barcelona back alley than a Toronto storefront. Here, the experience is bespoke, built on a conversation with your server rather than a pre-printed card. The ritual is simple: name your price point (starting around $85), point out your must-trys from the chalkboard and let the kitchen take over. On the menu you’ll find Iberian essentials — hand-cut jamón Ibérico, patatas bravas and the legendary grilled octopus that arrives citrusy and chorizo-spiced. To finish, there is only one answer: the Basque cake, a dessert alone enough to justify the restaurant’s Michelin-recommended status. 797 College St.
THE TEA: That beautiful mismatched mosaic floor is made from 10,000 pounds of hand-poured encaustic tiles imported from Mexico and assembled from 20,000 hand-cut glass pieces over 200 hours.
FRENCH
A postcard from Provence: Maison T
Maison T/Instagram
“I frequent this husband-and-wife-run bistro with a simple, affordable menu and, most importantly, delicious food.” Chef Jackie Lin, Shoushin
OUR TAKE: Maison T is the definition of a “hidden gem.” A neighbourhood bistro that trades on decades of high-level experience rather than trend chasing. Opened in 2020, the restaurant is a partnership between chef Masayuki Tamaru, a veteran of Jamie Kennedy’s kitchens, and his wife Carolina Avaria, a former Four Seasons head concierge. Together, they’ve created a space where the service is as polished as a five-star hotel, but the vibe remains as relaxed as a Sunday dinner. Chef Tamaru’s French classics are infused with subtle Japanese hints that elevate the familiar. The Japanese fried chicken in dashi broth and the maitake mushroom tempura sit comfortably alongside a textbook French onion soup. For mains, the duck confit with sauce diable delivers crisp skin and tender, slow-cooked meat. In the summer, Maison T’s pooch-friendly patio is the place to be, but year-round, it’s the warmth of this husband-and-wife team that makes Maison T feel like home. 1071 Shaw St.
THE TEA: Chef Tamaru was once crowned “Chef of the North” by Joanne Kates, the former Streets of Toronto food critic whose word could make — or break — a reputation and careers alike.
A private jet to Paris: Scaramouche
Scaramouche’s butter poached half lobster
“Great service, classic French food and a dining room view that’s hard to beat: my all-time favourite go-to spot.” Chef Anna Chen, Alma
OUR TAKE: If Toronto has a culinary “home base,” it’s Scaramouche. Tucked into a Casa Loma area apartment complex, it bypasses the flash of downtown for something far more valuable: 40 years of unflinching consistency. When you walk in, the immediate payoff is the view — a glittering, unobstructed panorama of the skyline that remains one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Although the Michelin Guide might have overlooked Scaramouche, the kitchen, led by Keith Froggett and Carolyn Reid, remains unbothered. Their focus is on “bums in seats” and impeccable French-leaning technique. The menu is a collection of sophisticated hits, from the legendary peppercorn fettuccine with Madeira cream to the pan-seared halibut with morels and fava beans. Every meal kicks off with a bread service that supports community food centres, and it should end with the coconut cream pie — a rich, airy slice that’s become a bit of a Toronto rite of passage. 1 Benvenuto Pl.
THE TEA: During one service, a woman was seated with a live duck tucked inside her coat, which she said was her pet. Known for its quiet elegance, the staff handled it so discreetly that most of the room never noticed.
$pend a little: 35 affordable gems where you can dine for under $100
1. Donna’s – 827 Lansdowne Ave., Bistro
2.Dotty’s – 1588 Dupont St., Diner
3.Côte de Boeuf – 130 Ossington Ave., Steak house/French
4. Pai – 2335 Yonge St., Thai
5. Restaurant Stop – 397 Roncesvalles Ave., European
6. Som Tum Jinda – 76 Gerrard St. E., Thai
7. Occhiolino – 499 Bathurst St., Italian
8. Beast Pizza – 96 Tecumseth St., Canadian
9. Famiglia Baldassarre – 22 Geary Ave., Italian
10. Maison T – 1071 Shaw St., French/Japanese
11. Ardo – 243 King St E., Italian
12. Bar Vendetta – 928 Dundas St. W., Wine Bar
13. Martine’s Wine Bar – 293 Palmerston Ave., Farm to table
14. Alma – 1194 Bloor St. W., Chinese
15. Botham’s – 2869 Dundas St. W., Wine bar
16. Tiny Market Co. – 938 Bathurst St., Italian
17. Corduroy Lounge – 1012 Queen St. E., British
18. The Ace – 231A Roncesvalles Ave., Diner
19. Trattoria Taverniti – 589 College St., Italian
20. The Hole in the Wall – 2867A Dundas St. W., Pub
21. La Paradis – 166 Bedford Rd., French
22. Leela Indian -1386 Gerrard St. E. Indian
23. Ramen Isshin – 609 Queen St. W., Japanese
24. Comal Y Canela – 1692B Jane St., North York, Mexican
25. Danny’s Pizza Tavern – 611 College St., Pizzeria
26. White Lily Diner 678 Queen St. E., Diner
27. Mattachioni – 1617 Dupont St, Diner
28. Tondou Ramen – 596 College St., Japanese
29. Korean Village – 628 Bloor St. W., Korean
30. Cafe Polonez – 195 Roncesvalles Ave., Polish
31. Dim Sum King – 421 Dundas St. W., 3rd Floor, Chinese
323. Oddseoul – 90 Ossington Ave., Korean
33. Maya Bay – 252 Carlton St., Thai
34. Susie’s Rise & Dine – 539 College St., Diner
25. Mi Mi Vietnamese – 686A Gerrard St. E., Vietnamese
$$$pend a lot: 35 iconic Toronto dining rooms for your next big night out
1. 20 Victoria – 20 Victoria St., Tasting menu
2. Edulis – 169 Niagara St., Farm to table
3. Quetzal – 419 College St., Mexican
4. Sammarco – 4 Front St. E., Steak house
5. Scaramouche – 1 Benvenuto Pl., French
6. Mhel – 276 Havelock St., Korean/Japanese
7. Takja BBQ House – 962 College St., Korean BBQ
8. Sushi Masaki Saito – 88 Avenue Rd., Japanese
9. Kaiseki Yu-Zen Hashimoto – 6 Sakura Way, North York, Japanese
10. Enoteca Sociale -288 Dundas St. W., Italian
11. Casa Paco – 50c Clinton St., Spanish
12. aKin – 51 Colborne St., Asian, Tasting menu
13 Actinolite – 971 Ossington Ave., Tasting menu
14. Yan’s Dining Room – 95 Dundas St. W., Tasting menu
15. Sakai Bar – 1576 Dundas St., Japanese
16. Chiado – 864 College St., Portuguese
17. The Rosebud – 98 King St. E., Wine bar
18. Alo – 163 Spadina Ave., Tasting menu
19. DaiLo – 503 College St., Asian
20. Mamakas – 80 Ossington Ave., Greek
21. Bernhardt’s – 202 Dovercourt Rd., Rotisserie and bistro
22. The Butcher Chef – 8 Harbour St., Steak house
23. Kiin – 326 Adelaide St. W., Thai
24. Richmond Station – 1 Richmond St. W., Tasting menu
25. Kappo Sato – 575 Mt Pleasant Rd., Japanese
26. La Banane – 227 Ossington Ave. French
27. Radici Project – 588 College St., Italian/Japanese
28. Joso’s – 202 Davenport Rd., Seafood
29. Chanticler – 798 Bloor St. W., French
30. MIMI Chinese – 265 Davenport Rd., Chinese
31. Barberian’s – 7 Elm St., Steak house
32. Pasta Privato – 11 Church St., Italian
33. David Rocco Bar Aperitivo – 95 Cumberland St., Italian
34. Nobu – 25 Mercer St., Japanese
35. Maison Selby – 592 Sherbourne St., French
Thank you to the following judges who participated in Toronto’s 70 Best Restaurants list
Moeen Abuzaid, Arbequina Sergio Abrunho, Taberna Nacional Camillo Acosta, Henry’s Nao Akutagawa, Minami Giovanna Alonzi, Terroni Michael Angeloni, The Berczy Tavern Claudio Aprile, Via Allegro Ristorante Coulson Armstrong, Prime Seafood Palace Romain Avril, Private chef Ryan Baddeley, Badiali Daniel Barna, Danny’s Pizza Tavern Martine Bauer, Bar Allegro Julien Bentivenga Ten Hemant Bhagwani, Naari Thai BBQ Jeffrey Bovis, Richmond Station Rob Bragagnolo, Casa Paco Aldo Camarena, Antylia Massimo Capra, Capra’s Kitchen Andrew Carter, The Oxley Ricky Casip, Ricky + Olivia Anna Chen, Alma Eva Chin, Yan Dining Room Evan Davis, La Banane Emiliano Del Frate, Radici Project Jordan Diniz, ēst Restaurant Alexander Fields, Rhyz Esau Garcia, Ficoa Federico Garcia, Seahorse Shauna Godfrey, Maven Lina Hatem, Morellina’s Carl Heinrich, Richmond Station Michael Hunter, Antler Kitchen & Bar Daisuke Izutsu, Yukashi Japanese Cuisine Jeff Kang, Takja BBQ Karen Kim, TONO by Akira Back Felipe Kwan, Casa Morales Tara Lee, Eastbound Brewing Takayoshi Li, Alder Jackie Lin, Shoushin Remo Lobo, Bindi’s Burgers Lorenzo Loseto, George Rosa Marinuzzi, 7 Numbers Tomer Markovitz, Romi’s Danny McCallum, Jacobs & Co Eric McDonald, Jamil’s Chaat House Ashley McKay, Antylia Taylor McMeekin, Cluny Bistro Mike Medeiros, Lyla Andrea Nicholson, Butchie’s Basilio Pesce, Porzia’s Jonathan Poon, Taberna LX Ciprian Gabriel Porumbacean, Noyaa Afrim Pristine, The Cheese Boutique Carolyn Reid, Scaramouche Jon Rennie, Odd Duck Wine & Provisions Kyle Rindinella, Enoteca Sociale Gianluca Ruggieri, Private chef Masaki Saito, Sushi Masaki Saito Olivia Simpson, Ricky + Olivia Mona Sleiman, Quench Catering Martina Soos, The Rabbit Hole Roderick Tomiczek, Canoe Lauren Toyota, Hot for Food Thanos Trippi, Mamakas Kane Van Ee, Auberge du Pommier Cory Vitiello, The Frederick Taylor Walls, The Carbon Bar Jonathan Williams, Park Hyatt Craig Wong, Patois Ronnie Xu, Favorites Thai Seb Yacoubian, Taline
Barack Obama is in Toronto today for a sold-out keynote speech
Former U.S. president Barack Obama is in Toronto on Friday evening for a sold-out keynote appearance at a Canadian public policy gala.
The 44th president is headlining Canada 2020’s 20th Anniversary Gala, billed as An Evening with President Barack Obama, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fairmont Royal York. Canada 2020 is a progressive Canadian think tank founded in 2006 that produces original research, hosts events and starts conversations about Canada’s future. The organization describes the gala as a milestone gathering for “a select group of leaders, partners, and supporters” who have been involved in its work over the past two decades.
“This celebratory evening will be a time to reflect on how far we’ve come and look ahead to what’s possible when our community comes together with shared purpose and conviction,” the think tank said in a statement.
While Obama’s speech is expected to be the marquee moment of the evening, members of the public are unlikely to hear it firsthand, unfortunately. The event isn’t open to the media, so we might have to look out for TikTok clips of the keynote afterward (if attendees are allowed to take video).
The Toronto appearance is part of a longer history of Canadian visits for Obama. He served as U.S. president from 2009 to 2017 and made three official visits to Canada during his term, beginning with a 2009 trip to Ottawa to meet then-prime minister Stephen Harper. He later returned for G8 and G20 summit meetings, as well as the North American Leaders’ Summit.
Friday’s gala marks Obama’s second visit to Toronto. Follow @can2020 for updates.
Olivia Chow and Maggie Kang (photo: City of Toronto)
After a year that included her first Academy Award, KPop Demon Hunterscreator Maggie Kang can now add a key to her hometown to her now sizeable collection.
Mayor Olivia Chow presented Toronto’s Key to the City last night to animator and filmmaker Kang, creator of the Oscar-winning animated film in a ceremony at the Departure Festival and Conference 2026.
Kang, who was born in Seoul and raised in Toronto, studied classical animation at Sheridan College before building a career in the animation industry in the United States.
She worked as a story artist on films including Shrek Forever After, Kung Fu Panda 3, Trolls and Minions: The Rise of Gru. She also served as head of story on The Lego Ninjago Movie.
In a statement, Chow said Kang’s work reflects both her Korean heritage and her Toronto upbringing, and praised the filmmaker for creating stories that have reached audiences around the world.
“Toronto is a city where creativity and culture come together in powerful ways. Maggie Kang is one of the artists who brings that to life, with storytelling that is both personal and globally recognized,” said Chow. “One of those stories, KPop Demon Hunters, has connected with households across our city and around the world, bringing families together through themes of friendship, identity and belonging. Her work reflects both her Korean heritage and her Toronto roots. On behalf of the people of Toronto, I am proud to present her with the Key to the City.”
Kang had immense success with KPop Demon Hunters, which is the most streamed Netflix show ever. The film has drawn attention for its themes of friendship, identity and belonging, as well as its incorporation of Korean culture and music.
“It was what sparked everything at the beginning, I was just thinking about how how wonderful it would be to see Korean culture represented through the lens of animation,” said Kang, in a previous interview. “That’s really why I landed on the idea of Korean demons to start. It means a lot for people to know that when people click the play button on Netflix they get transported to Seoul”
According to the city, the Key is the highest honour awarded by Toronto’s mayor. It recognizes people or groups deemed to have made significant contributions to civic life.
Earlier this year, a second season of KPop Demon Hunters was confirmed.
“I feel immense pride as a Korean filmmaker that the audience wants more from this Korean story and our Korean characters,” said Kang. “There’s so much more to this world we have built and I’m excited to show you. This is only the beginning.”
Market season is officially here in Toronto, thanks to the return of warm weather in the city (finally!). From here on out until the end of summer, you can basically fill up every weekend with a new market to attend — and this weekend, there’s a pretty incredible one happening on Toronto’s coolest street. For one day only, Ossington Avenue will be transformed into a massive vintage and vendor market called Archive Market.
This exclusive market is known for popping up only a few times a year in the city, and always with a pretty stellar lineup of vendors. While Archive leans heavily into vintage, this weekend’s market will also feature some other local artists, snacks and drinks.
Major highlights include an ice cream truck from none other than Ruru Baked, as well as coffee and matcha to keep you hydrated from Tonton.
On the shopping front, expect vintage sellers like Armscye, Carried Vintage (known for their luxury handbags), Styelsy and handmade oil-based fragrances by Scnt.
Since Archive Market started in 2022, they’ve been taking over all of the city’s trendiest spots, starting with Kensington Market and moving to venues like Rchive Fashion Club. They even did a fill-a-bag event collaboration with The Welcome Market! So it’s no surprise that they’ve eventually landed on Ossington!
This weekend’s market takes place on Saturday, May 9 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 18 Ossington Ave. It will be totally outdoors, so dress for the weather!
Well, after a very short training camp and preseason, the Toronto Tempo has just announced its opening day roster for the team’s inaugural WNBA season, unveiling a squad built with experienced veterans, international talent, and promising young players.
The roster includes several well-known WNBA names including local basketball icon Kia Nurse as well as Marina Mabrey, and Brittney Sykes. Nurse will help lead the Tempo into their first season while providing hometown representation for Toronto fans.
When asked how opening night will feel in a recent interview, Nurse reflected on what it took to get to this moment.
“I will feel like a full circle moment. I think it’ll be hard to put into words as I’m going through it, but just having put so much into basketball and being a role model and trying to help grow the game in this country, and having to do that from not inside the country a lot of the times has been really difficult,” Nurse explained. “So it’ll be nice to know that when I am running out there, my family will be in the stands, my nephews will be there to watch. And to me, that’s the ultimate thank you to my parents and everything that they sacrificed, and ultimately my whole village, which is all the players I’ve played with and coaches that I’ve played for, a lot of them will be in the building, so it’ll be really fun to be able to run out on that court.”
Instagram: @TorontoTempo
Toronto’s lineup also features a strong international presence with players from Lithuania, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Greece, and the United Kingdom. Among them are forward Nyara Sabally of Germany, Spanish wing María Conde, Belgian guard Julie Allemand, and British center Temi Fágbénlé.
The team also added several rookies, including first-ever draft pick and former UCLA guard Kiki Rice and Kentucky forward Teonni Key, as the franchise looks to build a competitive foundation for the future.
Mariella Fasoula joins the club on a developmental contract, adding depth to the frontcourt.
Here is the Tempo’s Opening Day roster:
Kiki Rice – Guard
Laura Juškaitė – Wing
Marina Mabrey – Guard
Teonni Key – Forward
Nyara Sabally – Forward
María Conde – Wing
Kia Nurse – Guard
Lexi Held – Guard
Temi Fágbénlé – Center
Brittney Sykes – Wing
Isabelle Harrison – Forward
Julie Allemand – Guard
Mariella Fasoula – Center (Developmental Contract)
To come up with its final roster, Toronto waived Aaliyah Nye, Kitija Laska, and Nina Milic. The organization also retained the rights to Maria Kliundikova, Adja Kane, Saffron Shiels, Charlisse Dunn, and Yvonne Ejim.
Ejim is a member of the Canadian women’s national team and was drafted 33rd overall by the Indiana Fever in last year’s draft after playing college with the Gonzaga Bulldogs.
The Tempo will officially begin their WNBA journey on May 8, when they host the Washington Mystics at Coca-Cola Coliseum. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
L–R: Kim Kardashian courtesy @kimkardashian/Instagram, Kate Hudson courtesy Kevin Paul/Wikimedia Commons
Toronto’s wellness scene is starting to look a lot more like Hollywood’s.
For years, the gap between celebrity wellness treatments and the everyday person’s daily routines felt completely inaccessible. But now, with the rise of social media, we know more than ever before about all the experimental, cutting edge and sometimes kind of ridiculous treatments that A-listers love!
These beauty procedures may have seemed totally out of reach in the past, but not anymore: they’ve begun to pop up in and around the city. It’s no secret that the new generations of Toronto are obsessed with both youth and health. Between the pilates classes, run clubs and cold plunges, this city’s largest third space lives in wellness routines. With the rise of self-care, the treatments once associated with actors, touring musicians, supermodels, and influencers are quickly becoming part of everyday life in Toronto.
Whether you want to live like a celebrity for a day or will follow anywhere a Kardashian goes, Toronto now offers pretty much every innovative, invasive or just downright strange beauty treatment beloved by celebrities.
Scattered across the city are a number of new wellness routines, specially flown in from Hollywood and delivered to us. These are the newest routines this season that prove once again, Toronto is never that far behind our North American neighbours.
At 30 Hazelton Med Spa in Yorkville, opened just this past fall, one of the treatments gaining traction is the Hollywood Carbon Facial: a laser-based treatment largely associated with celebrity red carpet prep.
Sometimes referred to as the “Hollywood Peel,” this treatment involves applying a layer of liquid carbon to the skin before passing a laser over the face to exfoliate, detoxify pores, reduce oil production and stimulate collagen. The intended result is a brighter, tighter-looking skin with little to no recovery time, which is exactly why it became a celebrity staple in the first place.
Rumour has it Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie and Kim Kardashian have all tried versions of this treatment for its ability to create instantly camera-ready skin without the heaviness or swelling associated with more invasive procedures.
IV therapy
IV therapy is not new — at least not to celebrities, Hollywood or our screens. For years we’ve watched the Kar-Jenner clan receive IV drip procedures publicly on the reality show. The same can be said for a multitude of cast members across the Real Housewives franchise, as well as on reality TV shows like Selling Sunset.
If there’s one treatment that perfectly captures the convergence of luxury and the new direction of wellness culture, it’s IV therapy.
Before public exposure through reality TV, the treatment was primarily associated with exhausted celebrities recovering backstage following long tours or fashion week appearances. But vitamin drips have since steadily evolved into a mainstream wellness ritual. In Toronto, that evolution is arriving in spaces like NRG Haus in Liberty Village, the city’s newest social wellness destination centred around contrast therapy, recovery and nervous-system regulation.
The 5,000-square-foot space feels almost futuristic upon arrival. Here, guests can immerse themselves in cold plunge, guided sauna sessions, sober social events, functional beverage consumption and of course, choose from a curated IV infusion list and have it administered from an in-house nurse.
The IV offerings themselves mirror the treatments we’ve seen on TV for the last decade. Most notably, there’s the NAD+ infusion from season one, episode five of The Kardashians, which features Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber receiving this exact drip — intended to increase longevity and cognitive performances. Other drips include a Glutathione drip marketed for skin health and brightness, the high-dose vitamin C drip for immunity support and the hydration-focused infusions for energy and recovery.
Crucially, these IV drips operate as not just a wellness treatment but a social element — at NRG Haus, the drips are administered in their sober lounge space and meant to be “enjoyed” communally.
Vampire facials
A facial that leaves your face seemingly covered in blood might not seem that fun, but celebrities have been swearing by them for a few years now. Officially called platelet-rich plasma therapy but nicknamed the vampire facial because it literally extracts your blood and injects it back into your face, new Yorkville wellness studio Supernatural offers this treatment. The goal is to trigger cell repair and regeneration — the platelets are separated from the erythrocytes in your blood, and then those platelets, which are rich in growth factors, are injected and microneedled back into the face. It will leave your face (temporarily) covered in blood, so it’s certainly not for the faint of heart!
Of course, not all celebrities loved their experience — Kim Kardashian, one of the early supporters of the treatment, later called it “really rough and painful” and said it’s the one treatment she would never do again.
LED light therapy
Few treatments better illustrate the TikTok-ification of beauty culture than red light therapy. The glowing LED masks once confined to dermatology offices are now seen all over social media, frequently worn by celebrities, influencers and now just the average 25-year-old you see on your FYP.
Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian (because what beauty trend is she not associated with), Chrissy Teigen and Kate Hudson have all publicly embraced LED light therapy as part of their skincare routines, often crediting the treatment for calmer inflammation, smoother texture and more radiant complexion.
For those of you who have not yet purchased an LED mask to partake in at home (myself included), Formula Fig is translating that at-home celebrity beauty ritual into an in-person experience.
LED facials are increasingly marketed not as occasional luxuries but as maintenance appointments, the skincare equivalent of a workout class. The treatments promise collagen stimulation, reduced inflammation, acne support and skin rejuvenation, all without downtime. Lunch-hour facials have replaced dramatic recovery periods. Who knows what’s next — maybe drive-through treatments?
Travelling between Toronto and Stratford will soon be easier, and for those looking for a fun day or weekend getaway sans the automobile, that’s great news.
GO Transit said it will extend its Kitchener Line to Stratford starting July 6, adding a new train stop in the southwestern Ontario city.
The new route will give passengers direct access between Stratford and Toronto’s Union Station. The service is also expected to help commuters who live in Stratford but travel to Toronto for work. Until now, many residents have relied on bus connections or more expensive VIA Rail trips.
On weekdays, GO Transit, which will release a full schedule in June, plans to run a morning train from Stratford to Union Station and an afternoon return trip back to Stratford.
For now, here are five great reasons to schedule in a trip.
So much theatre
Stratford is the summer theatre capital of Ontario and probably Canada. The renowned Stratford Festival puts on a full slate of theatre from the spring until the fall in its three theatres: Festival, Avon and Tom Patterson as well as a small studio theatre.
Although rooted in the works of William Shakespeare, the festival’s most successful and popular plays are generally of the non-Bard variety including musicals.
This season, there are a dozen productions including Shakespearean classics such as The Tempest and Midsummer Night’s Dream to the musical Guys and Dolls. Of note this season is what could be a very special production of Waiting for Godot. The Samuel Beckett classic stars some of the finest Canadian stage talent including Paul Gross, and Tom McCamus.
Pro tip: Do at least one production at the Festival Theatre, it is stunning. Gorgeous theatre on the banks of the Avon River, parks everywhere.
Tom McCamus as Estragon and Paul Gross as Vladimir, Waiting for Godot. Stratford Festival 2026. Photo: Dariane Sanche.
Culinary trails
From May through October, the Savour & Sip Trail transforms Stratford into a self-guided culinary picnic experience celebrating local flavour, artisanal products, and small-town culture.
Organized by Destination Stratford, the trail invites visitors to explore participating cafés, bakeries, markets, and specialty shops using five vouchers redeemable for curated picnic additions along the way. Designed for leisurely wandering, the experience combines Stratford’s renowned food scene with its walkable streets, riverside charm, and creative atmosphere, encouraging visitors to build their own perfect afternoon of sipping, snacking, and discovering local businesses.
The world’s smallest cinema
Tucked into downtown Stratford, the Little Prince Micro-Cinema offers a fun and nostalgic movie-going experience that feels more like stepping into a vintage lounge than a traditional theatre. We loved tucking into this little gem and watching Ratatouille on a recent stroll through town.
Since opening in 2021, the 13-seat gem has made a name for itself hosting both private screenings and thoughtfully programmed public film events ranging from cult classics and family favourites to art-house cinema and retro broadcasts. And, yes, it is a Guinness World Record holder for Smallest Purpose Built Cinema. Not to be missed. Oh, and great snacks.
As a theatre town, Stratford takes dinner very seriously. It punches far above its weight for delicious restaurants, especially of the local food variety.
We love TheCommon, delicious cuisine, nod to local, gorgeous room and a cute back patio.
Rene’s Bistro is one of the longer-running restaurants in town with a focus on showcasing local products.
Looking for something more European try Mercer Kitchen and Beer Hall on the Main Street with a nice front patio, delish beer options, and a menu that mashes up Asian and European comfort food in the best possible way.
Try Sirkel Foods for incredible sandwiches and have a picnic in the park before the matinee.
Stratford is one of the more artistic towns in Ontario, and that vibe most certainly extends to the shopping in the historic core. Here, there are galleries, unique fashion and gift shops, and much more.
When ready, grab a coffee at Revel, bump into a few actors, and get a latte for the stroll.
One of the more unique shops, Perth County Moto is right next door. A few more of our faves include Diamond Dogs Vinyl, Green Room, Fanfare Books, the Scottish Shop and some fantastic clothing boutiques and small galleries.
“Think delicious shareable appetizers, some of the best pasta in the city and soft serve ice cream to finish.” Chef Roderick Tomiczek, Canoe
“This intimate dining room is a true hidden gem. Thoughtful and intentional menu, delicious pasta and wine pairings.” Chef Craig Wong, Patois
“Flawless from start to finish — an impeccably designed room, polished service and perfectly executed dishes.” Chef Tomer Markovitz, Romi’s
“I love old school French bistro cooking, and there aren’t many places doing it like this anymore.” Chef Carolyn Reid, Scaramouche
“I’ve been going here for years; everything is made from scratch.” Chef Michael Hunter, Antler
“Their immersive open-fire dining experience makes it one of the most exciting restaurants in the city.” Chef Martine Bauer, Bar Allegro
“The team delivers one of the warmest, most cohesive nights out in the city. Every dollar at 20 Victoria feels well spent.” Chef Eva Chin, Yan Dining Room
“It’s consistently great, always delivers, and I usually go for the tasting menu when I visit. I really like it as a way to experience the kitchen at its best.” Chef Rosa Marinuzzi, 7 NUMBERS
“I frequent this husband-and-wife-run bistro with a simple, affordable menu and, most importantly, delicious food.” Chef Jackie Lin, Shoushin
“Great service, classic French food and a dining room view that’s hard to beat: my all-time favourite go-to spot.” Chef Anna Chen, Alma
