Ossington Avenue in Toronto’s west end is a bustling strip known for its collection of good food, cool retail and vintage shopping, trendy cafes and a collection of effortlessly cool bars to suit any mood. It was even named one of the top 15 “world’s coolest streets” in Time Out’s second annual rankings, making it a go-to stop on your Toronto itinerary.
Whether you live in the city or are planning a visit, Ossington’s culinary offerings are a must-try and lucky for you, we rounded up the top 10 spots that helped build this street’s reputation.
10. Reposado Bar & Lounge
Come for the selection of Tequila and Mezcal, stay for the cozy patio and nightly live music. While you’re there sipping on a flight from their extensive tequila selection, snack on tapas plates like tacos, mini burritos and chips and guacamole. 136 Ossington Ave.
9. Actinolite
Just beyond the core of Ossington Avenue is Actinolite, featuring an ever-evolving menu according to what’s in season, fresh and available. Much of what’s served in the multi-course tasting menu – affectionately called the ‘Neighborhood Menu’ – is even grown in the restaurants very own backyard or foraged around rural Ontario. 971 Ossington Ave.
8. La Banane
La Banane is serving up contemporary French cuisine on the Ossington strip, complete with a raw bar featuring East Coast oysters, shrimp cocktail, Nova Scotia lobsters and more. Other French-inspired fare includes seared foir gras made savoury-sweet with roasted pineapple, winter spice and jus. The approachable-meets-refined spot also has a succinct wine menu with bottles and by-the-glass options for red, white and roses. 227 Ossington Ave.
7. Manita
Manita is self-described as a neighbourhood café, grocer and bar with a cozy interior, small outdoor patio and delicious food and drinks. Come for brunch, lunch or dinner and order the upscalbut be prepared to wait, the spot doesn’t take reservations and due to limited space, often has a bit of a wait time. The star of the show is fresh, seasonal ingredients with hearty, comfort-food dishes like Tomato & Fava Bean Tagliatelle and the tried-and-true burger. 210 Ossington Ave.
6. Mamakas
Mamakas is Ossington’s go-to spot for elevated, rustic Aegan cuisine, with the goal of delivering a dining experience that features the most authentic representation of modern Greek cuisine and culture. Think delicious mezzes like tzatziki or Domades Thalassinon (calamari, mussels, prawns, octopus, saffron, collard grens, bulgur and dill. Entrees include lamb shakshuka and eggplant with fried duck egg. Mamakas is an ideal spot for a chic, slightly upscale dinner experience with food you’ll love. 80 Ossington Ave.
5. Foxley
Cozy bistro vibes meets upscale fine dining in this spot serving contemporary pan-Asian plates meant for sharing. Helmed by Chef Tom Thai, this spot has been operational since 2007 and was even featured in a Vogue.com Toronto restaurant round-up for must-try spots in the city. Select from a thoughtful menu of seafood, fresh salads and veggie plates and meat-focused entrees like lamb and duck prosciutto dumplings or grilled pork side ribs with caramelized shallot glaze. Pair your food with a glass (or bottle) from the restaurant’s expansive wine list. 207 Ossington Ave.
4.Favorites Thai BBQ
As if this Thai BBQ spot and wine bar’s location can’t get any cooler, it’s a speakeasy. Located above Same James Coffee Bar, blink and you’ll miss this spot. Walk into the coffee shop toward the back where a host/hostess will be there to greet you, and take you up narrow stairs to the upper level where the perfectly pink restaurant is located. Dine on classic Thai faves like spring rolls, curry chicken wings, Northern Thai sausage and Thai-style oysters with Nahm Jim, chili jam and fried shallots. 141 Ossington Ave.
3. The Haifa Room
Transport yourself to the Israeli port city of Haifa just by walking through the doors of this dimly lit spot on the corner of Ossington and Dundas West. Snag savoury eats like Sababa Pita, Fattoush Salad or boneless lamb shoulder. The drink list has something for everyone too, with the usual cocktail classics like Aperol spritz, mimosas and Tom Collins’. 224 Ossington Ave.
2. Côte de Boeuf
Inspired by the neighborhoods of Paris, Côte de Boeuf is Toronto’s local bistro bar à vin and traditional style butcher shop serving local sourced beef butchered and handsawed in-house. The chefs even make their own terrines and foie gras, giving patrons a truly elevated experience. Select a prime cut of local beef, newly dry-aged Snake River Farm wagyu or peameal bacon. On occasion they also carry aged pork chops, chickens, or game birds. Want a truly one-of-a-kind experience? Bring a group of 6 – 8 people and opt for the Butcher’s Table, a specially curated menu for $145/person. 130 Ossington Ave.
1. Paris Paris
Whether you want a quick glass of wine or are hoping to share small plates of quality food over a bottle with friends, Paris Paris is the perfect place for quality sips in an unpretentious, uber-cool environment. The wine list is pages and pages long with something to suit even the fussiest of palates. The food is guided by simplicity, without sacrificing flavour. Think: oysters, grilled argentine shrimp, lobster spaghetti and classic beef tartare. Heading out during the warmer months? Snag a spot on their expansive patio for prime people watching. 146 Ossington Ave.
