October is always a busy month in Toronto, and there’s no shortage of things to do for those looking to indulge in something delicious. So, if you’re looking for something new to indulge in this month, keep reading!
We’ve rounded up all of the best food and drink events and activities around Toronto worth checking out this October.
Fall N’ Leaves Toronto
Bundle up and grab your friends and head to this cozy outdoor food and wine pop-up that features a pumpkin patch, wood-fired food, a massive hay-bale sofa, and live music.
Where: 164 Bathurst Street
When: On until October 30, 12 pm to 11 pm
Black Lagoon Pop-Up Bar
This Halloween pop-up bar is the place to be for those looking to indulge in some spooky libations this month. Open throughout October, Black Lagoon will serve up creepy cocktails in an equally eerie immersive space.
Where: 875 Bloor Street West (Upstairs)
When: On until October 31st
Chocolate Afternoon Tea
If you’re looking for a decadent activity to try, head to The OMNI King Edward Hotel, which is hosting a special chocolate-themed afternoon tea as part of the Toronto Chocolate Festival. Patrons can look forward to a delicious tea menu complimented by chocolates and chocolate pastries. To make reservations please call the hotel directly at 416-863-9700.
Where: OMNI King Edward Hotel, 37 King Street East
When: Saturdays and Sundays until October 31
Toronto Food Film Festival
Pairing indie films with Toronto’s vibrant local food culture, this food festival invites attendees to come and discover mouth-watering and conversation-starting films along with specially curated snacks, workshops, and incredible tasting menus.
Where: Venues throughout the city
When: October 14-16
A Taste of Nigeria Festival
This festival celebrates every aspect of Nigeria’s rich and lively culture, from music and fashion to food, dance, and art.
Where: Royal Event Center, 30 Gordon Mackay Road
When: October 16, 1 pm to 8 pm
Poutine Festival
Come and indulge in over 50 variations of Canada’s favourite comfort food – poutine! In addition to all of the poutine creations you can handle, this event will also have roller skating, fire pits for marshmallow roasting, an artisan market, and more.
Where: Celebration Square, Mississauga
When: October 28-29
Halloween Food Truck Festival
Delicious food and a spooky vibe? Say less. This Toronto event allows visitors of all ages can enjoy food, drinks, live entertainment, crafts, costumes, and so much more at this Halloween-themed food truck festival. While entrance admission is free, donations to support Variety Ontario’s unique programming for individuals with disabilities are appreciated!
Where: Variety Village — 3701 Danforth Avenue, Scarborough
When: October 29, 12 pm to 8 pm; October 30, 12 pm to 6 pm
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In days past, hotel restaurants were strictly for tourists, located in touristy areas, and perfect for those not in the know of where to eat. However, Toronto can now boast of hotel restaurants that are actual destinations for foodies, both local Torontonians and travellers. As with other “hot” restaurants, reservations are a must. The following food ambassadors are some of the best spots in town:
Constantine
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Located at the Anndore House on Yonge Street (South of Bloor), the Constantine interior is beautifully designed. Mediterranean small plates, as well as a prix-fixe multi-course meal for $70, are served around an open kitchen. Think Fogo Island cod, various vegetable dishes, or portions of pasta with a twist. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Address: 15 Charles Street East
Buca (Yorkville)
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This popular Italian restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so Four Seasons guests can eat when they fancy. Part of the Buca empire, the wine and food menus are extensive, with everything from pizza, pasta, and crudo, to meat and fish.
Address: 53 Scollard Street
Drake Hotel
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This rock n’ roll boutique serves high-end comfort classics, such as lobster nachos, and the best burgers in the city. Diners can grab a croissant and expresso at 7:30 a.m. and dine until 2 a.m.
Address: 1150 Queen Street West
Kojin
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Despite its name and pedigree, there’s not one Korean dish on the menu. As part of the Momofuku chain of restaurants, this one serves South American inflected food. Located at the Shangri-La Hotel, it has the atmosphere of a Gen-X steak house, and serves a refined Colombian menu of grilled meats, burgers, sausage and bread with dips.
Address: 190 University Avenue
Thompson Diner
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From 6 a.m. to 3 a.m., the upscale diner serves all-day breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, and other American diner comfort classics. It’s known to have hosted a celeb or two.
Address: 51 Bathurst Street
Luckee
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Located at the Soho Metropolitan Hotel, this ornate space from Susur Lee serves dim sum and upmarket Chinese delicacies. Treat yourself to lunch or dinner every day except Sunday.
Address: 328 Wellington Street
Mother Tongue
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This brand new modern Asian restaurant and cocktail bar just opened its doors at the Templar Hotel. Serving lunch and dinner during the week, and dinner only on Saturdays, the menu offers Filipino, Japanese, Chinese dishes with a North American twist, such as steak foie gras fried rice and dumplings stuffed with confit duck.
Address: 348 Adelaide Street West
The Civic
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Housed in the Broadview Hotel in Riverside, this restaurant pays homage to the neighbourhood’s past, serving 20th-century rustic food with a contemporary flair. Dinner only from Tuesday through Friday; lunch and dinner available on Saturday; brunch only on Sunday.
Address: 106 Broadview Avenue
Akira Back
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Located at the new Bisha Hotel, it is a legacy of the many restaurants worldwide of Michelin-starred chef Akira Back. The food is high-end creative Japanese with Korean flavours. The dinner-only menu is served 7 days a week.
Address: 80 Blue Jays Way
Source: Blogto.com
Featured Image: Instagram/@drizzylindsey
On Monday, November 5 Pi Co. invites Torontonians to celebrate the grand opening of their latest spot at Fairview Mall.
Pi Co. will be giving away free Margherita pizza for 3 hours and 14 minutes, from noon to 3:14 p.m., in reference to the mathematical and geometric derivative. The offer is available in-store only and the limit is ONE pizza per person.
Pi Co. is the newest place offering za in the neighbourhood, offering quality, made-to-order Neapolitan-style.
Toronto is a city of foodies, and it’s no wonder with the array of restaurant choices in our vibrant city. Our multicultural city offers every kind of food available, so it’s always exciting to find out the latest openings. So whatever you fancy, you can find something up your alley in our list of the top new restaurant openings in the past month.
Quetzal
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A new high-end Mexican restaurant featuring food from all over Mexico. The dishes combine traditional Mexican methods with local Canadian produce, meats, and seafood. It’s a collaboration between Grant Van Gameren, Kate Chomyshyn, Julio Guajardo, and Owen Walker.
Location: 2011 Lawrence Avenue W, #9
Robo Sushi
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Looking for something fun? This new AYCE sushi restaurant has a robot escorting you to your seat, and another robot bringing your food. There are also real people serving so don’t worry.
Location: 865 York Mills Road, North York
Alobar
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From the same people behind Alo and Aloette, with classic upscale dining.
Location: 162 Cumberland Street, Yorkville
Narami
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Discover the taste of handcrafted sushi rolls, and either dine-in or take-out. There’s snow crab, lobster, salmon, tuna, and more, plus a large choice of sakes.
Location: 119 Ossington Avenue
Omni Palace
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With 400 locations in China, this is the high-end Chinese noodle chain’s first location in Toronto. Known for its Lanzhou beef noodles, all noodle dishes are hand-pulled. There are 9 different noodles to choose, from thick to angel hair. Watch your noodles being hand-pulled by their expert chefs.
Location: 235 Consumers Road.
Stamps’s Lane
Craving Halifax donairs and other East coast classics? Try their buck-a-shuck oysters, Cape Breton snow crab, Digby scallops, and molasses ice cream. This is a place to satisfy your cravings for Maritime treats.
Location: 371 Roncesvalles Avenue
Ramen Misoya
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This Michelin Guide recommended restaurant started in Japan, where ramen is a superfood, now has its first Toronto location. It’s known for its miso-based ramen, a speciality of Hokkaido in Northern Japan. There are four types of ramen, and the miso is imported from Japan.
Location: 646 Queen Street West
Featured Image: Instagram/ @foodloverstoronto
Have you tried any of these restaurants yet? Let us know what you think in the comments!
In recent years, food festivals of all varieties have descended upon the city, offering some of the best eats in one spot, with an inevitable side of (slightly buzzed) personal and professional networking.
The best thing about the festival season is the ability to eat, drink, and be merry AF as you sample a bit of everything (i.e. you don’t have to commit to just one restaurant or bar) – always a welcomed thing for the indecisive set.
Here are 10 food and drink festivals worth checking out in GTA:
Poutine Fest Toronto
Thursday, May 24 to Sunday, May 27, 2018
Celebrate Canada’s unofficial national dish with a four-day festival of all things poutine-related. Yonge-Dundas Square will fill with fancy food trucks from across the country, which will serve up over 50 varieties of fresh poutine for the first-ever Poutine Fest Toronto.
No tickets.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgJvJH-FI3m/?taken-by=torontopoutinefest
Brunch Fest
Sunday, June 1 to Sunday, June 3, 2018
TasteToronto and Bud Light Radler are teaming up with the most iconic brunch spots in the city to bring everyone together for our favourite meal.
Toronto Taste
Sunday, June 3, 2018
For a food and view-filled Sunday-funday, head down to Corus Quay for an evening of eats from Toronto’s top culinary talent – all in support of an important cause. Right on the waterfront (just steps away from Sugar Beach), guests can enjoy gourmet grub from 60 Toronto chefs and beverages from 30 local purveyors. Proceeds will support the Second Harvest food rescue program.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGkzj9BJ8qd/?taken-at=301635904
Mac N’ Cheese Festival
Friday, June 8th, to Sunday, June 10th, 2018
You can also expect a huge Ferris Wheel, bouncy castles, live shows and concerts, a market with local vendors, an outdoor movie theatre, carnival games, a craft beer lounge and lots more! Choose through over 50 different variations of mac n’ cheese including specialities from vendors like Junked Food Co., Bobbie Sue’s Mac n’ Cheese, Bacon Nation, The Food Dudes and more!
Taco Fest
Friday, June 15, to Sunday, June 17, 2018
Trade Taco Tuesday for a taco-filled weekend (or do both) when Taco Fest hits Ontario Place this June. Taco fans can expect an eclectic atmosphere that’s dedicated to the love of the taco, with a showcase of some of the city’s best chefs and a celebration of all things Mexican. Think, hundreds of tacos, guacamole, churros, tequila, mariachi bands, a hot sauce bar, and salsa lessons.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh9TyGbgig4/?hl=en&taken-by=thetacofest
Pizza Fest
Friday, July 20, to Sunday, July 22, 2018
Toronto’s first ever PIZZA FEST! Celebrating everything Italian from fresh pasta, meatballs, tiramisu, wine, and of course Toronto’s top pizza. Join us for an authentic Italian experience serving up everyone’s favourite cuisine, created by TasteToronto.
Caesar Fest
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Covering three levels, with over 6,000 square feet of area to drink and play in, including a rooftop terrace, with breath-taking views of the city, Caesar Fest is ramping up to be Canada’s largest dedicated festival surrounding this proudly Canadian iconic drink.
Toronto Festival of Beer
Thursday, July 26, to Sunday, July 29, 2018
From Ludacris to Finger Eleven and I Mother Earth – you’ll find them all at the (massive) Toronto Festival of Beer, in addition to all the beer your heart desires (literally hundreds of brews). The sprawling festival – now in its 20th year – fills Bandshell Park, Exhibition Place with beer of all varieties, quality food vendors to soak it all up, live talent, and games.
Sweetery Toronto
Saturday, August 11, and Sunday, August 12, 2018
Festival participants will sample culinary delights from aspiring chefs, taste a variety of distinctive award-winning delectables, and partake in interactive fun-filled activities such as a scavenger hunt, a taste testing challenge and a search for the “golden ticket” to name a few. You definitely can expect t0 see Wafel Bar, What The Bake, Oh My Gori, Holy Cannoli and much more!
Toronto Vegandale Food and Drink Festival
Saturday, August 11, and Sunday, August 12, 2018
Both the full-on vegans and part-time vegetarians will find a plant-based paradise at Fort York, Garrison Common on August 11 – 12 when the Toronto Vegandale Food and Drink Festival rolls into town. Now in its fourth year, this is the first time the festival will span two days, offering all the creative vegan dishes you didn’t know you were missing in your life.
Beer, Bourbon, and Barbeque
Friday, August 24 to Sunday, August 26, 2018
Closeout festival season with what summer is made of – barbeque and beer (and bourbon). The Beer, Bourbon, and Barbeque Festival will fill Ontario Place with more than 17,000 attendees in celebrating of some solid barbeque fare. Guests can expect goodness from the BBQ pit, and an assortment of ice cold beer, and refreshing bourbon cocktails while listening to live country music and joining in online dancing, axe throwing, and mechanical bull riding.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiFU1ucgw_W/?hl=en&taken-by=beerbourbonbarbecue
Did we miss any food and drink festivals happening in Toronto this Summer? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image: Instagram/@thetacofest
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Living in the city can be pretty expensive, especially when it involves going out for food. Luckily enough, Toronto has such a diverse choice of cuisines to choose from – and if you look carefully, you can find some of the best affordable eats around. Here’s our list of some of the most delicious cheap food you can get for under $10:
1. PG Clucks
The Spicy CLASSIC (Regular or Spicy)
Coleslaw, Pickles, Smoky Chili Sauce, Buttermilk Ranch Sauce
Price: $8
Location: 610 COLLEGE STREET
2. Wvrst
The Dirty Duck Fries
Price: $4.75 (with one dip)
Location: 609 KING ST W
3. Tacos El Asador
Crispy Tacos
(Chicken, Beef, Pork, Chorizo)
Price: $3.45 (per taco)
Location: 689 BLOOR ST W
4. Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu
Kimchi Soon Tofu
Price: $9.95
Location: 691 BLOOR ST W
5. Bahn Mi Boys
Banh Mi: 5 Spice Pork Belly
Price: $6.50
Location: 399 YONGE ST / 2365 YONGE ST / 392 QUEEN ST W
6. Sansotei Ramen
Tonkotsu Black
Thin or Thick Noodles, Pork Belly, Mushrooms, Egg, Green Onion, Roasted Garlic Oil (*I love the thin noodles*)
Price: $9.85
Location: 650 YONGE ST / 179 DUNDAS ST W
7. King Slice
Small 11″ Plain Pizza
Includes tomato sauce & mozzarella cheese
Price: $8.75
Location: 1598 BLOOR ST W
8. Randy’s Take Out – Home of Randy’s Patties
Jamaican Patties
Price: Under $10 per patty
Location: 1569 EGLINGTON AVE W
9. Lox + Schmear
THE FANCY FANCY
Bagel & Lox, Cream Cheese, Tomato, Red Onion, Pickled Red Onion, Capers, Cucumber, Alfalfa Sprouts, and Fresh Dill
Price: $9.50
Location: 1030 ST CLAIR AVE W
10. Black Camel
Camel Club
Made with Pulled Chicken, Pancetta, Arugula, Roasted Roma Tomatoes, and a Pesto Mayonnaise
Price: $9.95
Location: 4 CRESCENT RD
11. Seven Lives – Tacos y Mariscos
Baja Fish Taco
Battered & Deep Fried Mahi Mahi With House Sauce
Price: $5.00 (per taco)
Location: 69 KENSINGTON AVE
12. Tortería San Cosme
Huevo Torta
Scrambled Egg, Chorizo, Bacon, Refritos, Tomato, Avocado
Price: $9.95
Location: 181 BALDWIN ST
13. Soufi’s
Zataar Manaeesh
Blend of Thyme, Olive Oil & Sesame Seeds Topped With Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Fresh Mint
Price: $5.25
Location: 676 QUEEN ST W
14. Parallel Brothers
Herb Fallafel
Hummus, Tahini, Israeli Salad, Schug (Spicy)
Price: $10 (I know we said under $10 – but this is worth the extra dollar!)
Location: 217 GEARY AVE
15. Mother’s Dumplings
Dumplings
Pork & Chive
Price: 12 pieces for $6.39
Location: 421 SPADINA AVE
Featured Image: Instagram/@to_finest
Let us know what you think of our list in the comment section!
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The StyleDemocracy team was #blessed enough to get to try some of the amazing food at Rosewood Chinese Cusine. We got treated like royalty for the Lunar New Year! The owner explained how they prepare all their food in-house, with fresh ingredients (nothing frozen), and you can really taste the difference. Now, besides traditional Chinese, they will now feature sushi.
The prices are also something to brag about, with some of the best you can find anywhere in the city. Introducing all you can eat dim sum + sushi at $17.99 lunch and $23.99 dinners on weekdays. Here’s a sample of what we ate at the delicious Rosewood Chinese Cuisine (But seriously, make sure to try the sushi).
(Featured: Steamed Shrimp Dumplings)
(Featured: Chicken Feet in Speciality Sauce, Spare Ribs in Black Bean Sauce, Sticky Rice Wrapped in Lotus/Banana Leaves, Pan-fried Pork and Chives dumpling, Pork & Shrimp Shiu Mai Dumplings, Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings and Sesame Balls With Lotus Paste Inside)
(Featured: Chicken Feet in Speciality Sauce, Spare Ribs in Black Bean Sauce, Spicy Salmon Avocado Roll, Shrimp Rice Roll, Sticky Rice Wrapped in Lotus/Banana Leaves, Steamed Shrimp & Pork Shiu Mai Dumplings, Shrimp Rice Rolls, Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, Mango Tango Roll and Sesame Balls With Lotus Paste Inside)
Rosewood Cuisine is also in a prime location, right in the heart of Chinatown. The food is unreal, along with the prices and service – Make sure you check it out.
Have you been for dim sum + sushi at Rosewood Cuisine?
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The complimentary holiday party, sponsored by Ricarda’s restaurant, will feature Toronto’s very first inverted Christmas tree. It’s all happening tomorrow in downtown Toronto! Over 500 Torontonians are expected to come participate in the Atrium Lights ceremony, a free and festive event made for the community. Ricarda’s has invited everyone to unplug for an evening and bask in all the Christmas vibes. The entire space is a whole 15,000 square feet and will be decorated for the occasion. The event will take place at 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Wednesday, November 29th, in the atrium at 134 Peter Street.
Ricarda’s is a Mediterranian inspired restaurant and bakery located in the downtown core of Toronto. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and also features famous Sunday Live Jazz Brunch, takeout, office catering and events.
(Image: Instagram/@Ricardas134)
The event will be providing mulled wine (a holiday favorite), hot chocolate, gingerbread, handbell ringers, gingerbread goodies and to top it off, Santa will be joining the party. There will also be a 50-person choir bringing holiday cheer.
“At Ricarda’s, we love tradition, but we also love having a little fun,” said Chris Glaessel, Chief Operating Officer at Ricarda’s. “This year, as we planned for the highly anticipated Atrium Lights, we wanted to incorporate the top Christmas trends for 2017 and we fell in love with the idea of a strong icon for Christmas being utilized in a unique, fun and entertaining way.”
The Atrium Lights event has one goal: to bring together the community to celebrate the holiday season in a way that many of us have forgotten.
The ‘upside-down’ Christmas tree is also trending across the United States and the United Kingdom. “Through the hustle, distractions, and chaos that often defines the typical downtown core, our goal for Atrium Lights is to be your escape and to be the passageway to re-connecting with Christmas,” said Glaessel.
Image: Instagram/@Ricardas134
Ricarda’s will also be giving away a $150 Ricarda’s gift card to the influencer with the best social media post of the night. To qualify, the post must be to your Instagram feed (either photo or video) and it must also include the event hashtag #AtriumLights2017, and tag Ricarda’s @ricardas134.
Find out more information here.
Do you think you’ll check out the first inverted Christmas tree in Toronto?
Featured Image: The Kansas City Star
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