Apr 9

Apr 9 Best of Toronto: Date Night

The best thing about date night in the city of Toronto is the plethora of options available. If you are looking for an opportunity to reconnect after a bustling week, there is a private and quiet spot to find that connection. If you want to switch things up from the everyday routine of your relationship, get out of your comfort zone and bond over a new shared experience, you can do that too.

Whatever stage of relationship you are in - from “what are we,” to lifelong partners in crime, there’s a spot to match your relationship vibes. And whether you are a connoisseur of French cuisine, prefer the exotic flavours of Polynesia, or want to Lady and the Tramp a plate of spaghetti, your options are limitless in Toronto where multi-culturalism defines our city.

So read on to see why these ten Toronto restaurants are my favourite date night spots and what kind of atmosphere you can expect from each:

1. Smith

I don’t know if there’s anything more romantic than a small, candlelit French brasserie. Dark and intimate, with leather benches lining the wall, antique mirrors framing the bar and the most beautiful drink menu studded with aperitifs and champagne based cocktails, you will find yourself settling in for a long night of deep conversation with your significant other. I think Smith is especially romantic for dinner (get the house burger!), although they are also known as a popular purveyor of brunch in the Village in case you are looking for a morning date option.

2. Death & Taxes

Judging by the bustling crowds every night, Death & Taxes seems to be a favourite spot in Toronto’s west-end. Prohibition vibes with melted candlesticks, a black wood bar and buzzy neon set the scene. The premise is slightly dark, with tongue-in-cheek humour iterating that “the only certain things in life are death and taxes.” Be that as it may, this moody bar is a fun and casual spot to grab a drink and an appy or two (try the tuna tataki!) as a couple or in a group date setting.

3. Pinky’s Ca Phe

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I was so excited to be surprised with a date last summer to a really delicious and beautifully designed Toronto restaurant I’d never heard of before. Inspired by 1970s speakeasys in Vietnam, Pinky’s feels like you’re having dinner in a secret garden or kitschy greenhouse. It’s an intimate spot, with amazing food that strays from your typical date night fare. We shared the mango-papaya salad with squid, the marrow beef bone, fried rice and the pho beef dip.

4. Big Crow

Venture towards Dupont St., where the Annex meets Casa Loma neighbourhoods and you’ll find Big Crow, a Muskoka-inspired barbecue brought to you by the King of Dupont himself, Chef Anthony Rose. Follow the smell of cedar smoke and grilled meats to find the hidden gem in the backyard of Rose & Sons. Lanterns, fairy lights, and communal-style picnic tables make for a perfect summer date night. Although the menu has been switched recently, the red pine salmon poke, baby back ribs and Caesar salad were great to share.

5. Don Don Izakaya

If you haven’t yet been to an izakaya, your next date night is the perfect opportunity to try something new as a couple. Izakayas are essentially Japanese pubs, with an eclectic mix of traditional and modern tapas-style food items and a wide selection of sake. Don Don has a fairly unassuming facade, located right beside the Eaton Centre, but once you get upstairs you’ll feel transported. It’s a lively spot - expect gong ringing, sake bombs and an open kitchen. My favourite menu items are the spicy okra shrimp, torched salmon sushi, bamboo squid, okra kimchi fried rice, and of course - Tonkotsu ramen.

6. Grand Electric

In the slowly gentrifying neighbourhood of Parkdale, along Queen St. West are a number of popular eateries and bars, including Mexican taqueria Grand Electric. With maybe 35 seats available inside and a big ol’ patio out back, it is perfect regardless of whether you want something more lowkey for a one-on-one evening or a hangout for a bigger group date. The beef cheek or crispy cauliflower tacos are a few favourites.

7. Nuit Social

Another cute little gem just west of Ossington, Nuit Social is the best spot in Toronto on a Wednesday with their buck-a-shuck deal. Share a plate of the aphrodisiacs and order a custom board of charcuterie. In the summer there is a tiny little patio out back but the real winning spot is right beside the front windows inside where you can people-watch and put your love on show.

8. Broncos

If you are in the process of just getting to know someone or you would just consider yourself a lowkey couple, Broncos is the date night bar for you. Perfect for the “let’s not try so hard” ambiance, this bar features an epic soundtrack of 90s classics, an amazing patio for cool summer nights, and an array of sliders on the bar snacks menu.

9. 416 Snack Bar

Foodie couples - this one is for you. Led by the runner up of Top Chef Canada, Dustin Gallagher, 416 Snack Bar is full of delectable (and reasonably priced!) gourmet finger foods. I have tried pretty much everything on this menu and can guarantee satisfaction. My favourites? The steak tartare is deadly and the korean fried chicken is heavenly. Wash it all down with a local brew from Blood Brothers - the Paradise Lost sour is incredible.

10. Bellwoods Brewery

Last but certainly not least, the hipster hangout to rule them all: Bellwoods Brewery has a lovely, farmhouse feel with whitewashed walls, a white picket fence and Edison light strings glowing up the mood. It’s a very peaceful date spot on one of my favourite streets for strolling in all of the Six, Ossington Ave. My favourite beer from Bellwoods is the Jelly King which is a sour and definitely not to everyone’s taste but worth trying if you are feeling adventurous.