I will not pretend to be an expert on Toronto.
There are so many restaurants, hotels, and spots that I have not personally tried. I lived downtown from 2017-2021, and in those 5 years, I only scratched the surface.
I have my favourites, and I note recommendations from close friends who still live there.
When to Go
Favourite Neighbourhoods
Roncesvalles
Yorkville
Palmerston-Little Italy
St. Lawrence-Distillery
Summerhill
Leslieville-The Beaches
Favourite Eats
YORKVILLE | Italian fare in a cute old house with a rooftop patio. A comfort choice for me, with my go-to pasta dishes and salads. Same owners as Gusto 101.
KENSINGTON MARKET | Upscale fare, mainly small plates and mains. A fancier choice, on the expensive side.
QUEEN WEST | Casual spot for pizza by the slice or pie.
LITTLE ITALY | Spanish pinxtos bar with Gaudi-inspired interior design. Fun spot with friends or a date.
LESLIEVILLE | Amazing Thai food across the Danforth. Great service.
LITTLE PORTUGAL | Sleek Italian restuarant with pizza, pasta and veg dishes. Special occasion, on the expensive side.
CHINATOWN | Chic, upscale 'diner' with elevated plates, plus French staples. Special occasion, on the expensive side.
Parks,
Green Spaces & More
RONCESVALLLES | See the cherry blossoms in spring, fall foliage in autumn. Explore the many walking paths throughout the park.
ROSEDALE | Urban green space with walking paths, a weekend farmer's market, gardening space and store. Check out the holiday market in December.
HARBOURFRONT | Small garden facing the waterfront, with tall willow trees and various plants. Summer concerts are a hit.
DAVISVILLE-ROSEDALE | Smooth path for cyclists, walkers and runners. Follows an old rail line.
EAST WATERFRONT | Natural park on a small peninsula, with paved paths for walking, cycling and running.
TORONTO ISLANDS | Collection of small islands south on Lake Ontario. Centre Island gets overwhelmingly busy in the summer. Recommend Ward's Island: walk the boardwalk and chill on the beach.
Stays
HARBORD VILLAGE | Modern, minimalist hotel with café, bar and bakery. Self-check in.
OLD TORONTO | Hotel and residence in the core of Old Toronto. Festive in the winter holiday season.
YORKVILLE | *I have not stayed here!* Back in my Toronto days, I could never afford to stay here. However, I lived across the street for two years, and (hate to admit it) I love the Yorkville neighborhood.
Neighbourhood Guides
Coming soon.
Roncesvalles
Collection of favourite spots and activities in family-friendly Roncy.
Little Italy
How to spend a weekend in Little Italy.
Yorkville
What to do, see and eat in Yorkille.