Quick, name three things you know about Toronto’s Beaches ’hood. There’s a jazz festival there in July; it’s out near the water and almost to Scarborough; and locals are locked in a semi-serious, decades-long battle royale over whether it’s “the Beach” or “the Beaches,” right? It has also been a popular tourist destination for over a hundred years and remains an ideal setting for a day spent enjoying Toronto’s all-too-fleeting warm weather.
Choosing where to eat takes some care. Here are a few options to help narrow down the focus.
The Stone Lion
Start off the afternoon with a lazy brew. From the Beach’s myriad pubs, the Stone Lion has some decent beer options (bottled especially) that go down easily on their verdant side patio with a view. 1958 Queen St. E., 416-690-1984
Garden Gate Restaurant
Nicknamed “the Goof” by locals because of the malfunctioning sign advertising “good food” in neon, this long-standing institution features a Chinese-Canadian menu that would not be out of place at similar joints in small towns across Ontario. Best bet? Stick to the beer and save room for more worthy eateries. 2379 Queen St. E., 416-694-3605
Paralia
Until recently, Hogtown diners could either have a view of the beach or good food, but never both. Paralia has finally cracked this riddle.
Dishes like charred octopus and peppers and the elegant Greek salad make it an ideal spot for a meal while ducking out of the Woodbine Beach sun. Carnivorous diners will gravitate to options like suckling pig and Ontario milk-fed lamb.
A comprehensive reno has brought their summertime capacity close to 700. Don’t worry about getting a seat. 1681 Lake Shore Blvd. E., 416-698-3456
Xola
Residents pride themselves on having independent businesses along Queen Street, and Xola fits that ideal perfectly. It has a brightly coloured, eclectic interior and a menu that leans to Mexican standbys presented as authentically as possible.
Tacos estilo Baja ($16) join the familiar combination of fried basa, a refreshing coleslaw and a spicy habanero-laced sauce. 2222A Queen St. E., 647-827-9070
Delhi Bistro
With a quiet dark space and extensive menu of the classics, Delhi Bistro is the type of Indian restaurant that could fit cosily into any neighbourhood.
Prawn puri delivers on the promise of crispy fried bread matched with a sauce that has just enough heat to hold attention. The butter chicken is that bright orange, typically rich indulgence. 2214 Queen St. E., 647-351-6112
Naturalis
In the mood for a sandwich? Naturalis serves smoked salmon with the usual accompaniments on a dense, sweet Montreal-style bagel. The seats out front offer an unobstructed vantage point for people watching. 2198 Queen St. E., 416-551-5255
Chocolate by Wickerhead Co.
Although ice cream is an obvious choice for an afternoon sweet, why not visit the deserving Wickerhead Co., the Beaches’ chocolatier, instead? Inside, the glass-fronted case and its horde of house-made chocolate truffles is the obvious focus. Choose between milk and dark, and pay particular attention to the chewy Australian ginger and the trendy (but still delicious) soft caramel and fleur de sel. 2375 Queen St. E., 647-344-9060
