Guidebook for Toronto
Food Scene
Saigon Lotus
6 St Andrew StAmazing vegan and vegetarian Vietnamese food, and cheap!
Screw the long lineups at Aunties and Uncles. This is one of the few remaining Greek-run diners (once a frequent Toronto occurrence). They have good, greasy spoon breakfast. I like to get the mixed plate with salad, tomato broad beans and their absolutely delicious homefries.
8 locals recommend
Our Spot
180 Baldwin StScrew the long lineups at Aunties and Uncles. This is one of the few remaining Greek-run diners (once a frequent Toronto occurrence). They have good, greasy spoon breakfast. I like to get the mixed plate with salad, tomato broad beans and their absolutely delicious homefries.
Has booze AND coffee, and will introduce you to the most Kensington of Kensingtonians. Really pretty back patio too.
33 locals recommend
Café Pamenar
307 Augusta AveHas booze AND coffee, and will introduce you to the most Kensington of Kensingtonians. Really pretty back patio too.
Who can say no to spicy Pakistani food and hot, fresh naan (my favourite). What it lacks in atmosphere it makes up in delicious spices. Plus, it's almost next door to my place.
Sizzler Kabab
381 Spadina Ave.Who can say no to spicy Pakistani food and hot, fresh naan (my favourite). What it lacks in atmosphere it makes up in delicious spices. Plus, it's almost next door to my place.
I think they have some of the best Vietnamese food. They've been here since 1983, and are really lovely. Skip overhyped Pho Hung and go here instead!
Anh Dao Restaurant
383 Spadina Ave.I think they have some of the best Vietnamese food. They've been here since 1983, and are really lovely. Skip overhyped Pho Hung and go here instead!
Drinks & Nightlife
A nifty dive bar. You have to go through the Kensington Mall (FYI - not actually a mall) towards the red light on the right. Go through the door under the red light and you are there. Best in the summer when you can enjoy their big, pretty back patio.
96 locals recommend
Cold Tea
1186 Queen Street WestA nifty dive bar. You have to go through the Kensington Mall (FYI - not actually a mall) towards the red light on the right. Go through the door under the red light and you are there. Best in the summer when you can enjoy their big, pretty back patio.
Dark, kind of unfriendly sometimes but I have to say I love this place. It's always pretty quiet (unless they have the music turned up) and it feels like being in someone's living room.
16 locals recommend
Embassy Bar
223 Augusta AveDark, kind of unfriendly sometimes but I have to say I love this place. It's always pretty quiet (unless they have the music turned up) and it feels like being in someone's living room.
There's always great dancing at the Boat. Plus, there are portholes on the walls!
8 locals recommend
The Boat Restaurant
158 Augusta AveThere's always great dancing at the Boat. Plus, there are portholes on the walls!
Parks & Nature
I'm biased. I grew up in the Beaches and I love it. It's a really pretty walk or bike ride along lake Ontario. In the summer its packed but in the winter is my fav time - all the trees are lit up and the waves crash against the ice. Gorgeous. Also great for runners and there's a big off-leash area for dogs.
424 locals recommend
The Beaches
I'm biased. I grew up in the Beaches and I love it. It's a really pretty walk or bike ride along lake Ontario. In the summer its packed but in the winter is my fav time - all the trees are lit up and the waves crash against the ice. Gorgeous. Also great for runners and there's a big off-leash area for dogs.
Shopping
Vintage clothes, gloves, and beads from all over the world. Courage is a well-loved institution in Toronto.
19 locals recommend
Courage My Love
14 Kensington AveVintage clothes, gloves, and beads from all over the world. Courage is a well-loved institution in Toronto.
Essentials
The cheapest natural food and organic groceries and five minutes away from my house. They are so lovely there. Of course I always go in intending to spend $10 and come out with $100 of groceries. But I love this place.
30 locals recommend
Essence of Life Organics
48 Kensington AveThe cheapest natural food and organic groceries and five minutes away from my house. They are so lovely there. Of course I always go in intending to spend $10 and come out with $100 of groceries. But I love this place.