High-fives to Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas for justifying your indulgence in delectable treats throughout the holidays! However, while you’ve been sipping on hot cocoa and toddies, Toronto has been serving up some super fresh hot-spot restaurants you won’t want to miss. Here is the View the Vibe round-up of Toronto’s latest and most awesome restaurants:
Barrio Coreano
Dave Sidhu, the man behind the Playa Cabana family, just cannot sit still. Opened less than 2 weeks ago, this Koreatown restaurant is his fourth uber cool eatery. Barrio Coreano’s menu was inspired by Latin America and Asia in equal parts. The menu delights in a bi-coastal collaboration with items like grilled octopus and wasabi salsa taco ($6 each) and cocktails like the soju sangria. Read more about the unique menu here
The P&L Burger
Soon after Parkdale’s grand-daddy cool spot, Parts & Labour, won the title of “Best Burger” on CMT’s Burger Wars television show, owners Jesse Girard and Richard Lambert had a brilliant idea: give Queen Street West an outpost for six juicy, succulent, classicly and curiously dressed burgers. Don’t worry vegetarians, you won’t feel left out – there’s a sweet veggie option too. We indulged in their menu soon after they opened and yes, it’s a sweet spot. Read our review here but heads up – it may make you drool! Read more here
Boots & Bourbon Saloon
Earlier this month the wild west moseyed its way into Riverdale towing every cowboy’s favourite pastime along with it: bourbon-soaked line dancing. From the brainchild of Rock Lobster’s Matt Dean Petit, we trust he knows what he’s doing! A Southern style menu featuring deep fried pickles, fried beer cheese and catfish ‘po boys, plus cocktails that come in a 32-ounce boot-shaped glass, you know you’re staying all night. And let’s not forget one small detail: a mechanical bull for all rodeo lovers – yeehaw! Read more about it here
Pizzeria Via Mercanti on Elm
Toronto’s best pizza maker has expanded to Toronto central, on Elm Street between Yonge and University Ave. Just like its first location, Pizzeria Via Mercanti on Elm keeps its ingredients simple, authentic and true to Italy’s city of Salerno. Chef Romolo sticks to his roots and puts out a pizza that is fresh and delicious. If you haven’t tried their Margherita Pizza, this is a MUST. We’ve said it once and we’re saying it again, Via Mercanti is one of the best pizzas in Toronto! Watch the vibe at the Kensignton location:
Pizzeria Via Mercanti in Kensington Market from View the Vibe on Vimeo.
Fonda Lola
Thank you, heaven, for Toronto’s newest “gastronomia Mexicana”, Fonda Lola. Tacos have been a trend in Toronto for a couple of years now but the food at Fonda Lola goes beyond this with Chef Howard Dubrowsky at the helm and Mexican food aficianado Andres Márquez behind the bar. Their fare is traditional Aztec cuisine with the Howard twist. Grilled steak with mole sauce and softened jalapeno and cilantro, plus tequila-based cocktails like the classic margarita or – get this – kombucha on tap, qualifies Fonda Lola as our favourite place to keep spicy hot this winter. Follow @FondaLola for their latest info and features.
Touhenboku Ramen
Self-professed as “Toronto’s newest and most authentic ramen restaurant”, Touhenboku is Queen Street’s newest spot for a bowl of piping hot ramen noodles. To start, perhaps a creamy-and-crunchy appetizer of Korokke: little rolls of potato and cream fried in crispy panko. YUM. These days, the only thing more ubiquitous than a taco in Toronto is ramen!
Duke’s Refresher & Bar
Situated smack dab in the center of Toronto at Yonge and Gerrard, Duke’s satiates a thirst for 40 different draft beers and the tastiest pub grub to soak it all up. With an unapologetic attitude, they encourage you to be shameless and dig into items like the “The Pig & The Egg”, an intensely delicious amalgamation of fried egg, sausage, bacon, pulled pork, American cheese and crispy avocado on a bacon focaccia bun – shameless indeed! Pair that with the spicy Caesars (only $4.50 on Sundays) and you are hangover free! Read our full review here
King Rustic
When you need to eat like a king or queen, King Rustic is the answer. The resto-lounge offers a delicious yet unfussy menu with robust with belly-pleasing food. Located in the heart of King West, a lavish yet unpretentious spot like this is welcome. King Rustic balances eating like royalty and kicking off your boots after a long day’s work. Read more here