Yonge and Eglinton is far enough away from the hustle and bustle of downtown but retains a thriving community all its own. And, with plenty of transportation options available, spending a fun day in midtown Toronto is never more than a hop, skip and jump away.
There’s no bad time to have a cupcake. The Cupcake Shoppe is proudly nut-free, with 11 of their 28 varieties available in-store every day. Flavours include lemon drop, raspberry buttercream, chocolate mint and chocolate-frosted vanilla. The best part may be the cupcakes’ names, which include Naughty n’ Spice, Curious George, Sleepless in Toronto and Berry White.
While this place is somewhat under-the-radar, it won’t take long before all the cool coffee-lovers in Toronto head here. The vibe is incredibly cozy, with an exposed brick wall, chalkboard menu, chic light fixtures and rustic wood tables. The Turkish tea – which comes in its own little pot – tends to be the most popular beverage, but their strong coffee and espresso follow close behind. If you’re lucky, you can score a sample of their delicious cookies.
Locals have made this pub their favourite either by word of mouth, and it’s not hard to see why. The booths are cozy and private and, while they fill up quickly, there are plenty of little round tables for seating you and a friend. They’ve got a really good beer selection and to-die-for sweet potato fries – both of which go great with whatever game is on TV.
Is there any food that doesn’t go well with beer? The folks at Granite don’t think so, and it shows, with plenty of brews, including more than 10 made on-site. After you order your nachos, quesadillas, steaks, pizza or pasta, make sure you ask your server to recommend a beer you haven’t tried before. If you like what you drink during your meal, visit their beer store afterwards and take a jug or keg home with you.
The brainchild of acclaimed Toronto chef Mark McEwan, North 44 has consistently attracted sophisticated clientele from all over the world. When you go for a meal here, you’ll be coming for the whole experience: impeccable service, Michelin-level food preparation and an extensive menu that appeals to all tastes and diets. You’ve never had hand-rolled gnocchi, seared lamb loin, or pumpkin cheesecake the way you will here. Just be sure to call for a reservation ahead of time.