Nathan Phillips Square is one of the epicenters of Toronto. Named for TO’s mayor from 1955 to 1962, the site attracts 1.5 million visitors annually, who flock to the weekly farmer’s market, concerts, art events and more. It’s also a hop-skip from Roy Thompson Hall, the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Eaton Centre. Here are some of the top spots to imbibe in the area – no matter what the occasion. [Feature image: Nota Bene]
With a focus on Canadian comfort food, Bannock serves fare that reflects our rich cultural and regional culture. Try the Bannock Bannock (house-smoked salmon, onion, cumin, cream cheese) or a classic poutine topped with Monforte dairy curds, fries and chicken gravy. Bannock also has a grab-and-go breakfast and lunch counter for those in a rush, which serves scrumptious sandwiches, coffee and Yukon Gold fries.
For those looking for an upscale option near Nathan Phillips Square, enter the Law Society of Upper Canada's iron gates at Osgoode Hall. The Osgoode Hall Restaurant offers an elegant eating ambience where you can dine surrounded by leather-bound books and stained glass windows. Try the herb-marinated Cornish hen, served with spaetzle, Ontario asparagus, shitake mushrooms, and triple-crunch jus or nibble on the sultry Garganelli pasta with pork belly, which comes with morel mushrooms, spring vegetables and Parmigiano.
Located in a glass cube in the middle of downtown Toronto, Momofuku Noodle Bar is the sister restaurant to the NYC hotspot of the same name. Their menu changes based on seasonal availability, but be sure to check out their popular fried chicken dish and of course, the Momofuku ramen (accented with pork belly and shoulder sourced from Kunan Farm in Ontario, fish cake, and egg). For fancier Japanese fare, check out restaurant and bars, Shōtō or Nikai; both are part of the Momofuku project and located in the same glass cube building neighbouring the Shangri La Hotel.
The Chase Fish and Oyster is a rooftop restaurant specializing, of course, in seafood. Inspired by maritime cuisine, this upscale-meets-accessible spot has a host of delicious fish on offer. The cod tacos and clam chowder are both solid options, but if you’re extra hungry, order the Bay platter – the hefty dish comes with oysters, clams, tuna, crab, shrimp, ceviche and lobster, and, like many of the menu options, is meant to be shared.
From the beloved Terroni restaurant family comes La Bettola di Terroni, serving authentic Sicilian food in a cozy, exposed-brick interior. For dinner, try the Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, a traditional Roman dish with Pecorino cheese and black pepper over Chitarra spaghetti. For a decadent dessert, don’t miss the Budino, a salted butterscotch and caramel pudding that will melt in your mouth. La Bettola even won OpenTable Diners Choice Award in 2015, so you know you can count on the high quality of this Italian fare.
For the best sushi bar (and boats) check out Fune Japanese Restaurant, located on Simcoe Street. In addition to classic nigri, sushi and sashimi, Fune also serves “neo modern Japanese dishes” like the Hotategai (deep sea scallops sautéed with garlic butter and soya sauce) and the Shogayaki (thinly sliced pork loin cooked with house ginger sauce). For those also looking to wet their whistle, Fune has a fine selection of sake, Japanese beer and North American classics, too.
Carbon Bar, in their own words, is “inspired by the storied past of a rock ‘n roll discotheque.” They serve banging cocktails and drinks – the Smokin’ Manhattan is a delectable combination of tobacco-infused Lot 40, Dolins vermouth and bitters, and the Black Mamba margarita hosts charcoal-infused Avion tequila, St. Germain, Bowmore, and lime (don’t forget that sea salt rim). If you’re looking to chow down, sample Carbon’s Southern-inspired menu, with hot items such as beef brisket sliders, St. Louis pork ribs, and skillet corn bread,” which is served with whiskey and maple whipped butter.
Another restaurant serving up contemporary Canadian fare is Tundra; one of the Hilton Hotel’s two on-site restaurants. Favourite dishes include their “Lumachine n’ Cheese” (mac and cheese with toasted truffle crumble and PEI-aged cheddar béchamel) and their maple and butternut squash pasta, served with spiced chestnuts and Ontario goat cheese. For those with a sweet tooth, sample their fine dessert menu or really tuck in with the Tundra dessert board – it’s curated by the chef daily and includes macaroons, chocolate brownies and other sweet treats.
