This is it – the only midnight that matters. We promise that where you choose to spend the 31st is just as important as who you’re with and what you’re wearing (not to mention what you’re drinking). Hence why we’ve put together the ultimate list of NYE options for young professionals (YPs) in Toronto. So stay with us, cause over the next week we’ll roll out and recommend every desirable destination this city has to offer. From hotels to restaurants, and clubs to events, we’re going to let you know all the best ways you can step into 2014 in style. So choose wisely, YP. The celebration may only last one night, but if play your cards right you could be talking about it all year.
Reserve the Restaurant
For those of you who’d rather spend your New Year’s Eve focusing on tasty dishes than dance moves, we thought we’d let you in on a few of our favourite Toronto restos that are putting together a little something special on the 31st. Best book soon though, because we suspect these specials will run out faster than the opportunity to kiss your crush at midnight.
Splendido
Chef Victor Barry will take you through a spectacular meal featuring the likes of Smoked Oyster, Justyce Farms Rabbit Pappardelle, and Vacheron Mont D’or featuring black truffles. Don’t worry, we don’t understand half those words either.
What You’ll Get:
– 7-course meal
– Optional wine pairing
– A pocket dictionary
The Details:
Menu $140, Pairing Wines $100; 88 Harbord St; Reservations and more info here.
Lee/Bent
Both of Susur Lee’s Toronto restaurants will be offering three-course meals featuring such mouthwatering options as Susur’s Signature 19-Ingredient Singaporean Slaw, Duck Confit Peking Pancake, and Rack of Lamb Provençale. And so we say this with love, dear reader: get bent.
What You’ll Get:
– 3-course meal
– 3 optional seating times
– Enough fusion to power a rocket
The Details:
Menu $85’ 601 King St. W / 777 Dundas St. W; Reservations and more info here and here.
The Emerson
For their first New Year’s Eve, this Bloor West hipster hotspot is providing a team of burlesque dancers who’ll take the floor at midnight to distract you while 2013 slips away forever. Oh, and something about food, too.
What You’ll Get:
– 3-course meal
– Well made cocktails
– We mentioned the dancers, right?
The Details:
Menu $50; 1279 Bloor St. W; Reservations and more at info 416-532-1717 (no website).
Ursa
One of Toronto’s hottest restaurants for the past two years, Ursa will surely carry you into 2014 with a full and satisfied belly. They haven’t released the menu yet, but you can be sure this contemporary Canadian cuisine won’t disappoint. After all, when was the last time anything contemporarily Canadian let you down…
What You’ll Get:
– 9-course meal
– Nourishing food made with modern flare
– A signed Don Cherry suit that smells of maple syrup
The Details:
Menu $125 pre-paid ; 924 Queen St. W; Reservations and more info here.
The County General
Already featured on our 5 Restaurants – Queen West list, this fantastic little bourbon and rum bar is putting together a party. And we can’t imagine a cozier room to spend our last night of 2013 getting drunk – um, we mean having fun – in. Ya, that’s what we mean.
What You’ll Get:
– Small bites of County Classics such as oysters and mini burgers
– Five drinks (included with your ticket)
– A midnight toast
– Drunk (we give in)
The Details:
Menu $75; 936 Queen St. W; 10pm – 3am; Reservations and more info here.
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Cover image: Ursa