For the first time ever, the editorial leadership at View the VIBE and Living Luxe magazine has come together to curate this comprehensive list, which we believe exemplifies a truly outstanding VIBE. Restaurants were rated on service, atmosphere, design, food, ambiance, and music and/or entertainment. These establishments don’t just offer a great VIBE; they embody it, providing a memorable, addictive, and comfortable yet polished experience that keeps you coming back. We proudly present you with the 20 best VIBES Toronto has to offer….
Here’s View the VIBE x Living Luxe magazine’s 20 best VIBES from across Toronto right now
Not ranked in any particular order.
Don Alfonso 1890, Harbourfront
Recently relocated to the Harbourfront area, on top of the Westin Harbour Castle hotel as its crown jewel, this outpost Michelin star restaurant has also been named the best Italian Restaurant outside of Italy. It features an immaculate design, showcases one of the best views, and has what we would call the best fine dining VIBE in the city—elegant, classy, yet not stuffy.
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Harriet’s Rooftop, King West
Scenic views and sophisticated VIBES are the names of the game at Harriet’s. This Japanese fusion spot serves up expertly crafted cocktails and upscale bites, with the sounds of the city’s best DJs in the background and a backdrop of stunning and sprawling city views.
BlueBlood Steakhouse, Casa Loma
Those in the market to drop dollars on a sophisticated spot fit for any special occasion – whether for business or pleasure – can do so at BlueBlood, for the best dinner VIBE the city has to offer. Located in the famed Casa Loma, the opulent steakhouse specializes in dry-aged steak and decadent seafood towers.
Harbour 60, Harbourfront
A city staple for years, upscale steakhouse Harbour 60 has been the meeting grounds of celebrities and CEOs for decades. Known for its reliable upscale comfort food and VIBE – which is worth every cent of the inevitably steep bill – the spot is as known for its extensive wine list as it is for its quality steaks, just steps from the waterfront.
Dbar at Four Seasons, Yorkville
Consistently filled with an eclectic mix of interesting characters of all backgrounds, Dbar at the Four Seasons is the type of spot where you’ll see guests of all ages – especially over 35 – indulging in cocktails and classy debauchery. For this reason, it offers the best mature VIBE in the city.
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One at Hazelton Hotel, Yorkville
With its subdued VIBE and indulgent menu of upscale comforting bites, One at the Hazelton Hotel is a go-to for visiting and spotting celebrities alike. Whether they’re in town for TIFF or a film shoot, Hollywood’s most famous faces have graced the patio, lobby bar, and indoor space of the restaurant, offering the perfect celebrity-spotting VIBE—or people-watching for that matter.
Prequel Apothecary Co. Queen West
Prequel Apothecary Co. is now the second outpost by internationally acclaimed master mixologist, and Netflix sensation, Frankie Solarik. Prequel is offering the best speakeasy VIBE; hidden behind an apothecary front, the spot serves up caviar service and cocktails bound to rock your taste buds like no other.
Lavelle Patio, King West
Those looking to dress up and see and be seen in a scenic rooftop spot hit Lavelle. A summertime staple, the sprawling rooftop bar features swimming pools, stunning city views, cabanas, and quality eats and drinks. Although a much younger late-night weekend VIBE, the day party and summer rooftop scene are immaculate.
Baro Rooftop, King West
Feeling like a Miami hotspot hidden above King West, Baro’s rooftop tropical oasis VIBES can’t be missed this spring and summer. It serves up delicious approachable eats and drinks in a relaxed environment, making it perfect for both an after-work drink and bite or a night out with friends.
Kasa Moto Rooftop, Yorkville
Located in the heart of Yorkville, Kasa Moto’s large patio rooftop is a go-to for the city’s easy-on-the-eyes set of movers and shakers. The upscale spot is one of the toughest patios to get on to, offering up the best summer patio VIBES, as guests enjoy a Japanese fusion menu and elaborate cocktails.
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Clockwork at the Fairmont, Financial District
Offering a distinctively regal appeal, the new(ish) Clockwork at the iconic Fairmont Royal York Hotel is one of the most talking point-filled lobby bars in the city. The cocktail and champagne lounge offers a distinctly sophisticated and sexy vibe, with an interior inspired by luxury Pullman carriages, making it by far the best lobby bar VIBE in the city.
Reyna on King, Corktown
With its sharable Mediterranean-inspired bites, relaxed VIBE, and nostalgic 90s music, Reyna on King offers the best date night VIBE. The intimate King East spot invites guests to get comfortable and bond over a quality meal, complete with Insta-worthy decor, in the rapidly developing Corktown area – located just steps from the distillery district.
Louix Louis at St. Regis, Financial District
Louix Louis, a golden-gilded luxe gem tucked away above the city’s financial district, is a place to see and be seen. Don’t wait for the FOMO to kick in after their iconic 13-layer cake flies by you, as it sells out quick. Louix Louis fills up with after-work suits, dates, and tourists alike, great for people watching with an invigorating buzz, with an upscale VIBE that’s not pretentious in any way.
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Parc Ave, Yorkville
Perfect for an after-dinner nightcap or a night out VIBE alike, Parc Ave is Yorkville’s newest late-night addition. It serves up over-the-top lavish cocktails and caviar bumps, just steps north of the heart of the city’s most sought star-studded neighbourhood. It offers mature VIBES all around, whether you’re perched at either of the bars for a cocktail to meet people or joined in one of their lush red velvet booths for bottle service.
Big Trouble, Chinatown
Expect lively weekend vibes from Big Trouble, located above the heart of Chinatown. The spot offers up a wide range of Baiju, approachable cocktails, and a mix of great tunes from one of their various resident DJs. It’s always a good time, but don’t be thrown off by their long lines along Dundas West, as they tend to move quickly. Their Asian-inspired decor and Pan-Asian light bites offer up the perfect combination of cultural and modern cravings priced for a younger VIBE.
EPOCH at The Ritz-Carlton, Entertainment District
Dubbed one of the ultimate TIFF hotspots, the newly redesigned lobby bar inside the Ritz-Carlton does not disappoint. Whether you’re looking for drinks on the patio, or a pre or post-show show dinner (it’s just steps from Roy Thompson Hall and Mirvish theatres), you never know who you might encounter at the bar. It’s elevated, yet brings warm and cozy VIBES, with tastefully done British fare.
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Evangeline at the Ace Hotel, King West
Evangeline at the Ace Hotel offers the city’s newest rooftop VIBE that has quickly made its mark. It serves up delicious cocktails and attracts an elevated artsy, cultural crowd like no other – whether for after-work drinks, a bite on the patio (set to debut this spring,) or an after-dinner nightcap. Every nook and cranny up there offers up a warm and cozy VIBE.
Black Pearl, Entertainment District
Live music doesn’t always have to mean a hot and sweaty standing-room-only mosh pit. At the Black Pearl, you can either be seated at the bar, or in any one of their booths across the room and still enjoy the best live entertainment VIBE – and if you’re lucky, a good view of the stage too.
Aloette, Queen West
Michelin-star chef Patrick Kris’ more relaxed outpost of the Alo Food Group, Aloette, offers up a polished diner VIBE in the city (the best, for that matter). With an array of mouthwatering eats, this is the only location of the chef’s coveted lineup that you can (hopefully) walk into without a reservation.
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Fonda Balam, Dundas West
The unassuming but crowd-pleasing Dundas West restaurant Fonda Balam was recently featured in the Toronto Michelin Guide and offers up the perfect combination of relaxed Mexican cuisine with the best-relaxed VIBE in the city. With a buzz you can hear and feel just by walking by, you’re always bound to have a great time.