#FOOD: WORLD CUP TORONTO DINING OPTIONS ROUND-UP

World Cup frenzy is hitting the City of Toronto, with many international visitors looking for the best places to dine at while they’re in town. Here are some ideas in and around the City that showcase some of the best Toronto has to offer!

Takja BBQ House
Takja BBQ House, where chefs Jeff Kang and Edward Bang are continuing to raise the bar for Korean dining in Canada with an updated Hansang experience for spring/summer. The new menu features elevated seafood offerings, premium cuts grilled tableside, and a Mushroom Stone Pot Rice prepared in the Anseong Jumul Gamasot — a traditional Korean cast iron pot currently used at Takja exclusively in Canada. Reservations here.

Oroshi Fish Co.
Oroshi Fish Co. offers thoughtfully curated sushi platters for your World Cup viewing parties with family and friends! These stunning sushi sets come with chopsticks, seasoned soy, wasabi and gari which allows the party host to focus on spending time with friends and the game instead of worrying about food prep. Order here.

George Restaurant
GEORGE Restaurant is a MICHELIN-recommended fine dining destination located in a restored 19th-century chocolate factory in Toronto’s Old Town. Since 2003, Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto has led the kitchen with a philosophy rooted in seasonal ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and deeply personalized tasting experiences. GEORGE is owned by the Verity Group of Companies, founded by Mary S. Aitken, C.M. Reserve here.

Chaiiwala of London
For those running to catch the game or want to order takeout for a World Cup watch party, Chaiiwala of London offers quick, easy and tasty traditional chai and South Asian street foods with a nod to contemporary food trends. Signature offerings include Karak Chaii, Pink Chaii, Karak Coffee, and street food favorites like Desi Breakfast, Bombay Toastie, and indulgent Gulab Jamun Cheesecake. Find your nearest location here.

Riley’s Toronto
Toronto’s hottest new opening is the Michelin-recognized Riley’s. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable steakhouse and seafood concept that reimagines modern dining through craftsmanship, comfort, and community. It combines the refined service and theatrical flair that Glowbal Hospitality is known for with a menu that celebrates premium Canadian beef, sustainable seafood, and a curated raw bar experience. Reservations here.

Black + Blue Toronto
Located in the financial district, Black + Blue is Canada’s premier steak dining experience. They offer the magic of a classic steakhouse combined with a modern and energetic twist. They take great pride in being Kobe Beef certified, in addition to offering our guests a selection of the world’s rarest cuts. Black + Blue has private dining room options to host your watch parties with friends and colleagues. Reserve here.

Isaan Der
Isaan Der is Toronto’s only Northeastern Thai restaurant, led by Chef Ko. During the World Cup, they are offering a World Cup Grilled Platter and Beer Tower at only $109!

The World Cup Special includes: Grilled short ribs, Grilled pork ribs, Moo ping, Isaan sausage, Wings, Som tum, Shrimp chips, Sticky rice Beer Tower!! The combo platter is perfect for sharing with 5–6 people as you cheer for your favourite team! More here.

Hello Nori
Hello Nori is a premier dining destination specializing in innovative Japanese hand roll sushi, aburi oshi, and premium sake experiences. With multiple locations in Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary, they are pioneers of the hand roll experience in Canada. The team is committed to using fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced both locally and directly from Japan while delivering exceptional hospitality.

The striking restaurant designs and attention to detail are central to their brand, creating a memorable atmosphere that captivates the guests’ imaginations. Focusing on sustainability, they proudly collaborate with local and Japanese import partners and have partnered with Ocean Wise to minimize their environmental impact. More here.

Simpl Things
SIMPL THINGS is a cozy, all-day cocktail, wine, and snack bar in Toronto inspired by vintage Miami design. Known for its playful seasonal menus, inventive drinks, and community-driven atmosphere, SIMPL THINGS celebrates connection through thoughtful food, genuine hospitality, and good vibes—from brunch to last call. Reserve now here.

(Photo credit: BMO Field)

#FOOD: SIMPL THINGS TO LAUNCH NEW OFFERINGS OCTOBER 2023

Parkdale’s standout cocktail and snack bar, Simpl Things, is on the cusp of celebrating its first year. As we toast to one remarkable year of Simpl Things, we’re thrilled to share with you a host of enticing new offerings set to launch this October.

What’s brewing?
Award Recognition: Simpl Things’ first year brought recognition as Canada’s Best Bars (#31), Toronto Life’s Best New Restaurants (#14), and inclusion in Air Canada Enroute’s list of Canada’s Best New Restaurants cements its status as a must-visit destination.

Fall Cocktail List: Anticipation builds with a fresh fall cocktail list on the horizon, nodding to fan favourites and introducing seasonal delights inspired by Evelyn’s eagerly-awaited cocktail book, ‘For the Love of Cocktails’, releasing on October 3, 2023.

Evolving Chef Residency: As dusk settles, Simpl Things transitions to an Asian-inspired cocktail and snack bar with two new chefs at the helm.

“Simpl Things has always been about evoking the universal feelings of nostalgia and comfort. As we approach this milestone, we’re not just spicing up our offerings but also emphasizing the integral role our beverages play, all while staying true to our core values,” says Evelyn Chick.

Coming to Simpl Things:

Evolving Day Menu with Chef Cody
The daytime experience at Simpl Things is about to get even better with a menu that continues
to evoke nostalgia. Chef Cody’s passion for Italian cuisine will now manifest in a rich autumnal
menu. Guests can look forward to freshly kneaded bread and house-crafted pasta daily. The
day menu is available from 11am-5pm with an early start at 10am on the weekends, featuring
Chef Cody’s famous Milk Bread (exclusive to weekends).

Evening Shift: Asian Bites & Sips
As dusk settles, Simpl Things transitions to an Asian-inspired cocktail and snack bar with two
new chefs at the helm. Chef Eva Chin teams up with restaurateur Trevor Lui to introduce ‘Fat
Bao’, a cocktail-friendly Asian snack derivative of Lui’s celebrated Bao Bird brand. Chef Eva
designs a menu with playful yet regionally nostalgic Chinese snacks, from baos to savoury cong
you bings. Every dish is designed to blend seamlessly with Simpl Things’ diverse cocktail list.
More details will be released soon.

’Natty Wine Sundays’ & Cocktail Hour

Wine aficionados have ‘Natty Wine Sundays’ to mark on their calendars. All natural wines on the
list will be available at half the price.This initiative, close to Evelyn’s heart, allows guests to
experience an array of fun, funky wines that she passionately curates.

Meanwhile, Cocktail Hour, running from Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm-7pm, promises to be the
evening hotspot. A handpicked selection of bar snacks from the resident chefs, coupled with a
$12 choice of house and classic cocktails, sets the mood. And for those with a flair for the
unpredictable, a $7.50 ‘Mystery Wine’ awaits.

Simpl Things transcends a mere restaurant label; it’s a fluid, day-to-night venture that caters to
all. With Italian comfort food by Chef Cody during the day and an Asian Snack Bar concept at
night, it ensures every palate is catered to, every emotion evoked, and every visit unforgettable.
Join us as we embark on this exciting new phase and celebrate a year of being your second
home!

Simpl Things is open during the following hours of operation:
● Day service by Chef Cody Wilkes: 11am – 5pm on Wednesday to Monday, 10am start on
Saturday and Sunday
● Cocktail Hour: 5pm – 7pm
● Night service by Chef Eva Chin/Trevor Lui: 7pm – 12am