We have always had a soft spot for Yorkville, as we have found the neighborhood to be absolutely loaded with the precise type of places we adore eating, drinking and coffee-sipping at while traveling. In fact, the good times we've had there have been so great that they've almost been enough to convince these two Western Canadians that Toronto might just be a place we could move to one day.
In fact, each-and-every time we have been to Toronto recently, we have found ourselves spending so much time dining and imbibing there, that we eventually started booking furnished rentals in Yorkville through Toronto Boutique Apartments. It has been a godsend as it has saved us so much time getting across the city and made those late-night returns from the bar super fast and easy and most importantly, it has let us know what it feels like to truly be a local in the area.
And any regular readers of the site will know that we love living like locals whether we go, whether it be on the other side of the globe or the other side of the country.
What's even better than that is that in the last year or so, Yorkville has really stepped up their game with a host of great new restaurant and bar openings, and the following are a few that we can't wait to check out the next time we have a Toronto extended stay.
Maybe see you at some of these places later this summer?
Putting a different spin on the typical third wave coffee shop, Alternative Cafe is serving nitro-coffee, rugelach, and a line of pressed juices at their new Yorkville location. We can't wait to try the Squirrel & Bear, a potent mix of espresso with superfood and nutrients served up in an uber cool glass beaker.
Poke is so hot right now, and Calii Love is now serving up bowls of the cool Hawaiian specialty alongside smoothies and coffee in the heart of the Yorkville. The dish consists of raw fish that has been marinated in shoyu, and here they receive fresh fish shipments each morning before it is cut and served up in all its tangy and delicious glory.
A small venue that does the simple things right, Brothers has already gained a reputation for fine food and a cheeky attitude. We love that put almost as much attention into their wine list as their menu - which is known to feature a mouthwatering beet and radicchio salad. Also look out for a great selection of mussels, which are only around on a short term basis.
This place reminds us of a Parisian bistro, but one with a huge modern update. From the stylish panes of glass out front to the slick decor, everything is appealing to the eye at Chabrol, and the menu full of delights like Pork Liver Mousse with Toast and Pickled Turnip and Riesling-Poached Foie Gras with Black Currant and Salsify is sure to satisfy.
I'm not one to pick favorites, but Planta might, maybe, could be the one I am looking forward to eating at the most on the list. Hey, I said 'maybe'! What I love about it is that not only are they serving unbelievable-good sounding plant-based dishes, they are also doing it in a sustainable way.
We would definitely start with an order of the Coconut Ceviche and Fried Kimchi Dumplings before making our way through the pizzas and the Planta burger, Crab Cakes (with hearts of palm no less) and Quinoa Tartare with beet, carrot, and pickled mushrooms.
Definitely not your mother's coffee shop, Goldstruck has 'struck gold' (sorry, we had to) when it comes to their creative line of coffee drinks. We love the idea of sipping a cayenne & halva latte on a cold day, being warmed not only by its temperature but the touch of spice. But if you're just into a flat white made with fresh-roasted beans, they can do that for you, too!