I have to be honest with you: as much as I consider myself a proud Montrealer, I LOVE Toronto. The first time I visited the city was in 2013. I can’t believe my parents never brought me there or to Niagara as a child! So, I guess you can say my love for Toronto is still somewhat recent, yet believe me when I say it is REAL! I’ve listed below my favourite spots in Toronto for your weekend getaway. <3

At the end of June, I got to spend a weekend in Toronto with 3 of my closest and dearest friends. It was an occasion to celebrate the end of university, but also an occasion to celebrate our friendship. Those friends and I are as different from one another as in any group of friends, but we do have things in common: one of them being food.

I am no expert when it comes to Toronto,  but I have my personal favourite places I wish to share with you today.

Places to visit

I just love hanging out in the Old Town, admiring the buildings and imagining what life was like 100 years ago. Then, once you are there, I suggest you continue walking towards the Distillery District where you will also find beautiful brick walls (photographers, take notes!), cute little shops, and great spots to enjoy a beer or have a bite.

 

Obviously, Yonge Street, Dundas Square, and King Street are musts, but I prefer Queen Street West for its young, hip vibe and its rad shops and restaurants of all kinds.

If you’re looking for an indoor activity, do not miss out on Ripley’s Aquarium: I promise adults will enjoy it as much as the kids do! Tickets are a little expensive, but it is worth it (trust me, I have been there twice).

Where to have a bite or a coffee

My list isn’t very long but there are tons of great sites like this one where you can find honest and useful recommendations. My favourite café so far is Le Gourmand: they really do have incredible cookies (the best I’ve tasted in my life so far!), their lattes are as pretty as they are delicious, and their breakfast/brunch/lunch options are endless and tasty.

Dineen Coffee Co. serves coffee in a beautiful decor. Its ambiance and staff will make you feel like you belong to Toronto’s elite.

Located in the heart of Kensington Market, FIKA café is also a great spot for coffee or Swedish-inspired bites and meals.

Where to eat

A great spot for a 5@7 or a late-night eat in a laid-back atmosphere is definitely Bar Fancy, where you can enjoy oysters or some of the best fried chicken: spicy but also a little bit sweet (and only 2$/piece during the happy hour!) I still crave it every day…

Another great spot for cheap eats is Salad King, where every Thaï-inspired meal is around 10$, and there are options for everyone.

Looking for a cool place for your brunch? Old School has got you covered! I tried the blueberry pancakes topped with bacon, cooked blueberries and brown sugar butter, and yes, that was as good as it sounds!

Overall, this getaway weekend did not disappoint, mainly thanks to Toronto’s varied, tasty and creative culinary scene. If you are foodie, make sure to check out Montreal à Table in November!

There’s always something to do (or eat!) in Toronto 😀 What are your favourite spots in the city?

-xox- Marika