Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is making a statement as a multicultural metropolitan city you must visit. Home of the Raptors and Maple Leafs, The 6ix is a diverse and growing cultural hub. Below, we curated a bespoke list of where to stay, eat, drink, and visit when you find yourself in Toronto.
Where to Stay
The Drake Hotel
For the local downtown experience, The Drake Hotel is where you want to be. With 51 rooms, the property received a little extra TCL in 2022 with the new Modern Wing featuring a living room-style lobby. Since opening its doors in 2004, the Drake Hotel has served as a hub that provides a unique sense of place. With the hotel nestled in the Queen West neighborhood, you’ll find yourself rooted at the center of contemporary art and culture, celebrating the local communities surrounding you.
Ode Toronto
This 16-room boutique hotel offers guests comfort, culture, and convenience in Dundas West. Each room has an individual theme, but all showcase local artists and feature their furnishings. Ode Toronto is situated near independently owned shops, diverse restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it easy to immerse yourself in the local scene. Enjoy delicious meals from local dining options that showcase the best of Toronto’s culinary landscape, or take part in regular cultural events and art exhibitions that bring the community to life.
Ace Hotel
The Ace Hotel is located in the heart of the Garment District, near the CN Tower and Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The property boasts a Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant, Alder, and the swanky Evangeline lounge, perfect for a drink to close out the night. Ace Toronto boasts 125 rooms, ranging from Small to Double. The rooms were designed to be effortless with intentional spaces.
Where to Eat
Contrada
Situated in Little Italy, Contrada is a modern, casual Italian restaurant that focuses on locally sourced, seasonal foods. This quaint, intimate setting embodies rich Italian traditions, drawing inspiration from Palio di Siena, an annual summer festival and bareback horse race through the piazza. Stop by for an aperitivo hour or dinner with the swordfish crudo and the autumnal ravioli doppio, closing the night with a ricotta tart topped with figs and candied oranges.
Linny’s
This deli-inspired steakhouse features a challah service and hand-sliced pastrami on its menu. New to the scene, Linny’s is serving up big flavors to Toronto. The mind behind Sunnys Chinese and Mimi Chinese, David Schwartz, brought Linny’s to life as a nod to his Eastern European heritage and, of course, his grandma’s cooking. Even the cocktails have their own flairs, with dill pickle and borscht-inspired drinks. And never forget dessert, as the chef whips up a warm chocolate babka.
Chantecler
If you’re interested in a vibey apero hour to unwind or catch up with a friend, Chantecler is where you want to go. This effortlessly chic bistro is powered by Diego Reyes, a Noma-trained chef who cooks up bistro classics with a twist. Come hungry and order the steak tartare, an orange-scented creme brulee, and a glass of wine.
DaiLo
DaiLo whips up new Asian cuisine with a tasteful Chinese flair in the heart of Toronto. Meaning “big brother” in Cantonese, it’s often used as a term of endearment and respect; DaiLo is a nod to the ways and tastes of older cultures and generations. Chef Nick Liu’s Hakka upbringing inspired dishes like the popular “Big Mac Bao,” and ancient favorites were modernized with Liu’s flair and demand for local and sustainable ingredients. Dishes like Truffle Fried Rice, Sweet & Sour Pork Hock, and Hakka Brown Wontons are a must when visiting.
Where to Drink
Mother
This bar infused its own ferments into its signature drinks menu and riffed off classics, making it their own. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous and creative, the bar offers a bespoke cocktail experience. Choose your base and seasonal ingredients and adjust to your sweetness and sourness preferences. For a decadent & bold drink, try the Affogato Express. Or, if you’re looking for a light, floral taste, go for the Porcelain featuring Dry Sake, violet liqueur, and Jasmine Baiju.
Prequel & Co. Apothecary
Upon walking in, you’ll be transported to 1900’s Paris. The mind behind this bar is no other than Frankie Solarik, an author and judge on Netflix’s Drink Master. The design was inspired by the apothecaries of the Art Nouveau era, with its wooden walls, old-timey jars, and antique decorations placed around the bar. Apothecaries then used fresh and dried herbs and flowers to create tinctures, medicines, and cures. Like that time, bartenders here are crafting each drink like it’s art. Mixologists embody the Méthode Classique, muddling herbs and spices in real-time, giving guests an experience to savor and enjoy.
Bar Pompette
Claiming the No.29 spot of North America’s top 50 bars is no easy feat. Bar Pompette brings Paris chic straight into Toronto with sleek, white brick walls and a marble-finished bartop. Enjoy an extensive Old World wine menu and hand-crafted signature cocktails while perched on leather banquettes or wooden chairs.
Where to Visit
Little Portugal Toronto
Strolling through Little Portugal, you’ll be greeted by colorful murals, boutique shops, and bustling cafes. Taste and savor beloved Portuguese dishes like pastéis de nata from Brazil Bakery and Pastry. The lively area also hosts a number of events showcasing traditional music and dance, making it a great place to experience the warmth of Portuguese culture. Shop like a local at Saudade for Portuguese designs and artisan traditions or run into Easy Tiger Goods to bring some fun goodies home. Food lovers and history buffs alike will find Little Portugal enriching Toronto’s cultural life with a Portuguese flair.
Bata Shoe Museum
If you self-identify as a sneakerhead, fashion-forward, stylish, or fashion-knowledgeable, a visit to the Bata Shoe Museum is well worth it. The BSM showcases footwear’s style, history, and development across four galleries, from wooden clogs to Egyptian sandals to Chinese foot-binding shoes to modern heels. The museum came to life when owner Sonja Bata’s personal collection outgrew its home. Since then, the collection has only grown. Shoes may initially be an indication of personal style and preference, but they also tell the hidden stories of the world’s development and society’s attitudes and values. Home to at least 14,000 shoes, this unique museum is an international center of footwear that illustrates a way of life through the changing times.
Kensington Market
Kensington Market is a must-visit in Toronto that encapsulates the city’s rich cultural tapestry. With its eclectic mix of vintage shops, artisanal food vendors, and vibrant street art, this historic neighborhood invites visitors to experience a unique urban experience. Explore the winding streets filled with colorful murals and discover hidden gems at every corner. Or try local eateries showcasing cuisines all over the world and visit local farmer’s stalls presenting all the local produce of the community. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or a shopper seeking one-of-a-kind treasures, Kensington Market offers a delightful blend of culture that captures the spirit of Toronto.
In partnership with Destination Toronto. For more information, explore their guide to ‘The 6ix.’
