8 Hot Spots in Toronto

The city of Toronto is full of experiences year-round, from shopping to sports, arts and cultural events. But in a place with limitless variety and so many options, it can be difficult to decide what to do first. Between cherished favorites and new spots popping up every day, the possibilities are endless. So, we've put together a list of things you can't miss, whether you're new to town or a longtime fan:

Newly created by Toronto restaurateur and club owner Charles Khabout, Amal Restaurant serves authentic Lebanese cuisine in an elegant setting. Opened last fall, Amal's menu features Middle Eastern favorites like crispy eggplant, seared halloumi and grilled branzino. Ask for a table under the intricate, hand-painted ceiling tapestry. Don't forget to end your evening with a slice of nutty baklava or aromatic rice pudding made with walnuts, cinnamon and rose water.

If you're looking for a hotel that combines sustainability with stunning interior design, look no further than 1 Hotel. Last summer, the former 1 Thompson Hotel took up residence in the heart of King West Village. With an organic yet chic aesthetic, this trendy hotel aims to draw attention to nature. Luxurious rooms feature greenery and handcrafted wood furnishings, while the hotel's main restaurant, 1 Kitchen, serves organic, farm-to-table cuisine. This is effortless luxury at its finest.

Robin Goodfellow, Vela's managing partner, called the restaurant "an escape to a timeless era." Indeed, Vela evokes the glamor and elegance of golden age hotel lobby bars. This newly opened establishment is located in a beautiful historic building in King & Portland that has been modernized with vibrant interiors. The menu features classic American dishes with a twist: think truffled beef tartare and their signature caviar sandwich.

This gift shop/dessert cafe opened just before the pandemic began and has been steadily gaining a following ever since. Stop by for a mini mousse cake and a classic milk tea, then browse the store's eclectic collection of items imported from South Korea, Japan and created by local artists. You'll find an eclectic selection of K-pop memorabilia, K-beauty cosmetics, kitchenware, stationery, and super kawaii (super cute) gift items.

The Art Gallery of Ontario is always a must-see in Toronto, offering the hottest traveling exhibitions and a world-class permanent collection. After the pandemic-induced closure, AGO returned triumphantly. Current exhibits include the stunning, melancholic Blue Series paintings by the late Chinese-Canadian artist Matthew Wong (through May 15), photographs and installations by Kanien'kehá:ka [Iroquois] artist Greg Staats (through June 5), and Blurred Boundaries. : Queer Visions in Canadian Art (until September) and an excellent Indigenous gallery collection with a focus on contemporary Inuit art.

Since opening in 2021, Dzo Viet Eatery has been drawing crowds and is on a mission to prove that Vietnamese cuisine is more than just pho. This modern eatery is centered around Nhậu - the Vietnamese culture of coming together, living freely and most importantly sharing delicious street food. The menu features modern takes on classic recipes and techniques, such as fotin dac biet (a clever take on poutine) and banh mi sliders.

Why go to one restaurant when you can try them all? Join one of Tasty Tours Toronto's excursions to explore exciting new culinary destinations. Your guide will take you (and your taste buds) to an inspiring Toronto neighbourhood, where you can enjoy a variety of top-notch restaurants. You'll gain exclusive behind-the-scenes access while soaking up nuggets of culinary knowledge. And the best part? You'll be snacking on local delicacies all the time.

Founded by industry veterans Nicole Campbell and Krista Oben in 2015, Grape Witches began as a series of educational wine events and a monthly natural wine subscription. In the summer of 2020, it was transformed into a dreamy brick and mortar store and “clubhouse” located on Dundas Street West. The store features a wide selection of organic, natural, sustainable wines not available from the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, as well as beer, cider and a selection of delicious snacks. Stop by to discover a new favorite, or buy a specially curated set to take home.