Coming to Toronto for the first time and want to do it right? Here’s a two-night blueprint.
Friday Night
Start at Portland Square on King West. Have dinner at Honey Chinese on the third floor — the moody room and nostalgic menu make for an excellent start to the evening. Move to Beso by Patria on the ground floor for cocktails. Walk west on King Street and stop into Lavelle for a nightcap with a view. If the night still has energy, Lost & Found on King West opens late and stays open until the early morning.
Saturday Night
Build the evening properly. Dinner at Liliana on Queen West (book in advance) for exceptional food in a beautiful room. Walk to The Drake Hotel for a drink and to absorb the neighbourhood’s creative energy. Then head to the Entertainment District — REBEL is the destination. Arrive by 11 p.m., spend the early part of the night in the main room, migrate to the Noir room later if you want a change of pace.
On both nights: take the TTC or rideshare, leave the car behind. The city is navigable and walkable across its major nightlife corridors.