As one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities, it should really come as no shock that the start of the World Cup is big news in the Big Smoke.
From June 11 through July 11, the 32 participating nations will battle in pursuit of football’s — or soccer, if we must — pinnacle price. In recognition of the beautiful game’s big show, the diehard footy fans here at Post City have compiled a list of some of the best places to take in your favourite side’s fixtures across our fair city.
Algeria — The Sultan’s Tent
The Sultan’s Tent has the big screens ready so head over to this beautiful oasis in the city on game day. 49 Front Street East, (416) 961-0601
Argentina — Sky Ranch
Try out some of the grilled meats and paella at Sky Ranch as the boys in blue and white take the field in battle. 2473 Dufferin St. (416) 787 0491
Australia — Sports Centre Cafe
Not to be confused with their New Zealand neighbours, the Aussies will take over this St. Clair West watering hole. Free entry, lots of screens and lots of promised prizes. 49 St. Clair Ave. W. (416) 928 9525
Brazil — Mont Brazil
Chow down on some authentic Brazillian cuisine and watch as the yellow and green vie for their sixth World Cup. 1005 Bloor Street West, 416-533-8120
Cameroon — The Football Factory
Head to the neutral zone over at the The Football Factory. 164 Bathurst Street; 416-368-4625
Chile — Jumbo Empanadas
They’ve got a TV in the kitchen and, if you’re a loyal customer, they may even let you watch.
245 Augusta Ave., (416) 977-0056
Cote d’Ivoire — Rendez-Vous Restaurant
The perfect place for game day. 1408 Danforth Ave. (416) 469-2513
Denmark — Brazen Head
Rumour has it that this Liberty Village libation house will run red and white in the coming weeks. With massive patio space and a large draft selection, it’s a safe bet, though, no matter what squad you support. 165 East Liberty St. (416) 535 8787
England — Parts and Labour
English ex-pat part owner Richard Lambert will be showing all games at the recently opened Parkdale playground. 1566 Queen St. W. (416) 588 7750
France — Le St. Tropez
It’s a French bar and resto with a French name and a massive French wine list. Forget looking elsewhere mon frere. 315 King St. W. (416) 591 3600
Germany — The Musket
Serving up a special German breakfast to feed hungry fans during the morning fixtures, there will also surely be enough suds to wash down all that schnitzel. 40 Advance Rd. (416) 231 6488
Ghana — Mama Pee’s
During the 2006 tournament, this was the go-to garrison for all Ghana fans. 2111 Jane St. (416) 242 5821
Greece — Rails and Ales
Two big screen for the matches, and pool and snooker tables for in-between. 752 Danforth Ave. (416) 462 9555
Honduras — Latin Fiesta Restaurant 1002 St. Clair Ave. W. 416-651-8609
Italy — Vivoli
It’s a certainty that anywhere on College Street with a screen will be crammed with those that bleed blue for the Azzurri. Why not take in the atmosphere from the rooftop patio and sip some of the renowned sangria? 665 College St. (416) 536 7575
Japan — The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
A soccer sleep over for adults, festivities for the game between Japan and the Netherlands begin the Friday night before the nation’s first match. 6 Garamond Ct. (416) 441 2345
Korea Republic — KOKO! Share Bar
KOKO! Share Bar won’t be open for the extra early games but catch a game during their regular business hours and enjoy selections from their special world cup menu 81 Yorkville Ave. Toronto 416-850-6135
Korea DPR — Prove that we can all get along and head to KOKO! Share Bar 81 Yorkville Ave. Toronto 416-850-6135
Mexico — Chimichanga Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar
Chimichanga Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar has two locations where you can watch the Mexicans take on the world 2360 Yonge Street 647-344-7004; 70 Yorkville Ave. 416-546-1246
Netherlands — SCHOOL Bakery & Café
Dutch Treat Canada, a free social and cultural club for the Dutch-Canadian community, will be hosting game day events at SCHOOL Bakery & Café. 70 Fraser Avenue, 416-588-0005. Doors open 7am.
New Zealand — Hemingway’s
The only place to watch New Zealand play is on Hemingway’s rooftop patio in the heart of Yorkville. 142 Cumberland Street, 416-968-2828
Nigeria — MJ’s BBQ & Suya
You’ll have to head out to Brampton for this celebration at MJ’s BBQ & Suya. They’ll be open early Saturday for the big game. Parkhurst Plaza, 361 Parkhurst Square, Unit # 5. Brampton 905-494-1003
Paraguay — Latin Fiesta Restaurant 1002 St. Clair Ave. W. 416-651-8609
Portugal — Irmoas Unidos Churrasqueira Cafe & Bar
With Cervejaria on College closed, head south to Dundas and grab a beer at Irmoas Unidos Churrasqueira Cafe & Bar 768 Dundas Street West, 416-203-6172
Serbia — Zam Restaurant & Bar
Since Mississauga’s McAdam’s Place will not be showing the games, head to Zam Restaurant & Bar to watch the Serbs compete.
Slovakia — The Football Factory
Head to the neutral zone over at the The Football Factory 164 Bathurst Street; 416-368-4625
Slovenia — All Slovenian Cultural Committee, 770 Browns Line 905 465 1392
South Africa — Scallywags
Eleanor Cosman, President of Toronto’s South Africa Wine Society, says her group will be heading to Scallywags to watch the matches. The sports bar will even be open for the early 7:30 a.m. games. 11 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto (416) 922-3737
Spain — Embrujo Flamenco Tapas Restaurant
Embrujo Flamenco Tapas Restaurant will be opening early with a big screen on game day 97 Danforth Avenue, 416-778-0007
Switzerland — Foxes Den
Order an ice cold beer and watch the game at the Foxes Den 1075 Bay Street, 416-961-1975
Uruguay — La Pasiva
La Pasiva is the only Uruguayan resto spot that pops into mind, unfortunately they don’t have a TV so bring a radio.
USA — WEGZ Stadium Bar
Head to WEGZ Stadium Bar to watch the Americans. They’ll be open at 9:30 a.m. throughout the World Cup. 2601 Rutherford Road, Vaughan (905) 303-9349
