Toronto’s Most Notable Dining Dates

It was a slow start, but Toronto’s axial tilt has officially shifted and the city streets are basking in sunlight. As we step out of our condo caves, trade turtlenecks for tanks and begin to mingle once again, YPs around the city have officially entered the season of love. Take full advantage of the cuisine options around the city and impress that special someone. We’ve prepared the following list of “Best Dining Dates in Toronto” – the perfect abodes to feast at during every phase of the relationship. 

Best First Date:

She says: Hemmingway’s

Hemmingway’s meets the three components of a perfect first date location: 1) You don’t have to wait in line. Get in, sit down, get a drink.  2) There is a balanced level of white noise. 3) The menu has variance to suite all palate and price point preferences. Come for a drink. Come for a snack. Come for a meal. Maybe all three! It’s a comfortable setting for just about anyone. (Bonus points for their multi-tier sun-filled patios!)

He says: Gusto 101

Gusto 101 has been a city favourite and a foolproof first date since its inception last year. Food is well done Italian (who doesn’t like Italian?), wine is available at a dollar per ounce and delicious, atmosphere is second to none. Gusto is casual, classy, and trendy all at the same time – a perfect tone for getting to know someone and showing off your exquisite yet humble tastes. And don’t worry, there’s no fear picking up the cheque at this one. Try early in the week to make sure you get a seat at a decent time.

Best “Rounding Third Base” Date:

She says: Acadia

Acadia presents a mélange of atmosphere, comfort food and well-priced cocktails. The menu – the offspring of a Maritime seafood and Cajun southern cookin’ love affair – offers items like crackling fried chicken and Atlantic shrimp. The atmosphere is gentle and warm, the service top notch. Ask your server to walk you through a flight of their well-crafted Bourbon list. It’s a home run.    

He says: Grand Electric

Grand Electric – the Parkdale gem that got everybody talking. A Grand Electric night starts with putting your name on “the list” and heading across the street for cocktails. That’s followed by delectable Mexican delights and authentic cocktails at GE itself, finished with a smooth dessert and, yes, more cocktails. The impressive bourbon/cocktail list, an array of tacos, and loud old school hip-hop do wonders for your confidence in getting around that looming third base. Somehow a multi-hour wait becomes a feature when it allows you to start the night with drinks and conversation to build up to the culinary wow factor.

Best ‘”We’re Comfortable Together” Date

She says: Nazareth

It’s a culinary treasure nestled on the gritty strip of Bloor between Ossington and Dufferin. In a neighbourhood peppered with Ethiopian establishments, the locals know “the one” to try. Offering no utensils, your only method of consumption is handfuls of warm injera – authentic Ethiopian flatbread – scooping up the marinated meat and vegetables basked in African spices. Nazareth is perfect for those looking for a spicy experience – the finger licking and chin dribble can be forgiven. There’s something quite intimate about sharing food and eating with your hands.

He says: Golden Turtle  

A staple of the West End. Come to Golden Turtle and get a satisfying meal in the form of a vermicelli bowl – crisp vegetables, fried spring roll, and well seasoned meat atop a bed of rice noodles. Hearty and fast, this is the perfect place to quickly grab takeout on the way home for movie night, or sit for a quick meal before a walk through Trinity Bellwoods. Without drinks, the bill will come in under $20 and beautifully complement a comfortable evening with a loved one.

Best Special Occasion Date

She says: Cafe Nervosa

Call ahead and reserve the private balcony. It’s a third storey table for two located on a secluded Juliette terrace with a beautiful view. Overlooking the prime of Yorkville style, sipping fine wine by candlelight, at dusk, or in the afternoon sun offers an allure that can’t be matched. While the menu is that of a casual corner Italian restaurant (thin crust pizzas and well-made pastas), there is no other setting in Toronto that offers the same intimate dazzle. Use the remote location to your advantage.

He says: Encoteca Sociale

This place should be a contender for all your celebratory needs. The food screams quality, the wine list is unique and the atmosphere is quiet, gentle, romantic. From appetizers through to desserts, dishes are fresh, flavourful and perfectly portioned. The pace of the meal is relaxed and pleasurable. Enoteca Sociale is perfect for spoiling yourselves and enjoying the company of one you’ve come so far with.