Die-hard west-enders have plenty of options when it comes to dining in the Junction Triangle, the small neighbourhood located east of the Junction and north of Roncesvalles that also features a slew of trendy cafes, galleries and breweries.
From a relaxed neighbourhood bistro to an unpretentious take on classic Italian fare, these five restaurants are the best spots for a delicious meal in the Junction Triangle.
Farmhouse Tavern
A staple in the neighbourhood since it first opened in 2012, Farmhouse Tavern is a dining gem that’s a little bit country, and a lot of rock & roll. They serve up hearty, gourmet meals made from Ontario-sourced ingredients with a revolving menu that spotlights local farmers, fisherman and harvesters. Aside from a full dinner menu complete with expertly-seasoned steaks and fresh fish, there’s also a fantastic weekend brunch menu featuring classic favourites like eggs Benedict for mornings and afternoons.
Farmhouse Tavern is located at 1627 Dupont St.
Dotty’s
If a relaxed neighbourhood spot where pimento cheese dip and Ritz crackers abound sounds like your idea of a good time, Dotty’s on Dupont just might be the place. Offering snacks, sides, main plates and desserts, the sunlit space is the brainchild of Jay Carter and Susan Beckett, the team behind (the now defunct) Dandylion, a critically acclaimed Queen West restaurant with a “less is more” approach. Named for Beckett’s mom, Dotty’s also promises a robust drinks menu including house wines, cocktails, as well as booze-free options.
Dotty’s is located at 1588 Dupont St.
Lucia
Lucia is a casual trattoria from the duo behind the now shuttered Local Kitchen & Wine Bar. Here, guests sit down in an intimate 30-person room for a celebration of simple Italian cooking. Expect exquisite hand-made pasta like the gnocchi with rapini puree and sausage, and grilled options aplenty including fresh fish and meat. To satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s hard to go wrong with the Nutella tiramisu or the pistachio and cherry crostata.
Lucia is located at 1595 Dupont St.
Spaccio West
The newly opened Spaccio West in the former Drake Commissary space is more than just a production kitchen for Terroni and Sud Forno. While it provides essential commissary to both locations, including pasta, fresh tomato sauce, pastries and gelato, it’s also an artisanal creative hub where guests can get a sense of what goes on behind the scenes. The 8,000-square-foot space also features a café selling freshly made panini, salads and pizza, as well as a restaurant with an à la carte menu featuring traditional Italian options.
Spaccio West is located at 128A Sterling Rd.
Defina Wood Fired
At Defina Wood Fired you’ll find locals munching on delectable hand-tossed pizzas in this chic but low-key spot. Although the pizza is the star of the show here – try The Winner, the pie that brought home the gold at the 2013 Pizza Expo – there’s also standout pasta dishes including braised short rib rigatoni, and wild boar meatballs served with sautéed mushrooms and onions.
Defina Woodfired is located at 1485 Dupont St.