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15 Restaurants for a Pre-holiday Celebration
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15 Restaurants for a Pre-holiday Celebration
The cold air is here, the lights are up and the lineup for the holiday market is wrapped around the Distillery District. All this means that the holiday season is upon us!
Whether it's dinner with family, catching up with coworkers, drinks with friends or a holiday date night, we have the perfect spots for you. From casual French food to mouthwatering Italian to simple bites, this list has every type of celebration covered.
As we know, reservations in the city have been particularly tough over the past few months, and this holiday season will be no exception. Be sure to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Here are 15 restaurants you should check out for a pre-holiday celebration.
Dotty's
The team behind Dandylion has recently brought us Dotty’s - a casual neighbourhood restaurant and bar in the Junction. With simple bites and a great wine list, this walk-in-only spot is great for smaller gatherings this holiday season.
Dotty's
The team behind Dandylion has recently brought us Dotty’s - a casual neighbourhood restaurant and bar in the Junction. With simple bites and a great wine list, this walk-in-only spot is great for smaller gatherings this holiday season.
Parkdale
269 Dunn Ave
Simpl Things
This Parkdale spot offers two unique concepts under one roof. Simpl Things is a pasta bar by day and a Taiwanese snack bar by night - all tied together by delicious craft cocktails, wine and beer.
Simpl Things
Parkdale
269 Dunn Ave
This Parkdale spot offers two unique concepts under one roof. Simpl Things is a pasta bar by day and a Taiwanese snack bar by night - all tied together by delicious craft cocktails, wine and beer.
West Queen West
922 Queen St W
Henry's Restaurant and Wine Bar
This restaurant and wine bar is worth reserving well in advance to secure a table. In addition to their gorgeous dining room, Henry’s offers a private dining space in their wine shop for groups of 10-14 people.
Henry's Restaurant and Wine Bar
West Queen West
922 Queen St W
This restaurant and wine bar is worth reserving well in advance to secure a table. In addition to their gorgeous dining room, Henry’s offers a private dining space in their wine shop for groups of 10-14 people.
Fashion District
432 Wellington St W
Le Sélect Bistro
French
This well-loved Toronto institution recently reopened its Wellington St spot. Check them out for a holiday brunch, lunch or dinner.
Le Sélect Bistro
Fashion District
432 Wellington St W
This well-loved Toronto institution recently reopened its Wellington St spot. Check them out for a holiday brunch, lunch or dinner.
French
Parkdale
1592 Queen St W
Clandestino Wine Bar
Best known for its fantastic date-night special consisting of a small charcuterie board, any two appetizers, any two main courses, two desserts and a bottle of wine for $130, Clandestino is the go-to spot for dinner for two.
Clandestino Wine Bar
Parkdale
1592 Queen St W
Best known for its fantastic date-night special consisting of a small charcuterie board, any two appetizers, any two main courses, two desserts and a bottle of wine for $130, Clandestino is the go-to spot for dinner for two.
Mother Tongue
Whether you’re looking for casual cocktails, a family night out, or dinner with friends, this is the spot to check out. With two floors of seating, creative cocktails and a diverse menu, Mother Tongue, your group is bound to love this spot.
Mother Tongue
Whether you’re looking for casual cocktails, a family night out, or dinner with friends, this is the spot to check out. With two floors of seating, creative cocktails and a diverse menu, Mother Tongue, your group is bound to love this spot.
Yonge and Eglinton
2031 Yonge St
Little Sister
Indonesian
A dutch-indo restaurant with a speakeasy makes for the ultimate night out. Check out their Portland or midtown locations this holiday season.
Little Sister
Yonge and Eglinton
2031 Yonge St
A dutch-indo restaurant with a speakeasy makes for the ultimate night out. Check out their Portland or midtown locations this holiday season.
Indonesian
Fashion District
98 Portland St
SARA Restaurant
Fine Dining
This globally-inspired spot offers both an a-la-carte and a tasting menu, with menu items like their signature chopped salad, shrimp ceviche, a chef’s choice protein and dessert.
SARA Restaurant
Fashion District
98 Portland St
This globally-inspired spot offers both an a-la-carte and a tasting menu, with menu items like their signature chopped salad, shrimp ceviche, a chef’s choice protein and dessert.
Fine Dining
Harbord Village
96 Harbord St
Dreyfus
French
Dreyfus is what they call french-ish dining. This is the go-to date night spot for a holiday celebration.
Dreyfus
Harbord Village
96 Harbord St
Dreyfus is what they call french-ish dining. This is the go-to date night spot for a holiday celebration.
French
King West
433 King St W
Miss Likklemore's
Caribbean
What started as a pop-up has officially made a home for itself in the King West area. This spot serves Caribbean-inspired family-style dishes, perfect for an upscale celebration.
Miss Likklemore's
King West
433 King St W
What started as a pop-up has officially made a home for itself in the King West area. This spot serves Caribbean-inspired family-style dishes, perfect for an upscale celebration.
Caribbean
Leslieville
819 Gerrard St E
Wynona
Italian
This east-end spot is perfect for small groups and offers family-style set menus for groups over 8. Their rotating menu consists of seasonal appetizers, pasta, mains and desserts.
Wynona
Leslieville
819 Gerrard St E
This east-end spot is perfect for small groups and offers family-style set menus for groups over 8. Their rotating menu consists of seasonal appetizers, pasta, mains and desserts.
Italian
Little Italy
597 College St
Pompette
Take it up to College Street for casual french fine dining. Pompette is a great spot to enjoy dinner before heading over to their cocktail bar just a few doors down, Bar Pompette.
Pompette
Little Italy
597 College St
Take it up to College Street for casual french fine dining. Pompette is a great spot to enjoy dinner before heading over to their cocktail bar just a few doors down, Bar Pompette.
Osteria Giulia
Osteria Giulia became a city favourite when it opened earlier this year, and having recently been awarded a Michelin Star; you will need to book in advance at this spot. Check them out for a superb Italian dinner.
Osteria Giulia
Osteria Giulia became a city favourite when it opened earlier this year, and having recently been awarded a Michelin Star; you will need to book in advance at this spot. Check them out for a superb Italian dinner.
Dundas West
928 Dundas St W
Bar Vendetta
A city classic for delicious pasta and small plates. We recommend ordering a few plates for the table. This spot is an excellent place for groups who like to share.
Bar Vendetta
Dundas West
928 Dundas St W
A city classic for delicious pasta and small plates. We recommend ordering a few plates for the table. This spot is an excellent place for groups who like to share.
Kensington Market
199 Augusta Ave
Grey Gardens
Eclectic
This Kensington spot is known for its long list of wines and a rotating seafood-heavy menu. The relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect to gather with a small group to celebrate the holiday season.
Grey Gardens
Kensington Market
199 Augusta Ave
This Kensington spot is known for its long list of wines and a rotating seafood-heavy menu. The relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect to gather with a small group to celebrate the holiday season.
Eclectic