The Annex is one of Toronto’s older neighbourhoods, but it’s still on trend quite a bit. The pre-hipster folk still hang around here, as does the U of T student populace, and actually pretty much any walk of class in the city. Here are our five Annex faves.
Guu Sakabar
The second outpost of the popular Guu chained opened about a year ago in the Annex, this time with a smaller menu and more focused on sake culture. It’s as eclectic and frenetic as the first, serving up izakaya style food with a side of jubilant service.
Hey Lucy
A King Street fave and now Annex double, Hey Lucy’s wood-fired pizza is fantastic and its martini Wednesdays can’t be beat. It’s a popular spot many nights of the week, but if you’re like to slide on into a booth you’ll get some relaxing service and comforting grub. The cocktail list is pretty ample too.
New Generation Sushi
One of favourite sushi spots in the city, New Generation’s unique offerings are pitch perfect for the raw fish lover and vegetarian sushi nosher alike. You’ll often have to wait for a spot, but it’s well worth it for the menu. Try the spring roll maki, or the butter fish sushi combo. Whatever your tastes, New Gen is likely to please.
Harbord Room
The Harbord Room is a foodie’s dream, with chef Cory Vitiello’s cuisine perfectly executed every time. The room is sophisticated, the service on-point, and dishes like the duo of Ontario lamb, pork loin with brown butter and smoked cheddar spatzle, and the butternut squash risotto are drool-worthy and wholly appetizing.
Insomnia
One of those neighbourhood resto/pubs that always makes you feel welcome, Insomnia also has one of the best cheap brunches in the city. The atmosphere is chic and shabby, and the food comfort chic. (A good mix if we’ve ever had one.) Check out the weekly and daily specials for more reasons to visit.