If you have left your house at least once in the last month or so, you will have experienced some of this seasonal joy the media has dubbed the “Polar Vortex.” Whether this fearsome freezing phenomenon is caused by global warming, overall climate change, or a universal karmic response to Rob Ford is really inconsequential – all we need to know is it sucks and going outside is awful. Combine this with the fact that it constantly seems to either be snowing or icing over and one could hardly blame you for wanting to stay home until Easter.
However, we Torontonians are made of tougher stuff than that… and we also really love going out to eat. The solution? Valet parking, d’uh! To help you avoid getting ticketed or towed for parking in a plow zone, having to scrape the ice off your own car, and, of course, having to walk in the cold, we’ve collected some of our favourite Toronto restaurants with valet parking. Bonus? Valentine’s Day is around the corner and bringing her/him somewhere with valet parking looks mighty impressive. Remember to tip well though, gentlemen (and ladies). Nobody likes a cheapskate…
Sotto Sotto
Sotto Sotto takes the agony out of finding parking around Avenue Road (a task we all know is akin to Chinese torture) with valet lads right at the door. The restaurant itself serves a delicious menu of high-end Italian fare, featuring pasta, veal, seafood, and a “risotto for two” that would be perfect for any romantic evening on the town.
Michael’s on Simcoe
Our favourite downtown steakhouse with Italian flare, Michael’s on Simcoe takes away the migraine that is finding parking in the Financial District by offering complimentary valet service. You can just drive up, get out, and start enjoying some of their delicious USDA prime steak, seafood, or homemade pasta without a worry in the world. Bonus! They also have shuttle service to all Air Canada Centre events. Michael’s is almost too good to be true, can we get an amen?
Scaramouche
Given that Scaramouche has been one of Toronto’s top fine dining destinations for 30 years, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that these French fine cuisine leaders would have valet parking. Given their impeccable attention to detail, customer experience, and service, valet just seems to complete the picture. I mean, Pourquoi pas?
Pan on the Danforth
This Hellenic hotspot takes the hellishness out of finding parking on the Danforth on Friday and Saturday nights with their complementary valet service. Really, having to walk in the cold would totally take away from the hot, hot heat of Pan on the Danforth’s belly dancing live entertainment, explosive table-side service, and melt-in-your-mouth dishes.
Chiado
Driving and walking down College Street is often a nightmare at the best of times so the fact that Chiado has valet parking makes us want to scream their name with joy from the roof tops. The restaurant is the creation of Albino Silva, one of North America’s top chefs and restaurateurs, serving progressive Portuguese cuisine with bold flavours and creative presentation.
