TORONTO CITY GUIDE

Your Ultimate Toronto City Guide — Pilgrim-approved spots

Let us take you on a journey through Toronto's vibrant neighbourhoods, hidden gems, and local favourites. We’ve curated our go-to guide for living like a local—because adventure starts wherever you go.

CAFES

Need your caffeine fix? Toronto’s café scene is second to none. THE SONNDR CAFE is perfect for slow mornings or deep convos. FORGET ME NOT COFFEE delivers charm and character in every cup. For a calming, design-forward experience, NEO COFFEE BAR is your spot. Hidden gem NILE COFFEE CLUB is beloved for its craft approach, while Rooms Coffee on Dupont blends great taste with a laid-back energy.

BRUNCH

Weekends in Toronto are made for brunch. GATEAU GHOST brings a playful, pastry-forward vibe with an artistic twist. Over in the east end, LADY MARMELADE is a local institution with a menu full of elevated comfort food. SADELLE’S AT KITH is the ultimate blend of fashion, food, and Instagram-worthy bites. CAFÉ ZUZU captures Mediterranean flavours in a casual setting, and MILOU offers an effortlessly chic space that works for both brunch and dinner (yes, they do it all!). 

  • Rooms Coffee in Toronto—great coffee, laid-back vibe, and a perfect spot to relax or catch up with friends.
  • Forget Me Not Coffee and Nile Coffee Club in Toronto—charming cafés known for craft brews and cozy atmospheres.
  • Lady Marmalade in Toronto—elevated comfort food and a beloved brunch spot with a cozy, vibrant atmosphere.
  • Café Zuzu and Sadelle’s at Kith in Toronto—Mediterranean-inspired dishes and fashion-forward brunch vibes.

LUNCH

Craving a fast bite or a laid-back lunch? We got you. PRIMROSE BAGEL COMPANY is the go-to for NY-style bagels made fresh daily. Craving an Italian classic? TUTTO PANINO serves up nostalgic, hearty sandwiches. Vilda’s is where gourmet meets approachable, while YUNNAN NOODLE SHACK surprises with rich flavours and soul-warming broths. For that artisanal edge, Forno Cultura delivers rustic, seasonal eats in a modern Italian format.

DINNER

Toronto’s dinner scene? Absolutely unmatched. ENOTECA SOCIALE offers cozy ambiance with refined Italian plates that never disappoint. DREYFUS RESTAURANT is intimate and French-inspired, a place for slow, meaningful meals. THEIA transports you with its Greek-meets-Toronto flair, while SUNNYS CHINESE puts a contemporary twist on classic dishes. And yes, OSTERIAGIULIA is as romantic and delicious as everyone says.

  • Vilda’s and Yunnan Noodle Shack in Toronto—gourmet, approachable dishes and rich, soul-warming broths.
  • Forno Cultura in Toronto—rustic, seasonal Italian eats served in a modern, artisanal setting.
  • Dreyfus and OsteriaGiulia in Toronto—intimate dining with French elegance and refined Italian cuisine.
  • Sunnys Chinese in Toronto—modern Chinese cuisine with bold flavours and a vibrant dining experience.

SWEET TREATS 

Got a sweet tooth? Toronto’s dessert game is strong. RURU BAKED offers small-batch, seasonal ice cream with inventive flavours. ANDREA’S COOKIES is the perfect stop when only a gooey, oversized cookie will do. For something classic but elevated, HONEY’S hits the spot. Donuts more your thing? DIPPED DONUTS INC will make you rethink what a donut can be. For a playful vibe, SUPER SERVE mixes nostalgia with serious dessert craft.

BARS

Raise a glass to good times and great design. BAR VENDETTA serves natural wines in a cozy, music-filled space. THE DAUGHTER is where elegance meets edge—think moody lighting and curated cocktails. PARADISE GRAPEVINE is for lovers of wine and open-air vibes, while BAR VOLO brings serious craft beer energy to the downtown core. Want something more low-key? Try THE LITTLE JERRY for casual charm and good people.

  • Toronto’s Ruru Baked and Andrea’s Cookies—small-batch ice cream and gooey, oversized cookies done right.
  • Super Serve Toronto—playful dessert bar blending nostalgia, bold flavours, and creative sweets.
  • Toronto bars The Little Jerry and The Daughter—casual charm meets elegant cocktails and moody ambiance.
  • Toronto’s Bar Volo and Bar Vendetta—craft beer, natural wine, and standout vibes in unique settings.

SHOPPING 

Toronto is full of independent shops that are just as stylish as they are inspiring. VSP CONSIGNMENT is a must for secondhand designer finds, and SOOP SOOP keeps it cool with fashion-forward brands and books. SHOPPE CLOVER is a dreamy blend of homewares and slow fashion, while ISSUES MAGAZINE SHOP is your stop for the latest in design, art, and culture publications. Of course, don’t miss PILGRIM at Toronto Eaton Center—your go-to for Scandinavian-inspired jewellery that elevates every look.

ACTIVITIES

Looking to explore beyond cafés and cocktails? Head to KENSINGTON MARKET for vintage finds, global eats, and an artsy vibe. THE DISTILLERY HISTORIC DISTRICT is full of cobblestone charm and indie boutiques. For sky-high views, the CN TOWER never fails to impress. Want to treat yourself? FORMULA FIG offers science-forward facials and self-care moments. And for the ultimate recharge, MAJESTY’S PLEASURE is where beauty, bubbles, and a good time collide.

  • Pilgrim store at Toronto Eaton Centre featuring Scandinavian-inspired, handcrafted jewellery.
  • VSP Consignment in Toronto—curated designer fashion and secondhand luxury finds.
  • Discover Toronto’s Kensington Market for vintage finds and global eats, then relax with rejuvenating facials at Formula Fig.
  • Toronto’s iconic CN Tower offering panoramic city views and a must-see landmark for visitors.

Toronto is where culture, creativity, and connection come together. Let this guide inspire your next outing, and wherever you go—make it your own. The journey’s just getting started. For the full city guide in images, check it out here.