#FOOD: TIFF 2026 PLACES TO DINE – LAI WAH HEEN, MINAMI, MIKU, 156 ONEFIVESIX, NO VACANCY, LYLA, ODD DUCK

This September, the city’s film festival season takes centre stage, and Toronto’s dining scene is getting in on the action. From cinematic cocktails and film-inspired dishes to limited-time tasting menus and lavish seafood spreads, a star-studded lineup of restaurants is serving up experiences worthy of the red carpet, including exclusive menu features from Lai Wah Heen, Odd Duck, 156 ONE FIVE SIX, Miku Toronto, Minami, No Vacancy, and Lyla, with each restaurant putting its own creative spin on the season.

Lai Wah Heen
IG. @laiwahheen
📍108 Chestnut Street

Lai Wah Heen is staging a culinary premiere of its own during Toronto’s international film festival season. Executive Chef Heyden Sin’s The Treasure of Fortune is an extravagant five-course experience priced at $8,888, including a 500-gram tin of caviar and the Supreme Eight-Treasure Gourd-Shaped Goose as its main-course centrepiece.

Prepared over three days, the whole deboned goose unites three Cantonese traditions: the dramatic release of broth from a traditional pigeon preparation, the technique and symbolism of Eight-Treasure Duck, and the prized mountain-and-sea delicacies associated with Buddha Jumps Over the Wall. Shaped into an auspicious bottle gourd, it is filled with eight treasures, including Alba white truffle, Japanese dried abalone, fish maw and Galapagos sea cucumber. The goose arrives whole for a dramatic tableside reveal before being ceremonially carved and finished with freshly shaved truffle.

Guests may elevate the experience with a rare 1989 Château Margaux, offered as an optional $3,888 bottle pairing. One of Bordeaux’s celebrated First Growths and top vintages, the Cabernet-led vintage was shaped by an exceptionally hot, dry growing season and is distinguished by its richness, complexity, floral character and remarkably smooth tannins. Only two bottles are available.

Five-course experience: $8,888 CAD, including a 500-gram tin of caviar
Optional wine add-on: 1989 Château Margaux, $3,888 per bottle
Wine availability: Two bottles only
Availability: Limited quantities during Toronto’s international film festival season

Advance order: Three days required
Available from September 10–20.
Link to Reserve HERE.

Minami Toronto
IG. @minamitoronto
📍225 King St. W

This year Minami is honoured to return as an Official TIFF Hospitality Partner and is setting the scene for with a festival-inspired lineup of Japanese dishes and cinematic cocktails. Features include Wagyu X Tartare with black truffle, caviar, sour cream, yuzu, sesame, Japanese black vinegar, and crispy sushi rice; and Aosa Lobster Tempura with yuzu Saikyo miso, wasabi, ume katsuo ponzu jelly, and charcoal oil. The cocktail program takes its cue from the silver screen with Reel It In, made with Redbreast Whiskey, and the aptly named The Sequel. From September 11–16, Minami will also welcome the return of the Visa Infinite Studio, an exclusive evening experience for eligible Visa Infinite cardholders. Set against the excitement of TIFF, the Studio will offer a curated program of food and drink, signature cocktails, entertainment, and special experiences.

Minami TIFF Menu
Wagyu X Tartare
Aosa Lobster Tempura
Minami TIFF Cocktails
Reel it In | $22
The Sequel | $19
Available from September 10–20.
Link to Reserve HERE

156 ONE FIVE SIX
IG. @onefivesix_156
📍1100 Queen Street West

For the film festival season, MICHELIN‑recognized 156 ONE FIVE SIX introduces a trio of limited‑edition features inspired by the works of Korean filmmakers Na Hong‑jin and Yeon Sang-ho. The “Familiar Stranger” highball ($21) honours the upcoming world premiere of Paradise Lost, blending Toki Whisky, peach soju, shiso oleo and soda into a playful reinterpretation of the classic highball and a nod to the film’s tension between the known and the uncanny.
Two dishes draw from Hope and its remote Hopo Port setting. “Hopo Coast” translates the film’s stark, coastal atmosphere into a refined seafood plate of poached and chilled lobster, cucumber noodles, medley tomatoes and yuja pine nuts. “Midnight in Hopo,” offers a Korean‑style potato pancake layered with mussels, myeongran aioli, prosciutto, horseradish and dill, mirrors the film’s darker, late‑night mood while pairing a familiar Korean staple with maritime flavours.
Together, the trio offers a culinary homage to Korean storytelling, blending memory, place and atmosphere into dishes and drinks that feel both cinematic and deeply rooted in Korean tradition.

Available September 10-20

Link to Reserve HERE

156 ONE FIVE SIX Menu Features:
Hopo Coast | $36
Midnight in Hopo | $20
Familiar Stranger | $21

Miku Toronto
IG. @mikutoronto
📍10 Bay St.

In celebration of Japanese cinema, Miku Toronto invites guests to experience a meal told like a film. Inspired by kishōtenketsu, a traditional Japanese storytelling structure built around introduction, development, transformation and resolution, the $85 Pre-Screening Menu unfolds in three cinematic acts—beginning with an opening scene, building to its leading role, and culminating in a final cut of Miku’s signature sushi. Like any great film, the experience is designed around pacing, contrast and anticipation, with each course revealing a new chapter in the story.

Available September 10–20.
Link to Reserve HERE.

Miku Toronto Pre-Screening Menu | $85 per person
OPENING SCENE
Appetizer Trio
Hokkaido Scallop & Atlantic Salmon Sashimi (2pc)
Ebi Fritter (2pc)
Aka Miso Duck
LEADING ROLE
Choice of Entrée
Saikyo Miso Sablefish (3oz)
—or—
A5 Japanese Wagyu Striploin (2oz)
THE FINAL CUT
Sushi Selection
Aburi Nigiri (2pc)
Aburi Salmon Oshi (1pc)
Aburi Ebi Oshi (1pc)
Miku Roll (1pc)
Red Wave Roll (1pc)
Guests can also add a Sapporo for $7 with the purchase of the Pre-Screening Menu.
SAPPORO — $7
With purchase of the menu.

No Vacancy
IG. @novacancyto
📍74 Ossington Ave.

No Vacancy, Canada’s 100 Best’s Best New Bar, No. 14 on Canada’s 100 Best Bars list and No. 82 on the extended North America’s 50 Best Bars is also joining the star studded lineup. In celebration of film festival season and the world premiere of Always Lalisa, the new documentary following BLACKPINK superstar LISA, No Vacancy is spotlighting its aptly named BLACKPINK cocktail for $25. Made with vodka, an olive oil wash, activated charcoal, Plymouth Gin, vermouths and yuzu bitters, the striking cocktail offers a fitting nod to one of the season’s most anticipated music documentaries. Available at No Vacancy on Ossington throughout the festival season.

No Vacancy Menu Features

BLACKPINK | $25

Available September 10-20.
Link to reserve HERE.

Lyla
IG. @lylatoronto
📍60 Sudbury St

For the city’s upcoming film festival season, Lyla is getting into the cinematic spirit with a trio of food and drink offerings inspired by this year’s films. In celebration of Nanni Moretti’s It Will Happen Tonight, Lyla’s $42 1942 in Capri brings a little Italian romance and glamour to the occasion, with Don Julio Añejo 1942, Campari, Cocchi and Guerra coming together in a celebratory aperitivo made for a pre-screening toast or a night out after the credits roll. For Conversation with the Sea, the coastal Mediterranean hot spot is serving a conversation with the sea of its own: the Grand Plateau brings together caviar bites, oysters, cocktail shrimp, ceviche and bluefin tuna crudo in a celebratory seafood spread designed for sharing before a screening or over a festival-season dinner. Finally, in celebration of A Talent for Murder, Lyla is serving a killer Italian‑inspired order that nods to the film’s dramatic flair: Tagliolini All’Aragosta pairs butter-poached Atlantic lobster with delicate tagliolini, VSOP lobster bisque and lobster glaze, available with a half or whole lobster for an indulgent choice worthy of a festival night out.

Lyla Menu Features
1942 In Capri | $42
Grand Plateau | $95
Tagliolini All’Aragosta | Half Lobster $69 or Whole Lobster $109

Available September 10–20.
Link to Reserve HERE.

Odd Duck
IG. @oddduckwandp
📍93 Ontario St S

To celebrate the film festival season, MICHELIN-recommended Odd Duck debuts its limited-edition “Director’s Cut” cocktail, inspired by the 1922 silent-film classic Blood and Sand, starring Rudolph Valentino. The restaurant gives the iconic Blood and Sand cocktail its own “director’s cut,” preserving its signature Scotch, cherry and citrus profile while reimagining it with Monkey Shoulder Scotch, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, sencha tea and blood orange, topped with a silky blood orange cold foam.

Odd Duck Menu Features
Director’s Cut | $19
Available September 10–20
Link to reserve HERE.

#FOOD: BTS ARIRANG WORLD TOUR PRE-MEAL IDEAS IN TORONTO

BTS is bringing its highly anticipated ARIRANG World Tour to Toronto for two performances at Rogers Stadium on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23, 2026, with both concerts beginning at 8 p.m.

Whether Toronto ARMY members are fuelling up before the concert, gathering for a post-show drink or celebrating without tickets, three of the city’s Korean-chef-led restaurants and bars are joining the excitement. From Friday, August 21 through Sunday, August 23, Lyla, No Vacancy and 156 ONE FIVE SIX will feature BTS-inspired food and cocktails while playing the group’s music throughout the weekend.

156 ONE FIVE SIX
IG. @onefivesix_156
📍1100 Queen St. W.

Chef and partner Myeongseok “MJ” Jeong brings a personal perspective to modern Korean cuisine. Raised in Yeosu, South Korea, Jeong moved to Canada in 2014, studied culinary arts at George Brown College and built his experience at acclaimed Toronto restaurants including Canoe, R&D and Canis. His original restaurant, 156 Cumberland, appeared in the Michelin Guide’s Toronto selection for three consecutive years before reopening on Queen West as 156 ONE FIVE SIX.

For BTS weekend, guests can try:
Hooligan Highball — $21
A BTS-inspired version of the restaurant’s Shiso Highball, made with Toki whisky, Momotoro peach sake, shiso oleo and soda.
ARIRANG Afterglow — $21
A celebratory take on the Asian Pear Spritz, combining pear eau-de-vie, Korean pear, pear oleo, lime, lychee boba and Prosecco.
BTS Naengmyeon — $20
Created especially for the weekend, this new dish offers a contemporary interpretation of naengmyeon, Korea’s iconic chilled noodle dish. It is best enjoyed alongside the restaurant’s popular kalbi.
Kalbi-Marinated Australian Wagyu Skirt Steak Ssam Platter, 6 oz — $60
Marinated Australian Wagyu skirt steak served with ssamjang, chimichurri, house pickles, white kimchi, salad and lettuce wraps.
Sujebi Pasta — $38
A major nod to Korean comfort food, 156’s contemporary sujebi pairs hand-torn-style pasta with U10 scallops, perilla butter, guanciale crumbles and zucchini purée.

Lyla
IG. @lylatoronto
📍60 Sudbury St.

Executive Chef Daniel Kim leads Lyla’s evolving coastal Mediterranean menu, bringing experience from several of Toronto’s most distinguished kitchens, including Michelin-starred Osteria Giulia, Michelin Guide-recommended Sammarco and Opus. His cooking combines Mediterranean technique with subtle Asian and Korean influences.
Lyla’s BTS weekend selections include:
Borahae — $25
Named for the BTS-associated expression meaning “I purple you,” this vivid cocktail combines Valley of Mother of God gin, Lillet Blanc, Choya, soju, lychee, yuzu and butterfly pea.
Yukhoe — $25
A BTS-weekend presentation of Lyla’s steak tartare, made with anchovy oil, pear gel, sous-vide egg yolk and a gochujang–Gouda crisp.
SWIM Platter — $95
A renamed version of Lyla’s Grand Plateau and a playful reference to BTS’s “SWIM.” Designed for sharing, the platter includes caviar bites, oysters, cocktail shrimp, chef’s ceviche, bluefin tuna crudo and accompaniments.
High resolution photos for Lyla available HERE.

No Vacancy
IG. @novacancyto
📍74 Ossington Ave.

No Vacancy’s Korean-Italian kitchen is led by Chef Brian Kang, whose résumé includes experience in Michelin-recognized restaurants such as Benu, DaNico and Don Alfonso 1890. His menu brings Korean flavours together with Italian ingredients and technique. No Vacancy was also ranked No. 14 on Canada’s 100 Best Bars list and appeared at No. 82 on the extended North America’s 50 Best Bars list.
BTS weekend features include:
Dynamite Bulgogi Arancini — $23
A renamed version of No Vacancy’s Bulgogi Arancini: crispy rice filled with marinated beef and Parmigiano Reggiano, served with kimchi aioli.
FIRE Gochujang Poutine — $19
A BTS-inspired spin on the bar favourite, featuring fries, gochujang gravy, scamorza and scallion.
No Vacancy’s existing Korean-inspired cocktails will also be available:
Buonasera Seoul — $20
Soju, dry curaçao, St-Germain, clarified citrus, sencha and tonic, served carbonated.
Bae — $23
Planteray 3 Stars rum, Boulard Calvados and pear cordial.

From pre-concert meals to ticket-free BTS celebrations, all three destinations offer fans a way to experience the excitement surrounding the ARIRANG World Tour through Korean flavours, themed cocktails and a weekend-long BTS soundtrack.
This is an independently produced, unofficial BTS-inspired dining celebration and is not affiliated with or endorsed by BTS, HYBE or the ARIRANG World Tour.

#FOOD: LYLA ENTERS NEW ERA UNDER EXDCUTIVE CHEF DANIEL KIM

Lyla has appointed Daniel Kim as Executive Chef and Seungho Jeon as Sous Chef, ushering in the next evolution of the restaurant’s culinary concept. Together, the chefs are building on Lyla’s Mediterranean foundation with a more focused coastal perspective, emphasizing exceptional seafood, handmade pasta, premium ingredients and seasonality.

The new direction is an evolution rather than a reinvention. Since opening at 60 Sudbury Street, Lyla has become known for its design-forward interiors, vibrant cocktail culture and Mediterranean-rooted approach to dining.

Under Kim and Jeon’s leadership, that identity is taking on greater definition through the flavours of the Mediterranean coastline and the culinary traditions of Southern Europe.

Kim joins Lyla following roles in some of Toronto’s most celebrated kitchens, including MICHELIN-starred Osteria Giulia, Opus and MICHELIN Guide-recommended Sammarco. Jeon brings an international perspective shaped by experience at Sydney’s acclaimed Bennelong and Toronto’s The Chase.

“From the beginning, our goal has been to build a restaurant with staying power,” says Daniel van Welie, co-owner of Lyla. “Daniel and Seungho understand what makes Lyla distinctive. Their cooking is thoughtful, ingredient-driven and deeply rooted in hospitality. They are helping us move the restaurant forward in a way that feels fresh while remaining authentic to everything we have built.”

Lyla is led by hospitality veterans van Welie, the longtime owner of Cano, and Amen Habtemariam. The pair first met while working at Terroni and brought more than two decades of shared hospitality experience to the restaurant. Their approach is grounded in the belief that enduring restaurants bring together excellent food, genuine hospitality, thoughtful design and memorable guest experiences.

Reservations are available [HERE].

A New Culinary Direction

At Lyla, Kim leads a culinary program designed to make refined dining feel generous, expressive and approachable. His philosophy centres on precise technique and premium seasonal ingredients, presented with a sense of ease rather than unnecessary complexity.

“The most memorable dishes often feel effortless,” says Kim. “Our goal is to begin with exceptional ingredients, treat them with care and create food that guests genuinely want to return for. Lyla gives us the opportunity to explore the Mediterranean through a contemporary coastal lens while preserving the warmth and hospitality at the heart of the restaurant.”

Working alongside Kim, Jeon brings a similarly disciplined approach. His philosophy is that complexity belongs in the kitchen—not on the plate. Through refined technique and thoughtful execution, he creates dishes that feel balanced, elegant and immediately inviting.

Together, Kim and Jeon are shaping a menu defined by seafood, handmade pasta, seasonal produce and premium cuts from the land. Their shared approach combines technical precision with an emphasis on collaboration, consistency and warm hospitality.

The Menu
Lyla’s evolved menu moves from an expanded raw bar and shareable opening plates to handmade pasta, seafood and premium meats.

The raw bar includes rotating oysters, caviar service and cocktail shrimp, alongside more expressive preparations such as Chef’s Ceviche with cucumber and daikon ribbons, gochujang vinaigrette and crispy nori; Scallop Crudo with green apple, chili purée, almonds and dill oil; and Bluefin Tuna à Cru with citrus kosho aioli, red chili, crispy shallots and tomato gel.

Dishes designed for the table include Burrata with ossetra caviar, tomatoes, tomato water and sourdough; Scallop Ravioli with black garlic jus, cherry gel and brown-butter croutons; Octopus with Brussels sprouts, cherry gastrique and smoked tomato and kelp butter; and Steak Tartare with anchovy oil, pear gel, sous-vide egg yolk and a gochujang-Gouda crisp.

The pasta selection includes Paccheri with pork cheek, peperoncino, San Marzano rosé and pecorino; Risotto ai Funghi with shiitake mushrooms, black garlic and puffed buckwheat; Spaghettoni with uni, Hokkaido uni butter and nori pangrattato; and Tagliolini all’Aragosta with butter-poached Atlantic lobster, VSOP lobster bisque and lobster glaze.

From the sea, highlights include Japanese Striped Jack and Sea Bream with ossetra caviar beurre blanc, blood orange and ramp oil. Dishes from the land include Australian Rack of Lamb, dry-aged USDA Prime New York Striploin and a 26-ounce dry-aged USDA Prime Ribeye.

The Beverage Program
Complementing the kitchen is Lyla’s beverage program, led by Head Bartender and Bar Manager Walter Reis. Originally from Brazil, Reis brings a cocktail philosophy informed by tropical flavours, seasonal ingredients and contemporary technique.

Drawing inspiration from aperitivo culture and the flavours of the Mediterranean, the cocktail and wine program is designed to transition naturally from afternoon drinks through dinner and to pair with Kim and Jeon’s evolving menu.
Signature cocktails include Jardin di Fragola, made with Valley of Mother of God Gin, pineapple, strawberry, kiwi bitters and yuzu foam.

The beverage program is supported by a curated group of partners, including Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers, Valley of Mother of God Gin, Le Zinc Independent Cellar, Tre Amici Wines, Vertical Wines and Gibson Family Group.

The Space
Designed by internationally recognized firm HOK, Lyla’s interiors pair Mediterranean warmth with contemporary elegance. Natural textures, layered materials and intimate lighting create an atmosphere that feels elevated yet inviting.

The restaurant transitions from weekday lunch and aperitivo to dinner and weekend brunch. Guests can also dine on the refreshed seasonal patio, host private gatherings in The Gold Room or enjoy a more intimate, chef-led experience in

The Grotto.
Each setting reflects Lyla’s approach to hospitality: refined without feeling formal, vibrant without sacrificing comfort and designed to encourage guests to linger.

About Lyla
Located at 60 Sudbury Street in Toronto, Lyla is a contemporary coastal Mediterranean restaurant inspired by the culinary traditions of Southern Europe. Led by hospitality veterans Daniel van Welie and Amen Habtemariam, Lyla brings together ingredient-driven cuisine, a design-forward setting, an elevated beverage program and warm, attentive hospitality.

Under the culinary leadership of Executive Chef Daniel Kim and Sous Chef Seungho Jeon, Lyla’s evolving menu places seafood, handmade pasta, premium ingredients and seasonality at the centre of the experience. Together with Head Bartender and Bar Manager Walter Reis, the team delivers a distinctive dining experience that moves effortlessly from day to night.
Lyla offers weekday lunch and aperitivo, nightly dinner, weekend brunch and private dining, as well as a seasonal patio.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

Website: www.lylatoronto.com
Instagram: @lylatoronto @danielkimchef (Chef Daniel Kim) @chefseunghojeon (Chef Seungho Jeon)

Hours of Operation
Lunch: Monday–Friday | 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Dinner: Daily | 5:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
Brunch: Monday to Sunday | 10:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Reservations can be made [HERE].

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FOOD: FATHER’S DAY IDEA ROUNDUP – LYLA, TONDOU, RADICI PROJECT, TABERNA LX, LUNCH LADY, SUITE 115, NAARI THAI BBQ, MIKU, BAR ALLEGRO, DL CHICKEN, FICOA

This Father’s Day, Toronto’s restaurants and bars are raising a glass to Dad with everything from casual comfort fare to thoughtfully curated, one-day-only experiences. Whether the day calls for smoky barbecue, a generous brunch spread, a cold pint on a sun‑soaked patio, or something a little more refined, these spots are offering thoughtful touches and dad‑worthy specials that make the occasion feel a little more memorable. Taberna LX, Radici Project, Suite 115, Lunch Lady, Naari Thai BBQ, Ficoa, DL Chicken, Tondou, Miku Toronto, Bar Allegro, and Lyla are all set to ensure a Father’s Day filled with good food, good company, and plenty to celebrate.

Taberna LX
IG. @taberna_lx_to
📍1161 Dundas St. W

Offering a refined approach to authentic Portuguese cuisine, Taberna LX’s vibrant yet intimate atmosphere sets the tone for a memorable Father’s Day celebration. Guests can indulge in Taberna’s full regular menu, including favourites such as their classic Café Steak, featuring a rich beef tenderloin served alongside crisp potato chips and a perfectly fried egg for that extra salty bite. Paired with Portugal’s best-selling beer, Super Bock, it’s a combination that elevates any occasion. A visit to Taberna LX promises a warm, inviting experience worthy of celebrating Dad.

Taberna’s Father’s Day Favourites
Café Steak $56
Super Bock Beer

Radici Project
IG. @radici_project
📍588 College St.

Radici Project, known for its seasonal immersive menus, will be open on Father’s Day, giving guests the chance to enjoy the final days of the Spring Immersive Menu before it wraps on June 23. Highlights include their Duck Lardo and Radicchio, featuring tender yakitori-style grilled duck, prepared with a balance of richness, gentle smoke, and bright acidity, finished with radicchio, lardo, and a refined duck jus. With the Summer Immersive Menu launching on June 24, Radici offers a timely and memorable way to celebrate Dad.

Suite 115
IG. @suite115.to
📍532 College St.

For those seeking a lively bar atmosphere to mark Father’s Day, Suite 115 offers a spirited option. The award-winning bar, ranked No. 74 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026 extended list and No. 13 on Canada’s Best 100 Bars 2026, brings both energy and craft to the occasion. For a playful nod to the occasion, Suite 115’s “The Old Man” is an Old-Fashioned-style clarified Hong Kong milk tea cocktail. Guests can also enjoy a wide selection of comforting small plates such as the Indo short ribs, or Curly Curry Fries, perfect for sharing with the whole family.

Suite 115’s Father’s Day Favourites
The Old Man $23
House Hong Kong Milk Tea blend, Neutral Spirit, Whey
An Old-Fashioned style clarified Hong Kong Milk Tea Cocktail.

Indo Short Ribs $25
AAA Short Rib slow-cooked with
Indonesian flavours, Naan bites.

Curly Curry Fries $12
Spiced fries with a dollop of curry mayo.

Lunch Lady
IG. @thelunchladytoronto
📍93 Ossington Ave.

Located in the heart of Ossington, The Lunch Lady has become one of Toronto’s most beloved Vietnamese hotspots, known for its vibrant atmosphere and bold, comforting flavours. Guests can visit on Father’s Day to enjoy the Sunday lunch special, the Mi Vit Tiem, featuring dry-aged duck breast, egg noodles, and a fragrant five‑spice duck broth, or return in the evening for dinner. Two chef favourites include the Steak Luc Lac, an elevated take on the classic ribeye with peppercorn sauce, and crispy cassava, as well as the Pork Tomahawk, a generous grilled bone-in chop served with pineapple and shishito peppers. The Lunch Lady offers a lively and flavourful setting that brings a celebratory spirit to Father’s Day.

Lunch Lady’s Father’s Day Favourites
Steak Lúc Lắc – Bò Lúc Lắc $56
8 oz ribeye of beef with peppercorn sauce, crispy cassava, and burnt scallion butter. Foie gras +$14, Tiger prawn skewer +$10, Waffle fries +$6

Pork Tomahawk – Sườn Nướng $54
16 oz grilled bone‑in chop served with pineapple, shishito peppers, lettuce, fresh herbs, and herb vinaigrette.
Tiger prawn skewer +$10

Sunday Lunch Special – Mì Vịt Tiềm $32
Dry-aged duck breast with gai lan, shiitake mushrooms, lotus root, egg noodles, a slow‑poached egg, and a fragrant five‑spice duck broth.

Naari Thai BBQ
IG. @naarithai
📍501 College St.

Nothing says Father’s Day quite like barbecue, and Naari Thai BBQ has mastered the art of succulent, flame‑kissed cooking. The restaurant brings together smoky Thai barbecue with vibrant salads, fragrant curries, and wok‑fired favourites, creating a lively and flavour‑rich dining experience. This Father’s Day, Naari welcomes guests for a special brunch priced at $45, or for those looking to celebrate in the evening, an omakase dinner that showcases the full range of the kitchen’s creativity.

Naari’s Father’s Day Favourites
Father’s Day Brunch $45/person
Omakase Dinner $55/person

Ficoa
IG. @ficoa.to
📍585 College St.

To celebrate Father’s Day weekend, Ficoa highlights a trio of its most beloved brunch dishes, available on Sunday, June 21 during brunch service. Guests can begin with the Empanadas, a warm and comforting favourite filled with tender short rib. The Pampero follows as a hearty centrepiece, bringing together slow‑braised beef short rib, potatoes, and chimichurri. To wrap up the festivities, the Churro French Toast offers a sweet and satisfying finish. Together, the selections create a celebratory brunch experience designed with dads in mind.

Ficoa’s Father’s Day Favourites
Empanadas $18
Corn masa, braised short rib, queso cotija, and crema. A rich and comforting dish that has become a guest favourite.

Pampero $22
A hearty plate featuring heirloom potatoes, chimichurri, slow-braised beef short rib, and two fried eggs.

Churro French Toast $18
A signature sweet way to finish off the meal.

DL Chicken
IG. @dlchicken
📍538 Manning Ave.

DL Chicken, Toronto’s newest fried chicken hotspot, brings a laid‑back and flavour‑packed approach to Father’s Day lunch. Known for its elevated take on crispy classics, the restaurant offers far more than the standard chicken sandwich. Guests can mark the occasion with the limited‑time Cool Honey Sando, a sweet‑heat creation featuring their new Cool Honey sauce and a tangy jalapeño-lemongrass mayo. For something more traditional in spirit, The OG features Nashville‑dusted chicken with DL sauce, delivering the kind of satisfying bite that has made the spot a local favourite.

DL Chicken’s Father’s Day Favourites

June Special: Cool Honey Sando
Crispy fried chicken dipped in Cool Honey sauce, placed on Cool Coleslaw and Jalapeño-lemongrass mayo.

The OG
Nashville-dusted Chicken, Pickled onions, Coleslaw, Pickles, DL Sauce.

Tondou Ramen
IG. @tondoutoronto
📍596 College St.

Tondou Ramen brings an easygoing, neighbourhood charm to College St., making it an excellent stop for a relaxed Father’s Day outing. All summer long, the restaurant features its Shima House Beer at a special $3.95 per pint, a dad‑friendly highlight that pairs perfectly with hearty bowls like the Tonkotsu Special, Okinawa Soki Soba, or a side of Spicy Karaage Ramen. Guests can further elevate the experience on Tondou’s patio, thoughtfully designed with a retro Japanese aesthetic that showcases their Okinawan‑inspired hospitality. Whether dropping in for a comforting bowl or settling in with a cold pint, Tondou offers a warm and welcoming way to celebrate with family.

Tondou’s Father’s Day Favourites
Shima House Beer $3.95 per pint

Miku Toronto
IG. @mikutoronto
📍10 Bay St.

Miku Toronto will be celebrating Father’s Day with an exclusive one‑day Japanese Seafood and Prime Rib Buffet on Sunday, June 21. Curated by Chef de Cuisine Michael Acero, the celebration brings together seasonal flavours and signature Aburi favourites in a generous spread. Guests can begin at the Raw Bar with chef‑selected sashimi and seafood starters before moving to the Sushi Station for freshly prepared Aburi Oshi, nigiri, and maki. The buffet continues with kitchen highlights such as a prime rib carving station, smoked duck, wagyu curry udon, and crisp fried specialties. To finish, the Soft Serve Station by MICHELIN‑starred Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi offers a refined sweet ending.

Miku’s Father’s Day Special: Japanese Seafood & Prime Rib Buffet
$95 for adults, $35 for children aged 7–12, complimentary for children 6 and under.

Chef-Selected Sashimi: Seared Tuna Tataki with Truffle Ponzu, and Shrimp Cocktail with Yuzu Cocktail Sauce.

Appetizers: including Salmon Nanbanzuke, Kinpira & Heritage Mix Greens with Umami Vinaigrette, Hijiki Seaweed Salad, Bread & Butter, and Miso Soup.

Selection of Aburi Oshi Sushi

Chef’s Selection of Aburi Nigiri

Chef’s Selection of Maki Sushi

Kitchen Favourites: including a Prime Rib Carving Station, Smoked Muscovy Duck Breast, Udon & Wagyu Curry Station, Aji Katsu (Spanish Mackerel Fry), Chicken Karaage, Atlantic Miso Yaki, and Panko-Breaded Oysters (Kaki Fry).

Soft Serve Station including Kuromitsu Soft Serve, Warabimochi, Layered Strawberry.

Bar Allegro
IG. @barallegro_to
📍597 College St.

Bar Allegro is an ideal way to wrap up Father’s Day, offering a relaxed and thoughtfully designed space inspired by the social bar cultures of France, Italy, and Spain. The atmosphere is built for spontaneity, whether you stop in for a single drink or let the evening unfold a little longer. Guests can explore a carefully crafted beverage menu with favourites like the Spicy Marg and the Toasted Coconut Daiquiri, or finish the night with their honey, fennel pollen, and olive oil soft serve available until 10 p.m. Bar Allegro promises to be a stylish and welcoming visit to bring the special day to a close.

Bar Allegro’s Father’s Day Favourites
Spicy Marg $18
Tequila, Mezcal, Lime, Agave Syrup, Cilantro, Jalapeño.

Toasted Coconut Daiquiri $17
Rum, Toasted Coconut, Lime.

Soft Serve
Honey, Fennel Pollen, Olive Oil.

Lyla
IG. @lylatoronto
📍60 Sudbury St.

Lyla’s newly renovated patio is now open, making it an inviting spot to celebrate Father’s Day with a long, relaxed brunch in the sun. On Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Lyla Brunch Table showcases some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, including a choice of mimosa or specialty coffee alongside any entrée from Lyla’s brunch menu, such as the signature Lyla Burger, the Braised Short Rib Hash, or the classic Steak Sandwich. It is the perfect blend of upscale patio vibes and the signature comforts that make a Father’s Day brunch feel just right.

Lyla’s Father’s Day Favourites
Lyla Brunch Table $55 per person
Choice of classic mimosa or specialty coffee, any entrée from Lyla’s brunch menu, and Lyla’s famous Pain Perdu, their signature take on French toast and one of the restaurant’s most requested dishes.

#FOOD: LYLA LAUNCHES NEW EXPANDED LUNCH PROGRAM SUMMER 2026

This spring, Lyla continues to evolve as one of Queen West’s most versatile dining destinations, seamlessly moving from weekday lunch and Aperitivo into dinner and weekend brunch service. Launching Monday, June 1, the restaurant introduces an expanded lunch program designed around Mediterranean-inspired flavours, polished midday dining, and a cocktail-forward daytime experience, alongside the debut of Lyla’s refreshed seasonal patio on June 1, 2026.

About Lyla’s Lunch Menu

Designed for midday meetings, celebrations, private dining occasions, and long afternoons over cocktails, wine, and shared Mediterranean plates, Lyla’s new lunch experience sits between refined dining and relaxed hospitality. The restaurant’s daytime atmosphere is intentionally polished without feeling overly formal, offering a flexible setting equally suited for corporate lunches, social afternoons, FIFA-season visitors, and lingering daytime dining experiences.

Highlights from the new lunch menu include:

Raw Bar

Rotating Oysters — three ($15), six ($25), twelve ($49)
Starters & Flatbreads
Beef Tartare ($21) — anchovy oil, sous-vide egg yolk, smoked aioli, pecorino, sourdough
Bufala Flatbread ($19) — san marzano, mozzarella di bufala DOP, basil
Mushroom Flatbread ($21) — mixed mushrooms, ricotta, honey, caramelized onions, gruyère, gremolata
Short Rib Flatbread ($23) — braised short rib, pecorino, pickled red onion, smoked aioli

For the Table

Greek Salad ($23) — feta, cherry tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, roasted red peppers, olive tapenade, oregano
Burrata ($25) — heirloom & cherry tomatoes, pesto, baguette
Cauliflower ($17) — hummus, pomegranate, honey, confit garlic, mint
Crispy Squid ($19) — xo crisp, chili aioli
Caesar Salad ($21) — baby gem, double smoked bacon, capers, crostini, lemon-anchovy vinaigrette (add grilled chicken $13)
Entrées
Branzino ($29) — grilled seabass fillet, broccolini, lemon-caper ponzu sauce, crispy shallots
Paccheri Alla Gin ($25) — pork cheek, pepperoncino, san marzano rosé, pecorino
Chicken ($27) — grilled chicken breast, basil pesto, heirloom carrots
Steak Frites ($33) — 6 oz grilled Canadian prime picanha, confit garlic fries, au poivre jus
Steak Sandwich ($35) — baguette, picanha steak, gruyère cheese, crispy shallots, horseradish aioli, confit garlic fries

Alongside the new lunch program, Lyla’s signature offerings will continue throughout the season, further reinforcing the restaurant’s all-day dining approach. Dinner service remains available daily from 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, showcasing the restaurant’s Mediterranean-driven menu of raw bar selections, handmade pastas, premium meats, and seafood, while weekend brunch continues Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM with optional bottomless mimosas.

Beginning June 1, guests will also be able to experience Lyla’s newly renovated seasonal patio, designed to further extend the restaurant’s relaxed yet elevated daytime atmosphere throughout the summer.

Complementing each experience is Lyla’s cocktail program, led by Head Bartender and Bar Manager Walter Pontes, whose beverage direction blends contemporary cocktail techniques with Mediterranean influences and aperitivo culture. Most recently, Pontes earned People’s Choice recognition at Bar Battle, further spotlighting Lyla’s growing reputation as a cocktail destination within Toronto’s dining scene.

About the Cocktail Program

Further elevating Lyla’s all-day dining experience is its signature cocktail program, led by Head Bartender and Bar Manager Walter Pontes, who recently earned Audience Choice recognition at Bar Battle for his standout cocktail presentation. The recognition further solidifies Lyla’s growing reputation within Toronto’s culinary and cocktail scene, with a beverage program that balances contemporary cocktail techniques alongside bright Mediterranean influences and aperitivo culture.

Highlights from the signature cocktail program include:

Rosato Spritz ($21) — amaro montenegro, white vermouth, cava, strawberry

Lychee Bianco ($22) — dillon’s gin, lillet blanc, choya, lychee

Tropic Noir ($23) — tromba reposado, tromba cafeto, pineapple, ginger

Sirocco ($24) — tromba blanco, aperol, hibiscus, passionfruit, lemon

Golden Canopy ($25) — leblon cachaça, flor de cana 7 year, passionfruit, lime, ginger

Midnight Ascent ($25) — mezcal, aperol, amaro nonino, grapefruit, almond

East Coast Martini ($29) — choice of Grey Goose or Hendrick’s Gin, served with an east coast oyster crowned in caviar

Golden Hour ($35) — clase azul reposado, bumbu rum xo, mango, lime

Lyla’s cocktails are designed to complement every stage of the dining experience, from lighter afternoon spritzes and aperitivo-style drinks enjoyed on Lyla’s newly renovated patio opening June 1, to more layered, spirit-forward evening cocktails.

For guests looking beyond lunch, Lyla’s broader programming will continue throughout the season. Dinner service remains available daily from 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, offering the restaurant’s signature raw bar, handmade pastas, premium seafood and meats, alongside a curated wine and cocktail program. Weekend brunch will also continue Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM, complete with optional bottomless mimosas. For more intimate occasions, The Gold Room accommodates private dining experiences for up to 20 guests, while The Grotto offers a 4–6 guest chef’s tasting experience in a more immersive, chef-led setting.

To view Lyla’s current dinner menus, please see HERE.

To view Lyla’s brunch menu, please see HERE.

For private dining room menus and event information, please see HERE.

About Lyla
Located just minutes from Toronto’s downtown stadium and entertainment core ahead of this summer’s FIFA festivities, Lyla is positioned as an ideal destination for visitors, business lunches, daytime gatherings, and extended pre- or post-match dining experiences throughout the city’s busiest summer season.

Set in the heart of Queen West, Lyla’s menu centres on raw bar selections, handmade pastas, premium meats, and seasonal ingredients, now paired with an elevated weekday lunch offering available Monday to Friday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Guests can ease into the afternoon with refined yet approachable dishes before transitioning into Aperitivo from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, featuring cocktails and bites priced under $20. Reservations can be made HERE.

Designed around progression and flexibility, Lyla offers multiple ways to engage with the space throughout the day, further positioning the restaurant as a standout in Toronto’s culinary scene for everything from casual daytime dining and cocktails to celebratory dinners and curated private experiences.

#FOOD: PATIO SEASON 2026 ROUND-UP: MINAMI, TONDOU RAMEN, FAVORITES THAI, LYLA, TABERNA LX, BAR POMPETTE, BAR ALLEGRO, LITTLE SISTER, NAARI, ODD DUCK

This patio season, Toronto’s top dining destinations are bringing their best outdoors. From waterfront tables and garden patios to lively terraces and cocktail-forward spaces, spots like Minami Toronto, Tondou Ramen, Favorites Thai, Lyla, Taberna LX, Bar Pompette, Bar Allegro, Little Sister, Naari, and Odd Duck offer standout ways to dine al fresco all summer long. Whether you’re after a sunny afternoon lunch or drinks that turn into dinner, each delivers a distinct patio experience worth booking.

Minami
IG. @minamitoronto
📍225 King St. W

Minami Toronto brings a polished, waterfront patio experience to the Harbourfront, offering a seamless blend of contemporary Japanese cuisine and vibrant city energy. Open from April through October, the patio accommodates approximately 40–50 guests and transitions effortlessly from relaxed daytime dining to lively summer evenings. Reservations can be made HERE.

At the core of the experience is Minami’s signature aburi-style sushi, paired with a menu that balances precision, premium ingredients, and visual artistry. Guests can explore a curated Happy Hour Menu featuring items such as Mini Poke Nachos and Truffle Dashi Pork Gyoza, alongside a broader selection of sushi and seasonal plates designed for sharing or full meals.

The beverage program plays a central role, with an extensive offering of wine, sake, and signature cocktails, complemented by dedicated Happy Hour selections during early evening hours.
With its waterfront setting and refined atmosphere, Minami is especially well-suited for date nights, social evenings, and after-work gatherings where elevated food and ambiance are equally prioritized.

Tondou Ramen
IG. @tondoutoronto
📍596 College St

Step into patio season with Tondou Ramen, where a Yatai-inspired patio sets the tone for a lively, casual outdoor dining experience with seating for up to 36 guests. Open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM (last call at 11:00 PM), the concept invites guests to enjoy bold, flavour-forward ramen in a vibrant street food setting. Signature favourites include the Tonkotsu Special Ramen and Okinawa Soba, alongside a seasonal Seafood Tonkotsu Ramen ($20), with Hiyashi Chuka, a refreshing cold ramen, arriving in May for the summer months. The average spend ranges from $20–30 per person. Reservations can be made HERE.

Seasonal Menu
Seasonal Seafood Tonkotsu Ramen ($20)
Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Ramen – available starting May) ($19.5)
Key Dishes
Tonkotsu Special Ramen ($21.5)
Okinawa Soba ($17.5)
Seafood Tonkotsu Ramen ($20)

Favorites Thai
IG. @myfavethai
📍141 Ossington Ave

A four-time MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recipient, Favorites Thai brings one of Ossington’s most consistently sought-after patio experiences back for the season. The modern Thai restaurant in Toronto’s west end pairs MICHELIN-recognized credibility with a lively, flavour-forward approach to outdoor dining, centered on bold, shareable dishes and an energetic neighbourhood atmosphere. Reservations can be made HERE.
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the 18–20 seat patio is ideal for group dinners, casual nights out, or spontaneous spring and summer plans from May through September.

Guests can enjoy Favorites Thai’s full regular menu outdoors, with the option to order à la carte or settle into Chef’s Choice, a six-course experience priced at $100 per person. Guests can add a four-pairing wine experience for $45 per person, with any additional wine pairing available for $10 each. It’s a strong fit for everything from a spontaneous Ossington dinner to a more curated evening that unfolds course by course on the patio. Paired with fruit-driven cocktails and rotating drink features throughout the season, the experience feels polished yet approachable. The full menu can be found HERE.

The patio carries the same tone as the interior—simple, relaxed, and a little bit electric—set against the backdrop of one of Toronto’s most vibrant streets. Rather than a fixed seasonal menu, Favorites Thai highlights its current offerings, with evolving features introduced throughout the summer. The result is a dynamic experience that leans into bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and an easygoing, high-energy atmosphere.

Lyla
IG. @lylatoronto
📍60 Sudbury St

Lyla welcomes patio season in Queen West with a fully redesigned outdoor space returning in early May (weather permitting), offering an elevated open-air dining experience across multiple dayparts. Ideal for group dinners, stylish brunches, and after-work Aperitivo, the space features U-shaped booths for 6–8 guests and banquette-style tables for smaller parties. Reservations can be made HERE.

Guests can enjoy a Mediterranean-driven menu rooted in seasonal ingredients, raw bar selections, handmade pastas, and premium meats, alongside a curated Aperitivo program with cocktails and bites under $20. Service runs daily for dinner (5:00 PM – 11:00 PM), weekday lunch (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM), Aperitivo (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM), and weekend brunch (10:30 AM – 3:00 PM), with pricing ranging from approximately $25–$45 for lunch, $85–$150+ for dinner, and $35–$60 for brunch. It’s especially well-suited for everything from relaxed daytime dining to polished evening occasions.

Lyla’s redesigned 2026 patio introduces a more immersive, design-forward outdoor space with ambient lighting and lush greenery, seamlessly transitioning from daytime lunches into Aperitivo and refined evening dining.

Lunch (Monday–Friday)
Beef Tartare ($21)
Canadian prime beef, pecorino, quail egg, sourdough.
Cavatelli all’Amatriciana ($25)
pork cheek, san marzano tomato, stracciatella
Steak Sandwich ($33)
grilled picanha, gruyère, crispy shallots, horseradish aioli
Aperitivo at Lyla (Monday–Friday, 4–6 PM)

A curated selection of cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks offered at preferred pricing
A dedicated Aperitivo menu featuring refined bites, each offered under $20

Dinner
Hamachi Crudo ($33)
Ponzu, tempura, citrus
Linguine all’Aragosta ($65)
Atlantic lobster, bisque
12oz Canadian Prime Striploin ($89)
au poivre, rosemary
Weekend Brunch
Pain Perdu ($21)
brioche bread, caramel sauce, vanilla bean gelato
Shakshuka ($23)
tomato, peppers, poached eggs, sourdough
Steak & Eggs ($35)
grilled steak, eggs, breakfast potatoes

Taberna LX
IG. @taberna_lx_to
📍1161 Dundas St W

Taberna LX, a modern Portuguese restaurant in Toronto’s West End, invites guests to experience its rooftop terrace, an elevated, Lisbon-inspired space anchored by a striking 26-foot mural by Canadian artist Madison van Rijn, offering a refined yet playful menu of shareable petiscos, signature mains, Azorean volcanic wines, and globally influenced cocktails led by Isabo Leblanc. Ideal for media, tastemakers, and group dining, the rooftop accommodates approximately 44 guests for à la carte service (first-come, first-served) and is also available for private bookings and full venue buyouts (up to 180 standing / 120 seated), with typical event durations of 4–5 hours during the warmer months. Menu highlights range from $16–$56, with cocktails around $19–$20, showcasing bold, ingredient-driven Portuguese cuisine without a fixed seasonal menu but a strong focus on shareable plates and curated beverage programming. It’s great for stylish rooftop dinners, late-night drinks, and high-energy gatherings in a design-forward setting that feels transportive and distinctly different from the city’s typical patio scene. Reservations and event inquiries can be made HERE.

Sample Menu
Cafe Steak ($56)
A nod to our LX namesake with a nontraditional take on the classic dish .
Francesinha ($27)
Our signature take on the classic—sirloin, mortadella, chouriço, and a fried egg between thick slabs of brioche.
Salt Cod Fritter ($16)
A traditional favorite of salt cod in a very non traditional potato dumpling
Seafood Rice ($32)
A rich seafood rice stew packed with sweet shrimp, cuttlefish and XO sauce
Paixao ($20)
A fun, fresh, and playful take on a sour, featuring lemongrass-tinged Ketel One vodka and passionfruit. An instant summer classic.
Porto ~ Cola ($19)
A bartender’s cocktail and a highly smashable summer entry. Graham’s 10 matching our mural Per Se and house made cherry syrup. Soon to be canned as a “ready to drink ” takeaway cocktail.

Bar Pompette
IG. @barpompette_to
📍607 College St

Recognized by North America’s 50 Best Bars, Canada’s 100 Best, and ranked among the top cocktail destinations in the country, Bar Pompette, a French inspired bar, reopens its 35-seat patio this May, bringing one of Toronto’s most acclaimed drinks experiences back outdoors for the season. Set in the heart of Little Italy, the patio extends the bar’s signature polished yet effortlessly relaxed atmosphere, now paired with a fresh lineup of seasonal cocktails launching alongside the opening. Expect bright, spring-forward flavours and thoughtfully layered drinks that make the most of the warmer months.

Operating on a walk-in only basis, Bar Pompette is ideal for spontaneous evening plans, whether that’s an after-work drink, a late-night round, or an easy weekend catch-up. The bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM, and Friday through Saturday from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM, giving guests plenty of room to settle into the night. With its award-winning bar program, extended late-night hours, and effortless walk-in format, it remains one of the city’s strongest patio destinations for cocktail season.

Bar Allegro
IG. @barallegro_to
📍597 College St

European-inspired and built around modern aperitivo culture, Bar Allegro moves seamlessly into the season with its 50-seat glass veranda already open, ahead of the outdoor patio debut in May. Designed for elevated snacks, slow sips, and shared moments, the space brings a refined yet easygoing energy that feels ideal for spring evenings and stylish catchups. The transition into patio season feels especially natural here, with the covered veranda already offering a bright, polished setting before expanding outdoors for warmer nights.

Open 7 days a week on a walk-in only basis, Bar Allegro welcomes guests Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and Friday through Saturday until 1:00 AM. Whether it’s an after-work aperitivo, a relaxed date night, or a longer evening over cocktails and snacks, the experience is designed to unfold at an effortless pace with a distinctly European rhythm.

Little Sister
IG. @littlesisterto
📍2031 Yonge St
📍102 Portland St

Patio season returns to Little Sister in mid-May, weather permitting, with both the Portland and Yonge Street locations reopening just in time for spring dining in the city. The Yonge Street location, known for its Indonesian cuisine, will feature a 45-seat street-facing patio, making it a great choice for lively after-work drinks and spring evenings downtown. Meanwhile, Portland brings a Dutch-Indonesian dining experience, with two distinct outdoor options: a 20-seat front patio and a newly refreshed back patio reserved for private group dining, accommodating up to 16 guests across 6 tables. With Portland’s patio relaunch expected the weekend before Victoria Day, the refreshed setting will feel especially timely for the season. Reservations for Portland location HERE and reservations for Yonge location HERE.

To mark the warmer months, Little Sister’s spring/summer drink menu launches in the last week of April, led by a playful seasonal feature: the “Watermelon, Sugar… High” cocktail, made with Absolut Tabasco vodka, watermelon, lime cordial, and fresh mint. Guests visiting throughout the season can also enjoy the daily Happy Jam menu from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, with food and drink specials starting at $7. As produce comes into peak season, the cucumber watermelon salad is expected to return in late May, adding a fresh seasonal element that pairs perfectly with patio dining. It’s an easy fit for everything from casual happy hour meetups on Yonge to more intimate group dinners on Portland’s private back patio.

Naari
IG. @naarithai
📍501 College St

Patio season at Naari Thai BBQ brings the restaurant’s bold, fire-driven energy outdoors with an intimate 20-seat patio in Little Italy, ideal for warm evenings built around shareable plates and cocktails. Rooted in Southern Thai flavours and live-fire cooking, the outdoor experience is especially suited to dishes like BBQ Coconut Chicken Satay, Charred Scallops, grilled meats with sticky rice, and wok-fired favourites, all designed for a lively, communal meal. The Southeast Asia–inspired cocktail program, led by Sakshi Humne, adds to the patio appeal with standout sips like Gloomy Daizy, Tamarind Honeycomb, and Mango Chipotle. With its vibrant neighbourhood setting and a chef-led menu built on brightness, balance, and flame, Naari’s patio is poised to be one of Little Italy’s most exciting new spots for the season. Reservations can be made HERE.

Odd Duck
IG. @oddduckwandp
📍93 Ontario St S

Set to open in mid to late May, Odd Duck will welcome guests to an intimate, eight‑table patio that’s fully covered and screened in. Seating is available on a first‑come, first‑served basis, with hours running Tuesday 5–9 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday 5–10 p.m. Guests can expect the familiar menu they love, including refreshing dishes like Sarah’s Slaw with heirloom carrots and golden kiwi vinaigrette, along with sweet treats such as their signature turon. The cocktail menu will continue to evolve throughout the season, offering something new with every visit.

Reservations can be made HERE.

#FOOD: MOTHER’S DAY DINING ROUND-UP – MINAMI, LYLA, HARBOUR SIXTY, FICOA, BAKERY POMPETTE

With Mother’s Day fast approaching, Toronto’s dining scene is offering a range of thoughtful ways to celebrate the occasion, from elegant prix-fixe brunches to curated takeout experiences and indulgent bakery features. Whether you’re planning a sit-down experience or a cozy celebration at home, these offerings highlight the city’s diverse culinary landscape and provide something special for every kind of mom.

For those looking to celebrate at home, Minami Toronto presents a beautifully curated takeout experience featuring delicate temari sushi. Meanwhile, Lyla, Harbour Sixty, and Ficoa offer refined prix-fixe brunch menus that elevate classic Mother’s Day dining with thoughtful, multi-course experiences. And for something sweet, Bakery Pompette is serving up limited-time pastries perfect for gifting or indulging. For more information about Minami, visit HERE.

Minami Toronto
IG: @minamitoronto
📍225 King St W

This Mother’s Day, Minami Toronto is offering a vibrant and artful Mother’s Day Temari Sushi Box, available for takeout only on May 9 and 10 from 12 PM to 9 PM. Designed as a celebration of colour, flavour, and craftsmanship, each box features delicate, bite-sized temari sushi, each one a miniature work of art created with fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients by Sous Chef Trong Dang.

Priced at $35, the offering includes:
Oshi Bites (1 pc each):
Salmon oshi bite
Spicy tuna oshi bite
Temari Sushi (1 pc each):
Temari salmon sushi
Temari hamachi sushi
Temari hotate sushi
Temari ebi sushi
Temari yellowfin tuna sushi
Temari soy shiitake sushi
Sashimi (assorted, 4 pcs):
2 pcs madai
2 pcs bluefin tuna
This thoughtfully curated takeout experience offers a refined and convenient way to celebrate Mother’s Day at home, combining Minami’s signature precision with a playful and visually striking presentation.

Lyla
IG: @lylatoronto
📍60 Sudbury St

Lyla invites guests to celebrate Mother’s Day Brunch with a prix-fixe brunch experience on Sunday, May 10. Priced at $75 per person, the offering presents a thoughtfully curated menu designed to highlight seasonal flavours in a relaxed yet elevated setting.

Located in Toronto’s vibrant Queen West neighbourhood, Lyla is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that blends refined dining with a lively, social atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from coastal regions across Italy, Greece, and France, the restaurant offers a chef-driven menu centred around fresh seafood, handmade pastas, and premium ingredients, all executed with modern technique and a subtle contemporary edge.

The space itself balances elegance and energy, offering a polished, design-forward environment that transitions seamlessly from relaxed daytime dining to a more vibrant evening setting. With its emphasis on shareable plates, seasonal ingredients, and an inviting ambiance, Lyla provides an ideal backdrop for gathering and celebrating.

With reservations available via OpenTable, Lyla delivers a polished yet approachable dining experience, perfect for those looking to celebrate Mother’s Day over a leisurely, elevated brunch. Reservations can be made HERE.

Bakery Pompette
IG: @bakerypompette
📍655 College St

Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with a selection of limited-time pastries from Bakery Pompette, available May 9–10.

Highlights include a raspberry pain suisse and a berry Basque cheesecake, with the possibility of a strawberry croissant feature depending on seasonal availability. These refined, fruit-forward pastries offer a simple yet indulgent way to mark the occasion, ideal for gifting or adding a sweet touch to any Mother’s Day celebration. For more information about Bakery Pompette, visit HERE.

Ficoa
IG: ficoa.to
📍585 College St

Ficoa presents a vibrant and immersive Mother’s Day Prix-Fixe Menu, offering a 5-course brunch experience that honours mothers and maternal figures through bold, expressive flavours.
Available May 9 (10 AM–2 PM) and May 10 (10 AM–4 PM), the experience is priced at $70 per guest and is designed as a full-table participation menu.

The menu includes standout dishes such as a Snack Box with short rib empanada and coxinha, seasonal ceviche with strawberry leche de tigre, grilled shrimp with xo salsa macha, and a braised short rib main (Pampero) topped with a fried egg. The experience concludes with a pumpkin Basque cheesecake with açaí-blueberry compote and guava.

This thoughtfully structured progression of dishes offers a dynamic and celebratory way to experience Ficoa’s culinary identity while marking the occasion in style. Reservations can be made HERE.

Ficoa Mother’s Day Prix-Fixe Menu:

Primero – Snack Box
short rib empanada, maduro de queso, coxinha
Segundo – Seasonal Ceviche
Seabass, strawberry leche de tigre, cancha, sweet potato puree
Tercero – Camarón
grilled shrimp, xo salsa macha, chives
Cuarto – Pampero
braised short rib, heirloom potatoes, chimichurri, a fried egg.
Quinto – Quibebe
pumpkin basque cheesecake, acai+blueberry compote, guava ate

Harbour Sixty
IG. @harboursixty
📍60 Harbour St

Harbour Sixty’s Mother’s Day Brunch offers an elevated take on favourite brunch classics. Available on Sunday May 10, their exclusive three‑course prix fixe brings a refined touch to the occasion. Priced at $85, the menu features elegant entrées including Quiche Lorraine and Classic Eggs Benedict, followed by indulgent desserts such as their bergamot and blood orange olive oil cake.
Guests can further enhance the experience with premium add‑ons, including shrimp cocktail and Valley Pearl oysters, paired with mimosas and bellinis that add a celebratory sparkle. A thoughtful, sophisticated way to honour Mother’s Day and create a memorable celebration for the whole family. Reservations can be made HERE.

Full Mother’s Day brunch menu available HERE.

#FOOD: MOTHER’S DAY 2026 ROUND-UP: MINAMI, BAKERY POMPETTE, LYLA AND FICOA

With Mother’s Day fast approaching, Toronto’s dining scene is offering a range of thoughtful ways to celebrate the occasion, from elegant prix-fixe brunches to curated takeout experiences and indulgent bakery features. Whether you’re planning a sit-down experience or a cozy celebration at home, these offerings highlight the city’s diverse culinary landscape and provide something special for every kind of mom.

For those looking to celebrate at home, Minami Toronto presents a beautifully curated takeout experience featuring delicate temari sushi. Meanwhile, Lyla and Ficoa offer refined prix-fixe brunch menus that elevate classic Mother’s Day dining with thoughtful, multi-course experiences. And for something sweet, Bakery Pompette is serving up limited-time pastries perfect for gifting or indulging.

Minami Toronto

IG: @minamitoronto

📍225 King St W

This Mother’s Day, Minami Toronto is offering a vibrant and artful Mother’s Day Temari Sushi Box, available for takeout only on May 9 and 10 from 12 PM to 9 PM. Designed as a celebration of colour, flavour, and craftsmanship, each box features delicate, bite-sized temari sushi, each one a miniature work of art created with fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients by Sous Chef Trong Dang.

Priced at $35, the offering includes:

Oshi Bites (1 pc each):

Salmon oshi bite

Spicy tuna oshi bite

Temari Sushi (1 pc each):

Temari salmon sushi

Temari hamachi sushi

Temari hotate sushi

Temari ebi sushi

Temari yellowfin tuna sushi

Temari soy shiitake sushi

Sashimi (assorted, 4 pcs):

2 pcs madai

2 pcs bluefin tuna

This thoughtfully curated takeout experience offers a refined and convenient way to celebrate Mother’s Day at home, combining Minami’s signature precision with a playful and visually striking presentation. You wanna like them behind me?You can good girl

Lyla

IG: @lylatoronto

📍60 Sudbury St

Lyla invites guests to celebrate Mother’s Day Brunch with a prix-fixe brunch experience on Sunday, May 10. Priced at $75 per person, the offering presents a thoughtfully curated menu designed to highlight seasonal flavours in a relaxed yet elevated setting.

Located in Toronto’s vibrant Queen West neighbourhood, Lyla is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that blends refined dining with a lively, social atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from coastal regions across Italy, Greece, and France, the restaurant offers a chef-driven menu centred around fresh seafood, handmade pastas, and premium ingredients, all executed with modern technique and a subtle contemporary edge.

The space itself balances elegance and energy, offering a polished, design-forward environment that transitions seamlessly from relaxed daytime dining to a more vibrant evening setting. With its emphasis on shareable plates, seasonal ingredients, and an inviting ambiance, Lyla provides an ideal backdrop for gathering and celebrating.

With reservations available via OpenTable, Lyla delivers a polished yet approachable dining experience, perfect for those looking to celebrate Mother’s Day over a leisurely, elevated brunch.

Bakery Pompette

IG: @bakerypompette

📍655 College St

Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with a selection of limited-time pastries from Bakery Pompette, available May 9–10.

Highlights include a raspberry pain suisse and a berry Basque cheesecake, with the possibility of a strawberry croissant feature depending on seasonal availability. These refined, fruit-forward pastries offer a simple yet indulgent way to mark the occasion, ideal for gifting or adding a sweet touch to any Mother’s Day celebration.

Ficoa

IG: ficoa.to

📍585 College St

Ficoa presents a vibrant and immersive Mother’s Day Prix-Fixe Menu, offering a 5-course brunch experience that honours mothers and maternal figures through bold, expressive flavours.

Available May 9 (10 AM–2 PM) and May 10 (10 AM–4 PM), the experience is priced at $70 per guest and is designed as a full-table participation menu.

The menu includes standout dishes such as a Snack Box with short rib empanada and coxinha, seasonal ceviche with strawberry leche de tigre, grilled shrimp with xo salsa macha, and a braised short rib main (Pampero) topped with a fried egg. The experience concludes with a pumpkin Basque cheesecake with açaí-blueberry compote and guava.

This thoughtfully structured progression of dishes offers a dynamic and celebratory way to experience Ficoa’s culinary identity while marking the occasion in style. Reservations can be made HERE.

Ficoa Mother’s Day Prix-Fixe Menu:

Primero – Snack Box

short rib empanada, maduro de queso, coxinha

Segundo – Seasonal Ceviche

Seabass, strawberry leche de tigre, cancha, sweet potato puree

Tercero – Camarón

grilled shrimp, xo salsa macha, chives

Cuarto – Pampero

braised short rib, heirloom potatoes, chimichurri, a fried egg.

Quinto – Quibebe

pumpkin basque cheesecake, acai+blueberry compote, guava ate

#FOOD: TORONTO PATIO SEASON 2026 ROUND-UP

This patio season, Toronto’s top dining destinations are bringing their best outdoors. From waterfront tables and garden patios to lively terraces and cocktail-forward spaces, spots like Minami Toronto, Tondou Ramen, Favorites Thai, Lyla, Taberna LX, Bar Pompette, Bar Allegro, Little Sister, and Naari Thai BBQ offer standout ways to dine al fresco all summer long. Whether you’re after a sunny afternoon lunch or drinks that turn into dinner, each delivers a distinct patio experience worth booking.

Minami
IG. @minamitoronto
225 King St. W

Minami Toronto brings a polished, waterfront patio experience to the Harbourfront, offering a seamless blend of contemporary Japanese cuisine and vibrant city energy. Open from April through October, the patio accommodates approximately 40–50 guests and transitions effortlessly from relaxed daytime dining to lively summer evenings. Reservations can be made HERE.

At the core of the experience is Minami’s signature aburi-style sushi, paired with a menu that balances precision, premium ingredients, and visual artistry. Guests can explore a curated Happy Hour Menu featuring items such as Mini Poke Nachos and Truffle Dashi Pork Gyoza, alongside a broader selection of sushi and seasonal plates designed for sharing or full meals.

The beverage program plays a central role, with an extensive offering of wine, sake, and signature cocktails, complemented by dedicated Happy Hour selections during early evening hours.

With its waterfront setting and refined atmosphere, Minami is especially well-suited for date nights, social evenings, and after-work gatherings where elevated food and ambiance are equally prioritized.

TONDOU

596 College St, Toronto

Step into patio season with Tondou Ramen, where a Yatai-inspired patio sets the tone for a lively, casual outdoor dining experience with seating for up to 36 guests. Open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM (last call at 11:00 PM), the concept invites guests to enjoy bold, flavour-forward ramen in a vibrant street food setting. Signature favourites include the Tonkotsu Special Ramen and Okinawa Soba, alongside a seasonal Seafood Tonkotsu Ramen ($20), with Hiyashi Chuka, a refreshing cold ramen, arriving in May for the summer months. The average spend ranges from $20–30 per person. Reservations can be made HERE.

Seasonal Menu
Seasonal Seafood Tonkotsu Ramen ($20)
Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Ramen – available starting May)
Key Dishes
Tonkotsu Special Ramen
Okinawa Soba
Seafood Tonkotsu Ramen ($20)

Favorites Thai
IG. @myfavethai
141 Ossington Ave

A four-time MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recipient, Favorites Thai brings one of Ossington’s most consistently sought-after patio experiences back for the season. The modern Thai restaurant in Toronto’s west end pairs MICHELIN-recognized credibility with a lively, flavour-forward approach to outdoor dining, centered on bold, shareable dishes and an energetic neighbourhood atmosphere. Reservations can be made HERE.

Open Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the 18–20 seat patio is ideal for group dinners, casual nights out, or spontaneous spring and summer plans from May through September. Guests can enjoy Favorites Thai’s full regular menu outdoors, with the option to order à la carte or settle into Chef’s Choice, a six-course experience priced at $100 per person. Guests can add a four-pairing wine experience for $45 per person, with any additional wine pairing available for $10 each. It’s a strong fit for everything from a spontaneous Ossington dinner to a more curated evening that unfolds course by course on the patio. Paired with fruit-driven cocktails and rotating drink features throughout the season, the experience feels polished yet approachable. The full menu can be found HERE.

The patio carries the same tone as the interior—simple, relaxed, and a little bit electric—set against the backdrop of one of Toronto’s most vibrant streets. Rather than a fixed seasonal menu, Favorites Thai highlights its current offerings, with evolving features introduced throughout the summer. The result is a dynamic experience that leans into bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and an easygoing, high-energy atmosphere.

Lyla
IG. @lylatoronto
60 Sudbury St

Lyla welcomes patio season in Queen West with a fully redesigned outdoor space returning in early May (weather permitting), offering an elevated open-air dining experience across multiple dayparts. Ideal for group dinners, stylish brunches, and after-work Aperitivo, the space features U-shaped booths for 6–8 guests and banquette-style tables for smaller parties. Reservations can be made HERE.

Guests can enjoy a Mediterranean-driven menu rooted in seasonal ingredients, raw bar selections, handmade pastas, and premium meats, alongside a curated Aperitivo program with cocktails and bites under $20. Service runs daily for dinner (5:00 PM – 11:00 PM), weekday lunch (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM), Aperitivo (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM), and weekend brunch (10:30 AM – 3:00 PM), with pricing ranging from approximately $25–$45 for lunch, $85–$150+ for dinner, and $35–$60 for brunch. It’s especially well-suited for everything from relaxed daytime dining to polished evening occasions.

Lyla’s redesigned 2026 patio introduces a more immersive, design-forward outdoor space with ambient lighting and lush greenery, seamlessly transitioning from daytime lunches into Aperitivo and refined evening dining.

Lunch (Monday–Friday)
Beef Tartare ($21)
Canadian prime beef, pecorino, quail egg, sourdough.
Cavatelli all’Amatriciana ($25)
pork cheek, San Marzano tomato, stracciatella
Steak Sandwich ($33)
grilled picanha, gruyère, crispy shallots, horseradish aioli
Aperitivo at Lyla (Monday–Friday, 4–6 PM)
A curated selection of cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks offered at preferred pricing
A dedicated Aperitivo menu featuring refined bites, each offered under $20

Dinner
Hamachi Crudo ($33)
Ponzu, tempura, citrus
Linguine all’Aragosta ($65)
Atlantic lobster, bisque
12oz Canadian Prime Striploin ($89)
au poivre, rosemary
Weekend Brunch
Pain Perdu ($21)
brioche bread, caramel sauce, vanilla bean gelato
Shakshuka ($23)
tomato, peppers, poached eggs, sourdough
Steak & Eggs ($35)
grilled steak, eggs, breakfast potatoes

Taberna LX
IG. @taberna_lx_to
1161 Dundas St W

Taberna LX, a modern Portuguese restaurant in Toronto’s West End, invites guests to experience its rooftop terrace, an elevated, Lisbon-inspired space anchored by a striking 26-foot mural by Canadian artist Madison van Rijn, offering a refined yet playful menu of shareable petiscos, signature mains, Azorean volcanic wines, and globally influenced cocktails led by Isabo Leblanc. Ideal for media, tastemakers, and group dining, the rooftop accommodates approximately 44 guests for à la carte service (first-come, first-served) and is also available for private bookings and full venue buyouts (up to 180 standing / 120 seated), with typical event durations of 4–5 hours during the warmer months. Menu highlights range from $16–$56, with cocktails around $19–$20, showcasing bold, ingredient-driven Portuguese cuisine without a fixed seasonal menu but a strong focus on shareable plates and curated beverage programming. It’s great for stylish rooftop dinners, late-night drinks, and high-energy gatherings in a design-forward setting that feels transportive and distinctly different from the city’s typical patio scene. Reservations and event inquiries can be made HERE.

Sample Menu
Cafe Steak ($56)
A nod to our LX namesake with a nontraditional take on the classic dish.
Francesinha ($27)
Our signature take on the classic—sirloin, mortadella, chouriço, and a fried egg between thick slabs of brioche.
Salt Cod Fritter ($16)
A traditional favorite of salt cod in a very non traditional potato dumpling
Seafood Rice ($32)
A rich seafood rice stew packed with sweet shrimp, cuttlefish and XO sauce
Paixao ($20)

A fun, fresh, and playful take on a sour, featuring lemongrass-tinged Ketel One vodka and passionfruit. An instant summer classic.
Porto ~ Cola ($19)

A bartender’s cocktail and a highly smashable summer entry. Graham’s 10 matching our mural Per Se and house made cherry syrup. Soon to be canned as a “ready to drink ” takeaway cocktail.

Bar Pompette
IG. @barpompette_to
607 College St

Recognized by North America’s 50 Best Bars, Canada’s 100 Best, and ranked among the top cocktail destinations in the country, Bar Pompette, a French inspired bar, reopens its 35-seat patio this May, bringing one of Toronto’s most acclaimed drinks experiences back outdoors for the season. Set in the heart of Little Italy, the patio extends the bar’s signature polished yet effortlessly relaxed atmosphere, now paired with a fresh lineup of seasonal cocktails launching alongside the opening. Expect bright, spring-forward flavours and thoughtfully layered drinks that make the most of the warmer months.

Operating on a walk-in only basis, Bar Pompette is ideal for spontaneous evening plans, whether that’s an after-work drink, a late-night round, or an easy weekend catch-up. The bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM, and Friday through Saturday from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM, giving guests plenty of room to settle into the night. With its award-winning bar program, extended late-night hours, and effortless walk-in format, it remains one of the city’s strongest patio destinations for cocktail season.

European-inspired and built around modern aperitivo culture, Bar Allegro moves seamlessly into the season with its 50-seat glass veranda already open, ahead of the outdoor patio debut in May. Designed for elevated snacks, slow sips, and shared moments, the space brings a refined yet easygoing energy that feels ideal for spring evenings and stylish catchups. The transition into patio season feels especially natural here, with the covered veranda already offering a bright, polished setting before expanding outdoors for warmer nights.

Open 7 days a week on a walk-in only basis, Bar Allegro welcomes guests Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and Friday through Saturday until 1:00 AM. Whether it’s an after-work aperitivo, a relaxed date night, or a longer evening over cocktails and snacks, the experience is designed to unfold at an effortless pace with a distinctly European rhythm.

Little Sister
IG. @littlesisterto
2031 Yonge St
102 Portland St

Patio season returns to Little Sister in mid-May, weather permitting, with both the Portland and Yonge Street locations reopening just in time for spring dining in the city. The Yonge Street location, known for its Indonesian cuisine, will feature a 45-seat street-facing patio, making it a great choice for lively after-work drinks and spring evenings downtown. Meanwhile, Portland brings a Dutch-Indonesian dining experience, with two distinct outdoor options: a 20-seat front patio and a newly refreshed back patio reserved for private group dining, accommodating up to 16 guests across 6 tables. With Portland’s patio relaunch expected the weekend before Victoria Day, the refreshed setting will feel especially timely for the season. Reservations for Portland location HERE and reservations for Yonge location HERE.

To mark the warmer months, Little Sister’s spring/summer drink menu launches in the last week of April, led by a playful seasonal feature: the “Watermelon, Sugar… High” cocktail, made with Absolut Tabasco vodka, watermelon, lime cordial, and fresh mint. Guests visiting throughout the season can also enjoy the daily Happy Jam menu from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, with food and drink specials starting at $7. As produce comes into peak season, the cucumber watermelon salad is expected to return in late May, adding a fresh seasonal element that pairs perfectly with patio dining. It’s an easy fit for everything from casual happy hour meetups on Yonge to more intimate group dinners on Portland’s private back patio.

Naari Thai BBQ
IG. @naarithai
501 College St

Patio season at Naari Thai BBQ brings the restaurant’s bold, fire-driven energy outdoors with an intimate 20-seat patio in Little Italy, ideal for warm evenings built around shareable plates and cocktails. Rooted in Southern Thai flavours and live-fire cooking, the outdoor experience is especially suited to dishes like BBQ Coconut Chicken Satay, Charred Scallops, grilled meats with sticky rice, and wok-fired favourites, all designed for a lively, communal meal. The Southeast Asia–inspired cocktail program, led by Sakshi Humne, adds to the patio appeal with standout sips like Gloomy Daizy, Tamarind Honeycomb, and Mango Chipotle. With its vibrant neighbourhood setting and a chef-led menu built on brightness, balance, and flame, Naari’s patio is poised to be one of Little Italy’s most exciting new spots for the season. Reservations can be made HERE.

Minami Toronto
W. minamitoronto.com
IG. @minamitoronto

Tondou Ramen
W. tondoutoronto.com
IG. @tondoutoronto

Favorites Thai
W. Favorites Thai
IG. @myfavethai

Lyla
W. lylatoronto.com
IG. @lylatoronto

Taberna LX
W. tabernalx.com
IG. @taberna_lx_to

Bar Pompette
W. pompette.ca
IG. @barpompette_to

Bar Allegro
W. pompette.ca/bar-allegro
IG. @barallegro_to

Little Sister
W. Portland: https://www.littlesisterto.com/ls-portland
W. Yonge: https://www.littlesisterto.com/yonge-street
IG. @littlesisterto

Naari Thai BBQ
IG. @naarithai

#FOOD: VALENTINE’S DAY 2026 MENU ROUND-UP – MINAMI, MIKU, RADICI PROJECT, LYLA, ANTLER

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate with some of Toronto’s most compelling dining destinations—including award-winning and MICHELIN-recognized restaurants—each offering thoughtfully crafted menus and elevated experiences designed for the occasion. From refined tasting menus and seasonal pairings to intimate, ingredient-driven dinners, Minami Toronto, Miku Toronto, Radici, Lyla, and Antler invite guests to mark the holiday through exceptional food, considered beverage programs, and warm hospitality. Whether planning an intimate dinner for two or a special evening out, each restaurant offers a distinct approach to celebrating Valentine’s Day in Toronto.

Minami
IG. @minamitoronto
📍225 King St. W

Minami Toronto invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Toronto with an elegant five course tasting menu created by Head Chef Nao Akutagawa and MICHELIN starred Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi. Available from February 13 to 15 at Minami Restaurant starting at 4:00 pm, the experience is priced at $110 per person plus tax and gratuity and is designed for a relaxed and romantic evening.The menu highlights contemporary Japanese cuisine, including a surf and turf main featuring Japanese Wagyu and Alaskan scallops. Guests can enhance the experience with an optional four course wine pairing or a featured Valentine’s cocktail, crafted to complement each course. Guests can book this romantic evening HERE.

Whether planning an intimate date night or a special celebration, Minami offers a sophisticated setting where contemporary Japanese cuisine, artful presentation, and warm hospitality come together. Minami’s Valentine’s Day experience is a memorable way to mark the occasion and share an evening centered around exceptional food and connection.

Valentine’s Day menu I $110
Wine Pairing I $40
Featured Cocktail I $16
Rose Kiss
St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Rosewood Rosé
Strawberry Syrup, Mint, Soda Water

Toro & Ikura Monaka
Caviar, Kimizu
Santa Margherita Prosecco, ITA

Aburi Sashimi
Hamachi, Maguro, Hokkaido Scallop
AIX Provence Rosé, FRA

Sushi Selection
Aburi Madai Nigiri, Aburi Chutoro Nigiri, Snow Crab Nigiri,
Botan Ebi with Salmon Oshi Bite, Wagyu Uni Don
Stratus Chardonnay, CAN

Surf & Turf
Japanese Wagyu X, Alaskan Scallop,
Peppercorn Jus, Cauliflower Puree,
Marc Jambon Beaujolais Villages, FRA

Hojicha Tiramisu
Ladyfinger Sponge, Hojicha Ganache

Miku
IG. @mikutoronto
📍10 Bay St.

Miku Toronto will celebrate Valentine’s Day with two special experiences, inviting guests to spend the day and evening indulging in contemporary Japanese cooking and floral artistry. Earlier in the day, Miku Toronto will host a Valentine’s Day Ikebana Luncheon featuring acclaimed Ikebana artist Aya Sugino, priced at $150 per person plus tax and gratuity, with the Valentine’s featured cocktail, Love is in the Air, also available. In the evening, the restaurant will present a seven-course Valentine’s Day tasting menu by Chef de Cuisine Michael Acero and MICHELIN-starred Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi, $180 per person plus tax and gratuity, accompanied by live music and an optional wine and sake pairing available for $55. The Valentine’s featured cocktail, Love is in the Air, will also be available for $17. Together, the experiences offer couples the option to celebrate with a creative daytime luncheon, a romantic evening tasting menu, or both. Guests can reserve a spot for the Valentine’s Day Ikebana Luncheon HERE, and reserve a spot for the Valentine’s Day tasting menu HERE.

Valentine’s Day 7-course Menu I $180
Wine Pairing I $55
Featured Cocktail I $17

The Uni Cocktail
Uni, Botan Ebi, Hamachi, Chutoro, Cauliflower, Romanesco,
Swiss Chard, Cucumber, Arare, Sorrel, Truffle Ponzo Dashi
Jansz Premium Cuvee

Hassun
Mozuku Crab Kaiso Salad with Ikura
Scallop with Kabocha Velouté
Lobster Tart with Edamame & Pea Purée
Steelhead Smoked Salmon with Caviar
Herring Roe with Miso Crumble & White Strawberry
Octopus Glazed in Soy & Citrus
Masumi Suzumisake Junmai Ginjo

Sashimi Duo
shared plate
Oysters with Pear Mignonette, Akami Rose, Hotate,
Kobujime Hirame, Kanpachi
Château Maligny Chablis

Umi Tomato Dashi
Mussels, Clams, Cod, Squid
Tanaka x Chartier Blend 001

Sushi Duo
shared plate
Torotaku Heart Maki with Amaebi & Ankimo
Tachiuo & Foie Gras Bites
Atlantic Salmon Temari with Yukari Rice
Wagyu Nigiri with Truffle Powder & Black Truffle
Costaripa Rosa Mara Valtenesi

Brome Lake Duck Duo
Togarashi Spiced Duck Breast & Duck Confit Croquette, Duck Jus,
Roasted Grapes, Pickled Mushroom, Sweet Potato, Pea Shoots
Chateau Teyssier, Montagne St Emilion

Oishii Strawberry Shortcake
Salted Valrhona Dulcey Glacé, Pistachio Cookie Crumble

Love Is In The Air cocktail
Scarlet Silk
Hornitos tequila, Soho lychee liqueur, peach schnapps,
cranberry, yuzu, edible pink glitter

The Valentine’s Day tasting menu unfolds over seven courses, beginning with seafood driven dishes and concluding with an Oishii Strawberry shortcake layered with Valrhona Dulcey glacé and pistachio crumble by Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi.

The Valentine’s Day Ikebana Luncheon includes a guided one hour Ikebana session with Aya Sugino, with all materials provided including vase, flowers, and floral décor, followed by an Ikebana inspired sushi set curated by Chef de Cuisine Michael Acero.

Together, the experiences offer guests two distinct ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, from a daytime luncheon to an evening tasting menu, or the opportunity to enjoy both.

Radici Project
📍588 College St.
IG. @radici_project

Radici will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a seasonal multi course tasting menu designed to highlight the creativity of the kitchen and the best of the season’s bounty. Priced at $200 per guest plus tax and gratuity, the Valentine’s Day experience invites guests to celebrate love through a thoughtfully composed dining journey. Guests can enhance the experience with an optional seasonal wine and sake pairing for $70, or a non alcoholic pairing featuring house made juices and crafted zero proof cocktails for $50. Guests can reserve a spot HERE. Pairing prices may increase based on the cost of seasonal wine and sake.

Set in Radici’s intimate dining room, the evening will unfold with soft music in the background and artistic Ikebana floral arrangements throughout the space, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere that mirrors the beauty and creativity of the dishes being served.

Lyla
IG. @lylatoronto
📍60 Sudbury St

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Lyla with a four-chapter Prix Fixe Dinner designed for sharing. On February 13-15, guests are invited to settle in at Lyla for a $119 per person, family-style menu that moves from a Petit Plateau of oysters, hamachi and scallop ceviche to crowd-pleasing mains like linguine all’aragosta and Canadian prime striploin, finishing with Fraisier, a bright, strawberry-forward dessert with passionfruit, vanilla sponge, and a silky ganache. For those looking to elevate the evening, guests can add a $69 beverage pairing or a $49 caviar tin alongside the first course. Guests can reserve this showstopping dinner via OpenTable HERE.

$119 per person // Served Family Style

Chapter 1
Petit Plateau
East Coast Oysters
ponzu pearls, chervil, shallots
Hamachi
topped plum wine jelly, ponzu, pomegranate seeds
Scallop Ceviche
potato, cilantro, lime juice

Chapter 2
Cauliflower
hummus, pomegranate, honey, confit garlic sauce, mint
Burrata
marinated roasted red peppers, fried capers, sourdough, salsa verde

Chapter 3
Linguine All’Aragosta
atlantic lobster, vsop lobster bisque
Striploin
10oz Canadian Prime Striploin, gruyère pomme purée, au poivre jus, sautéed spinach

Chapter 4
Fraisier
strawberry & passionfruit gel, sour cream panna cotta, vanilla sponge cake, chocolate soil, white chocolate ganache, strawberry sauce

Add-ons available:
Optional Valentine’s Day Beverage Pairing: $69.00
Optional Add on Caviar Tin to your Petit Plateau: $49.00

Antler
IG. @antlerkitchenbar
📍1454 Dundas St. W

Just days after reopening in its newly reimagined space, Antler invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Toronto with a thoughtfully composed five-course tasting menu available Saturday, February 14, 2026. A MICHELIN-recognized restaurant, Antler will offer the experience exclusively for one night, priced at $129 per person plus tax and gratuity, with an optional $65 wine pairing designed to complement each course. Available from 3:00 pm to 9:45 pm, the menu reflects Antler’s distinctly Canadian approach, highlighting carefully sourced ingredients and refined technique.

Valentine’s Day Dinner
$129 per person + tax and gratuity
Optional Wine Pairing: $65 + tax and gratuity
Maritime Oysters
Heart and Soul
roasted bone marrow & heart tartare
Sturgeon Roulade
fennel, tomato & caviar
Bison Tenderloin
uni butter & dauphinoise potato
Chocolate Torte
whiskey barrel ice cream

Whether planning an intimate Valentine’s dinner or a special celebration, Antler offers a warm, refined setting to mark the occasion through seasonally driven dishes and thoughtful hospitality. The menu is subject to change. Reservations are now available HERE.