Canada
If you’re looking to find a place to wind down, The Esplanade is filled with restaurants and pubs. One of my favourites is Bier Markt. With over 100 brands of beer from over 24 countries, this Belgian brasserie has the perfect menu that pairs food and beer. And depending on what time of year you’re visiting, you will experience a “culinary feastivul,” ranging from fondue in February, shellfish in May, Oktoberfest in October and wild game in November.
www.thebiermarkt.com
58 The Esplanade, ON M5E 1R2
+1 416 862 7575
Google map: bit.ly/qwC8lI
This is a great place to grab a drink before heading out to dinner - it’s quiet and low-key and has none of the pretension that most Yorkville bars have. The rooftop lounge has a balcony that has a great view of the city; on a clear day, you can see for miles. With old-style service, this venue is perfect for a first date.
Park Hyatt Hotel
4 Avenue Road, ON M5R 2E8
+1 416 925 1234
Google map: bit.ly/lfDiTc
Old Jewish market with no multinationals or chainstores. It's now very diverse and full of cheap quality foods and second hand clothes stalls. Go in summer for reggae in the streets and a chickpea patty. It's also home to some obscure and brilliant nightspots.
Just west of Spadina Ave, a few blocks north of Queen
Search Been there