Guidebook for Toronto

Kiani
Guidebook for Toronto

Entertainment & Activities

Nothing like a good board game sess. While their food and drinks arent anything to write home about the selection of games is astounding and they had game masters that will recommend your new favourite game!
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Snakes & Lattes College
489 College St
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Nothing like a good board game sess. While their food and drinks arent anything to write home about the selection of games is astounding and they had game masters that will recommend your new favourite game!
If you have the choice between seeing a movie here or at Dundas Square please choose this theatre. Its much better run and for some reason guests at this theatre behave much better. Try the gourmet popcorn, you get a cereal box size of popcorn thats doesn't have to be yellow.
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Scotiabank kvikmyndahús
259 Richmond St W
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If you have the choice between seeing a movie here or at Dundas Square please choose this theatre. Its much better run and for some reason guests at this theatre behave much better. Try the gourmet popcorn, you get a cereal box size of popcorn thats doesn't have to be yellow.
if you need a get you dave and busters game fix and you are happy to part ways with $40 odd dollars this is a pretty fun way to blow it. Beats any dave and busters in terms of games and prizes (as long as you like super bouncy balls). They also have this Ghostbuster VR game that you have to pay extra for but its pretty nifty because you walk around a set. But please do not eat here! In fact, do yourself a favour and dont get around this area. Maybe steam whistle, i've never been in there but I use to live around there and let me tell you we cooked a lot more back then...
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The Rec Room
255 Bremner Blvd
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if you need a get you dave and busters game fix and you are happy to part ways with $40 odd dollars this is a pretty fun way to blow it. Beats any dave and busters in terms of games and prizes (as long as you like super bouncy balls). They also have this Ghostbuster VR game that you have to pay extra for but its pretty nifty because you walk around a set. But please do not eat here! In fact, do yourself a favour and dont get around this area. Maybe steam whistle, i've never been in there but I use to live around there and let me tell you we cooked a lot more back then...

Food Scene

High and Low, bfast to fine dining
Its cheap and cheerful! $5 maki rolls and Bento Boxes that satisfy large appetites.
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Kibo Sushi King
36 Charlotte St
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Its cheap and cheerful! $5 maki rolls and Bento Boxes that satisfy large appetites.
After you eat here, you will never be tempted to go to its neighbour, McDonalds again. Must try: Fried Chicken Bao. Please its amazing... Just try it.
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Banh Mi Boys
392 Queen St W
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After you eat here, you will never be tempted to go to its neighbour, McDonalds again. Must try: Fried Chicken Bao. Please its amazing... Just try it.
If you want a sit down Japanese restuarant in the low-mid price range To-Ne has decent sushi and hot food. Its usually pretty busy with locals zooming in and out to get takeaways for dinner.
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To-Ne Sushi
414 Queen St W
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If you want a sit down Japanese restuarant in the low-mid price range To-Ne has decent sushi and hot food. Its usually pretty busy with locals zooming in and out to get takeaways for dinner.
French brunch. While is does serve other meals their brunch is by far the best. Its almost the same distance that it takes to get to Cora's but please, do yourself a favour and choose Le Select!
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Le Sélect Bistro
432 Wellington St W
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French brunch. While is does serve other meals their brunch is by far the best. Its almost the same distance that it takes to get to Cora's but please, do yourself a favour and choose Le Select!
They make the icecream in front of you! Oddly soothing and definitely worthy of a video snap this place can only serve three orders at a time. Share an icecream between two people. I've spoken to them about their wide variety of tea flavours. They need to get to more fruit or caramel in there!
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Arctic Bites
21 Baldwin St
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They make the icecream in front of you! Oddly soothing and definitely worthy of a video snap this place can only serve three orders at a time. Share an icecream between two people. I've spoken to them about their wide variety of tea flavours. They need to get to more fruit or caramel in there!
Toronto boasts an impressive amount of gourmet ice cream shops. I should know I've tried them all! Sweet Olenka's is honestly my fav. It's not the most popular, but that just means you dont have to wait. This is the main shop but they also have one in kensington market. They are never busy and run a peanut-free dessert paradise. This location has every sweet dream you can think of: icecream cakes, cupcakes, tiny cakes, normal and gluten free icecreams and my personal favourite icecream sandwiches. If you love caramel and decadence you must try the dulce de lece/ caramel ice cream sandwich. it's a full meal but one you will smile at when you recall. There is another mega popular icecream place, Bang Bang close by (inbetween queen and dundas on ossington, but only go there if you like tea flavours or want their insta-waffle cone).
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Sweet Olenka's
1050 Queen St W
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Toronto boasts an impressive amount of gourmet ice cream shops. I should know I've tried them all! Sweet Olenka's is honestly my fav. It's not the most popular, but that just means you dont have to wait. This is the main shop but they also have one in kensington market. They are never busy and run a peanut-free dessert paradise. This location has every sweet dream you can think of: icecream cakes, cupcakes, tiny cakes, normal and gluten free icecreams and my personal favourite icecream sandwiches. If you love caramel and decadence you must try the dulce de lece/ caramel ice cream sandwich. it's a full meal but one you will smile at when you recall. There is another mega popular icecream place, Bang Bang close by (inbetween queen and dundas on ossington, but only go there if you like tea flavours or want their insta-waffle cone).
If you like dirt cheap but wholesome and soul fulfilling Chinese food this is the place you got to try. Whether your ordering a hot bucket of congee (recc: beef) or ordering some less-than authentic Crispy Ginger Beef it's all good! One caution this place is cheap but not so cheerful.
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House Of Gourmet
484 Dundas St W
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If you like dirt cheap but wholesome and soul fulfilling Chinese food this is the place you got to try. Whether your ordering a hot bucket of congee (recc: beef) or ordering some less-than authentic Crispy Ginger Beef it's all good! One caution this place is cheap but not so cheerful.
Fancy Chinese Food at it's Finest! I love Chinese food, probably has something to do with it filling my soul without draining my wallet. On any given day this place is filled with suits expensing corporate lunches with beautiful Chinese food. If you want to live the HK dream in Toronto, you got to try this place.
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Lai Wah Heen
108 Chestnut St
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Fancy Chinese Food at it's Finest! I love Chinese food, probably has something to do with it filling my soul without draining my wallet. On any given day this place is filled with suits expensing corporate lunches with beautiful Chinese food. If you want to live the HK dream in Toronto, you got to try this place.
Everyone has a favourite ramen place and this is Kiki's favourite. Order the black garlic pork ramen and some sake or just a large glass of water and you won't be disappointed, unless your from Japan... we can't compete with that!
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Sansotei Ramen
179 Dundas St W
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Everyone has a favourite ramen place and this is Kiki's favourite. Order the black garlic pork ramen and some sake or just a large glass of water and you won't be disappointed, unless your from Japan... we can't compete with that!
As a city we are trying to be better with our coffee and Jimmy's is a fine example of our efforts. It's iconic yellow lid can be seen on serious coffee drinkers and I feel a sense of respect I just don't get from passer's by when I'm sipping on a hot bev that I just don't get with other places. There's tons of locations in the area so you can get your fix around town. Sorry Aroma, you guys are so sweet!
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Jimmy's Coffee
107 Portland St
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As a city we are trying to be better with our coffee and Jimmy's is a fine example of our efforts. It's iconic yellow lid can be seen on serious coffee drinkers and I feel a sense of respect I just don't get from passer's by when I'm sipping on a hot bev that I just don't get with other places. There's tons of locations in the area so you can get your fix around town. Sorry Aroma, you guys are so sweet!
Its a cool experience everyone can appreciate. Get some baos, a ramen and maybe grab a cookie from upstairs for a midnight snack. It's not a bad way to end the night, or wake up to. Shoto and Daisho may require reservations but that stuff is pretty darn snazzy and I can't help but reach for my camera when I see some of the stuff that comes out of there. It's a work of art!
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Momofuku Noodle Bar
190 University Ave
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Its a cool experience everyone can appreciate. Get some baos, a ramen and maybe grab a cookie from upstairs for a midnight snack. It's not a bad way to end the night, or wake up to. Shoto and Daisho may require reservations but that stuff is pretty darn snazzy and I can't help but reach for my camera when I see some of the stuff that comes out of there. It's a work of art!
An italian restaurant in Chinatown?! Not as weird as it could be, they have earned their place there with an amazingly buttery peking duck pizza! And I've never finished any of there massively portioned pastas.
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Levetto
68 Sudbury St
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An italian restaurant in Chinatown?! Not as weird as it could be, they have earned their place there with an amazingly buttery peking duck pizza! And I've never finished any of there massively portioned pastas.
If you're gonna have some vietnamese food go to Ossington. We are on team Golden Turtle but some people swear by Pho Tien Tan. Honestly they are both good. But we love how fresh everything taste. Bonus: One of the only viet restaurants with a patio in the summer!
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Pho Rùa Vàng Golden Turtle Restaurant
125 Ossington Ave
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If you're gonna have some vietnamese food go to Ossington. We are on team Golden Turtle but some people swear by Pho Tien Tan. Honestly they are both good. But we love how fresh everything taste. Bonus: One of the only viet restaurants with a patio in the summer!
If you like Pad Thai or Green Curry come here, it is the closest restaurant to us and is very popular for locals and foodie tourists. I always suggest going in early 11- 11:30 for lunch and 5:30 for dinner. If you dont eat that early order to go from the cash register. PEANUT ALLERGY SUFFERERS, if you arent extremely sensitive you can get the pad thai made with no peanuts as long as you tell them at the beginning you are allergic to peanuts. Everyone else- feel free to enjoy the menu but the first two are our favourites!
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Khao San Road
11 Charlotte St
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If you like Pad Thai or Green Curry come here, it is the closest restaurant to us and is very popular for locals and foodie tourists. I always suggest going in early 11- 11:30 for lunch and 5:30 for dinner. If you dont eat that early order to go from the cash register. PEANUT ALLERGY SUFFERERS, if you arent extremely sensitive you can get the pad thai made with no peanuts as long as you tell them at the beginning you are allergic to peanuts. Everyone else- feel free to enjoy the menu but the first two are our favourites!
Family, couple, groups of friends- great for all. If you just want a good breakfast that has decent portions then I suggest What a Bagel, its close, they have a large patio and one of those menus that has everything on it. If you want to save some money on breakfasts for your stay, grab a couple bagels, a container of cream cheese, let me know and you can use my toaster. If you only like pork, you may be disappointing in the turkey bacon, but give it a try, its healthier for you and save your pork needs for the asian restaurants we recommend!
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What A Bagel
130 Spadina Ave.
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Family, couple, groups of friends- great for all. If you just want a good breakfast that has decent portions then I suggest What a Bagel, its close, they have a large patio and one of those menus that has everything on it. If you want to save some money on breakfasts for your stay, grab a couple bagels, a container of cream cheese, let me know and you can use my toaster. If you only like pork, you may be disappointing in the turkey bacon, but give it a try, its healthier for you and save your pork needs for the asian restaurants we recommend!
It occurs to me that I haven't put up any late night yumyums. As a Canadian I'm proud of poutine, the best food for a cold night or whenever... Dont use the cold as an excuse, if you have never had one have one for dinner because its heavy. And dont sell yourself short, go to Poutinis, its close, there's one on queen west too. They aren't good for you, so if you do it, just get a decent one. Get Poutinis. PS New York Fries makes a good poutine, but I find you have to haggle/ charm them to give you enough cheese and gravy.
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Poutini's House of Poutine
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It occurs to me that I haven't put up any late night yumyums. As a Canadian I'm proud of poutine, the best food for a cold night or whenever... Dont use the cold as an excuse, if you have never had one have one for dinner because its heavy. And dont sell yourself short, go to Poutinis, its close, there's one on queen west too. They aren't good for you, so if you do it, just get a decent one. Get Poutinis. PS New York Fries makes a good poutine, but I find you have to haggle/ charm them to give you enough cheese and gravy.
These pizzas are in my top 5 pies in the city. Decent dough but the toppings are nicely put together.... if your family drags you to a pizza place and you would much rather have a very large flat bagel with pastrami, and kraut, they have the pizza for you.
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Maker Pizza
59 Cameron St
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These pizzas are in my top 5 pies in the city. Decent dough but the toppings are nicely put together.... if your family drags you to a pizza place and you would much rather have a very large flat bagel with pastrami, and kraut, they have the pizza for you.
Legit Tacos
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Campechano Taquería
504 Adelaide St W
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Legit Tacos

Parks & Nature

Beautiful in the fall and summer. If you get a chance to go on a week day take it because this place gets packed on the weekends! Take a leisurely and scenic walk and lie down on a patch of grass that you can't believe is in Toronto. If you go before 11 stop by the Grenadier for a cheap breakfast special you'll need to walk off! Also there is a small zoo thats free to walk through featuring native Canadian animals.
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High Park
1873 Bloor St W
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Beautiful in the fall and summer. If you get a chance to go on a week day take it because this place gets packed on the weekends! Take a leisurely and scenic walk and lie down on a patch of grass that you can't believe is in Toronto. If you go before 11 stop by the Grenadier for a cheap breakfast special you'll need to walk off! Also there is a small zoo thats free to walk through featuring native Canadian animals.
If you are here in the summer why not go to Centre Island? Its right here and people constantly tell me how much they wish they went more come October. Take the ferry or if you dont like crowds grab a water taxi (more expensive, but in my mind worth it, but that may be because I appreciate the convenience after going through the lines and human cattle stuffing that goes on every summer weekend in the afternoon on those ferries). Families and people who want to rent a bike, you are heading for Center Island. I highly suggest renting a bike but if you are a family or a group you will most likely opt for a tadem or car-bike (seats two in the front and two in the back). Why not, its a rental.
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Toronto Islands
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If you are here in the summer why not go to Centre Island? Its right here and people constantly tell me how much they wish they went more come October. Take the ferry or if you dont like crowds grab a water taxi (more expensive, but in my mind worth it, but that may be because I appreciate the convenience after going through the lines and human cattle stuffing that goes on every summer weekend in the afternoon on those ferries). Families and people who want to rent a bike, you are heading for Center Island. I highly suggest renting a bike but if you are a family or a group you will most likely opt for a tadem or car-bike (seats two in the front and two in the back). Why not, its a rental.

Essentials

This grocery store is closer than its big brother Loblaws but it is more of a boutique store so dont expect many sales. It's better to be pleasantly surprised when you happen upon one. Try the cakes in the back. They are by far the cheapest cakes around and they're not too shabby if I do say so myself!
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Mike's Independent City Market Toronto
111 Peter St
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This grocery store is closer than its big brother Loblaws but it is more of a boutique store so dont expect many sales. It's better to be pleasantly surprised when you happen upon one. Try the cakes in the back. They are by far the cheapest cakes around and they're not too shabby if I do say so myself!
Fruits and Veg here is fresh with a good selection and the price isnt too bad.
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Kensington Fruit Market
36 St Andrew St
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Fruits and Veg here is fresh with a good selection and the price isnt too bad.
Cute and packed family owned health food store with a good selection of Asian products, way less busy and friendly.
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Tutti Frutti
64 Kensington Ave
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Cute and packed family owned health food store with a good selection of Asian products, way less busy and friendly.

Arts & Culture

An interesting district on Toronto, that appears different to the rest of the city. Things feel slower to me but in a classy kind of way. Very touristy, I would suggest taking pics and seeing some of the passing art exhibits that come through.
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Brennivínsmiðstöðin
55 Mill St
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An interesting district on Toronto, that appears different to the rest of the city. Things feel slower to me but in a classy kind of way. Very touristy, I would suggest taking pics and seeing some of the passing art exhibits that come through.
Families and curious people check out the science centre, its kind of far, but its really interesting, there is a ton of hands on activities to do and everyone can benefit from understanding how stuff works.
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Ontario Science Centre
770 Don Mills Rd.
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Families and curious people check out the science centre, its kind of far, but its really interesting, there is a ton of hands on activities to do and everyone can benefit from understanding how stuff works.

Drinks & Nightlife

This divebar is literally between two buildings so its only open when its warm enough. Do not expect any fancy mixed drinks, they have orange juice, cranberry juice and pop. Thursdays is everything for $2.75 between 4-8, go out and party, get some chinese food up the street and come back to sleep.
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Wide Open Bar
139A Spadina Ave.
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This divebar is literally between two buildings so its only open when its warm enough. Do not expect any fancy mixed drinks, they have orange juice, cranberry juice and pop. Thursdays is everything for $2.75 between 4-8, go out and party, get some chinese food up the street and come back to sleep.
I give this place a lot of grief but its actually a decent pub. Complete with note worthy schnitzel and a fine plethora of beers. This place is the chill and less pretentious version of The Bier Market. I dont even like beer, but I beautiful orangey beer here!
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Town Crier Pub & Halfway Beer House
115 John St
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I give this place a lot of grief but its actually a decent pub. Complete with note worthy schnitzel and a fine plethora of beers. This place is the chill and less pretentious version of The Bier Market. I dont even like beer, but I beautiful orangey beer here!

Sightseeing

OMG CN tower so crazy! I know! But its by far the most iconic place in all of Toronto! If you have the time or are celebrating a special occasion head to 360 for a nice lunch or a spectacular dinner. Just make sure you get a table by the window as the room ever so slowly turns around to give you a 360 view of the city. Your meal gets you access up to the viewing decks with the glass floors as well. Yes, it's touristy but if you embrace it, it's a view like no other in Toronto. (hint: you dont really have to book ahead unless its like valentine's day, if you eat at off-hours you won't have to wait, or book when you arrive in Toronto. i like to go an hour or so before sunsets so you can see the whole 360 lit and in the dark).
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CN Turninn
290 Bremner Blvd
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OMG CN tower so crazy! I know! But its by far the most iconic place in all of Toronto! If you have the time or are celebrating a special occasion head to 360 for a nice lunch or a spectacular dinner. Just make sure you get a table by the window as the room ever so slowly turns around to give you a 360 view of the city. Your meal gets you access up to the viewing decks with the glass floors as well. Yes, it's touristy but if you embrace it, it's a view like no other in Toronto. (hint: you dont really have to book ahead unless its like valentine's day, if you eat at off-hours you won't have to wait, or book when you arrive in Toronto. i like to go an hour or so before sunsets so you can see the whole 360 lit and in the dark).
This neighbourhood was where Kiki's family moved after WWII... And they liked it so much she stayed! Chinatown is known for its cheap groceries, multitude of colourful restaurants and weird convenience stores and the occasional street festival. If you are on your way to Kensington, its worth it to walk through Chinatown. Kiki's choice: Dumpling House's pan fried pick 3 combination Michael's choice: Burger King.
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Chinatown
292 Spadina Ave.
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This neighbourhood was where Kiki's family moved after WWII... And they liked it so much she stayed! Chinatown is known for its cheap groceries, multitude of colourful restaurants and weird convenience stores and the occasional street festival. If you are on your way to Kensington, its worth it to walk through Chinatown. Kiki's choice: Dumpling House's pan fried pick 3 combination Michael's choice: Burger King.
Home of some of the yummiest food in Toronto as well as some of the best ethnic grocery stores. Dont buy into the churros hype (unless you are 100% only there for churros, then do you) Wanda',Sweet Olenka's and Seven Lives ice creams should get some of your sweet tooth love. In terms of lunch munches, you've got to try Dirty Bird's fried chicken (if you're into mixing sweet and savoury try with waffles but if you are a chick purist you will not be disappointed with the plain fried chicken). Seven Lives' tacos and the Torteria will satisfy any Mexican food cravings you may have and Rasta Pasta is just too special not to mention. Check out Sanagans, Tutti Frutti and cheese shops!
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Kensington Market
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Home of some of the yummiest food in Toronto as well as some of the best ethnic grocery stores. Dont buy into the churros hype (unless you are 100% only there for churros, then do you) Wanda',Sweet Olenka's and Seven Lives ice creams should get some of your sweet tooth love. In terms of lunch munches, you've got to try Dirty Bird's fried chicken (if you're into mixing sweet and savoury try with waffles but if you are a chick purist you will not be disappointed with the plain fried chicken). Seven Lives' tacos and the Torteria will satisfy any Mexican food cravings you may have and Rasta Pasta is just too special not to mention. Check out Sanagans, Tutti Frutti and cheese shops!
I'm all for a late morning weekend walk to Bellwoods in the summer. It's not too far away but it can take hours to get to if you are passing through the crowds and shops along Queen West. But on the way back or there if you want to stream line your walk, I suggest taking Richmond street (one street south of Queen). I'm always surprised how much faster I can get to Bellwoods on this quieter street. If you're craving some fish and chips by the time you get there check out cash only Chippy's, load up on napkins and condiments and sit in the park, concealed beer cans optional. It's just a short walk to Ossington from there, which I strongly recommend visiting.
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Trinity - Bellwoods
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I'm all for a late morning weekend walk to Bellwoods in the summer. It's not too far away but it can take hours to get to if you are passing through the crowds and shops along Queen West. But on the way back or there if you want to stream line your walk, I suggest taking Richmond street (one street south of Queen). I'm always surprised how much faster I can get to Bellwoods on this quieter street. If you're craving some fish and chips by the time you get there check out cash only Chippy's, load up on napkins and condiments and sit in the park, concealed beer cans optional. It's just a short walk to Ossington from there, which I strongly recommend visiting.
If Bellwoods is too main stream for you may I suggest the new hipster zone of Parkdale/ Roncey! Packed with cool little bars, great restaurants and grouchy old locals who are can see the first waves of gentrification in their neighbourhood. The best way to walk through Roncey is to do so with a rockin outfit and confident! Or a flowy trench coat and shades (this can be one in the same).
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Roncesvalles Village
147 Roncesvalles Ave
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If Bellwoods is too main stream for you may I suggest the new hipster zone of Parkdale/ Roncey! Packed with cool little bars, great restaurants and grouchy old locals who are can see the first waves of gentrification in their neighbourhood. The best way to walk through Roncey is to do so with a rockin outfit and confident! Or a flowy trench coat and shades (this can be one in the same).