Toronto

Ontario, Canada · Georgia's picks · Home

"Toronto raised me. It's home in every sense of the word — a city that taught me how to see the world through many cultures, many stories, and endless possibility."

Nice Dinner

14 picks

Must-Do

Alo

French Tasting Menu · Michelin ⭐

Toronto's most acclaimed restaurant. Contemporary French in a cozy room atop a heritage building on Spadina. Book well in advance — this is the one.

Must-Do

Liliana

Italian · Asian Influences · Queen West

Chef Marvin Palomo's intimate 30-seat room — Italian soul with Asian technique. He brought his whole Vela team here. One of the most exciting openings of 2025.

Must-Do

Bar Isabel

Spanish · Little Italy

The definitive Toronto date-night restaurant. Spanish tapas, Iberian wine, dim lighting, and an energy that never gets old. Snag a spot at the bar if you can't get a table.

Sara

Global Sharing Plates · Michelin Recommended · Portland St

From the Food Dudes, Michelin-recommended for three consecutive years. Globally inspired sharing plates in a serene Victorian house — tables have cubbies to store your phone. The ikura latkes are a highlight.

Osteria Giulia

Italian · Michelin ⭐ · Yorkville

Michelin-starred Northern Italian. Handmade pasta and whole branzino in a warm, elegant space on Avenue Road.

Quetzal

Mexican · Michelin ⭐ · College St

Michelin-starred Mexican with a massive wood-fire grill as the centrepiece. Bold, smoky, beautiful — one of the most stunning rooms in the city.

Kiin

Royal Thai · Michelin Recommended · Adelaide W

Chef Nuit Regular's refined Royal Thai — the most intricate Thai cooking in the city. Michelin-recommended 2023–2025. Forbes' #1 Toronto restaurant 2022.

ARDO Restaurant

Sicilian · Michelin Recommended · King East

Michelin-recommended Sicilian from Chef Roberto Marotta. Handmade pasta, fresh seafood, candlelit room on King East. Warm and special without any pretension. The salsiccia orecchiette is mandatory.

Florette

Seasonal · Trinity Bellwoods

A beautiful, plant-forward room with real intention behind every dish. Elegant without being formal — the kind of dinner that feels special without trying too hard.

Alder

Contemporary Canadian · King West

Polished tasting menu in a stunning room. Seasonal Canadian ingredients handled with real craft.

Daphne

American · King West

Upscale, beautiful, and fun. Great for a group dinner where you want the food to be excellent but the vibe to stay lively.

Alobar Downtown

Contemporary Canadian · Downtown

Exceptional tasting menu, outstanding wine program — a benchmark for Toronto fine dining.

Animl Steakhouse

Steak · King West

Toronto's most talked-about steakhouse. Serious dry-aged beef, a room that feels like an occasion.

Must-Do

Le Sélect Bistro

French Bistro · King West

A Toronto classic since 1977. Proper French bistro — moules frites, steak tartare, a zinc bar, and a room that feels like Paris without trying. Go for lunch.

Casual Dinner

10 picks

Must-Do

PAI Northern Thai Kitchen

Thai · Downtown

The best Thai food in Toronto, full stop. Always packed, always worth it. Pad see ew and boat noodles are non-negotiable.

Must-Do

Bar Sugo

Pizza · Italian · Dundas West

Cult-favourite neighbourhood spot. Neapolitan-style pizza, natural wine, and a room you linger in. Cash only, no reservations — show up early.

Little Sister Dutch Indonesian

Dutch-Indonesian · King West

Rijsttafel (rice table) with Indonesian dishes layered one by one. Warm, neighbourhood, completely its own thing.

Silent H

Mexican · Trinity Bellwoods

Toronto's most underrated Mexican. Incredible mole, brilliant margaritas, and a cozy room that feels like a find.

Khao San Road

Thai · Kensington Market

The original Toronto Thai landmark. Pad thai that converts sceptics, a communal room full of energy. A city institution.

Must-Do

Cafe Diplomatico

Italian · Little Italy

The beating heart of Little Italy since 1968. Sitting on this patio in summer with an Aperol spritz is one of the great Toronto experiences.

Chubby's Jamaican Kitchen

Jamaican · King West

Jerk chicken, oxtail, rum cocktails, and good vibes. The most fun casual dinner on King West — go with a group.

Everyside Social Eatery

Eclectic · Local Favourite

One of the highest-rated spots in the city for a reason. A welcoming neighbourhood restaurant Toronto does better than anywhere.

WVRST

Sausage · Beer Hall · King West

A Toronto original. 30+ taps, creative sausages, communal tables, fun at 5pm and electric at 10pm.

Cafe Oro di Napoli

Italian · Annex

Proper Neapolitan pizza from a wood-fired oven imported from Naples. A neighbourhood gem locals fiercely protect.

Cocktail Bars & Speakeasies

14 picks

Must-Do

Bar Raval

Spanish Cocktails · Little Italy

The most beautiful bar in Toronto. Gaudi-inspired mahogany woodwork, standing room, pintxos, and exceptional cocktails. Go early for a spot.

Must-Do

Coffee Oysters Champagne + À Toi

Champagne Bar + Speakeasy · King West

Start upstairs at COC for oysters and bubbles. Then find the hidden entrance through the champagne wall — ask about the "champagne tour." À Toi is a 1920s Parisian hotel lobby underground. Keep the secret.

Prequel & Co. Apothecary

Speakeasy · Queen West

Hidden behind a late-1800s Paris apothecary storefront. Bartenders grind spices by hand, squeeze citrus to order. One of the best cocktail programs in the country.

Civil Liberties

Menu-less Cocktail Bar · Bloorcourt

No menu. Tell the bartender how you're feeling and they build something for you. One of North America's best bars, quietly.

Mother Cocktail Bar

Cocktail Bar · Queen West

Ranked #44 in the World's 50 Best Bars 2025. House-made ferments, inventive technique, food that rivals restaurants. Reservations essential.

After Seven

Japanese Whisky Bar · McCaul St

Hidden behind a yogurt shop. Japanese cocktail bar with sake, shochu, yuzu, and matcha — one of the most transportive rooms in the city.

Goodnight Cocktail Club

Cocktail Bar · King West

Intimate, low-lit, serious about its drinks. The kind of bar that rewards slowing down.

Bar 404

Cocktail Bar · King West

A reliable King West standby for well-made cocktails in a polished room. Good for starting or ending a night.

Lonely Diner

Late-Night Cocktail Bar

Serious cocktails and diner-style bites until late. The name says one thing, the experience says another.

Melrose on Adelaide

Cocktail Bar · Adelaide St

A consistently excellent Adelaide-area cocktail bar. Stylish without being pretentious — great for a date or small group pre-dinner.

Bang Sue Bar

Thai-Inspired Cocktails · King West

Creative Thai-influenced cocktails in a cozy, buzzy room. Adventurous without being gimmicky.

Writers Room Bar

Upscale Cocktail Bar

A more formal cocktail experience — elegant, quiet, refined. Great for a conversation you actually want to have.

Paradise Grotto

Tiki Bar · Queen West

Toronto's best tiki bar. Rum-forward cocktails, a tropical escape, and happy hour daily until 6pm.

SpiritHouse Toronto

Bar · King West

A well-curated cocktail bar with a thoughtful spirits selection. Quieter and more considered than the strip around it.

Dive Bars & Pub Vibes

10 picks

Must-Do

2 Cats Cocktail Lounge

Dive Bar · King West

Retro 70s/80s/90s music, cheap drinks, and a room full of people genuinely having a good time. Think big house party. $10 at the door, Thurs–Sat only.

Saint John's Tavern

Bar · Entertainment District

A reliable bar in the Entertainment District. Cold beer, zero pretension. A go-to after a show or game.

Must-Do

The Broadview Hotel Rooftop

Rooftop Bar · East Toronto

The best rooftop view in the city. The whole east end laid out below you.

Collective Arts Taproom

Craft Brewery · King West

The Toronto taproom of one of Canada's most creative craft breweries. Great rotating taps and excellent food.

Bar Hop Brewco

Craft Beer Bar · King West

One of the best tap lists in the city. No-nonsense, knowledgeable, reliably excellent.

C'est What

Craft Beer Bar · St. Lawrence

A Toronto institution underground in St. Lawrence. Excellent Ontario craft beer since 1988.

Bowie

Bar · Ossington

A back-alleyway entrance leads down to a polished Ossington bar. Excellent espresso martinis and a full-mirror ceiling.

Belfast Love

Irish Pub · King West

A proper pub on King West — not a theme. Good Guinness, warm service, and a room that feels older than Toronto.

Betty's

Bar · Corktown

A Corktown staple with a great patio and the unhurried, neighbourly energy that's getting harder to find.

Bar Karma

Bar · King West

Cheap, cheerful, and unpretentious on King West. The spot when you're done with the scene and just want a drink.

Sports

10 picks

Must-Do

Toronto Maple Leafs

NHL Hockey · Scotiabank Arena

One of the most passionate fanbases in professional sports. A Saturday night home game at Scotiabank Arena is an event, not just a game. Buy early.

Must-Do

Toronto Raptors

NBA Basketball · Scotiabank Arena

2019 NBA Champions. The energy on a big night rivals any arena in the league.

Toronto Blue Jays

MLB Baseball · Rogers Centre

Toronto baseball at Rogers Centre. The Jays reached the 2025 World Series — the city was electric all October.

Toronto FC

MLS Soccer · BMO Field

The most passionate supporters section in MLS. South End ultras, scarves up, smoke — a proper football atmosphere. Summer nights at BMO Field are great.

Toronto Argonauts

CFL Football · BMO Field

The oldest professional sports team in North America, founded 1873. 18 Grey Cup championships. A Labour Day Classic is a real Toronto experience.

Toronto Marlies

AHL Hockey · Coca-Cola Coliseum

The Maple Leafs' farm team. Affordable tickets, high-level hockey. Great option when Leafs tickets are out of reach — you'll see tomorrow's Leafs stars today.

Must-Do

Toronto Sceptres

PWHL Women's Hockey · Coca-Cola Coliseum

Set a women's hockey world attendance record of 19,285 in their first season and topped the PWHL standings in year one. The most exciting new team in the city.

Toronto Tempo

WNBA Basketball · Launching 2026

Canada's first WNBA franchise. Women's sports momentum in this city is undeniable — get in from the start.

Raptors 905

NBA G League · Mississauga

The Raptors' development squad. Cheap tickets, intimate arena, and a front-row seat to tomorrow's NBA talent.

Real Sports Bar & Grill

Sports Bar · Scotiabank Arena

The best sports bar in the city. 200+ screens, incredible sight lines, right next to Scotiabank Arena. Pre- and post-game essential.

Museums & Culture

6 picks

Must-Do

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

Art Museum · Dundas West

One of the largest art museums in North America. The Frank Gehry-redesigned building is itself worth the visit.

Must-Do

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Natural History & Culture · Yorkville

Canada's largest museum. The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal addition is a landmark. Dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, world cultures.

TIFF Bell Lightbox

Film & Culture · King West

The home of TIFF year-round. Repertory screenings, special events, and one of the best cinemas in North America.

Bata Shoe Museum

Quirky Museum · Bloor St

Four floors of shoe history spanning 4,500 years. Sounds niche — genuinely fascinating. One of Toronto's most unique experiences.

Aga Khan Museum

Islamic Art & Culture · North York

An architectural masterpiece by Fumihiko Maki housing an exceptional collection. Undervisited and extraordinary.

Design Exchange

Design Museum · Financial District

Canada's only museum dedicated to design. Rotating exhibitions in a stunning Art Deco former stock exchange building.

Wellness & Fitness

7 picks

Must-Do

Othership

Sauna · Ice Bath · Breathwork · King West

Toronto's hottest wellness experience. Guided breathwork + contrast therapy — hot sauna to ice plunge. Music-driven, social, and genuinely transformative. Book ahead.

Must-Do

Sweat & Tonic at The Well

Full-Service Fitness · Front & Spadina

25,000 sq ft of everything: yoga, Pilates, HIIT, spin, spa, and a bar. The most complete boutique fitness experience in Canada.

Reform'd at The Well

Lagree Studio · Front & Spadina

The world's largest Lagree studio — 30 Mega Pro machines, chromatherapy lighting. From the Sweat & Tonic team but an independent operation.

Solis Movement

Hot Yoga · Pilates · Reformer · Downtown

A downtown favourite combining hot yoga, mat Pilates, and reformer. Thoughtfully programmed classes and a real community feel.

Studio Lagree

Lagree · King West

The original Toronto Lagree studio. High-intensity, low-impact, and genuinely addictive. First-timers arrive 15 min early.

Hammam Spa

Turkish Spa · King West

A genuine Turkish bath experience on King West. Steam rooms, exfoliation, massage — a full ritual.

Ylang-Ylang Thai Spa

Thai Massage · Spa

Authentic Thai massage with skilled practitioners. One of the best value spa experiences in the city.

Things To Do

10 picks

Must-Do

Toronto Islands

Nature · 15-min Ferry from Downtown

Take the ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. No cars — just bikes, beaches, and the best view of the skyline you'll ever see. Centre Island in summer is perfection.

Must-Do

Kensington Market

Neighbourhood · Walk

The soul of Toronto. Vintage shops, global street food, independent cafés, murals, and a Sunday vibe unlike anywhere else. Non-negotiable.

Must-Do

St. Lawrence Market

Food Market · Old Town

One of the top food markets in the world. Saturday is the classic day — peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery is mandatory.

Distillery District

Historic District · Walk

The best-preserved Victorian industrial district in North America. Galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and cobblestones that feel a world away from the city.

High Park

Nature · Park · West End

Toronto's Central Park. Cherry blossoms in late April are a city-wide event. Trails, a pond, a zoo, Shakespeare in summer.

The PATH

Underground City · Downtown

The world's largest underground shopping complex — 30 km connecting downtown. Torontonians use it like a secret network. Essential in winter.

CN Tower

Landmark · Harbourfront

The city's defining icon. The EdgeWalk (outdoor ledge 116 floors up) is one of the most extreme tourist experiences anywhere.

Harbourfront Centre

Culture · Waterfront

Year-round arts and culture on the lakefront. Summer brings outdoor concerts, sailing, and the best people-watching in the city.

SPiN Toronto

Ping Pong Bar · Entertainment District

Competitive ping pong with cocktails. More fun than it sounds — great for groups or a date where you want something to do.

Scarborough Bluffs

Nature · East Toronto

Dramatic white cliffs rising 90m above Lake Ontario. One of Toronto's most spectacular and undervisited landscapes.

Shopping

7 picks

Must-Do

Eaton Centre

Mall · Downtown

Toronto's iconic downtown mall — a glass-vaulted galleria stretching two city blocks on Yonge Street. Over 250 stores and the heart of downtown retail.

Kensington Market

Vintage · Independent Shops

The best vintage and independent shopping in the city. Record stores, used clothing, ceramics, art — no two visits the same.

Queen Street West

Fashion · Design · Streetwear

Toronto's creative retail corridor. Canadian designers, vintage, streetwear, and concept stores from Ossington to Parkdale.

Yorkville

Luxury Retail · Bloor St

Toronto's answer to Rodeo Drive. Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel — the full luxury offering in a few walkable blocks.

Distillery District Shops

Art · Boutiques · Gifts

Galleries, artisan boutiques, and design shops in the historic distillery buildings. Great for unique Canadian gifts and art.

Mjolk

Japanese Design · The Junction

Curated Japanese homewares and furniture. One of the best design shops in North America. Worth the trip to The Junction.

The Well

Mixed-Use Retail · Front & Spadina

Toronto's most impressive new development. Curated retail, food, and fitness — worth a wander even without a destination.

Key Moments in the Year

9 picks

Must-Do

Winterlicious

January · February

Toronto's beloved prix fixe dining festival. Top restaurants at set prices — the best way to try Michelin-level spots without the full price tag. Book as soon as it opens.

Must-Do

Sakura at High Park

Late April · Early May

Cherry blossom season transforms High Park. The whole city shows up. Go on a weekday morning to beat the crowds.

Must-Do

Taste of Little Italy

June · College Street

College Street becomes a pedestrian piazza for a weekend. The city's best summer street festival — extended patios, live music, and the whole neighbourhood out to play.

NXNE

June · Various Venues

Toronto's answer to SXSW. Club shows across Queen West, Kensington, Ossington — one ticket, dozens of venues, five nights. Celebrating 30 years in 2025.

Must-Do

Toronto Caribbean Carnival

Late July · August · Lakeshore Blvd

North America's largest Caribbean festival. The Grand Parade draws over a million spectators — feathered costumes, soca, reggae. Free to watch from the street.

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)

August · Exhibition Place

Toronto's end-of-summer institution since 1879. Rides, food, performances, and the Air Show. Summer isn't over until the CNE closes.

Must-Do

TIFF

September · King West

The Toronto International Film Festival — one of the world's most prestigious. Celebrities on the street, screenings city-wide, and a city crackling with creative energy.

Nuit Blanche

October · Citywide

A free all-night contemporary art event. Installations in unexpected spaces across every neighbourhood. Toronto at its most creative and communal.

Summerlicious

July

The summer edition of Winterlicious. Prix fixe menus at top restaurants across the city. Book early.

What Will Surprise You

7 picks

Toronto Islands on a Weekday

Hidden Toronto

Go on a Tuesday morning — just you, the lake, the skyline, and the silence. The best view of the CN Tower is always from here.

Kensington Market on a Sunday

Hidden Toronto

The market closes to cars on Sunday afternoons. Pedestrian-only, pop-up music, street food, every type of person the city has. This is Toronto at its most itself.

The PATH Underground

Practical Magic

30 km of underground walkways connecting hotels, offices, shopping, and transit. Get lost in it on a cold January day — you'll emerge somewhere surprising.

Scarborough & North York

Where to Eat Beyond Downtown

The Michelin Guide was criticized for overlooking Scarborough — rightly. The city's most extraordinary food is in strip malls along Steeles and Sheppard. Vietnamese, Cantonese, Tamil, Korean — don't limit yourself to downtown.

The Distillery at Christmas

Seasonal Secret

The Toronto Christmas Market transforms the cobblestones into something out of a fairytale. One of the most atmospheric holiday markets in North America. Go at night, in the snow if you're lucky.

Rooftop Patios in Summer

Summer Toronto

The Broadview rooftop, the Drake Hotel, the Annex Hotel — Toronto's rooftop bar scene is one of the best in Canada. Pick a warm Tuesday evening and claim a spot before the crowds.

Toronto's Diversity at Table

Why Toronto Wins

Toronto is the most multicultural city in the world by percentage of foreign-born residents. The authenticity of the Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Caribbean, Ethiopian, and Portuguese food here is the real thing. Explore every neighbourhood.