Canada’s largest metropolitan city offers more than just Drake and poutine: The atmosphere and aesthetic of some of Toronto’s trendiest places are hard to pass up, whether you’re an art enthusiast or just like to look at pretty things (don’t we all?). We’ve rounded up our favorite visually-pleasing (and tastebud-satisfying) sites in Toronto that those with an eye for design will want to put on their bucket list.
Reporter: Nicole Bradley | Location: Oretta
Reporter: Nicole Bradley | Location: Oretta
Oretta is not your mom and pop’s traditional Italian restaurant. This incredibly Instagram-worthy space is filled with all the natural light you can dream of. A modern take on classic Italian favorites, the restaurant also serves as a cafe and bakery. So grab yourself a scone and then have a seat at the half moon-shaped bar for a gin and tonic.
As soon as you walk in the door of Kekou Gelato, you’ll realize that it is different from your traditional gelato parlor. Kekou’s gelato flavors are super unique—standouts include jasmine tea, black sesame, dark chocolate ginger and almond tofu. YUM!
The whites, pastel blues, and greens make the atmosphere of La Palma feel like summer year-round. This airy restaurant offers California-inspired Italian food and the menu consists of a number of twists on Italian favorites, from their famous 100 Layer Lasagna, to Cacio e Pepe pizza, to Grilled Lamb “Scottaditto.”
True True Pizza has some of the best ‘za that Toronto has to offer. Not only are the pizzas delicious, but the ambience of the restaurant is quite charming. The parlor has a pink and turquoise theme: The large sign outside the restaurant is turquoise while the walls and furniture inside are pink. Not to mention, all pizzas are served on bright teal trays.
The Ozery Bakery will change the way you look at carbs. Their breads, pitas and other delicious treats are made up of grains AND fruits, resulting in an incredibly tasty and healthy bread alternative. Try replacing Ozery’s breads in your favorite recipes, like pizza, bruschetta, and stuffing. You won’t be disappointed!
Not feeling the high tea back at the hotel? Try Otto’s Bierhalle, which will cure your hankering for German beer and schnitzel. Food is served in clumps on metal serving trays, making this grub the coolest and yummiest adult finger foods you’ll ever have.
Photo by The Drake Hotel
The Drake Hotel (no, the rapper Drake does not live here), without a hint of doubt, should be on your Toronto bucket list. The hotel is visually pleasing in all aspects, from their hotel rooms to pop-up art exhibits. Don’t miss out on the Sky Yard rooftop, either, which will show you some of the best views of the Toronto skyline.
Inside the Drake Hotel is its general store. This isn’t your typical hotel gift shop, though. This store is filled with antique treasures and sells everything from onesies, to funky jewelry, to hipster pins & patches. Needless to say, the Drake General Store is the place to treat yo’ self.
The Art Gallery of Ontario is a contemporary space that showcases modern and sophisticated art that design enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy. The gallery space also offers eagle-eye views of the different exhibits and swirling staircases between levels. Don’t miss out on the movie screenings, art parties and lectures from the pros of the art world that the Art Gallery of Toronto has to offer.
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In the King West neighborhood sits an incredibly chic rooftop space, Lavelle. From 16 stories up, enjoy the lounge bar, outdoor pool and cabanas that Lavelle has to offer and let the bottomless mimosas flow.
Hard cider distributor Strongbow is committing to bring nature back into cities, and we dig it. The company thought outside the lines and created a rooftop glamping scene in Toronto called the Orchard Glampground. The Glampground is filled with string lights, hammocks pitched tents and fire pits for s’more roastin’.
Lena offers a warm yet sophisticated ambience. The menu at Lena reaches down to its Argentinian roots and offers to-die-for South American cuisine. But let’s not let the imaginative style of the restaurant take the backseat. The main floor boasts an octagonal bar, marble-sheathed walls and floor-to-ceiling windows. Meanwhile, the bottom floor is a quiet, hushed lounge. And don’t even get us started on their exquisite bathroom wallpaper.
Oak + Fort is an apparel store that appreciates simplicity in fashion. The store believes that there’s no need for fashion to be complicated and focuses on statement pieces and soft colors. The store isn’t just for shopping, either—it often holds social events and happy hours so fashion-oriented individuals can network and collaborate.
Fring’s is an upscale dining experience, and by “upscale” we mean that the restaurant has plenty of truffle on hand. Did we mention it's owned by Drake? Fun fact: Rumor has it that this restaurant is named after Drake’s nickname for Rihanna. As if we needed another reason to visit!
Underneath the main dining room of Fring's is a mod lounge named Diablo, and it’s perfect for your next private event. The menu down here is course-style, featuring delicacies such as cheeseburger spring rolls, Hong Kong-style waffles, fried chicken, and pastry-wrapped prawns.
Underneath the main dining room of Fring's is a mod lounge named Diablo, and it’s perfect for your next private event. The menu down here is course-style, featuring delicacies such as cheeseburger spring rolls, Hong Kong-style waffles, fried chicken, and pastry-wrapped prawns.
Photo by Shangri-La hotel, Toronto
Toronto’s Shangri-la hotel is a design guru’s dream. The modern-chic atmosphere of this 5-star hotel is remarkably enchanting. Every room in the hotel has floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of this beautiful city. Make sure you check out the hotel’s dining scene, which features global cuisines of all kinds—from dim sum to high tea.
The Gardiner Museum is a ceramic lover’s dream, as this entire art gallery is dedicated to the works of clay. Not only can you explore the stunning ceramic art that the museum has to offer, but they host classes as well. Patrons can also rent out the lobby at the Gardiner Museum, which has beautiful limestone flooring and white walls, so it can easily be transformed into your fantasy event space.
Drake One Fifty is a bar, a restaurant, and an artistic space all in one. Eclectic murals adorn the walls, leather booths line the restaurant, and the floor is a mosaic-like tile. All of these characteristics give Drake One Fifty a diner-like feel. Oh, and don’t miss out on the vintage photo booths!
June Callwood Park is the definition of a park centralized around urban design and landscape. The park consists of a hedge maze, a mist garden, and pink rubberized benches and surfaces. Installed soundbars are also located throughout the park and give off sounds that make you feel like you’re floating in the clouds.
