With Toronto set to welcome thousands of international visitors during the FIFA World Cup, there’s never been a better time to experience the city’s restaurants, hotels, galleries and design-forward neighbourhoods. Most of these destinations are within a 15-minute streetcar or subway ride of downtown Toronto.
Where to Eat and Drink in Toronto
Prime Seafood Palace
If there’s one Toronto reservation World Cup visitors should try to secure early, it’s this one. It took almost six years of work for Matty Matheson, chef and star of The Bear, and acclaimed firm Omar Gandhi Architects to craft Prime Seafood Palace, a stylish eatery redefining the high-end steakhouse experience. Located just west of downtown, the warm, subdued atmosphere and elaborate—but not at all pompous—dishes (think tuna tartare with wasabi and crispy shrimp chips or a black-pepper-crusted filet mignon), it’s easy to forget about the hustle and bustle of the city outside the restaurant’s doors. Good to know: Reservations book up quickly on weekends and during major events. Aim for a later dinner after evening matches. PrimeSeafoodPalace.ca
Sunnys Chinese
In the heart of Kensington Market, there’s an unmarked door, behind which is a long corridor with flashing neon lights and a fortune teller’s stand. Keep going and you’ll reach Michelin-recommended restaurant Sunnys Chinese. On the menu? Chinese specialties from the Sichuan and Guangdong regions. The decor? Retro diner style. Servings are generous—and, most importantly, delicious down to the last bite—and the cocktail menu is creative and varied. Best of all? How affordable everything is. Good to know: It’s tucked behind an unmarked Kensington Market entrance, so first-time visitors should keep an eye out for the neon-lit hallway. SunnysChinese.com
Waterworks Food Hall
Located just across the street from the Ace Hotel Toronto in downtown’s King Street West/Garment District, Waterworks Food Hall opened in the summer of 2024 in a brick and steel building that blends seamlessly into its Garment District landscape. One of Toronto’s best food halls, it offers a culinary world tour within its walls where you’ll discover Japanese ramen stands, Vietnamese crepes, Venezuelan arepas and XXL ice creams with maple syrup. Don’t miss Civil Works, a bar that opens every evening so you can enjoy a nightcap in style. Good to know: Ideal for groups with different cravings—or for a quick pre-match meal before heading across the city. WaterworksFoodHall.com
Grape Witches
The Canadian natural-wine scene is robust, and the proof is at Grape Witches—a cheerful wine shop and bar with a well-stocked cellar, welcoming tasting tables and an airy backyard patio. On each bottle, you’ll find helpful pictograms indicating the wine’s origin, profile, character and degree of “freakiness” (or what the French refer to as “eccentricity”). If your interest in wine runs deep—or if you’re ready to take the next step— staff also offer introductory and themed courses to help you learn. Good to know: The backyard patio is especially lively on warm summer evenings, so arrive early if you want a seat outside. GrapeWitches.com
Bar Raval
Step into the all-wooden and curved decor of Bar Raval in Little Italy and you’ll immediately feel transported to Spain. Inspired by the work of famed Spanish designer and architect Antoni Gaudí, this tapas and pintxos bar offers an à la carte menu featuring irresistible bites like tomato bread, semolina-fried eggplant and jamón croquettes. The cocktails are strikingly original, and the non-alcoholic options are just as delicious. Good to know: Seating is limited—after all, Bar Raval is one of the most beautiful bars in Toronto—and the bar doesn’t take reservations, so afternoons and earlier evenings are your best bet. ThisisBarRaval.com
Where to Stay in Toronto During the World Cup
Ace Hotel Toronto
When it opened its doors in 2022, the Ace Hotel Toronto arguably became the city’s best-designed hotel. This architectural marvel, designed by the firm Shim-Sutcliffe, is alluring the moment you lay eyes on its brick facade. Step inside and discover large arches of raw concrete lined with steel overlooking the lobby and a trendy café that draws in an effortlessly cool crowd. At the mezzanine level, the Alder restaurant specializes in wood-fired cooking, while the cozy rooftop terrace is home to Evangeline, a vibe-y cocktail bar decorated with antique furniture. Throughout the hotel, each of the 123 guest rooms is equipped with pine panelling and a guitar. Good to know: The hotel is less than 10 minutes from Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) by streetcar and is expected to be a major gathering spot during the World Cup. AceHotel.com/Toronto
What to See, Shop and Do in Toronto Between Matches
Formula Fig
Need a moment of relaxation? There’s no place better than Formula Fig, designed by Scott and Scott Architects. Behind a green-tiled facade, there’s a tubular interior inspired by the London subway—somehow the perfect setting to receive any of the quick-stop spa’s innovative facial treatments. You can’t go wrong with any service you’ll find on the diverse treatment menu, but a few of particular note: the Hydrate + Glow facial, which includes a calming oxygen spritz to help your skin better absorb products, exfoliating microdermabrasion and rejuvenating LED light therapy. Good to know: Treatments are designed to be efficient enough to fit into a busy sightseeing day. FormulaFig.com
The Distillery Historic District
A former whisky distillery dating back to 1832, this pedestrian district has been used as a set for numerous movies and is now one of the best-preserved Victorian-style industrial complexes in North America. The red-brick buildings in the Distillery District (just east of downtown) have been transformed into designer shops, restaurants, galleries and bars to which both locals and tourists flock at night and on weekends. Good to know: Many of the Distillery District’s bars and restaurants—including EL Catrin—are expected to air FIFA World Cup matches throughout the tournament. TheDistilleryDistrict.com
Mjölk
Mjölk (Swedish for “milk”) has been the go-to design reference in Toronto since 2009. The Junction neighbourhood lifestyle boutique fuses Japanese influences and Scandinavian minimalism. Owners (and IRL couple) John and Juli Baker have expertly curated an offering of made-in-Canada furniture, artisan ceramics and trendy global decor brands. They also use the space as a gallery, hosting exhibitions to highlight gems they bring back from their travels. Good to know: The Junction neighbourhood is worth exploring beyond the shop itself, thanks to its independent cafés, wine bars and design stores.
Mjölk.ca
Art Gallery of Ontario
Founded in 1900, the Art Gallery of Ontario—locally known as the AGO—underwent its first major transformation in 2008, when world-renowned Canadian architect Frank Gehry designed a superb spiralling staircase that winds both inside and outside the building. Today, a new 3,700-square-metre expansion is currently underway, but you’ll still have the opportunity to explore its prestigious collection of 120,000-plus pieces, including sublime works by the Group of Seven. Good to know: The AGO is an easy stop to pair with visits to nearby Chinatown and Kensington Market. AGO.ca
More culinary travel guides
Looking for more European travel recommendations? Discover how you can experience the Italian and French Rivieras in ultra-luxury on the Scenic Eclipse. Get the inside scoop on Maison ELLE in Paris, France. For all vegans visiting Paris, read Hannah Sunderani’s ultimate foodie guide. If you’re interested in seeing the South of France, check out these tips on traveling smoothly with Terroir Hospitality.
If you’re in need of a truly laid-back trip, Ticino, Switzerland would be perfect for you. When heading to the United Kingdom, read our recommendations for where to eat, stay and explore in Manchester. While you’re across the pond, check out Cartmel, England, a new foodie destination thanks to chef Simon Rogan’s Michelin-star restaurant L’Enclume.
