In our latest series, we fill you in on the best places to eat, drink and be merry in whatever pocket of the city you may find yourself in.
With its Victorian style structures and cobblestone lined streets, the Distillery District truly is a unique and one of a kind neighbourhood to visit here in Toronto. In recent years, the district was named a heritage site and since then, it has seen many notable festivals and gathers take place including The Christmas Market and Diner en Blanc. So if you’re in the area and want to grab some good eats, where is there to go? Here are just a few of our suggestions on places to visit in The Distillery District.
Arvo Coffee
17 Gristmill Lane
Cafe, $
Recently opened in the District, owner Justin Carriere (formerly Lit Espresso Bar and M Square Coffee) alongside business partner Edward Kuo have created a space for good coffee and community. Giving a nod to the Australian ethos of service and brewing, Arvo offers a beautiful space for their espresso drinks made with Phil & Sebastian beans. With a pop-up flower shop (DeLight Floral + Design), reading nook and excellent drinks – you’ll be hard pressed to leave.
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Cacao 70
28 Gristmill Lane
Desserts, $$
If you thought you loved chocolate, think again. Cacao 70 is the place to be if you want to experience all things chocolate in dessert form. The menu offers everything your heart could possibly desire from fondue to chocolate pizzas to crepes and more. The space is relaxed and each staff member is willing to walk you through the types of chocolate available on hand. Great for a first date, if you want our opinion.
El Catrin
18 Tank House Lane
Mexican, $$
Looking for a great patio and amazing eats? Well you might want to add El Catrin to your list because this place is awesome. The seasonal outdoor seating area is huge and gives a great view of the Distillery District plus the food is incredible. Serving up Mexican cuisine, you’ll find tons of small shareable plates in case you’re in the mood to try a bit of everything. Our suggestion? The godbernador taco (with sautéed shrimp, lobster, chipotle aioli, black bean purée) or the always perfect chips and guacamole.
Mill Street Beer Hall and Brew Pub
21 Tank House Lane
Gastropub, $$
One of the original craft brewers in the city, Mill Street has their own beer hall which has pub food and pints. The space has two sides (brew pub and beer hall) both functioning as a restaurant and event space. With your typical pub grub like burgers, wings and the like – Mill Street is the perfect venue to watch the game or catch up with friends.
Brick Street Bakery
55 Mill Street
Bakery, $
Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh baked goods? Well over at Brick Street Bakery, you can indulge in all kinds of them. With fresh pastries, bread and savoury goods – it’s hard to select just one item. Plus, if you’re running in on a lunch break – they serve up freshly prepared sandwiches on the stop. But just a heads up, there is no seating – this place is take-out only.
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Soma Chocolate
32 Tank House Lane
Chocolatier, $$$
No trip to the Distillery District would be complete without a trip to Soma. Regarded as one of the top chocolate shops in North America, Soma takes a lot of pride in the product they produce. From single-origin, high-cocoa content chocolate bars to simple hot chocolates – each product and experience is shared with love. Be prepared for an all out sugar high that will be worth every single penny.
Boku
42 Gristmill Lane
Sushi, $$$
One of Toronto’s hidden sushi gems is hiding out right here in The Distillery District. Boku offers everything from Japanese dishes, sake and well, you guessed it – sushi. While a dinner for two can be quite costly here, we really enjoy the Omakasé ($80 per person) which offers diners soup, salad, appetizer, fresh assortment of sushi and dessert. Not bad, not bad at all. Now let’s all raise our chopsticks and prepare to get feasting.
RELATED LINK: The Best Restaurants in Kensington Market
Did we miss any of the best restaurants in the Distillery District? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
