Best Restaurants for a City Getaway in Toronto

The long weekend just ended, but why should this mean that you have to wait for the next one to feel like you’ve had a getaway? Escape city life for a few hours with these suggestions. From the authentic to the kitsch, you might just forget you’re in the concrete jungle for a while.

Best Restaurants for a City Getaway in Toronto
Stephanie Dickison By

Southern Accent

1
839 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A1

he raucous spirit of Bourbon Street is alive and well at Southern Accent. Celebrating 31 years on Markham Street, this restaurant has everything from hush puppies to jambalaya and two in-house psychics. Finish off the evening with Pecan Pie, Mardi Gras beads, and dancing to Zydeco and Louisianan music. All while leaving your passport at home.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Rooster Coffee House

2
479 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4K 2N4

This little coffee shop nestled in the Riverdale neighbourhood might be a regular caffeine stop for most, but if you stop for just a moment, you'll feel like you’re in Muskoka. The rustic décor and board games in the back lends a cottage-y feel to the place, but it’s outside that you’ll feel like you’re at the lake. Take in the view of Riverdale Park and our tremendous skyline while you sip your Americano, but don’t be surprised if you hear the sounds of lapping waves nearby.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Against The Grain Urban Tavern - Harbourfront

3
25 Dockside Dr, Toronto, ON M5A 0B5

If you are searching for actual water, this is the place to be. Nestled right next to Sugar Beach, you’ve got the sun, water and sand all at your feet. That, and a big menu to indulge in your cottage-y cravings. So sit back in the cushion-y patio furniture and soak up some rays while you tuck into burgers, salads, Lake Erie Pickerel, Cast Iron Seared Atlantic Salmon and Smoked Ontario Pork Ribs with some drinks and good friends. It’s time to celebrate - who says you need a place outside of the city to do that?

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Stephanie Dickison Stephanie Dickison
Former editor of Dine.TO and industry expert Stephanie Dickison has been covering the Toronto food and restaurant scene for over a decade. In addition to profiling top chefs and interviewing celebs, her Open/Closed column is a must-read every Thursday for the newest openings, and latest news and events.
Best restaurants for fish & chips in Toronto

Best restaurants for fish & chips

Sitting on the dock of the bay, or a patio downtown, or in the cool comfort of an air conditioned restaurant, nothing says summertime like fish and chips. Here are the city’s top 5 spots:
Best Restaurants for Celebrity Spottings in Toronto

Best Restaurants for Celebrity Spottings

We are so fortunate in Toronto that we don’t have to wait for TIFF to arrive to get a sneak peek of Hollywood elite, supermodels and their ilk. If you want to star-gaze and get up close to celebs, head to these top 5 eateries in the city for VIPs and superstars.
Best Restaurants for Pre-Theatre Dining in Toronto

Best Restaurants for Pre-Theatre Dining

One of the best ways to spend a summer evening is to catch a show. Whether you’re going out to a big theatre production such as Newsies or Kinky Boots, or you’re heading off to hear a performance by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company or Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra & Chamber Choir, you’re going to want to eat beforehand.
Close menu