8 Toronto Restaurants You Need To Try When You Need Someplace New

Sometimes "The Usual" Doesn't Cut It.
@allureofsimplicity

There's a lot of self-induced pressure on Torontonians to savor the summertime. Winter tends to be long and brutal so every weekend from May through August needs to be lit. Once it hits 20 degrees – or even 15 – the city comes out of hibernation, the jackets get put away, and patio season commences. It's that time of year we actually look forward to; holiday season is great, but we all know the TTC during negative temperatures is not something to daydream about.

Longing for summer is what gets us through the work and school season, even if we forget about the humidity. Apart from having to shave everyday, sweating on the subway and hiking up your energy bill with constant AC, summer in Toronto is the best 4 months of the year. You can finally eat outdoors, hangout poolside, and walk from your uber to the club without  ruining your heels. But if you notice yourself gravitating to the same spots and want a change of space, Toronto is bursting with cool restaurants, clubs and lounges. Whether you go with friends or family check out these places:

Photo cred: wherejessate.com

The Porch // 250 Adelaide St W

Toronto's equivalent to Perch LA, The Porch is a rooftop patio with a view. Sit back with a beer, a burger, the CN tower and relax. The quintessential summer food and ambience needs to be enjoyed while the warm weather lasts. Their Quinoa Picnic Salad to Ball Park Hotdog can be enjoyed on this patio from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. all week long. The Porch brings your backyard to the heart of the Entertainment District with eggs benny in the morning and string lights at night.

Photo creds: Margo Vartanian

Wish Restaurant // 3 Charles Street E

South Beach inspired in both aesthetic and cuisine, Wish brings Miami to Toronto. It's Summerlicious menu is light yet filling with a fresh arugula salad, clean turkey burger and indulgent lemon donut to name a few. Good for brunch with the girls or a quick after work catch-up, the all white interior design brings the coast to the city

Photo creds: @cactusclubcafe

Cactus Club Café // 77 Adelaide Street West

The hippest alliteration in Toronto, Cactus Club Café is an exemplary hot spot for good food, good vibes and good views. After 5 p.m., the patio becomes home to businesspeople post-work, students pre-party and couples mid-date. The Tuna Tataki, Rob's Crispy Chicken Sandwich and Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bar are all must tries.

Photo cred: www.escapadeblog.com

Figo // 295 Adelaide St W

Figo brightens the corner of Adelaide and John with marble counters, sphered silhouettes and refined menus. The bar features colour-coordinated bottles shelved on an arched display, the menu reads a range of ricottas and a wide list of wines while the atmosphere breathes a casual elegance. The menu varies from brunch to dinner and if you don't know what to order, try the pancakes, Gigli Pasta, Truffle Honey House Ricotta and Panna Cotta.

Photo creds: @reformatt

Lavelle // 627 King St W

Sometimes all you want to be is bougie, boozy, and bearing a bikini and Lavelle is the place to be just that. This rooftop oasis overlooks King St., Lavelle is the newest urban playground to eat, drink and swim. Boasting 16000 square feet of modern space with a 155 square foot pool, garden, DJ and restaurant, Lavelle is the refined version of Cabana. Notable menu items include their tuna tartare, wild salmon and pistachio cake.

Photo creds: @pianopianotherestaurant

Piano Piano // 88 Harbord St

This brand new spot on Harbord is a total dream. From the rose painted walls to the escgarot to the black, white, pink and gold interior, both your mouth and Instagram feed will be winning. It's also notably family friendly, with a designated area to play and eat. The made-from-scratch menu takes pride in its authenticity, quality and attention to detail. With a slight Alice in Wonderland whimsy designed by celebrity interior designer Tiffany Pratt and true Italian heritage inspired by chef Victor Barry, Piano Piano is a double whammy.

Photo creds: @ladiperie

La Diperie // 372 Danforth Ave

Soft serve is taking Toronto by storm with La Diperie being the latest launch. With out-of-the-box flavors and customizable cones, this place will have you screaming. Dip your cone into pistachios, pretzels, maple pecans etc. for sweet or savory flavor combinations. Cool down during the rest of summer while strolling down the Danforth, La Diperie in hand.

Photo creds: @simplyb313

Alo //163 Spadina Ave

Alo's upscale palette is a new addition to Spadina's roster of restaurants. Its polished menu epitomizes quality over quantity. Foie gras, lobster, snails and artichoke grace the sophisticated menu; clean ingredients are used to cultivate decadent flavors and textures. Simple yet complex in both taste and design, Alo also has a tasting menu of multiple courses for $89/person. Toronto foodies rejoice with this opulent dinner spot.

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