Guidebook for Toronto
Food Scene
Lester Sabilano and Daniel Cancino have a valuably rare understanding of how colonial history influences a cuisine’s flavours (in this case, the Spanish-Chinese-Malaysian mélange of the Philippines) and more important, how those flavours can be sold to a mainstream audience. Pancit, a typically egg-heavy noodle dish, is lightened up with a handful of green peas, chopped mint and red chili. The pork inasal—7 Up–marinated pork chop grilled, chopped and tossed with cooked pineapple and pearl onions—is sticky, sweet and excellent. For dessert, there’s halo-halo, a colourful sundae of strawberry jelly, purple taro ice cream and sugar-soaked mung beans, every ingredient of which is house-made.
23 locals recommend
Lamesa Filipino Kitchen
634 St Clair Ave WLester Sabilano and Daniel Cancino have a valuably rare understanding of how colonial history influences a cuisine’s flavours (in this case, the Spanish-Chinese-Malaysian mélange of the Philippines) and more important, how those flavours can be sold to a mainstream audience. Pancit, a typically egg-heavy noodle dish, is lightened up with a handful of green peas, chopped mint and red chili. The pork inasal—7 Up–marinated pork chop grilled, chopped and tossed with cooked pineapple and pearl onions—is sticky, sweet and excellent. For dessert, there’s halo-halo, a colourful sundae of strawberry jelly, purple taro ice cream and sugar-soaked mung beans, every ingredient of which is house-made.
Drinks & Nightlife
Mirroring a traditional English Pub, which replaced Queen West’s popular Social from the same owners, Dog and Bear is a sports friendly, neighbourhood watering hole. Comfortable u-shaped booths line the east brick exposed wall, purposely set up to face the bar, which is equipped with 9 flat screen televisions.
351 locals recommend
The Lakeview Restaurant
1132 Dundas Street WestMirroring a traditional English Pub, which replaced Queen West’s popular Social from the same owners, Dog and Bear is a sports friendly, neighbourhood watering hole. Comfortable u-shaped booths line the east brick exposed wall, purposely set up to face the bar, which is equipped with 9 flat screen televisions.
Arts & Culture
Toronto’s Art and Design District boasts an extensive array of menswear, vintage, shoe stores and craft and sewing supplies. It’s a goldmine for the fashion-hungry! At night the neighbourhood offers lively patios and bars and a variety of live music ranging from roots to rock at internationally-renowned venues like the Cameron House, the Horseshoe and the Rex. Re-charge with food from around the world at unique restaurants and cafes that are often open late.
2262 locals recommend
Art Gallery of Ontario
317 Dundas St WToronto’s Art and Design District boasts an extensive array of menswear, vintage, shoe stores and craft and sewing supplies. It’s a goldmine for the fashion-hungry! At night the neighbourhood offers lively patios and bars and a variety of live music ranging from roots to rock at internationally-renowned venues like the Cameron House, the Horseshoe and the Rex. Re-charge with food from around the world at unique restaurants and cafes that are often open late.
Sightseeing
Best Attractions & Activities, Sightseeing: The CN Tower is the ubiquitous symbol of Toronto. Yet it is much more than the world's tallest towering building. It provides a terrific perspective of the city, with a glass floor that can bring out acrophobia in anyone by being 1/3 of a kilometre above ground. The CN Tower's range of attractions and exhibits includes a digital animation program (Thrill Zone, which allows visitors a virtual bungee jump), a laser tag game, nightclub, 300-seat cafe, award-winning 360 restaurant (with the world's highest wine cellar!), shops, and a Simulator Theatre, which mimics air flight. Pay an extra $12 to go up in the Skypod, which will give you a more private
3509 locals recommend
CN Tower
290 Bremner BlvdBest Attractions & Activities, Sightseeing: The CN Tower is the ubiquitous symbol of Toronto. Yet it is much more than the world's tallest towering building. It provides a terrific perspective of the city, with a glass floor that can bring out acrophobia in anyone by being 1/3 of a kilometre above ground. The CN Tower's range of attractions and exhibits includes a digital animation program (Thrill Zone, which allows visitors a virtual bungee jump), a laser tag game, nightclub, 300-seat cafe, award-winning 360 restaurant (with the world's highest wine cellar!), shops, and a Simulator Theatre, which mimics air flight. Pay an extra $12 to go up in the Skypod, which will give you a more private
Shopping
CF Toronto Eaton Centre is Toronto’s premier shopping centre. Its spectacular glass galleria soars above a premium selection of more than 230 retailers, restaurants and services. The home of the first Saks 5th Avenue in Canada, and future home of Toronto’s first Nordstrom, CF TEC has welcomed over 30 new retailers since 2015. Located at the south-west corner of Yonge St and Dundas St, CF TEC is easily accessible via transit, by foot, or by car.
2460 locals recommend
CF Toronto Eaton Centre
220 Yonge StCF Toronto Eaton Centre is Toronto’s premier shopping centre. Its spectacular glass galleria soars above a premium selection of more than 230 retailers, restaurants and services. The home of the first Saks 5th Avenue in Canada, and future home of Toronto’s first Nordstrom, CF TEC has welcomed over 30 new retailers since 2015. Located at the south-west corner of Yonge St and Dundas St, CF TEC is easily accessible via transit, by foot, or by car.
Everything Else
Once a gritty industrial area, Liberty Village has become a sought after address by Toronto young urban professionals. While historic factory buildings still dot the area, many have been converted for contemporary uses, from cool lofts to even cooler restaurants and bars. Centred on the Liberty Market Building, this neighbourhood is where Toronto’s young urban professionals choose to live, work and play.
Just across the tracks from BMO Field, Liberty Village is the best place for post-game celebrations following a Toronto FC victory. After every game, neighbourhood sports bars are packed to the brim with fans sporting their red scarves.
Although the old buildings are a testament to Liberty
Liberty Village BIA
67 Mowat AveOnce a gritty industrial area, Liberty Village has become a sought after address by Toronto young urban professionals. While historic factory buildings still dot the area, many have been converted for contemporary uses, from cool lofts to even cooler restaurants and bars. Centred on the Liberty Market Building, this neighbourhood is where Toronto’s young urban professionals choose to live, work and play.
Just across the tracks from BMO Field, Liberty Village is the best place for post-game celebrations following a Toronto FC victory. After every game, neighbourhood sports bars are packed to the brim with fans sporting their red scarves.
Although the old buildings are a testament to Liberty