Food enthusiasts should look no further than Toronto, a city renowned for its impressive choice of international cuisines, for the ultimate culinary-fueled trip. For a gourmet adventure, explore MICHELIN-starred restaurants pushing the boundaries of gastronomy and savor the warm charm of casual eateries serving modern twists on Canadian cuisine. Then top it all off with innovative cocktails and panoramic views at one of the city’s many rooftop bars. This four-day itinerary takes travelers through diverse neighborhoods, specialty shops, bustling markets, and restaurants of every variety to experience the best flavors Toronto offers. The choices are practically endless, but wherever you choose to go, Toronto delivers on its promise of an epicurean adventure.
Itinerary
PLAN YOUR TRIP
The restaurants and shops of Toronto’s King Street West entertainment district at night
Courtesy of Destination Toronto
Day 1Celebrate Your Arrival in Toronto with Dinner and Drinks
Your culinary exploration kicks off at Bisha Hotel Toronto. Known for its stylish design and prime location, it delivers an abundance of amenities and elegance. Before you leave, you’ll want to ascend to the rooftop bar, Kōst, on the 44th floor for a Spicy Berry Margarita and unobstructed CN Tower views.
This evening, prepare for an unforgettable dinner with impeccable service at Alo, a Michelin-starred gem pushing the boundaries of cuisine. Under the direction of chef Patrick Kriss, the kitchen masterfully blends European and Asian influences in a single tasting menu, featuring dishes such as creamy Koshihikari risotto and Dover sole with caviar beurre blanc.
As the night unfolds, venture to BarChef, a cocktail bar celebrated for its artistic approach to mixology. Elaborate cocktails like a Coconut & Absinthe Sour or Coffee & Spruce Mai Thai make for a singular drinking experience in a chic setting.
This evening, prepare for an unforgettable dinner with impeccable service at Alo, a Michelin-starred gem pushing the boundaries of cuisine. Under the direction of chef Patrick Kriss, the kitchen masterfully blends European and Asian influences in a single tasting menu, featuring dishes such as creamy Koshihikari risotto and Dover sole with caviar beurre blanc.
As the night unfolds, venture to BarChef, a cocktail bar celebrated for its artistic approach to mixology. Elaborate cocktails like a Coconut & Absinthe Sour or Coffee & Spruce Mai Thai make for a singular drinking experience in a chic setting.
Carousel Bakery
Courtesy of Destination Toronto
Day 2Experience Toronto’s Local Flavors
Rise to an authentic local breakfast with a peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery, housed in the St. Lawrence Market, a busy marketplace that dates to the 19th century in Toronto’s center. A Canadian classic consisting of a crispy pork loin rolled in cornmeal and served on a bun, the sandwich is a popular local treat. Then browse the market’s local vendors and their abundance of fresh produce, artisanal foods, gourmet products, and culinary delights.
Next on the agenda is the Signature Tour at Reid’s Distillery, where you’ll come away with newfound knowledge about the intricacies of distillation and craftsmanship behind spirits. Upon arrival, you’re greeted with a gin and tonic before learning more about the production of Reid’s gins and exploring the inner workings of the distillery. The experience culminates in a tasting session of Reid’s botanicals and individual distillates, followed by a guided gin and tonic flight showcasing Reid’s Signature, Citrus, and Spiced Gins. Conclude your tour with a cocktail from Reid’s Distillery menu, savored in the relaxed lounge setting.
More drinks, like the Dirty Little Secret with pisco and lime, and stunning skyline views await at the rooftop bar at The Broadview. Then dine on dishes that fuse Asian and Canadian flavors at Lake Inez, a notable restaurant with distinctive, Asian-inspired menu items that change regularly, like a deconstructed Crab Rangoon and tempura striped bass.
Next on the agenda is the Signature Tour at Reid’s Distillery, where you’ll come away with newfound knowledge about the intricacies of distillation and craftsmanship behind spirits. Upon arrival, you’re greeted with a gin and tonic before learning more about the production of Reid’s gins and exploring the inner workings of the distillery. The experience culminates in a tasting session of Reid’s botanicals and individual distillates, followed by a guided gin and tonic flight showcasing Reid’s Signature, Citrus, and Spiced Gins. Conclude your tour with a cocktail from Reid’s Distillery menu, savored in the relaxed lounge setting.
More drinks, like the Dirty Little Secret with pisco and lime, and stunning skyline views await at the rooftop bar at The Broadview. Then dine on dishes that fuse Asian and Canadian flavors at Lake Inez, a notable restaurant with distinctive, Asian-inspired menu items that change regularly, like a deconstructed Crab Rangoon and tempura striped bass.
Amsterdam Brewhouse
Courtesy of Destination Toronto
Day 3Tour Toronto Culinary Gems
This morning it’s a chocolate lover’s dream come true with a tasting experience at the Soma Chocolatemaker factory. This renowned chocolatier has earned a dedicated following due to a commitment to using only exceptional ingredients to craft high-quality confections in innovative flavors. They’ll guide you through an exploration of the world of chocolate in many forms, from cacao beans to award-winning and rare varieties.
Then it’s off to the Cheese Boutique, a gourmet cheese shop offering an extensive selection of fine cheeses, charcuterie, and specialty food items. The tour, led by a knowledgeable cheese specialist, takes you to the vault, which is the beating heart of this establishment. It also guides you through a tasting of several cheeses and concludes at Bottega Bakery Cafe for a coffee or tea and pastry.
Leave room for authentic Spanish tapas like ham croquettes and grilled octopus at Bar Raval. The intricate wooden interior, adorned with graceful curves and carvings, mirrors the style of Antoni Gaudí's architectural works in Barcelona. Then end your night with a round of frozen fino sherry coladas or white lotus spritzes at the Drake Hotel bar. If you’re lucky, you might even catch some live entertainment there.
Then it’s off to the Cheese Boutique, a gourmet cheese shop offering an extensive selection of fine cheeses, charcuterie, and specialty food items. The tour, led by a knowledgeable cheese specialist, takes you to the vault, which is the beating heart of this establishment. It also guides you through a tasting of several cheeses and concludes at Bottega Bakery Cafe for a coffee or tea and pastry.
Leave room for authentic Spanish tapas like ham croquettes and grilled octopus at Bar Raval. The intricate wooden interior, adorned with graceful curves and carvings, mirrors the style of Antoni Gaudí's architectural works in Barcelona. Then end your night with a round of frozen fino sherry coladas or white lotus spritzes at the Drake Hotel bar. If you’re lucky, you might even catch some live entertainment there.
The Distillery District
Courtesy of Destination Toronto
Day 4Hit Toronto’s Distillery District
On your final day in the city, you’ll start the day in the Distillery Historic District. Galleries, shops, and restaurants line the cobblestone streets of this historic neighborhood. Then get ready for a self-guided tour of the Spirit of York Distillery Co., which specializes in vodka and gin, and discover the alchemy behind their excellent spirits. Finish with a flight of three of their premium spirits at the Tasting Bar.
Conclude your culinary odyssey with dinner at Fat Pasha. The notable restaurant does Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist and consistently impresses with dishes like fried halloumi sticks and sea bream with caponata. Toast to your delicious culinary adventure in Toronto.
Conclude your culinary odyssey with dinner at Fat Pasha. The notable restaurant does Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist and consistently impresses with dishes like fried halloumi sticks and sea bream with caponata. Toast to your delicious culinary adventure in Toronto.
