Toronto eats.

Missing my sweet friends and delicious food spots in the beautiful city of Toronto, Canada, so here's a throwback to some of my go-to spots.

Banh Mi Boys [392 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON M5V 2A9]
Vietnamese version of Chipotle. I must say, this is the yummiest banh mi you can find in Toronto. Perfectly crispy baguette, and just the right amount of pickled vegetables and meat. And their kimchi fries are a MUST MUST MUST (thank you for the Korean twist, how'd you know I was craving kimchi?!)!!! I'm so sad I was too full to try their steamed pork buns... this is definitely on my list next time I'm in town. 

The Shore Club [155 Wellington St. W., Toronto, ON M5V 3K2]

Feeling fancy? Then this place is a MUST! Fancy cocktails and upscale wine pairings, and fresh steak or seafood options. You can't go wrong with their sea bass or rainbow trout, if you're feeling fishy. For a side item, I definitely recommend their sauteed mushrooms with a Cajun twist. If you're in for a show, make sure to order a Baked Alaska for dessert! 

Dineen Coffee Co.[140 Yonge St. Toronto, ON M5C 2L7]

Conveniently located near Eaton Centre. Beautiful, modern, chic decor both inside and out. Great place to sit down for a latte and baked good, and people watch or snap an artsy instagram photo, of course! 

Le Neuf Cafe [9 Clarence Square, Toronto, ON M5V 1H1]

Found this cute Parisian cafe, thanks to my blogger friend, Tiffany. Think macarons, savory and sweet crepes and a good assortment of caffeinated beverages. Word on the street is this restaurant is great for Sunday brunches, but good luck trying to find a table because no reservations are accepted.

Fresh [147 Spadina Ave. Toronto, ON M5V 2L7]

I'm not vegetarian or vegan by any means, although I was pescetarian for a couple of months after my business trip to Omaha, Nebraska, from steak overload, but this restaurant is the bomb diggity! Just like the name of the restaurant, all of their food is fresh! I mean come on... they have a juice bar and offer homemade cold pressed juices/kombucha. I always opt for their sweet potato fries/quinoa crusted onion rings (if you haven't tried these yet, you're missing out and no, they are not healthy because they are still fried to my knowledge) and one of their quinoa bowls. Make sure you ask for their "hot sauce" (don't if you're allergic to peanuts- if you are, you have been warned). 

iQ Food [181 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5J 2T3]

I ALWAYS manage to go here every time I'm in Canada. I mean free FAST wi-fi, and an amazing barista, what's not to love?! Let's talk about their limitless healthy, fresh options. My go-to breakfast from here is their avocado toast, big red smoothie bowl (otherwise known as an acai bowl) and their raw overnight oats with some sort of raspberry goodness on top. For lunch, they have tons of fresh qunioa box options, but note it does get packed during lunch hour, as the restaurant is located in the core of the financial district. 

Ki Modern Japanese [181 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5J 2T3]

I somehow always end up here, every time I'm in the city, maybe because it's conveniently located next to iQ Food? Any who, if you want a trendy sushi spot, this place is where it's at with their dim lights and all! I always opt. for thei edamame to start because come on.. they have chili peppers on them! And for my meal, you can't go wrong with their sushi/sashimi combo! You can definitely taste the freshness of their fish. 

Luckee [328 Wellington Street W., Toronto, ON M5V 3T4]

I've been to Toronto, numerous times on business, and every time I go, my friends ask why I haven't tried the infamous dim sum. Well here it is friends, I stumbled upon this AMAZING dim sum restaurant, thanks to the lovely, Janette (insert wave emoji here). Can we start off by talking about the decor?! The Asian-inspired walls and table setting is uber cute!!! With the interior design alone, I would go in just to check it out. They offer an extensive menu of options, and even have carts that come around to tempt you even more, just like traditional dim sum restaurants. The shrimp chung fun, har gow and crispy rice dishes were my fave. 

Cibo Wine Bar [522 King St. W., Toronto, ON M5V 1L7]

Perfect Italian restaurant to wine and dine at with large parties. As soon as you enter, you will be graces with their heavenly wall of wine bottles they offer. For starters, I recommend their Grilled octopus and/or calamari- both prepared to perfection. If you're not into seafood, they have an assortment of Italian cheeses and ham that pair well with your wine. For your actual entree, pizza or pasta is your best bet. 

Pizza Libretto [155 University Avenue, TOronto, ON M5H 3B7]

Um... YUM! My Toronto friends (hi Justine and Alex) have been RAVING about this restaurant months before my planned trip to the city, and let me just it was well worth the hype. I started off with loads and loads of appetizers because my friends and I were beyond HANGRY or maybe it was just me?! We devoured the perfectly crispy, buttermilk fried calamari- that red pepper almond romesco sauce is DIVINE, I wanted to lick the plate, kale salad [not pictured because I slurped it up in less than a minute]- the roasted chickpeas and the vinaigrette dressing make this possibly the best kale salad I've ever consumed and arancini balls, which I unfortunately did not get to try, but my friend finished the plate and I think that's a good sign. On to the pizza, if you like the traditional, Neapolitan Italian pizza, you are in for a treat because that is what you are going to get. Make sure to ask for the spicy oil and red pepper flakes if you need a kick. Whatever you do, make sure you save room for dessert, because the sfingi (Italian-style doughnuts) are where it's at! 

Momofuku Noodle Bar [190 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5H 0A3; Bottom of Shangri-La Hotel]

I have a love, hate relationship with this restaurant. Partially my fault, okay 100% my fault for scheduling to eat three meals here in a course of five days. Starting from their pork buns, to their ramen- you will definitely satisfy your Asian food craving. If you're more of a rice person, their modernized kimchi fried rice isn't too shabby. Whatever you do, get a side of their kimchi- you won't be disappointed, take it from a true Korean. Before you leave, stop by the "milk bar" on the second floor for a slice of their crack pie.

Japango [122 Elizabeth St., Toronto, ON M5G 1P5]

Very tiny so do not go unless you don't mind sharing conversations with diners next to you. I will say, the wait and "coziness" is worth it if you want some really fresh, melt in your mouth sushi/sashimi! They are known for their fresh uni, so if you're a fan, you're in luck! And can I just say, their presentation is amazing! I mean look at how they served me some sashimi! (insert clapping emoji here)

What are some of your favorite spots to eat at in Toronto?

XOXO <3

-Margaret

SoHo eats.

Confession: I'm a HUGE foodie. I LOVE trying new restaurants and dishes, I am constantly hangry and I have a BIG sweet tooth. If you don't already follow me on Instagram: @itsMargaRRRRita, you know I travel lots, eat out lots and constantly take lots and lots of pictures of everything I eat. I want to take this time to share with you some of my favorite spots to eat at in SoHo, New York, NY.

Isola [9 Crosby St, New York, NY 10013; Between Grand St & Howard St]

Located inside one of my favorite, chic hotels: Mondrian SoHo. If the entrance doesn't get you, wait till you see the inside. When you go for breakfast/lunch, the restaurant has a "I'm eating outside in a park" feel, and when you go for dinner/dessert, you really see the chandeliers for a romantic, elegant feel. I've been for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but the most memorable meal I had was their Insalata Isola salad with shrimp. Let's just say, you definitely get your money's worth! Their portions are HUGE! Definitely recommend this restaurant for cute brunches with friends/family or for a romantic date night with your boo. 

Jack's Wife Freda [224 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012; Between Kenmare St & Cleveland Place)
Not going to lie, I found out this place through Instagram. This restaurant is pretty small inside, they have two picnic style tables, and small tables/booths around the table. The staff and the atmosphere feels very modern chic- great place for yuppies! Not even going to lie, the food was so YUMMY, I went for breakfast, snack, lunch and dinner within two days. I definitely recommend their french fries and refreshing lemonade for a snack- fries are perfectly crispy! For lunch, I had the chicken with couscous- AMAZING!!!! Perfectly tender chicken and the couscous is nicely seasoned and cooked. DEFINITELY ask for their homemade hot sauce, if you like spicy. It definitely has a bit of a kick! And of course, their Peruvian chicken is a MUST for dinner. For breakfast, I decided to try the green shakshuka (basically two eggs baked in a delicious green sauce), and yes, I had to order a side of couscous. I had a Moroccan mint tea on the side and literally comes with stalk of mint leaves inside your cup. Definitely a must-try for whatever time of day.

Cafe Gitane [242 Mott St, New York, NY 10012; Between Houston St & Prince St]
This restaurant is another Instagram find. Yes, I am aware it's not directly in SoHo, but it's only a couple blocks away in Nolita. This restaurant is small as well, so make sure you don't go at a busy time. They have a retro vibe with an old school cash register and I like how you can sit at the bar area and watch the staff cook the food. You'll have to start off with a mocha latte for your Instagram posts, but don't you worry, it's quite tasty and the paw print on the top is super cute! Their avocado toast is a MUST! I'm a huge fan of avocado toast and order it frequently at restaurants that carry this dish, but I must say, I've never had one like this before. The bread they put the avocado on is absolutely perfect! Tastes somewhat like a baguette, but healthier? As yelpers suggest, their Morrocon cous cous (got mine with chicken) and salmon pot pie is amazing!!! The cous cous dish is large so make sure you order this when you have an appetite. I especially liked the hummus they put on top... YUM!!!! Great restaurant to catch-up with old friends at. Make sure you don't go in if you don't have cash on you- it's cash only, folks! The food is definitely worth it.

Balthazar [80 Spring St., New York, NY 10012; Between Crosby St. & Broadway]
What a cute place for dinner!!!!! They have plenty of seating inside, even if you're sitting next to another party, you don't feel cramped. Their classic decor is perfect! They have dim, antique style lights with decor to match. Their roasted chicken breast and organic pan seared salmon was to die for- perfectly marinated and not dry. Make sure to save room for dessert because their profiteroles are amazing. Here's a tip, ask for banana ice cream instead of vanilla- you won't regret it. And apparently, they are known for their steak frites, sadly, I found this out after I left. Great place for dinner with family and friends.

Two Hands [164 Mott St., New York, NY 10013; Between Broom St. & Grand st.]
New hipster restaurant/cafe. Not many seats inside, so try and go at odd hours to secure a spot. They have a great barista, so you'll have your instagram #latteart post for sure. Love how they can juice pretty much any vegetable/fruit combination of your choosing. My go-to is avocado toast (although the bread is flavorless and too thick/crunchy to bite into) with egg and bacon on top, and their acai bowl (you can actually see the ingredients at the top). Great place to get a healthy start at, and read/work by yourself or with friends.

What's your favorite restaurant to grub at in SoHo?

XOXO <3

-Margaret