In our new series, Notable Neighbourhoods, we’re running off the top five restaurants you need to check out in each of the city’s awesome niches. To start, we’re heading to Parkdale. Where do you need to go while there? Check out our five picks…
Grand Electric
When two ex-Black Hoof’ers – chef de cuisine Colin Tooke and front-of-house manager Ian McGrenaghan – slyly opened Grand Electric in late November, foodies exalted the new Mexican-inspired spot that’s awash in brown booze. Now, the lineups are long, the food still exceptional, and the energy amazingly frenetic.
Keriwa Cafe
It opened last summer and was a welcome addition. Why? Keriwa Cafe serves up Canadian comfort food with a definite gourmet twist. The kitchen’s helmed by Aaron Joseph Bear Robe, of Native Canadian and Scottish descent, and the local and seasonal menu is always enticing. Bonus: The brunch here is awesome (AWESOME!).
Maialino Enoteca Italiana
Authentic and traditional Sicilian cuisine with a twist. This newer entry to the Parkdale resto scene (it opened in late December) has been lauded by food critics and discerning diners alike for its commitment to spectacularly fresh dishes. Add to its amazing menu some of the best Italian wines you could ever imagine, and you’ve got yourself a must-go.
Parts and Labour
Parts and Labour – and its concert/party venue The Shop – is a favourite amongst hipsters and indie lovers alike. The resto is unique and the food as well, with plates like pumpkin gnocchi, roasted squab, and boudin noir. The drink list is tight, and the wine and beer lists well-cultivated…and yes, dear hipster YPs, they have Waupoos.
Local Kitchen and Wine Bar
Local’s become somewhat of a staple in Parkdale – and the owners are loved also for sister resto Bar Salumi – in the two and a half short years since its opening. And for good reason: the food is tasty and comforting, the atmosphere inviting, and the wine list robust. (You can also order a bottle of Osoyoos Larose, one of our all-time favourite reds.)
Photo courtesy Maialino