By Erin Nicole Davis
With one of the most diverse food scenes in the world, Toronto is overflowing with firstrate menus curated by top-level chefs in exquisitely designed eateries. So, when the teams at View the VIBE (a Toronto-based lifestyle magazine) and Living Luxe got together to curate a comprehensive list of our favourite eateries, we were all super enthusiastic and inspired to share the spots we believe truly exemplify an exceptional vibe. Our selections are based on the places that provide a remarkable menu, quality service, stunning design, live entertainment and a cool atmosphere. These 20 eateries boast a memorable, comfortable and polished experience that keeps diners coming back.
HARRIET’S ROOFTOP – KING WEST (FEATURED PHOTO)
Scenic views and sophisticated vibes are the name of the game at Harriet’s, located at 1 Hotel Toronto. This Japanese-fusion spot serves up expertly crafted cocktails and upscale bites, with the sounds of the city’s best DJs in the background against a backdrop of sprawling, stunning vistas. 1hotels.com
BLUEBLOOD – STEAKHOUSE CASA LOMA
Those looking for a sophisticated spot fit for any special occasion should check out BlueBlood, one of our favourite restaurants for an extravagant dinner. Located in the famed Casa Loma, the opulent steakhouse specializes in dry-aged steak and decadent seafood towers that won’t disappoint. The extensive wine list is a triumph. bluebloodsteakhouse.com
HARBOUR 60 – HARBOURFRONT
A city staple for years, upscale steakhouse Harbour 60 has been frequented by celebrities and CEOs for decades. Known for its reliable comfort food and relaxed vibe, the spot is as known for its incredible wine list as it is its quality steaks. harbour60.com
LOUIX LOUIS – FINANCIAL DISTRICT
A gilded gem tucked away above the city’s Financial District, this is the place to be seen. This lavish spot excels at Frenchand American-inspired dishes, and it fills up quickly with the after-work crew, couples and tourists. It has a smart, invigorating buzz that’s not pretentious in any way. louixlouis.com
ONE RESTAURANT – YORKVILLE
With its subdued ambiance and indulgent menu of ritzy comforting bites, ONE Restaurant located at the chic Hazelton Hotel is a go-to for visitors and people-watchers. Hollywood’s most famous faces have graced the patio, lobby bar and indoor area, making it the perfect place for celebrity spotting. onerestaurant.ca
D | BAR AT FOUR SEASONS – YORKVILLE
Consistently fi lled with an eclectic mix of interesting characters of all backgrounds, d|bar by Daniel Boulud, this issue’s cover feature, is an ideal locale for guests of all ages (especially the 35-plus crowd) to indulge in luscious cocktails and casual fare that’s perfect for sharing. We love its mature vibe. dbartoronto.com
ALOETTE – QUEEN WEST
Aloette (part of the Alo Food Group led by Michelin-Starred chef Patrick Kriss) has a polished diner atmosphere and offers an array of mouth-watering eats. This is the only location of the chef’s coveted lineup that you can walk into without needing a reservation. aloetterestaurant.com
LAVELLE PATIO – KING WEST
Those looking to dress up and paint the town hit Lavelle. A summertime staple, the sprawling rooftop bar features swimming pools, cabanas, stunning city views and a quality menu. It has a super-hip weekend vibe, though the atmosphere during the day is also amazing. chezlavelle.com
FONDA BALAM – DUNDAS WEST
The unassuming but crowd-pleasing Dundas West restaurant was recently featured in the Michelin Guide. Come for a combination of relaxed Mexican cuisine and enjoy the laidback vibe. fondabalam.com
BIG TROUBLE – CHINATOWN
Located in Chinatown, Big Trouble features a wide range of Baijiu (a Chinese liquor), approachable cocktails and cool resident DJs. It’s always a good time, but don’t be thrown off by their long lines along Dundas West, as they tend to move quickly. The Asian inspired decor and Pan-Asian light bites are a winning combination. bigtrouble.ca
REYNA ON KING – CORKTOWN
With its shareable Mediterranean-inspired bites and nostalgic ‘90s tunes, Reyna on King is a great place to hit up for date night. The intimate spot invites guests to get comfortable and bond over a quality meal, with Instagramworthy decor. reynaonking.com
EVANGELINE AT THE ACE HOTEL – KING WEST
Evangeline at the Ace Hotel serves delicious cocktails and attracts an elevated artsy, cultural crowd like no other. The new patio is great for dinner or a nightcap. Every nook and cranny gives off a warm vibe. evangelinetoronto.com
CLOCKWORK CHAMPAGNE & COCKTAILS – FINANCIAL DISTRICT
Offering a distinctively regal appeal, the Clockwork at the iconic Fairmont Royal York Hotel is one of the most impressive lobby bars in the city. The cocktail and Champagne lounge offers a sophisticated and sexy vibe, with an interior inspired by luxury Pullman carriages. clockworktoronto.com
BLACK PEARL – ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
The Black Pearl touts itself as the perfect hangout spot from after 5 until late into the night. Part street-art gallery, part pool hall and part bar, this place is all about the top-notch live entertainment at its core. blackpearlto.com
BARO ROOFTOP – KING WEST
Baro feels like a Miami hot spot hidden above King West with its rooftop patio tropical oasis. The restaurant serves up delicious and approachable eats and drinks in a relaxed environment, making it perfect for both an after-work beverage and a bite or a night out with friends. barotoronto.com
KASA MOTO ROOFTOP – YORKVILLE
Located in the heart of Yorkville, Kasa Moto’s large rooftop patio is a go-to for the city’s easy-on-the-eyes set of movers and shakers. The swish spot is one of the toughest patios to get on to, but it’s one of our favourites when it comes to enjoying elaborate cocktails and Japanese-fusion food in the outdoors. kasamoto.ca
EPOCH BAR & KITCHEN TERRACE – ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
Dubbed as one of the ultimate TIFF hotspots, the newly redesigned lobby bar inside the Ritz-Carlton does not disappoint. Have drinks on the patio or enjoy dinner before or after a show (it’s down the street from Roy Thompson Hall and Mirvish theatres). The bar is elevated yet cozy, featuring tastefully done British fare. epochtoronto.com
PREQUEL & CO. APOTHECARY – QUEEN WEST
The Queen West location is the second outpost by internationally acclaimed master mixologist and Netfl ix sensation, Frankie Solarik. Hidden behind an apothecary front, the cool speakeasy spot offers caviar service and cocktails bound to rock your taste buds. barprequel.com
PARC AVE – YORKVILLE
Perfect for a nightcap, Parc Ave is a recent addition to Yorkville’s late-night offerings. Come for the sumptuous cocktails and caviar bumps and stay for the spectacular relaxed ambiance. Whether you’re perched at the bar or seated in a lush red velvet booth enjoying bottle service, you’ll want to hang out and take it all in. parcavetoronto.ca
DON ALFONSO 1890 – HARBOURFRONT
Recently relocated to the Harbourfront area, on top of the Westin Harbour Castle hotel, this outpost Michelin-Star restaurant has also been dubbed the best Italian restaurant outside of Italy. It features fl awless design, has an incredible view and certainly has one of the best fi ne-dining atmospheres in the city — it’s the epitome of elegance and class. donalfonsotoronto.com
