M Studio's guide to Toronto

Jane
M Studio's guide to Toronto

Neighbourhoods

Kensington Market is Toronto's most eclectic and authentic neighbourhood. It's filled with a mix of unique restaurants and cafes and so far has resisted the trend of chain establishments and stores. Part hippy paradise, part down to earth low-end food and spice stores, it's colourful and fun and some of the city's best food can be found here.
1699 locals recommend
Kensington Market
1699 locals recommend
Kensington Market is Toronto's most eclectic and authentic neighbourhood. It's filled with a mix of unique restaurants and cafes and so far has resisted the trend of chain establishments and stores. Part hippy paradise, part down to earth low-end food and spice stores, it's colourful and fun and some of the city's best food can be found here.
This is the neighbourhood you'll be staying in: Toronto's unofficially named "Gay Village". A social hub for people from all backgrounds, it is full of a great energy, and is a wonderful place to spend the evening dining or drinking with friends, and not just during Pride. In the warmer months (and, thanks to outdoor heaters, the not so warm ones too), you'll see patios brimming with life and laughter and some pretty decent cocktails. It's one of our favourite parts of the city - which is why we love raising our family here.
115 locals recommend
Chelsea Area
115 locals recommend
This is the neighbourhood you'll be staying in: Toronto's unofficially named "Gay Village". A social hub for people from all backgrounds, it is full of a great energy, and is a wonderful place to spend the evening dining or drinking with friends, and not just during Pride. In the warmer months (and, thanks to outdoor heaters, the not so warm ones too), you'll see patios brimming with life and laughter and some pretty decent cocktails. It's one of our favourite parts of the city - which is why we love raising our family here.

Food scene

This is my favourite ramen joint near the studio. It's located down an alley beside Rabba on Wellesley. The service is casual and friendly and the ramen is sublime. My top pic is the Hakata style tonkatsu ramen. It's highly addictive! Please note: this is a cash-free establishment. Only credit and debit are accepted.
6 locals recommend
Ramen Raijin on Wellesley
6 locals recommend
This is my favourite ramen joint near the studio. It's located down an alley beside Rabba on Wellesley. The service is casual and friendly and the ramen is sublime. My top pic is the Hakata style tonkatsu ramen. It's highly addictive! Please note: this is a cash-free establishment. Only credit and debit are accepted.
A little pricey but amazing spot for brunch. Best French toast. In the world. Ever. Period. Also, the patio makes you feel like you're in the french countryside, and it's covered during the colder months so you can still sit there
46 locals recommend
Wish Restaurant
3 Charles St E
46 locals recommend
A little pricey but amazing spot for brunch. Best French toast. In the world. Ever. Period. Also, the patio makes you feel like you're in the french countryside, and it's covered during the colder months so you can still sit there
This is my absolute favourite restaurant in the city. It's a bit of a trek from the studio, but you can hop on a streetcar just outside of the Eaton Centre that takes you the whole way there, or you can treat yourself to an Uber. Cozy and unassuming, it markets itself as a wine bar and has an amazing, down to earth, selection. But what we go there for, and what keeps us hopping in an Uber as soon as the name is mentioned, is the PiriPiri chicken, that should always be accompanied by at least 2 orders of the bread and butter. I know...drive across the city for roasted chicken and bread? Trust me. It is absolutely the best thing I have ever eaten anywhere. Don't worry; it's got a little kick but not too much and it's perfectly balanced.
63 locals recommend
Paris Paris
1161 Dundas St W
63 locals recommend
This is my absolute favourite restaurant in the city. It's a bit of a trek from the studio, but you can hop on a streetcar just outside of the Eaton Centre that takes you the whole way there, or you can treat yourself to an Uber. Cozy and unassuming, it markets itself as a wine bar and has an amazing, down to earth, selection. But what we go there for, and what keeps us hopping in an Uber as soon as the name is mentioned, is the PiriPiri chicken, that should always be accompanied by at least 2 orders of the bread and butter. I know...drive across the city for roasted chicken and bread? Trust me. It is absolutely the best thing I have ever eaten anywhere. Don't worry; it's got a little kick but not too much and it's perfectly balanced.
Upscale pub grub that isn't too hipstery, good beer, friendly service, and a brunch to die for. It's a local institution at this point and isn't too far a walk if the weather is behaving. Check them out if you're around on a Sunday; they make proper roast dinners that would make my Irish mother proud.
159 locals recommend
House on Parliament
454 Parliament St
159 locals recommend
Upscale pub grub that isn't too hipstery, good beer, friendly service, and a brunch to die for. It's a local institution at this point and isn't too far a walk if the weather is behaving. Check them out if you're around on a Sunday; they make proper roast dinners that would make my Irish mother proud.
It looks like the lobby bar of an upscale hotel, and makes a mean cocktail. The food is always good, but goes up and down from good to amazing depending on the day. The drinks are what you go for. If you like a well crafted cocktail in a swanky setting, and don't mind paying for it, this place is for you.
20 locals recommend
SALVO
5 St Joseph St
20 locals recommend
It looks like the lobby bar of an upscale hotel, and makes a mean cocktail. The food is always good, but goes up and down from good to amazing depending on the day. The drinks are what you go for. If you like a well crafted cocktail in a swanky setting, and don't mind paying for it, this place is for you.