Calling all Toronto foodies: Winterlicious will soon be here, giving you the perfect reason to brave the cold and explore some of the best restaurants in the city. Running from January 31 through February 13, this year’s rendition of Winterlicious 2020 will include over 200 restaurants each serving up delicious three-course prix fixe menus with lunch starting at $23 and dinner starting at $33. With options ranging from French and Japanese to cozy comfort foods, there are tons of amazing restaurants to check out this year!
We’ve rounded up 10 of the best places to check out during Winterlicious 2020.
Café Cancan
You can escape the cold and warm up with Café Cancan’s delicious menu options which include cozy dishes like French onion soup, Parisian gnocchi, and crème brûlée. Don’t forget to pair your meal with one of the popular French spot’s amazing wines.
Price: $28 lunch menu, $43 dinner menu
Address: 89 Harbord Street
Goa Indian Farm Kitchen
This North York eatery infuses Indian and Portuguese flavours into its seasonally inspired menu. Goa’s Winterlicious lunch menu is available for $23, while dinner is $33. Guests can expect to indulge in some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, including the wagyu beef kebab, okra fries, and chicken cafreal.
Price: $23 lunch menu, $33 dinner menu
Address: 2901 Bayview Avenue
Insomnia Restaurant and lounge
This go-to Annex hotspot is known for its cocktails and brunches, and specifically for its famous home fries. For Winterlicious this year, you can take advantage of Insomnia’s brunch offerings with its $23 lunch seating, featuring classics like the avocado chicken sandwich or the eggs Memphis. But if you’re going for dinner, the fried chicken ‘n waffles is a must.
Price: $23 lunch menu, $33 dinner menu
Address: 563 Bloor Street West
Maple Leaf Tavern
You can indulge in delicious tavern classics in a cozy setting at this Leslieville eatery. For Winterlicious 2020, hungry patrons can tuck into savoury dishes like the winter vegetable pie with an herbed crust and mustard sauce, seasonal chestnut tagliatelle, and the tavern’s famous sticky toffee pudding for dessert. Don’t forget to check out the impressive cocktail menu which includes libations like the Canadian Coffee, which is made with hazelnut, maple, spiced tincture, and vanilla ice cream *swoon*.
Price: $43 dinner menu
Address: 955 Gerrard Street East
MARBL
If you’re in the mood for modern American-inspired dishes in a casual yet upscale atmosphere, make sure to check out MARBL. This year’s Winterlicious offerings include rich options for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. With dinner set at $53, guests can enjoy a starter, main, and dessert — we recommend the vegan brûléed banana with chia and coconut mousse.
Price: $53 dinner menu
Address: 455 King Street West
Miku Toronto
Specializing in Aburi sushi, Miku Toronto is Toronto’s premier Japanese fine-dining spot. Looking for something indulgent this Winterlicious 2020? Reserve a dinner seating and enjoy exclusive selections such as saikyo miso baked sablefish and butter-poached lobster ravioli, as well as soy-braised beef shank and pan-seared foie gras. Don’t forget to warm up with sake or one of Miku’s delicious cocktails.
Price: $33 lunch menu, $53 dinner menu
Address: 10 Bay Street #105
Montecito
Tucked away in Toronto’s Entertainment District is Montecito, which will be serving Winterlicious diners California-inspired options. This includes a surprisingly addictive kale salad, a decadent bavette steak with pumpkin maple puree, and of course, the classic Montecito Chicken — a juicy half chicken with crispy skin and salsa verde.
Price: $33 lunch menu, $53 dinner menu
Address: 299 Adelaide Street West
Northern Maverick Brewing Co.
There’s no shortage of good times and good food at Bathurst Street spot Northern Maverick Brewing Co. Diners can enjoy a hearty lunch or dinner, featuring locally-sourced ingredients. Stand-out menu items include the smoked pulled pork sandwich with chipotle BBQ sauce and pickled jalapeño slaw, and the fish and chips that’s made with house beer-battered cod. Don’t forget to pair your meal with one of Northern’s house-made craft beer that’s made onsite in its brewery.
Price: $23 lunch menu, $33 dinner menu
Address: 115 Bathurst Street
Oretta
Located in the heart of Toronto’s vibrant King Street West is the ultra-Instagrammable Oretta. Visitors can slide into the art deco-inspired space for a $28 lunch seating featuring traditional Italian fare such as creamy burrata or the Margherita pizza. A delicious dinner choice is the savoury bistecca di manzo, which can be capped off with a delicious Northern-Italian inspired tiramisù al pistachio.
Price: $28 lunch menu, $43 dinner menu
Address: 633 King Street West
Smith
Cozy and intimate are exactly how you would describe this College Street eatery that serves up a fusion of southern comfort food and French countryside cooking, showing that there’s something for everyone on this robust menu.
Price: $28 lunch menu, $43 dinner menu
Address: 553 Church Street
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Wondering what to do on New Years Eve? We’ve got you covered. While there are lots of restaurants to choose from, we’ve done some digging and found the best meal deals to ring in the new year. No matter what you’re looking to eat, if it’s at any of these Toronto restaurants, you know it’ll be delish.
We have rounded up the top 8 Restaurants worth making a reservation at on New Years Eve 2019.
Oretta
For one night only, Oretta will transform into a Venice Carnival and will offer two, four-course dinner seatings as well as a countdown celebration. The first seating will be at 5:00 p.m. for $55 and will be served with prosecco, while the second seating will be at 8:30 p.m. and is available for $95, which includes late night snacks and a champagne toast at midnight. Skipping dinner or eating at home? No problem! The Oretta NYE celebration only tickets starting at 10:00 p.m. are available for $45 and includes carnival dancers, complementary masquerade masks, and more.
La Société
Say it ain’t so! New Years Eve will be the last evening ever to dine at La Société, Yorkville’s Parisian style bistro. Make a reservation to celebrate the restaurants last night of service and enjoy a $100 prix fixe menu starting at 7:30 p.m., along with a DJ and complimentary sparkling wine at midnight.
STK
Instead of the standard prix fixe menu offered at most high end restaurants, STK is offering diners a selection from its New Year’s a la carte menu. Options include the delectable Wagyu beef carpaccio, STK’s famous beef board, and much more.
Montecito
Montecito’s Palm lounge will offer half-price champagne all night long as well as a live music performance that starts at 8:00 p.m. While there won’t be a prix fixe option but you can enjoy all of your favourite signature dishes from the seasonal menu.
MARBL
Head to Marbl on King West for MARBBLanc, presented by Belvedere Vodka, is offering a four-course prix fixe menu filled with exclusive items and complimentary bubbly. There will be two seatings available at 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. for $95 per person.
Byblos
Head over to either Byblos location for its Midnight in Marrakesh party that has seatings until 7 p.m. at $90 per person, or after 8 p.m. at $125 set menu with complimentary bubbles. Keep the party going because there’s a huge bonus at the downtown location! Show your dinner receipt to get free entry to the Weslodge after party.
Piano Piano
This is a special one because over here at Piano Piano, it’s a prix fixe menu with choice options. With three seatings available at 5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9p.m., optional items will include your choice of pasta, pizza, or main course as well as a glass of Mumm Cordon Rouge for $89.
Rosalinda
If vegan is more your vibe, then Rosalinda has your back with it’s tasty Mexican dishes. The folks over at Rosalinda are keeping the kitchens open late and will be serving up its full menu of plant based eats. To keep the party going, cheers the evening with the restaurant’s feature ‘Holiday in the Tropics’ cocktail that’s made up of Cocchi Rosa, Cranberry Gin, guava and citrus. Yum!
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Who hasn’t dreamed of living like a celebrity? From lavish restaurants, to decadent hotels, it’s a fun thought to entertain, even if just in passing. Toronto is a hotbed of celebrity activity for those who come up north, especially during the month of September when TIFF takes over the city. But for those of us who live here year-round, there are plenty of world-class hotspots to visit, that have attracted celebrities and regular citizens alike.
Here, we dive into 13 hotspots to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Toronto that have received a stamp of approval from celebrities.
STK
With a location in Toronto and others in glam cities like London, Ibiza, Las Vegas, and Milan, STK is the steakhouse/lounge combo that’s super popular among celebrities. Cardi B was spotted dining here when she was in Toronto for OVO and Veld Music Festival this past summer.
Patria
You can’t get more Canadian than Ryan Gosling and Justin Trudeau, and that’s exactly what happened at Spanish restaurant, Patria last year. Gosling was present for an after-party celebrating his film First Man, Trudeau was there to support, and the rest, as they say, is history. Swoon-worthy sightings aside, Patria serves up classic Spanish food (think tapas and paella) alongside fresh seafood, and a lengthy cocktail and wine list.
Montecito
Numerous celebrities have darkened the doors of this Californian-inspired Montecito, especially during TIFF. Owned by director Ivan Reitman (of Ghostbusters and Space Jam fame), it’s steps away from the TIFF Bell Lightbox and serves up farm-to-table cuisine. Famous faces like Bill Murray, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Bell, Sandra Bullock, and Robert Downey Jr. have all been spotted here.
Terroni
It wouldn’t be a proper list without mentioning our favourite Duchess who used to live in Toronto! trendy Italian restaurant, Terroni was a known favourite of Meghan Markle, who used to frequent when she lived in the city for seven years filming Suits. She even recommended the Peperoncini Piccanti chili condiment to Vanity Fair.
Byblos
Toronto local Rachel McAdams is reportedly a regular at this fancy, two-story Eastern Meditteranean restaurant. Byblos serves up a variety of dishes and cocktails in a Persian rug draped setting, with a celeb guest list that includes the likes of Matt Damon, Michelle Williams, and Gerard Butler, Dakota Johnson, and Jason Segal, all of whom have been spotted here in the past.
Rhum Corner
Actress Samira Wiley took Vanity Fair to this bar on a tour around Toronto, dubbing it “very cool, very chill” and “a real gem!” A low-key affair with an affinity for rum and fun (their rum list is very, very long), Rhum Corner serves up authentic Haitian dishes in a cozy, muraled setting. Wiley’s go-to is the Wray and Ting, a mix of Jamaican rum and grapefruit soda.
Petty Cash
Advertised as your neighbourhood bar, Petty Cash is a casual mix of gastropub food and cocktails consumed around pool tables, topped off with money-themed decor. The King West staple made quite a stir for all the right reasons last Halloween, when Shawn Mendes was spotted making drinks from behind the bar. We’re guessing tips were more than generous that night (even for a place named ‘Petty Cash’.)
Hazelton Hotel
Kate Moss herself was spotted (or papped, rather) here a few years ago, eating a bagel with a glass of wine. (For those who want to recreate the moment, it was a lox bagel and a glass of white.) Located conveniently close to the city’s poshest shops and restaurants, names like Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have stayed here at the world-class luxury Hazelton Hotel.
Bisha Hotel
This boutique luxury hotel in the heart of the Entertainment district is a triple threat—featuring the extremely instagrammable KŌST on the 44th floor, celebrity chef restaurant, Akira Back, on the second, and Parisian pastry cafe, French Made, on the ground floor. Previous guests of the trendy residence include Lenny Kravitz, Margot Robbie, Ellen Paige, Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, and Jake Gyllenhaal, just to name a few.
Windsor Arms
With a plush Victorian-style interior, this past-century heritage hotel almost makes you feel as though you’re a celebrity yourself. Stars such as George and Amal Clooney and Eminem have taken advantage of the hotels ‘discreet luxury’ policy. Pro tip: even if you’re not staying in a room, the high tea here is excellent.
119 Corbo
An upscale specialty boutique with only the highest of designer brands and shoes—word on the street is that 119 Corbo was responsible for bringing Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahniks to Toronto before Sex and the City made them staples in any fashionista’s closet. The boutique also has exclusivity to cutting edge brands like Haider Ackermann and Ann Demeulemeester and also features others like Dries Van Noten and Rick Owens. None other than Kimye themselves stopped by during Kanye’s tour stop in 2016, and apparently Jennifer Hudson and Michelle Fairley (from Game of Thrones) are also fans.
Mjölk
You really can’t get any more aesthetic than this. This homeware store comes recommended by Sarah Rafferty toVogue last year for “beautiful home furnishings.” Featuring pieces by artisans from Scandianvia and Japan, the store is peak minimalism and most definitely celebrity-worthy.
Augustina Boutiques
Another high-end fashion staple in Yorkville, Augustina Boutiques founder Cristina Burgess is known for scouting out up-and-coming and lesser known celebrity-loved brands such was Anita Ko jewelry, Sydney Evan and Temple St. Clair. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Jessica Chastain has been spotted shopping here, as well as Margot Robbie when she was in town filming Suicide Squad.
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If you’re craving oysters, why not make it an economical outing and take advantage of all the buck-a-shuck deals that Toronto has to offer? Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up, with wine or champagne, or even paired with beer, there’s a deal going on every day of the week. Clearly, the only thing the city loves more than a half priced bottle, is oysters that only cost $1.
Take a look at 10 of the best places to get buck-a-shuck in Toronto below.
Locals Only
589 King St W
When: Everyday
Instagram/@localsonlytoronto
You don’t have to be a local to enjoy this sweet deal! Locals Only on King West is serving up buck-a-shuck oysters everyday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Even if you don’t live in the neighbourhood, you’re going to want to go the distance especially since the restaurant will be doling out half-priced bottles of wine and prosecco within the same time frame. Nothing pairs better with oysters than some bubbly.
Boehmer
93 Ossington Ave
When: Tuesdays
Instagram/@lisrn12
Boehmer is a hip spot on Ossington is usually full on Tuesday nights, and for good reason. Not only does the restaurant have buck-a-shuck going on all night long, but there’s also $22 lobster and half-priced bottles of wine. Don’t stop at the $1 oysters; have a whole seafood feast! Just be sure to make reservations since this deal is always super hot.
Luma
350 King St. W., 2nd Floor
When: Tuesdays and Fridays
Instagram/@lumarestaurant
Luma, the upscale seafood restaurant inside the TIFF Bell Lightbox, is a great place for buck-a-shuck if you’re in the mood for some vino too. Starting at 4 p.m. onwards, get $1 oysters with the purchase of a bottle of wine. However, don’t wait too long as this deal only goes until supplies last which means happy hour is the perfect time to sip on a glass and slurp some oysters back.
Bar Hop
Multiple Locations
When: Tuesdays and Sundays
Instagram/@barhopbar
Why not switch it up the next time you have oysters and pair your ocean fare with some craft beer? Along with lots of beer, Bar Hop has buck-a-shuck deals going on at all three locations: Tuesdays at King West and Bar Hop Session locations, and Sundays at Bar Hop Brew Co.
La Societe
131 Bloor St W
When: Thursdays
Instagram/@audreyh.o
The only thing better than exquisite French food, is $1 oysters! Lucky for you, you can find both at La Societe on Thursdays during happy hour from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. But the deals don’t end there because in true French fashion, the bistro-style restaurant compliments oysters with select half-price bottles of champagne.
Batch
75 Victoria St
When: Wednesdays
Instagram/@batchtoronto
This sleek outpost is in the business of brewing small-batch beer and blessing us with $1 oysters every Wednesday. Located in the heart of the city, Batch is the perfect place to gather with friends or work colleagues while you sip on a $5 Lot 9 Pilsner. We suggest making it a Wednesday night tradition.
Nome Izakaya
4848 Yonge St
When: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Instagram/@craveyyz
If you love Japanese tapas or sashimi, Nome Izakaya is definitely worth a visit. The restaurant and lounge has amazing seafood and boasts one of the best oyster bars in the city. Be sure to plan your outing on either Tuesday or Wednesday to make the most of the buck-a-shuck deal.
Ufficio
1214 Dundas St W
When: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Instagram/@ufficiotoronto
Ufficio is about to be your favourite spot on Dundas West if it’s a Tuesday or Wednesday night. Get up to 24 oysters per person for $1 all night long, and be ready to feast. The rest of the menu is equally as enticing as the buck-a-shuck deal with pastas, insalate, more seafood, and delicious charcuterie.
The Hole in the Wall
2867A Dundas St W
When: Tuesdays
Instagram/@lilynjen
The Hole in the Wall might be one of the coziest restaurants in Toronto to grab some oysters. Better yet, make sure to go there on a Tuesday to take advantage of the buck-a-shuck deal from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. You won’t regret it as there’s also a nice selection of craft beers to wash all that oyster deliciousness down.
Montecito
299 Adelaide St W
When: Thursdays
Instagram/@montecitotoronto
While Montecito’s Wine Wednesdays is a definite treat, the restaurant’s Thursday deal is just as popular. Starting at 5 p.m. upstairs in By The Glass, oysters are only $1 with any purchase of a bottle of wine. Unlike other wine bars, the sophisticated spot also promises to have a set markup of $30 on every bottle of wine. Looks like oysters aren’t the only deal here.
Featured Image: Instagram/@lumarestaurant
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Let’s face it, Toronto has endless restaurants, patios, and bars. There are so many spots in our city with incredible food options, the best cocktails, and the prettiest views of the city but which ones have the best happy hour deals?
We’ve done the hard work of finding the best spots with the best happy hour deals to hang at in Toronto. Here are our top 10 picks!
Please note: the happy hour specials at these restaurants are subject to change without notice.
Northern Maverick
Instagram/@northernmaverickbrewing
From 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Monday to Friday at Northern Maverick, enjoy a boat load of drink deals like $5 lager, $5 whiskey, dollar per ounce house wine. If you get hungry, the $5 snack menu includes the restaurant’s house made bacon popcorn, buttered fish tacos, vegan curry, and of course, fries!
Petty Cash
Instagram/@pettycashto
Head on over to Petty Cash to enjoy dollar per ounce red and white wine everyday, but wait, that’s not all! During happy hour on Mondays, indulge in $1 wings and $1 beers! Plus, on Friday after work (FAW) starting at 5 p.m., you can also score $5 buffalo chicken sliders and $5 mixed drinks.
Baro
Instagram/@salihainthe6ix
Pablo’s Snack House on the second floor of Baro is the perfect spot for all things happy hour. every single night! From 5 to 7 p.m, get $5 wine, $5 snacks, and $20 pitchers of sangria and margaritas!
Montecito
Instagram/@montecitotoronto
There’s no shortage of tasty eats and drinks at Montecito. You can enjoy half price wines by the glass all day for Wine Wednesday, and from Monday to Friday from 5 p.m to 8 p.m, pair a half priced snack menu item with a half priced glass of the house red or white.
Moxies
Instagram/@moxies_official
Check out any Moxie’s lounge in Toronto from Sunday to Thursday from 3 p.m until 6 p.m and from 9 p.m until close. In the lounge you’ll find $4 fish tacos, $5 single high balls, and $8 2 oz classic cocktails like Moscow Mules, Negronis, and Manhattans.
Mira
Instagram/@mirarestaurant photo by @cheerstohappyhour
One of King West’s finest gems, Mira offers a “Pisco Sour Happy Hour” every weekday from 5 p.m to 6 p.m. Don’t worry if it’s not your jam, Mira also has beer and wine specials everyday too!
Labora
Instagram/@laborarestaurant
Spanish hot spot Labora has its own take on the traditional happy hour with tapas hour from 5 p.m to 7 p.m. Buy any drink whether it’s a $5 vermouth, $7 Estrella, or $25 sangria pitchers and receive a free tapa!
Pizzeria Libretto
Instagram/@pizzalibretto
Head to Pizzeria Libretto at King and Bathurst for “Apertivo Hour” from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday. Grab a pizza and/or enjoy $5 wine and mixed drinks alongside $8 buttermilk fried calamari and libretto meatballs.
Hendriks Restaurant and Bar
Instagram/@hendriksrestaurant
Enjoy “happiest hour” at Hendricks from 3 p.m to 6 p.m. and from 9 p.m. until close with specials starting at just $3! Don’t forget to take full advantage of the $5 beers and $3 tacos. Plus, on Thursdays Hendriks offers Buck a Shuck during happy hour with the purchase of a beverage!
Joey’s
Instagram/@joeyrestaurants
Perhaps the best spot in Toronto with the best happy hour specials is Joey’s. With drink specials starting at just $3.50 and food options starting at just $4, there is something for everyone, and it’s all cheap! Visit any location from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close for a deal on sangria, wine, fries, sliders, sushi, and more.
Please note: the happy hour specials at most of these restaurants are subject to change without notice.
Featured Image: Instagram/@laborarestaurant
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Just in time for the hot weather, the wonderful sommelier from Montecito Restaurant, Heather McDougall shared some of her amazing frosé recipes. Impress all your friends at cocktail hour, with the most popular drink of the summer even from the comfort of your own home. We recommend using the Vitamix blender to prepare the perfect drink.
Strawberry Elderflower Frosé
Ingredients
2 slushy cubes
6 oz. rosé wine
1 cup frozen strawberries
½ cup ice cubes
1 bottle of elderflower soda
Slushy Cubes Recipe
In a large cube ice tray, divide one bottle of rosé. Freeze overnight.
Directions
Add slushy cubes, rosé wine, ice cubes and frozen strawberries to your Vitamix, blend until almost smooth, and then slowly pour in the elderflower soda. Divide the mixture into your favourite rocks glasses, and garnish with fresh strawberries.
Serves 4
Tequila Peach Frosé:
Ingredients
2 slushy cubes
2 oz. reposado tequila
6 oz. rosé
1 cup frozen peaches
½ cup ice cubes
1 can of club soda
Slushy Cubes Recipe:
In a large cube ice tray, divide one bottle of rose. Freeze overnight.
Directions
Add slushy cubes, rosé, reposado tequila, ice cubes and frozen peaches to your Vitamix, blend until almost smooth, and then slowly pour in the can of club soda. Divide the mixture into your favourite rocks glasses and garnish with a lime wheel.
Serves: 4
Featured Image: @montecitotoronto
Whats your favourite drink in the spring? Let u know in the comments!
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