Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood has a reputation for glitz and glamour, but there’s so much more to the area than luxury stores, chic hotels and high-end condos like up and coming development by MOD Developments — 55C Bloor-Yorkville Residences.
Yorkville is also home to some of the city's best bars, restaurants and gourmet grocery stores. With Pusateri's, Whole Foods and McEwan Yonge & Bloor right there and Eataly on its way, Bloor-Yorkville is transforming into a foodies' paradise.
These are the 10 best restaurants you need to check out when you’re in Bloor-Yorkville.
1. Cafe Boulud — 60 Yorkville Ave.
Michelin-star chef Daniel Boulud’s swanky cafe is a must-visit for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. The menu is rich and delicious with options like boudin blanc, confit de canard and Parisian steak tartare, but some of the best dishes are on the appetizer menu. Try the mousse de foie or the terrine de foie gras — you won’t regret it!
2. Planta — 1221 Bay St.
When it comes to upscale plant-based restaurants, Planta is at the top of the chain. The innovative restaurant led by Chef David Lee is more than just a vegetarian hot spot. It’s a fine-dining destination that just happens to be completely meat-free. Give the coconut ceviche a try. The taste and texture of young coconut will have you rethinking raw fish going forward.
3. Buca Yorkville — 53 Scollard St.
Consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the country, let alone city, Buca is well worth the splurge. Chef Rob Gentile’s famed restaurant is located at the base of the Four Seasons, hence it’s modern-day American aesthetic. When it comes to the menu, however, it’s traditional Italian, so don’t pass up on classic dishes like their whole branzino.
4. Chabrol — 90 Yorkville Ave.
The cozy Yorkville bistro is bursting with flavour. Hidden off Yorkville Ave., this 19-seater restaurant is tiny so you better book your seats in advance. The menu for mains is even smaller than the restaurant itself, so you might want to consider multiple small dinner items. Just be sure to leave room for dessert! The apple tart is simply divine.
5. One Restaurant — 116 Yorkville Ave.
Mark McEwan’s restaurant in the Hazelton Hotel is the place to see and be seen. The restaurant has drawn in the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Justin Bieber, but what will keep you coming back is the food. Kate Moss may have noshed on a bagel here, but we’d recommend trying the salmon rosti if you’re stopping in for brunch.
6. The One-Eighty — 55 Bloor St. W.
Head over to The One-Eighty for one of the best views in the city. Formerly Panorama lounge, this swanky restaurant has been completely revamped. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the restaurant's panoramic city views. Order a cocktail (might we suggest The Beekeeper?) and head out to the patio for a night you won’t soon forget.
7. Constantine - 15 Charles St.
Located in the Anndore House, Constantine is the mouthwatering Mediterranean collaboration between La Palma owners Craig Harding and Alexandra Hutchison and Mercatto's Jack and Domenic Scarangella and Steve Christian. Like La Palma, Constantine is open all day long and specializes in sharing menus. If you're stopping by for brunch, consider the Duck Confit Hash — it's hearty but oh so delicious. For dinner or lunch, we'd recommend the lamb burger, which is tender and juicy.
8. Wish - 3 Charles St. E.
The ultimate brunch destination, Wish is just a short stroll away from 55C. The restaurant's cool aesthetic matches its laidback atmosphere making it the perfect resting stop between Bloor-Yorkville's busy streets. Stop by for one of Wish's many delicious brunch options and don't forget to order a glass of the Tina-Muddled Raspberries and Prosecco.
9. KOKO! Share bar — 81 Yorkville Ave.
New to the neighbourhood? Head over to KOKO ASAP. The shared tables make for a great place to meet new friends. The Korean/Japanese fusion restaurant has a lot of gems on its menu including a mouth-watering roasted cod dish and nine different Bibimbap options.
10. The Wickson Social - 5 St. Joseph St.
Located on the ground level of another building by MOD Developments, FIVE St. Joseph, The Wickson Social is a Brit-style pub that is both eclectic and sophisticated. The dining space is filled with antique chairs and bright red banquet tables, but the pièce de résistance is the art mural on the main wall. Designed by local artist Candace Osborne Bell, the wall is covered in cute animal characters clothed in vintage attire. The art in this place will definitely get you talking, but once the food arrives you'll be too busy eating to say another word. For dinner, you can't go wrong with the veal striploin, but if you're looking for something smaller the Burrata, Pea and Asparagus salad is a great pick too.
Bonus! Dynasty - 69 Yorkville Ave.
No need to venture over to Dundas and Spadina, some of the city's best dim sum is located in Bloor-Yorkville! Dynasty offers the classic dim sum spread as well as set menus for two, four, six or 10. You can't go wrong ordering shiu mai, har gow, fresh tofu and baked tapioca.
