BREAKFAST
BOOM BREAKFAST & CO, 808 College Street (boombreakfast.com)
‘A modern take on diner style – long, yellow, with booths and banquettes. Best place for high-quality breakfasts and brunches. Big portions, too.’ Sarah, Huh Boutique
LUNCH
CAFE DIPLOMATICO, 594 College Street (diplomatico.ca/)
‘The centre of Little Italy. Owned by the same Italian family for 50 years, it’s cheap and has the best calzone in town.’ George Chenery, student
DINNER
FOXLEY, 207 Ossington Avenue
‘Pan-Asian food served tapas-style. Amazing, buzzing atmosphere.’ Linh Diep, fashion designer
BARS
THE COMMUNIST’S DAUGHTER, 1149 Dundas Street West
‘This cosy bar transforms into jazz heaven on Sunday afternoons. The bartender serenades you and plays trumpet while serving drinks. It’s enough to make you swoon.’ Danella Hocevar, PA
THE BEAVER, 1192 Queen Street West (thebeavertoronto.com/)
‘Self-proclaimed home to “Toronto’s most exciting punk rockers, photographers, performance innovators and beauties”, the Beaver is a café bar serving the best food, drink and music at all hours in the trendy Queen West area.’ Richard Stipl, artist
HOTEL
THE HAZELTON, 118 Yorkville Avenue (thehazeltonhotel.com/)
‘Sleek, discreet and sexy, with an unassuming exterior. Top marks for cool gadgetry in the large rooms and the deepest, if rather tomb-like, baths. Now an established celeb port of call, it’s also handy for the designer shops of Bloor Street West.’ SD
TRANSPORT
HARBOURFRONT SAILING & POWERBOATING, 275 Queen’s Quay West (qqy.ca/)
‘Hire sail or motorboats for exploring Lake Ontario – with or without a skipper. You can stop at the islands, where you’ll find sandy beaches, quiet or lively, to suit everyone. Plus it’s a great place to see the city skyline.’ GC
CLUB
THE DAKOTA TAVERN, 249 Ossington Avenue (thedakotatavern.com/)
‘If you’re feeling a little bit country and a little bit rock’n’roll, the Dakota won’t disappoint. The relaxed atmosphere encourages dancing and drinking to some of the best live old-school country, surf rock and bluegrass acts. Try the Bluegrass brunch on Sundays but go early to avoid queues.’ DH
ONE-STOP STREET
AUGUSTA AVENUE
'This place has an infectious bustling energy and is one of the most ethnically diverse streets. Divine vegan Chinese food, great little spots for Indian, Mexican and Chilean food, as well as the not-to-be missed French bistro La Palette (no 256) are nestled between vintage and local designer shops – don’t miss Model Citizen (no 279) and Bungalow (no 273) – and fruit markets. Augusta really shines on the last Sunday of the month during the summer when it’s car-free and has all-day street parties.’ Mia Nielsen, curator
DAY TRIPS
TORONTO ISLAND
‘A 15-minute ferry ride transports you from the city to this island retreat – actually a network of islands making up one huge park with paths, woods and secluded bays. Explore the enclave at Ward’s Island, take lunch or dinner at the Rectory, a little café with stunning summer patio, and, if you have little kids, the small amusement park is a great place to escape to.’ MN
CENTRE ISLAND
‘Perfect for wine and cheese, and naps under the willow trees.’ Julie, Bungalow vintage shop
HIDDEN STREET
MILKY WAY, north of Queen, between Gwynne and Elm Grove Avenue, west of Dufferin
‘A little lane close to some of the coolest shopping Queen West has to offer. Find the best vintage at the Public Butter (1290 Queen Street West), best patio at the Cadillac Lounge (1296 Queen Street West) and all Canadian designs found at Shopgirls (1342 Queen Street West), right across the street from the Milky Way.’ DH
SUNNY SPOT
CLOUD GARDENS, Richmond Street, east of Bay Street
‘An oasis from the downtown financial district. Elaborate walkways, a waterfall and a greenhouse take you from traffic to calm in seconds.’ SD
WHAT TO BRING HOME
MADE-TO-ORDER CLOTHES
at PEACH BERSERK, 507 Queen Street West (peachberserk.com/)
‘Fantastic fabrics are knocked into shape at this silk-screen workshop and packed boutique.’ SD
FORBES WILD FOODS MAPLE SYRUP
from CAVIAR DIRECT, 93 Front Street East (caviarforsale.com/index.htm)
‘Caviar and all sorts of wild Canadian gourmet delights can be beautifully packed as gifts. Located on the lower level of the historic St Lawrence Market, which is worth a visit in itself.’ Erica Gordon-Russell, copywriter
British Airways flies twice daily to Toronto from London Heathrow. Visit ba.com.
Coming soon: Tokyo and Singapore
