Sunshine is in the forecast this week, and that means it’s time to hit Toronto’s favourite summertime neighbourhood. With its relaxed, lakeside vibes, The Beaches has been a favourite location for locals and tourists alike, known for its sandy beaches, outdoor activities, indie shops and homey bistros and cafes.
But over the past few years, the restaurants and eateries that have made a home in the neighbourhood have delivered an elevated experience that proves The Beaches is not just for the beach-bums of Toronto. From lounge-ready patios to weekend brunches, The Beaches has upped its game when it comes to dining!
Limon
Walking down Queen Street east of Woodbine Avenue, it’s hard to miss the bright colours of this trendy restaurant—but even if the eye-catching yellow lemons don’t drag you into Limon, the alluring smells surely will. Opened in fall 2020 from the brothers of the family-run The Elm Tree, this Israeli restaurant is a favourite for those following a plant-based diet, as the menu is dominated by Middle-Eastern vegetarian dishes including salads, falafels, and the customer favourite, fried cauliflower. Contemporary and cozy, the interior of Limon offers an intimate escape from the rowdy noise of the beaches on a July afternoon. 1968 Queen St. E.
Inmigrante
Just steps away from Limon, a backyard patio oasis is ready to welcome patrons—and their dogs—for some margaritas. That’s right, at Inmigrante, you can sit back for Taco Tuesday while your loveable pooch sits next to you, catching every crumb. Inside Inmigrant—whose menu features tastes of South and Central America—the interior is a garden, with green vines hanging from the ceilings between potted plants, dim bulbed lights, and wood-plank walls. Combining the comfort of a casual restaurant with the tastes and feel of an upscale one, Inmigrante is ready for any kind of summer night, whether you’re looking for a filling meal after an afternoon in the sun, or for a light drink after a walk with your pup. Not up for a full meal? Take a break from the sun to grab a drink and enjoy some churros, an ooey-gooey Mexican classic dessert. 1959 Queen St. E.
Mira Mira Diner
After you’ve spent your Tuesday at Inmigrante, you’ll want to spend Wine Wednesday just across the street at Mira Mira Diner. Another hard-to-miss building with its pink entryway and lush greenery to welcome guests, this corner restaurant opened during the spring of 2021. Though Mira Mira’s neon sign and cushioned bar stool scream diner, the perfectly plated salads, steaks and fish say upscale restaurant. Just steps from the beach, guests of Mira Mira can spend summer weekends exactly as they’re meant to be spent — indulging in massive plates of food at brunch before taking a stroll along the beach. 1963 Queen St. E.
Toronto Beach Club
Only a fifteen-minute walk from the line-up of restaurants on Queen Street East, Toronto Beach Club set the bar high for new restaurants in the neighbourhood when it first opened two summers ago. Located just steps away from Woodbine Beach, whether you choose to dine in or embrace the heat of the sun, Toronto Beach Club offers stunning views of Lake Ontario in a light, and airy dining space that feels worlds away from the city. But it’s not just the views here that are upscale at the Beach Club, as everything from the Mediterranean-inspired dishes to the extensive European wine list, and regular evening entertainment, hint at a luxury you just can’t find elsewhere in the city. 1681 Lakeshore Blvd. E.
