10 Best Date Ideas in Toronto by Neighbourhood
Are you looking for the perfect date night to impress your special someone? Or maybe you’re looking for something fun you can do with your BFFs? Either way, Toronto is a great place to get out and enjoy art, culture and cuisine. Planning amazing experiences in the Toronto area is our specialty so we put this list together featuring some of our favourite dates organized by neighbourhood.
Leslieville
Spend your night at Reid’s Distillery and enjoy the live jazz performances held in the distillery’s cocktail lounge. Reid’s is a small batch gin producer that makes one of the meanest gin cocktails you’ll ever find. The lounge has a cool industrial chic vibe complete with large glass windows that provide a view into the distillery.
Bonus: Looking to grab some food beforehand? We recommend Eastside Social. The menu features a selection of fresh seafood among other classic coastal dishes.
Eastside’s ambience is classic and moody with sleek leather booths and cool dark tones. A perfect setting for an evening of conversation and delicious food.
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Distillery District
For all of you sweet tooths, you’ll definitely want to experience the artisan chocolate tour in the Distillery District. Walking around the historic Distillery District is always a treat on its own, but stopping in to taste all of the local chocolate makers en route makes the day that much sweeter!
This experience includes visits to Maisonette, SOMA Chocolate Maker and Cacao70, plus a photo with the LOVE Locks installation.
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Roncesvalles
If you love vintage vibes, oldschool films, and mid-century design, you’ll love going on a Retro Movie Night with your sweetheart. Catching a film at the historic Revue cinema is a night you’ll be sure to remember. The curated programme of films features early silent films, classic hits from the 50’s-80’s, and nostalgic favs of the 90’s.
Grab dinner at The Commoner on Roncy to make it a retro night home run. The Commoner is a bright, open concept restaurant serving up vintage décor and mid-century vibes. Chow down on the upscale diner fare and check out the classic cocktail menu.
Find the full experience here.
Entertainment District
Best of King West: Little Sister Dutch Indo + Music at Drom
For a true night out on the town, you’ll find what you need in the heart of the Entertainment District. Dinner at Little Sister Dutch Indonesian Bar is an immersive experience, from the food, to the interior design, down to the delicious craft cocktails. Each element is carefully thought out to provide an elevated evening of culinary delight.
After dinner you’ll hit up Drom Taberna, one of Toronto’s must-see spots for local music. Drom hosts a wide array of musical acts providing something for everyone, and the atmosphere inside is always a vibe. Bonus: Drom hosts swing dancing classes on Tuesdays for couples who want to learn to tear up the dance floor.
Find the full experience here.
Greektown
This date makes for a fun and interactive day or evening. A perfect time to let loose and laugh - also a great option for those going on a first, second or third date! Grab dinner and a drink at Ryus Noodle Bar. This hidden gem is located near Broadview Station and was just named in Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants by Yelp! Ryus offers traditional ramens in their signature broths as well as contemporary twists on the famous noodle dish.
After dinner you’ll get your game on at Zed*80, an arcade that is also conveniently a bar. For only a $5 entrance fee per person you’ll get unlimited free plays on all the arcade machines ($10 after 8pm Friday & Saturday)!
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The Junction
Literature lovers will be impressed by the Lover’s Book Crawl, a date that features several indie bookstores and a literary themed cocktail bar. Start by visiting the Junction’s beloved local bookstores. The walls stacked top to bottom with vintage novels are the perfect charming setting to start your date. Optional activity: purchase a book you think your date would enjoy as a surprise gift for them.
Next, enjoy the handcrafted cocktails from Famous Last Words. This beautiful bar is decked out in vintage décor with book-themed flair and each of their signature cocktails is named after a famous novel.
Find the full experience here.
Dundas West
This Dundas West date night is a great option for those who are looking for an experience that sparks intimacy. Putting on the moves starts with dinner at Founder Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, a dark and sexy lounge serving craft cocktails and sharing plates. Voted one of Toronto’s Best Cocktail Bars in 2019 by NOW Magazine, this classy spot on Dundas West is sure to impress.
After dinner, have fun learning something new together and try out Cuban dancing lessons at Lula Lounge. These lessons are for everyone, even beginners. Plus the totally casual lounge setting will keep things fun - after the lessons, live bands take the stage and the dance floor opens to everyone for a night of fun.
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West Queen West
Enjoy a night in West Queen West, the neighbourhood was named one of the coolest in the world by Vogue. This stretch of Queen Street is dominated by trendy boutiques, galleries and art hotels. Stop in at Twist Gallery to get a taste of the local art scene. The space is a New York loft style gallery with exposed brick and large arched windows that are perfect for showcasing the latest exhibition.
Dinner is at a new chic French supper spot brought to you by the same owner of the popular Neon Tiger and Odd Seoul. Recette is the perfect way to top off an evening of art. The décor is elevated minimalism, and the food is the real piece of art here. Enjoy modern takes on French bistro classics such as cornish hen, and lamb topped with mint and pistachio.
Find the full experience here.
Dufferin Grove
The Paradise Theatre is one of Toronto’s oldest cinemas and was recently restored to its full art-nouveau glory. A visit to Paradise Theatre is worth it to see the gorgeous architecture alone, but even better is a chance to see one of the unique concerts it hosts. Some of the most popular shows are the candlelight concerts by Fever that feature everything from classical arrangements to film themed musical evenings.
Pair your evening at the theatre with dinner at the delicious Osteria Rialto. The restaurant is attached to the theatre and also received a beautiful renovation with the re-opening of the Paradise. The menu changes seasonally but features handmade Italian pastas, fresh vegetable forward dishes, and mouthwatering mains. Make sure to ask your server about the wine selection as Osteria Rialto serves top notch wines (they also own the bottle shop next door).
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Baldwin Village
Spending a day at the Art Gallery of Ontario is a classic date that always hits the spot. Walk through the gorgeously designed halls and galleries of the AGO while holding hands and discussing your favourite works of art. Make sure to check out Infinity Mirrored Room where you’ll be treated to a special “vision of infinity” that has gained worldwide recognition and held exhibitions at major museums all over the globe.
After you’ve had your fill of art, wander around the nearby Baldwin Village. A quaint tree-lined neighbourhood that provides a quiet reprieve from the bustle of the city. Grab lunch at Light Café, a Taiwanese inspired restaurant, boasting colourful teas and coffee based drinks, brunch plates, fresh salads and gourmet sandwiches.
Find the full experience here.
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