The Best Places To Eat & Drink In Toronto
If 2016 has you considering a trip up north, here are the restaurants you need to sample
Oh, Canada, you have just become an American hot spot. For those interested in a full-time move or even just a vacation, Toronto is the place to go up north. The enormous, delicious and diverse food scene spans Spanish, Turkish, Thai, Mexican and Israeli cuisines, and tends to stay on the traditional side of things. Lucky for you, we've narrowed down the vast array to help you navigate your Canadian trip.
Bar RavalA little slice of heaven. ??Mornings @bar_raval, open at 8am every day! #tomatobread #smokedmackerel #philandsebcoffee #barraval #torontobreakfasts #Repost @1chewstreet with @repostapp ??? As the temperature rises, my work schedule slows down. That means time for leisurely breakfasts instead of grabbing something on the way to the subway. I could get used to this. If you haven't been to @bar_raval for breakfast, take a couple hours for yourself and enjoy some delicious food at a leisurely pace. #coffee #breakfast #breakfastofchampions #mackerel #spainA photo posted by Bar Raval (@bar_raval) on Jul 26, 2016 at 5:21am PDT
Expect a wait at this stunning space turning out Spanish pinxtos, but trust us, it's worth it. If you can't score a spot at the gorgeous inside bar, there's an outdoor setup that will do in a pinch. Must-orders include the shrimp and romesco pintxo, tomato bread and Cantabrian anchovies. Go for the intriguing toasts and stay for the intricate cocktails. Pro tip: Bar Raval is open very late and serves food until close.
Mildred's Temple Kitchen
Head to Mildred's for the trifecta: an uplifting atmosphere, friendly staff and incredible pancakes. It's worth making a reservation, because even though the space is quite large, the breakfast crowd turns out in full force. In addition to the pancakes, try the biscuits, Veda's Choice and a side of potatoes. Mildred's is the kind of place we wish we could eat at every weekend. Pro tip: It's great for large groups and kids.
Campagnolo
Parents in town or need to impress someone special? This is your spot. The menu, like the decor, is approachable yet sophisticated, with pizza, pastas and Italian small plates. The fresh burrata cheese with roasted grapes and toasted bread, roasted bone marrow and house-made spaghetti all'amatriciana are just a few highlights. Pro tip: The service is superb; even if they tell you they're completely booked for the night, stick around in case an opening appears.
Fat Pasha
This casual weekend resto is the perfect place to take vegetarian friends. A must-order is the salatim, which comes with your choice of a mix of rapini tabbouleh, beetroot relish and dukkah, labneh with garlic and za'atar, tahini with everything bagel spice, dill pickled cucumbers, garlic fried tomatoes, and chopped eggplant and tahina. You also won't want to miss out on the hummus and roast cauliflower. Pro tip: After finishing up at Fat Pasha, head around the corner to Schmaltz to pick up some smoked fish to take home.
Bar Isabel
Though the menu may need a little deciphering, you must give Bar Isabel a chance. It's one of those places where you can settle in for the night. Tapas abound, and the restaurant offers novel combinations of quesos, marinados and especialidades. The octopus is a must-order, along with the patatas bravas and cured meat plate. Pro tip: Remember to turn off your flash while Instagramming in the dark and cozy space.