Guys — I have so many cool and delicious restaurants in Toronto to share with you!

I liken my excessive eating out in Toronto after and equally excessive lockdown to nearly dying of thirst in the desert. Upon finally stumbling upon a water source, people have a tendency to drink too much and too quickly, making themselves sick.

In the back of my mind looms the terrifying possibility that dining at my favourite restaurants in Toronto could suddenly be snatched away from me. Therefore, I have been saying HELL YES to any and every opportunity to eat out.

The result? My clothes are a bit tighter, my wallet has been getting quite the workout BUT it’s worth it because I have a lot of exciting, new recommendations for places to eat in Toronto.

RELATED READING:

➳ 9 Delicious Sandwiches In Toronto To Order Right Now
➳ Scene + Eaten: February 2020 Places to Eat In Toronto
➳ The Best Croissants In Toronto Worth Drooling Over

Whether you swing by The Broadview Hotel rooftop during the day or night, you are guaranteed to be treated to a glorious cityscape perspective. Under twinkly lights that line the outdoor terrace, drink in the expansive view of Toronto — from the lake all the way down to Eglington — along with a cocktail.

If you’re more of an indoor cat, find a cozy corner in the dark teal indoor roof space under hanging terrariums or at the downstairs bistro and bar if you’re not a fan of heights.

Must eat:

+ Soba Noodle Bowl: Once you get your fill of the view, nosh on a refreshing, chilled dish of noodles coated in a sesame dressing with edamame, sweet potato, beet slaw, spiced nuts and green onion. Eating my way through drool-worthy restaurants in Oahu left me obsessed with poke so I added marinated chunks of tuna to my soba bowl for extra protein.

Of Note:

Formerly the notorious strip club, Jilly’s, The Broadview Hotel bears vestiges of the building’s scandalous past, from the polished brass poles in the hotel’s most lavish suite to the vintage mural bedecking the white-washed stairwell by the rooftop bathrooms.

Ruru Baked is a Lansdowne and Bloor specialty ice cream shop that was recommended to me by a friend who said her sister drove down all the way from Markham just for a pint!

What’s so special about it? They employ the French-style or traditional approach with a custard-based ice cream made with egg yolks that result in a texture that is super creamy and dense. The inventive flavours are a mix of asian-inspired  like miso butterscotch and matcha shortbread, as well as nostalgic ones like Ontario apple pie and fresh mint chip.

MUST EAT:

+ Flight: Why settle for one scoop when you can get three? If you find yourself angsting in indecision over the long menu of tempting flavours, opt for the flight of three kid scoops. I got crème brûlée, blueberry crumble, and watermelon lychee sorbet (super refreshing!).

+ Ice Cream Sandwich: If you find yourself at Ruru Baked on the weekend, indulge in an ice cream sandwich — a scoop of the ice cream flavour of your choice squished between two crispy coconut brown sugar cookies.

Of Note:

As a Toronto-based art director and graphic designer, I’m obsessed with the vintage/retro design revival evident in the branding of Ruru Baked executed by illustrator and designer, Adam Bosley. Bold display font is juxtaposed by whimsical graphics lend the printed pints of ice cream and tote bags a nostalgic vibe.

What can you expect from Manita, the new(ish) neighbourhood hub located on the Ossington strip? An inviting patio, warm wooden accents and marble table tops, and shelves laden with artisanal goods and preserves just begging to be taken home. All of that combined with a Mediterranean-inspired menu (with southern Italian, Spanish and Moroccan influences) and a laidback vibe makes this Toronto restaurant completely irresistible.

Must eat:

+ Roasted Carrot Salad: By time this dish arrived, I was already unbuttoning my metaphorical pants but it turned out to be my FAVOURITE dish. The dressing was creamy and tart with grain mustard coating roasted carrots (duh) and avocados, studded with briny capers and garnished with fried parsley which were a delicious stroke of genius.

+ Oxtail Marmalade: If it has oxtail, it’s a safe bet that I’m going to order it. While I understand that the marmalade aspect may not hold the same appeal, it’s a must-order. Shredded braised oxtail is mixed with sweet raisins and dijon while walnuts add some crunch, served with griddled bread.

+ Crème Brûlée: Another surprise! I’m not usually a huge fan of crème brûlée but this tiny dish was the perfect texture and sweetness with a crisp and caramelized crust on top.

Of Note:

When the taco trend took Toronto by storm, Grand Electric was probably one of the first restaurants in the city that offered the Mexican staple with hipster flair. The duo behind this Parkdale institution — Ian McGrenaghan and Colin Tooke — are the same restauranteurs responsible for Manita which explains the trendy yet chill vibe.

While there are plenty of drool-worthy delights that were available for take out in Toronto, oysters were not one of them. I’m far too accident-prone to attempt to pry open the slippery shells myself so I was dreaming of the day I’d be able to indulge in a buck-a-shuck session.

Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality own a number of venues that offer buck-a-shuck deals in Toronto available at various times.

Canteen: Attached to the TIFF Bell Lightbox, O&B Canteen serves up $1 oysters Thursday through Sunday from 4-6pm with the purchase of wine, beer or a cocktail per guest.

Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill: Looking to get lush on a weekday? The Yonge and Front location of the Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill offers buck-a-shuck with a bottle of wine. Grab a side of golden fries with garlic aioli and the Korean fried cauliflower seasoned with gochujang and honey for sweetness.

Of Note:

Make an evening of it! Toronto’s newest immersive experience, Beyond Monet, is a short walk away from both O&B locations. Slurp down a dozen (or two) oysters then marvel at the dreamy impressionist light show (while being a wee bit tipsy from drinking a bottle of wine).

For years, this humble den serving mouth-watering Polish comfort food has been on my list of places to eat in Toronto but continually eluded me. I happened to stumble upon it the other weekend, my curiosity peaked by the cute sign on the corner. While the refurbished interior of the diner is cozy and quaint, I was delighted to snag a light-dappled spot on the patio to enjoy the summer weather.

Must eat:

+ Hungry Tata’s Lunch Plate: Ideal for the famished and/or indecisive, the Hungry Tata’s Lunch Plate lets you sample a bit of everything — kielbasa, pierogi, and cabbage roll with a side of coleslaw and pickles 🤤 Of course I opted for the mushroom and sauerkraut-filled pierogi, topped with fried onion and served with sour cream and the tomato sauce smothered cabbage rolls were stuffed with a mixture of beef, pork and rice.

Of Note:

If venturing to this restaurant in Leslieville is a trek for you, make the most of it by squeezing in a hardcore workout beforehand at the nearby One Academy. After sweating buckets for an hour you’ll feel like you’ve really earned your meal!

You know I’m always on the hunt for new brunch spots in Toronto and next on my hit list was the popular and oh-so Instagrammable Early Bird Wine + Coffee at Queen and Bathurst. They check all the boxes: Friendly staff ✅ Gorgeous and delicious food ✅ Chic yet welcoming space ✅

Must Eat:

+ Turkish Eggs: While eggs in spiced yoghurt may not sound like your typical brunch selection, it’s ah-mah-zing. I was first introduced to this decadent Turkish morning staple in Istanbul and I’ve been obsessed ever since. Masterfully plated, the çılbır at Early Bird is composed of two plump poached eggs perched atop thick yoghurt spiced with garlic and cayenne with a pool of smoky Aleppo butter. Scoop it up with crusty toast and served with a light green salad.

+ Eggs Benny: For a twist on this beloved brunch dish, the Eggs Benny à la Early Bird are smothered in an arrestingly vibrant pink beet hollandaise and served aloft avocado and crispy potato latkes alongside a refreshing green salad.

+ Avocado Toast: If you’re looking for more standard breakfast fare, opt for the avocado toast. Admire how the gorgeous green slices of avocado are meticulously arranged into the shape of a rose and presented atop micro greens and seeds on thickly-cut bread.

Of Note:

While the air-conditioned interior of Early Bird is stylishly on point, it’s the patio seats that are most coveted in the limited Toronto summer months. They even offer wi-fi up there making it the ideal elevated setting to change up your WFH scenery.

Worried that you’re eating out too often? Forget about it! Patio season is all too brief in Toronto AND you’re doing your part to support local Toronto restaurants. It’ll take a while before the restaurant industry recovers from the pandemic so be kind and tip well.

For more recommendations for where to eat in Toronto, check out the last Scene + Eaten post.

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