What do you do when you find yourself in Toronto? Eat. Well eat a lot but take some breaks to do other fun things too. Recently Brett and I spent four nights in Toronto with an agenda of food, drinks, shopping and visiting friends before they moved overseas. 
I am by nature a planner, but in an attempt to seem carefree we opted for only one official reservation during the stay along with a long list of where to go. After polling friends who have lived in or currently abide in the city we found ourselves with too many fantastic options. Here is where we ended up:
Daily house ground beef burgers, american style, greasy and so so delicious.
We wish that there were four of us so that we could of had the fried chicken dinner but none the less our noodle bowls were tasty along with our slushy sake cocktails.
3. The Art Gallery of Ontario (not food I know)
I try and get to at least one art gallery when visiting other cities, it is always an afternoon well spent.
“The AGO’s collection of model ships made me want to become a pirate.” (Brett)
The best tacos and best caesar ever along with the best rap (the only type of music that is played in this establishment). I had four tacos and I could have had four more. My personal favourite was the baja fish.
5. Dark Horse Espresso Bar + 6. Home of the Brave
These two visits were quick stops that were worth it. Dark Horse Espresso Bar has a few locations throughout the city, make it to one or two if you can.
Home of the Brave’s menu offers ‘american fusion’ which includes a take on poutine with tater tots that is so damn good. Who doesn’t like tater tots?!! Don’t be deterred if you like your vegetables though, we also enjoyed a delicious beet salad and brussels sprouts served in a creamy cheese sauce.
7. WVRST
We enjoyed a pre-dinner beer sampler here before our dinner next door at Lee. Had we had the time we would have come back for food. Wvrst offers not only a huge array of beer on tap, but bourbon and jagermeister too. And with family style dining tables and an order window, it is the perfect place to enjoy a drink and sausage away from a street cart.
8. Lee
This was our only official reservation of the trip. We enjoyed Susur Lee’s infamous 19 ingredient Singapore Slaw (which lives up to it’s hype) with the addition of tuna sashimi, scallops, lettuce wraps and proseco. Tasty? Yes.
Great pizza warms my heart. This was no exception. This dinner was among our favourites of the trip. Pizzeria Libretto only takes walk-ins, but don’t let that deter you. After a short wait over a cocktail at a bar next door we enjoyed a beet caprese salad and homemade meatballs, then shared Libretto’s take on a classic margherita pizza along with a delicious bottle of valpolicella. For dessert, espresso and biscotti for myself and an americano along with a vanilla affogato (gelato drowned in espresso) for Brett. Just thinking about it makes me want this dinner again.
With help from a friend Brett was able to sneak in for a shave and cut at The Crows Nest. Fashioned after an old school barber shop, you will find each barber in a white jacket with a straight razor busy at work. Make an appointment or prepare to wait - this place is busy from morning to night.
11. Get Well
A great bar to stop in at to grab a pint and plug a vintage arcade machine.
12. Bar Isabel
One of our favourite meals of the trip. This Spanish Tapas restaurant offered amazing cocktails, food, service and atmosphere. After a meat and cheese board, olives, albacore tuna, grilled mushrooms with a chicken liver mousse, and wild leeks with ham and a smoked egg we managed to finish with an espresso and oat crumble lime puff. Oh my, it was delicious.
13. This is Not a Toy Exhibit at The Design Exchange
This exhibit was guest curated by Pharrell Williams (what can’t that guy do??). I have never paid much attention brightly coloured plastic figurines but these are not your regular toys. What an interesting way to shed some light on an art form that often gets passed by.
14. Unloveable The
We found ourselves at this small bar at the end of a couple of nights catching up with dear friends before they moved across the pond to London. This bar among others was a great little hole in the wall that we otherwise never would have found. 
13. Saving Grace
This was our longest wait for a meal of the trip but it was worth it. Especially the avocado espresso smoothie. This was without a doubt the best smoothie I have ever had. And with daily specials that include elaborate french toast and lamb sausage, we were happy to make it our last meal of the trip (other than in the airport which doesn’t count).
And that’s our trip to the big city! Keep travelling, keep eating and always keep your glass full. xox
Pictures, Layout & Words: Sarah Gurevich and Brett Howe
Tagged: Toronto, Toronto food
