With school wrapped up for the summer, students are already sizing up their post-secondary options for next year (and once again, one familiar Toronto institution is dominating the global rankings).
The Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), a consulting organisation that provides policy advice and insights to governments and universities to improve their educational and research outcomes, ranked the top 2000 universities globally out of 21,462 institutions. The University of Toronto ranked 23rd on this year’s list, placing it in the top 0.2 per cent worldwide and first in Canada! It’s the same ranking that U of T received in 2023 and 2024, so if anything, it highlights U of T’s continued excellence.
Overall, U of T scored strongly in multiple categories, with a regional rank (in North America) of 18, an education rank of 219, an employability rank of 157, a faculty rank of 23, and a research rank of 5, with an overall score of 87.8.
Canadian universities also performed well overall, with 38 schools appearing on the list, including 13 other institutions from Ontario: Western University (ranked 185th), McMaster University (186), University of Waterloo (211), University of Ottawa (220), Queen’s University (333), York University (490), University of Guelph (515), Carleton University (558), Toronto Metropolitan University (850), University of Windsor (1019), Wilfrid Laurier University (1291), Brock University (1305), and Ontario Tech University (1802).
As usual, American and UK universities dominated the top 10!
Harvard University, U.S.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, U.S.
Stanford University, U.S.
University of Cambridge, U.K.
University of Oxford, U.K.
Princeton University, U.S.
University of Pennsylvania, U.S.
Columbia University, U.S.
Yale University, U.S.
University of Chicago, U.S.
This isn’t the only list that U of T has appeared on in recent months. In February, international data analytics company Clarivate listed the school among the world’s top 10 universities in terms of powering global innovation, in critical areas like technology, healthcare, sustainability and economic development.
You can see the full list of CWUR schools here and Clarivate rankings here.
While many may blush at the thought of stripping down to their birthday suits in a public space, nude beaches can be the perfect way to help you accept the skin you’re in. Beachgoers often feel a sense of freedom at these clothing-optional beaches (almost like they’re shedding societal norms), and most naturistsare comfortable enough that they won’t stare or ogle at other beachgoers anyway.
To make the experience even more comfortable for visitors in Toronto, a new pilot project launching this summer will ban jet skis, powerboats and sailboats from within 200 metres of the shoreline at Hanlan’s Point Beach, Toronto’s only clothing-optional beach. Meant to enhance safety for beachgoers, buoys have been installed and the Toronto Police Marine Unit will be patrolling the area regularly to ensure compliance.
Whether you’re a clothing-optional enthusiast or want to try being a nudist out for the first time, grab some sunscreen and check out one of these nude beaches this summer.
Hanlan’s Point Beach, Toronto Islands
@_hitmeuphere/Instagram
The left (south) part of Hanlan’s Point Beach on the Toronto Islands — which was expanded from Gibraltar Point to Billy Bishop Airport last year — is the most well-known (and officially recognized) clothing-optional beach in the country. This beach also tends to be less crowded than the other island beaches, so beachgoers might feel more privacy. The beach attracts people from all walks of life due to its friendly atmosphere. To get to the beach, take the Hanlan’s ferry from downtown Toronto.
Port Burwell Provincial Park Nude Beach, Elgin County
This is an unofficial nude beach located on private land (on the far west end of the beach). Once you enter the park, head to the farthest parking lot (Parking Lot 5), and walk west on the beach (about 15 minutes) until you pass the sign marking private land. Beachgoers have warned others to bring bug spray due to the sand flies. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Toronto, but a perfect spot for relaxing in nature.
Sandbanks Provincial Park, Prince Edward
Courtesy Vj – Lone Traveller, CC BY 2.0
This waterfront landscape is located on the north shore of Lake Ontario, about a three-hour drive from Toronto. It boasts three beaches (Outlet Beach on the East Lake portion of the park, Sandbanks Beach, and Dunes Beach, located off of West Lake). Despite warnings about public nudity, the western end of the western sector of the beach (in a slightly hidden spot) is unofficially clothing-optional, where some beachgoers go suntanning or swimming in the nude.
Beechgrove Beach West, Scarborough
This unofficial clothing-optional beach is located just east of Scarborough’s East Point Park, near Highland Creek, although some have said that it can be a bit challenging to find! At the end of Beechgrove Dr. is a parking lot that leads to various paths to the lake. Follow the main path straight down to the beach, pass the big rock that says, ‘nude beach’, and keep walking. Reviewers have stated that it’s in a pretty secluded area and a perfect spot for naturalists to go suntanning and swimming.
Bare Oaks Naturist Park
Courtesy Bare Oak Family Naturist Park
This year-round naturist resort, located in southern Ontario and about a 1-hour drive from Toronto, is targeted to families who follow traditional naturist values and “ethical naturism”. It’s located in the Ontario Greenbelt and offers day-use memberships and seasonal campsites (but the resort is also open to visitors and travellers). Although it’s not a beach, the resort provides lots of opportunities for guests to sunbathe in nature, swim, dine, or even explore trails au naturel.
Patio season has landed, and in Toronto, that means cocktails. There’s nothing better than staking out a sunny (or moonlit, let’s be honest) table and knocking back something cold with your crew. With endless bars and even more drinks to choose from, we’ve zeroed in on five cocktails poised to take over summer 2025.
Bar Raval’s take on a summer sipper goes a little off the beaten path — in a good way. This cocktail mixes Appleton Estate 8-Year Rum, cumin-infused Amontillado sherry, Dillon’s peach liqueur, hibiscus-tangerine cordial and lime juice. It’s tropical but not too sweet, with a bit of bite and a little funk. Much like the bar itself—recently named one of the world’s most beautiful — this drink leans bold without trying too hard.
Frozen Watermelon Negroni: Doc’s Green Door Lounge
Doc’s Green Door Lounge is a throwback cocktail bar in the Junction that feels like your coolest uncle’s basement—if your uncle had great taste in music, snacks and negronis. Their summer star? A frozen watermelon negroni, tart and bitter with a playful twist (literally—it’s topped with a sour watermelon gummy). It’s nostalgic, it’s icy, and it’s served in a spot that mixes ‘70s hotel bar vibes with dive-bar charm.
From the mind of cocktail alchemist Frankie Solarik, this creamy, citrusy stunner is served under dim lights and 19th-century Parisian vibes at Prequel & Co. Apothecary. Made with egg white, ripe strawberry and bitter orange, it’s equal parts delicate and bold just like the opulent, absinthe-soaked bar it’s poured in.
The new Watermelon Sugar margarita at Project Gigglewater is your official excuse to post up on Dundas West and pretend you’re in a music video. It’s made with mezcal, fresh watermelon, and patio weather in mind. If you’ve never been, Gigglewater is a cozy, low-lit cocktail bar with prohibition vibes, a big ol’ drink list, and a name that nods to 1920s slang for booze.
This salty-slick stunner blends tequila, olive brine, green apple and Lillet Blanc for a hit as smooth as the record behind it. Tucked behind a curtain in an industrial building near Ossington, 915 Dupontis part café, part secret listening lounge—perfect for daytime coffee, afternoon whiskey, and vinyl vibes. With live jazz DJs, guitarists and comedians, it’s quickly becoming one of Toronto’s coolest hidden gems.
Rumours of a Schitt’s Creek reboot are swirling after a viral TikTok video showed the reappearance of the iconic Rosebud Motel sign at the Hockley Motel in Mono, ON. The motel is only about an hour’s drive from Toronto and was a key filming location for the iconic sitcom, which ended in 2020.
Last Monday, TikTok user Nicole Rayy shared footage of herself in front of the motel.
“So the rumours are true. I wanted to see for myself that it was back, and it’s back! The sign is back,” Rayy told her followers. “I don’t know what they’re gonna make. Maybe a reunion? Another season? A movie? Who’s excited?!”
Apparently, tons of fans are excited about another season! As of publication, Rayy’s viral post received over 1.6 million views, nearly 70,000 likes and close to 50,000 shares.
“Yes can’t wait for this! Rewatched each episode a thousand times” one user said.
“Ma’am, please don’t toy with my emotions”, another user jokes, to which Rayy responded, “the sign is real!!! praying it means something.”
Another user swore to having some inside knowledge about filming taking place.
“I have fam that lives in Goodwood (where the Cafe & David’s store were shot) & says they’ve been filming there again…”.
So, fingers crossed?
Before the motel fictionally became known as the ‘Rosebud’, the space was used to house Canadian basketball recruits, but it shut down in 2014 for filming. After the Schitt’s Creek series finale aired in April 2020, the motel was put up for sale. But whether it gets sold or not, the Hockley will likely always be associated with Schitt’s Creek.
The Emmy-winning Canadian sitcom was created by father-son due Eugene and Dan Levy, and follows the formerly rich Rose family, who suddenly find themselves broke and living in a rundown motel in a town they once bought as a joke (Schitt’s Creek).
Although an official reboot hasn’t been confirmed, in a 2020 interview with Oprah Daily, Dan agreed that he’d consider a spin-off.
“I think in order to finish your story you have to know where people are going next, so I do know where everyone is headed. There’s a thousand different avenues I just think it’s about, is it the right time? Do we think we could give it justice? Do we think it would be the same quality of what the show was? And the answer is… I don’t know.”
A new “MediterrAsian” restaurant opening in Toronto’s harbourfront next monthis bringing a whole new meaning to lakeside dining.
“Queens Harbour is more than a restaurant,” says restauranteur Kevin Jazexhi. “Queens Harbour is going to be a landmark in the city of Toronto.”
That might sound like a high bar to reach, but with its lakeside location, views of the CN Tower and a Roger’s Cente-style retractable roof, Queen’s Harbour is undoubtedly swinging for the fences.
“We’re excited to give Torontonians what they deserve and that is a place they can all meet, hang out, celebrate—whether it’s a date night or anniversaries, or a work function—and not break the wallet,” says Jazexhi. “But they can still have global cuisine and food that is chef driven.”
In 2020, Jezexhi and his partner Ali Badreddine opened Taps Public House in Mississauga, already envisioning their next project: to “do something revolutionary for Ontario’s waterfront.”
“We travel to Miami, Bangkok, Singapore, Dubai — all these cities with the restaurants everyone dreams about. We want to create that experience right here in Toronto,” says Badreddine. “Our goal is for the restaurant to become a must-visit spot — so when people come to Toronto, they hit the CN Tower, then Queens Harbour.”
That could soon be reality, with a massive 23,000-square-foot restaurant opening in a 140-year-old building that seats over 800 guests. The northern wall has been replaced with a glass facade, offering unbeatable views of the CN Tower.
Chef Robert (left)
The partners—joined by Iris Jazexhi and chef Robert Balint—promise marble slabs and “massive” trees throughout the space. A sushi bar and three cocktail bars anchor the dining room, complemented by private dining rooms, a spacious front patio, and two side patios.
But the real showstopper at Queens Harbour might just be the four-seasons retractable roof, covering 30 per cent of the space in what they’re calling “Queen’s Garden.”
“Everything is designed with our guests in mind, so we can be the best spot for everyone and every occasion,” says Badreddine.
From lunch through dinner and late into the night, guests can expect Balint’s menu to blend Mediterranean and Asian flavors, with a strong emphasis on sharable dishes like wagyu sliders, steak platters, and sushi platters. Balint teamed up with world-class chef Julien Laffargue (of Ricarda’s), whose resume includes serving as the personal chef to former French President Jacques Chirac.
The cocktail menu promises unique, immersive experiences—like a cold tea-inspired drink paying homage to Prohibition-era secrets. Served tableside in a smoked teapot, this sake- and gin-based cocktail is designed to be shared, adding a theatrical flair that Jezexhi says will make every sip memorable.
From the innovative cocktails to the fusion cuisine and signature retractable roof, Queens Harbour is promising to bring something entirely new to the waterfront—and the city.
“We’re genuinely excited to satisfy this city and delight our guests when we open,” Badreddine says. “We’re ready to be busy, and to be a playground where people come to make and share memories. We want to be that canvas for them to create moments that matter in Toronto.”
In a few weeks, both Mitch Marner and John Tavares are set to become unrestricted free agents. While their futures with the Toronto Maple Leafs remain uncertain, fans have begun speculating after a recent Instagram post by the team. On Thursday, the Leafs posted a series of throwback NHL draft combine pics of star players like Auston Matthews and William Nylander on Instagram.
There were 13 players featured in the post, but fans were quick to notice the absence of Marner and Tavares! Some interpreted this as a possible hint of what’s to come from the higher-ups.
“Admin understood the assignment. No Mitch” one user stated, with hundreds of likes.
“Why no Mitch? He has been a great player for us regardless of what happens July 1. He is still a Leaf” one user stated, with another responding “no Tavares either”.
Others weren’t shy about their desire for the players to return next season.
“Mitch if you’re reading this just know Leafs Nation loves you and wants you to retire a leaf! There’s always gonna be some lowlifes who’ll never have anything positive to say, but just know the majority of Leafs Nation wants you to remain in blue n white for the remainder of your career! Pls don’t leave us and let’s bring a cup to Toronto!”
Free agency opens July 1, so fans won’t have to wait much longer for clarity! Marner is only 28 and has been dubbed this year’s most highly coveted free agent. He’s been with the Leafs for nine years and ranks among the team’s top five in regular-season points and assists (this season was his career-best, with 27 goals and 102 points in 81 games). Still, even with a strong roster (and strong odds of making it to the end), the Leafs were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs last month, and some fans are blaming Marner for his lack of playoff impact.
Regardless, he’ll still get paid. According to The Athletic, Marner could possibly receive a contract worth about $90.65 million (a seven-year, $12.95 million average annual value deal), so a major upgrade from his current six-year, $65.4 million contract with the Leafs.
Tavares’ seven-year, $77 million contract is also expiring with the team, although he’s expressed a strong desire to remain in Toronto! Despite rumours from the Insta post, reports suggest that he’ll likely agree to a new deal (but, perhaps, with a pay cut, at around $5 million per season).
Doughnuts don’t need a special day to be celebrated in Toronto — they’re basically a breakfast staple, right up there with a double-double. But since today is National Doughnut Day, consider it your official excuse to indulge. From classic rings to wild flavour combos, here’s your go-to list of the best doughnuts in the city. And honestly, any excuse to devour a honey dip or a classic fritter on a Friday? We’re in.
Unholy Donuts isn’t your average doughnut shop—and that’s the point. Co-founded by Toronto food scene vets Mike and Debbie Skellas and Tony Merante, this Church Street bakeshop ditches the hole in favour of dense brioche-style creations filled with lemon curd, ganache or stacked high with outrageous toppings. What started in a converted dining room during the 2020 lockdown quickly grew into a neon-lit pink house slinging take-out doughnuts and espresso—proof that sometimes, more dough really is more.
Glory Hole Doughnutsis going out with a bang. The beloved shop is closing later this summer, but for now, they’re celebrating their final National Doughnut Day with a fan favourite: the Blueberry Cheesecake doughnut, made with real fruit glaze and cream cheese filling. Known for their handmade, gimmick-free treats and welcoming vibe, Glory Hole has been a Toronto staple since 2012. Go now, cry later — and follow for updates on what’s next.
COPS may have expanded to New York, but their Toronto doughnuts still have a place in our hearts. Known for playful flavours and their signature pink box, COPS drops new glazes every Monday — and this week’s Flambée is a Thai Milk Tea–glazed dream. Stop by one of their stylish Toronto shops for a box (or three) of mini doughnuts that are big on flavour and perfect for celebrating National Doughnut Day.
Better Dayson Dovercourt brings retro vibes and classic doughnuts to Dovercourt, created by Dave Fish, a longtime Toronto hospitality veteran. Inspired by small-town shops from his childhood, the spot offers both cake and yeast doughnuts made fresh daily, with favourites like cherry stick, maple dip and raspberry-filled. Designed by Alisha Sturino of Studio Otty, the shop’s vibe is super nostalgic. This week’s special is a Banana Cream Pie doughnut—filled with whipped custard and coated in graham cinnamon. Don’t wait, these go fast!
Machino Donutsis turning up the heat this June with a fresh batch of inventive vegan doughnuts. Their latest lineup features standout flavours like chocolate swirl fritter, Ferrero Rocher, carrot cake fritter, black sesame & kinako and peanut butter & jelly. Known for crafting each doughnut fresh daily, Machino keeps fans coming back for more at their Bloor Street spot, where you can grab these creative sweets before they sell out.
White Lily’sdoughnuts are light, fluffy, and never too sweet and with stand-out flavours like their decadent cherry cheesecake, we guarantee you’ll be going back for more. This Michelin-recognized Riverside spot at 678 Queen St. E. serves up these drool-worthy treats alongside killer breakfast plates, making it a top spot to satisfy both your sweet tooth and brunch cravings.
For nearly 50 years, San Remo Bakery has been a Toronto staple, charming locals with their heavenly apple fritters and cinnamon twists. Located at 374 Royal York Rd., this family-run spot started as a tiny mom-and-pop shop in 1969, founded by Natale Bozzo, who brought authentic Italian recipes to the GTA. Now run by his sons, Chris, Rob, Nick and Eddie, San Remo blends tradition with local ingredients. Their lemon meringue doughnuts are a must-try — but order early, because they usually sell out by 2 pm.
Located inside Fourth Man in the Fire Pizzeria at 832 Dundas St. W., Harry and Heels serves some of Toronto’s softest, most flavourful California-style doughnuts. Created by Shant Mardirosian, the culinary mind behind The Burger’s Priest and Fourth Man, these big, fluffy donuts focus on simple, classic flavours with a light, airy texture. Their original glazed doughnut is the top seller — a perfect treat for anyone craving that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods Park will come alive with song, dance—and even a few dogs—on June 10, as two of the city’s most enjoyable musical acts are teaming up for a surprise outdoor performance. The mass choir/singing phenomenon Choir! Choir! Choir! and Toronto’s reigning kings and queens of the cover band scene, Dwayne Gretzky, will be performing a high-energy, open-air sing-along that promises to be anything but ordinary.
Choir! Choir! Choir!—helmed by Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman—has made a name worldwide for their inclusive, no-audition-required events that blur the lines between crowd and choir and performer. From Carnegie Hall to community centres, their spontaneous arrangements and infectious energy have been praised by everyone from Patti Smith to David Byrne.
Joining them is Dwayne Gretzky, a 10-piece band whose nostalgic, genre-spanning covers have become the soundtrack to countless Toronto summer nights.
Dwayne Gretzky
Adding an extra dash of fun to the evening is a special dance appearance by The SuperDogs.
The impromptu concert is being billed as a “pop-up activation,” where attendees will be taught a song and invited to sing along in classic Choir! Choir! Choir! fashion—no experience necessary. There will also be giveaways, including merchandise and tickets to an August 7 performance at Budweiser Stage, where the two acts will once again share the spotlight.
Canada’s Wonderland has been open for a few weeks already, and while this season is bringing a bunch of cool rides and new food options, visitors have been wondering about the new, record-breaking roller coaster, AlpenFury.
Today, the theme park announced that AlpenFury’s track is officially completed, and the coaster will soon be roaring from the mountain and into park history!
Over the next few weeks, AlpenFury’s trains will be run hundreds of times and ride operators will be trained as part of an extensive testing and commissioning phase, before the coaster gets its sign-off from the TSSA (if you visit the park early next week, you might even catch a glimpse of the trains in action!)
AlpenFury will be the park’s 18th roller coaster and Canada’s longest, tallest and fastest launch coaster. The ride will feature two launches — one beginning with a launch that blasts each train vertically through the mountain summit (50 metres into the sky) and another into the depths of Wonder Mountain! The coaster will span 1,000 metres across the park, reaching speeds of 115 km/h, flipping and twisting through nine inversions — the most of any launch coaster in the world.
Other things to look out for this summer at Canada’s Wonderland include long weekend fireworks (June 30, Aug. 3, Aug. 31; shows take place at 10 p.m.), a Food & Wine Festival (Jun. 6-22, Fri-Sun); Canada Day celebrations with live music, authentic Canadian food and street performers (Jun. 27-July 13); KidZfest (Jul. 19-Aug. 3); and even a Great BrewBQ, with delicious BBQ-inspired dishes paired with the best in local Ontario craft beer, cider and specialty cocktails (Aug. 9-24, Sat-Sun)!
And don’t forget the food. Savour everything from the best burgers and chicken tenders at King’s Feast (located next to Leviathan) to Fire & Ice Pickles at Timbers Grill!
Click here for the full 2025 event lineup at Canada’s Wonderland and here for a behind-the-scenes look of AlpenFury.
Get ready: Barenaked Ladies are hitting the road for their Last Summer on Earth Tour 2025, with 38 headline shows across North America. Canada’s most iconic rockers will be performing at Budweiser Stage on July 25, with Sugar Ray and Fastball. They came by to model some super sharp dad fits for Father’s Day, to take them from the beach to band rehearsal!
Jim Creeggan
Bass, vocals
Jim opted for this all-linen, neutral-toned set from Toronto’s own Gerhard Supply, paired with a classic leather shoe. The natural fabrics are an ideal choice for staying cool this summer, whether you’re by the pool with the kids, kicking back in the sand at Cherry Beach or working up a sweat on the bass!
A. SHORT SLEEVE BUTTON-DOWN, $285; B. LINEN SHORTS, $285; C. LEATHER SNEAKERS, $550 — Gerhard Supply, 2949 Dundas St. W.
Tyler Stewart
Drums, vocals
Tyler gravitated toward this 100 per cent linen vacation shirt for his take on beachwear. He couldn’t say no to pairing it with these ultra-comfy waffle shorts — especially when he already had the matching top at home! He finished off the look with stage-ready, vintage-inspired sneakers.
A. FLORAL VACATION SHIRT, $200, Muddy George, 973 Bloor St. W.; B. WAFFLE SHORTS, $150, Good Neighbour, 1212 Yonge St.; C. TENNIS SNEAKER, $140, Muddy George, 973 Bloor St. W.
Kevin Hearn
Keyboards, guitar, vocals
Kevin liked his easy, breezy, vacation-approved outfit so much that he took it all home with him! The Portugal-made button-down is built for the summer — specifically, we hear, for the scorching hot temps (and tunes) of the last summer on earth.
A. STRIPED SHIRT,$215, Good Neighbour, 1212 Yonge St.; B. TAPERED ATHLETIC PANTS, SALE $50, Muddy George, 973 Bloor St. W.; C. RECYCLED MESH SNEAKER,$230, Good Neighbour, 1212 Yonge St.
Ed Robertson
Lead vocals, guitar
Ed went full surf dad with this boxy knit T, featuring a sailboat pattern, paired with navy, black and white striped swim trunks. The suede Clarks Walla shoes help transition this look from beach-only to city-proofed, and the rubber soles are just what the Barenaked Ladies lead singer needs to bounce around on stage with ease.
A. KNIT T-SHIRT,$220; B. STRIPED SWIM TRUNKS, $115 — Lost & Found, 12 Ossington Ave. C. SUEDE SHOE, $320, Muddy George, 973 Bloor St. W.
Toronto is a major market for both Formula 1 fans as well as cocktails, so what better way to celebrate the combo than with a pop-up event? TV personality Antoni Porowski (from Queer Eye and No Taste Like Home with Antoni Porowski) will host a free, Italian-themed live cocktail demonstration in Toronto on Thursday evening, showing attendees how to make two exclusive Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% non-alcoholic infusions inspired by Ferrari HP drivers: #16 (Charles Leclerc), boasting Orchard and citrus flavours, and #44 (Lewis Hamilton), featuring hints of Maple syrup and smoked sea salt!
“We’re thrilled to bring the charisma, passion and style that is emblematic of the Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% to Toronto for the very first time”, Katie Wright, head of marketing at Asahi Canada, said about the event. “The House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% is a celebration of the values that unite our brand to Scuderia Ferrari HP. Toronto is a vibrant city with a deep appreciation for both motorsport and unique, immersive experiences, making it the perfect setting for an experience that will provide Canadians with more access to the exclusive motorsport world than ever before.”
The House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% pop-up event takes place June 5 at 5 p.m., at 131 Bloor St. W. It’s free but limited to the first 50 guests (and bring your ID!) Along with the cocktails, guests will also savour authentic Italian pizzas crafted by Piano Piano!
Although Porowski’s cocktail skills are exclusive to Thursday night, the pop-up events will take place over two full weekends. Best of all: For Formula 1 buffs, the Scuderia Ferrari HP show car will also be on display for the first time in Toronto at these events, so fans can see the iconic car up close!
Pop-up dates: June 5-15, check for times. Click here for more info, location and timing of the events or follow @peroni_ca on Instagram.
Charlotte Day Wilson and her crew have built more than just a deli; they’ve created a new kind of hangout spot in Toronto, one sandwich (and one record) at a time with the opening of Tutto Panino.
The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into Tutto Panino isn’t the scent of simmering brisket or the housemade tiramisu — it’s the laughter. There’s something communal and warm in the air, something distinctly unpretentious. The lights are soft, the record player’s spinning, and someone behind the counter is probably cracking a joke while expertly stacking mortadella.
Tutto Panino, Toronto’s hottest new Italian sandwich shop opened this past weekend on May 31 by singer songwriter Charlotte Day Wilson and a trio of longtime friends — chef Kaitlyn Lasagna, skater and trainer Paul Liliani, and hospitality expert Andi La Rocca. The passion project is a reflection of the kind of spaces that ground us. A third place. Somewhere between work and home, built for hanging out, bumping into a neighbour, or just sitting in good company with great food.
Photo: Chelsea Brimstin
For Wilson, the concept came from years on the road, chasing comfort in unfamiliar places.
“Because I travel so much for work,” Wilson says, “the things that I always gravitate towards in terms of getting to know a city is just finding one or two spots that feel really welcoming and delicious. I feel like this [Tutto] is a reflection of what I look for when I’m traveling.” She continues, “This shop reflects the warmth I would want to feel if I was new to a city or a neighbourhood — or just wanting to feel welcome in a space.”
While new to us, this shop has been quietly taking shape for years — four, to be exact. It started as an idea between Wilson and Liliani, sparked the moment they found the space. Before the concept, before the menu, they knew one thing for certain: they wanted to be here. Things became real when Liliani brought La Rocca on board to help develop the concept — and introduced the final piece of the puzzle: Kaitlin Lasagna, who joined about a year and a half ago.
Photo: Chelsea Brimstin
The shop is intimate but not tiny, stylish without being sterile. There’s a playfulness to the space, like the custom tiling that spells Tutto on the floor and a warm, lived-in charm that seamlessly blends cool mid-century modern touches with the familiarity of your Italian grandmother’s house. That feeling of authenticity and intentionality is no accident because the crew literally built it with their own hands.
Liliani’s wife, designer Nicole Tereault, created the interior concept, and La Rocca’s dad, Dan, was in the space every day alongside the team, building it out piece by piece.
“We didn’t hire a big team,” says La Rocca. “We were here — every single day. And you can feel that in the details.”
The menu, led by Lasagna, reads like a love letter to Southern Italy — specifically Calabria and Sicily, where her family is from. Many of the recipes draw from the kinds of dishes she grew up with, reimagined with a twist.
The Caponata, made with eggplant, Sicilian olives, whipped ricotta, arugula and capers, has become an unexpected fan favourite — even among meat eaters. The Bolito, a slow-cooked brisket sandwich inspired by Lasagna’s go-to spot in Florence, Da Nerbone, is another standout, messy in all the right ways. Rounding out the menu are the Calabrese, a spicy build of ‘nduja aioli and red onion, and the Tutto — a muffuletta-style mix of meats and pickled veg that was originally called Tutto Day Wilson, a nod to Charlotte’s all-in palate.
Chelsea Brimstin
Dessert doesn’t disappoint either. The cannoli come in two forms: a classic chocolate chip that’s always on the menu, and a rotating seasonal flavour that leans a little more unexpected. Opening weekend featured a rhubarb version that sold out fast — next up could be peaches and cream, maybe Concord grape. There’s also a daily exclusive tiramisu, made with amaro and brewed espresso, scooped from a dedicated fridge drawer and served in messy, decadent layers.
What really sets Tutto Panino apart is the people behind it and the way they’ve infused the space with their collective personality. One of the more personal touches in the shop is the record player — a detail added by Wilson herself. Music, after all, being her first language. The plan is to keep the vibe loose and welcoming, with friends and fellow music lovers stopping by to play their own vinyl collections.
“People stop in every day, say hi, ask what we’re building,” says La Rocca. “We’ve met so many neighbours just by being here, working in the space.”
For Wilson, the shop marks her first step into the food industry. When asked what drew her to open a sandwich shop, Wilson doesn’t hesitate.
“This is me getting into the food industry,” she laughs. “I’ve never been involved — only ever as an eater. An experienced eater.” But her role is driven by far more than curiosity. After over a decade in music this is an entirely new lane. She saw the project as a way to channel her creativity into something tangible and rooted in community.
“I’ve been in music for 10 years now, and I’m really proud of everything I’ve accomplished in that world and will continue to do that for as long as I live,” she says “But I also am, like we all are, a multifaceted person. I like business. I like learning about different industries. And so this is my way of diving in and getting experience by doing.”
