Cibo Wine Bar
Where the well-dressed crowd sips on Merlot and gets lost in conversation, Cibo Wine Bar’s atmosphere has major appeal. Just like its décor –think exposed brick and wood finishes – the menu is rooted in rustic Italian fare. Try the burrata or the pappardelle, a slow-cooked lamb ragu, which are only a few of the savory highlights.
Where to Find:
522 King St. West, Toronto, ON
416-504-3939, cibowinebar.com
Lee
Newly renovated and hipper than ever, Lee is the brainchild of famed chef Susur Lee. Small-plate dishes are artistically presented and masterfully fuse modern Asian and French influences. This cozy “urban bento box” is a place to bring your friends, roll up your sleeves, and indulge in tasty eats.
Where to Find:
601 King St. West, Toronto, ON
416-504-7867, susur.com/lee
Valdez
The vibe in this west-end joint is buzzing with Latin music and the sizzling of plates. Pull up a seat to the open kitchen to watch as the chef’s slice, dice, and grill up a lusty spread of Spanish street food. If the weather permits, head to the rooftop for some Spanish BBQ and wash it down with an Aperol-lime margarita.
Where to Find:
606 King St. West, Toronto, ON
416-363-8388, valdezrestaurant.com
Gusto 101
What was once an auto garage has been revamped into one of Toronto’s must-go destinations for Italian fare. Gusto’s classical Italian dishes, like the Mafalde ai Funghi (pasta with Portobello mushrooms and truffle) and their Tuscan wood-fired grilled pizzas are simple, yet entirely delicious. Aside from their great vibe and truly satisfying cuisine, it’s the wine-on-tap that draws in the masses (it’s that good!).
Where to Find:
101 Portland St., Toronto, ON
416-504-9669, gusto101.com
Spice Route
You’re instantly transported into an exotic locale when you walk through the torch-lined entrance of this resto-bar. Spice Route’s cooking is married to the flavours of South East Asia with dishes like the signature spiced cod. Once you’ve indulged in your share of Indo-Chinese cuisine, continue your adventure with an expertly mixed Red Dragon Martini under the giant carved Buddha that towers above the bar.
Where to Find:
499 King St. West, Toronto, ON
416-849-1808, spiceroute.ca
Home of the Brave
Not for the faint of heart, Home of the Brave’s menu boasts homestyle comfort foods that triumph any appetite. The décor here is just as nostalgic as the Kentucky Fried Handshake Sandwich, where 50s diner kitsch line the walls and servers rock handlebar mustaches as they shake up vintage American cocktails.
Where to Find:
589 King St. West, Toronto, ON
416-366-2736, thehotb.com
Weslodge
On the walls of this west end jaunt hang taxidermy critters and antique portraits. The bar: lined with an apothecary of liquor bottles used to concoct sophisticated libations. Weslodge hums with bespoke suit-wearing diners lounging at this new-world saloon, indulging in evocatively named cocktails and saloon-inspired food (carnivores rejoice!).
Where to Find:
480 King St. West, Toronto, ON
647-660-0999, weslodge.com
