Low-lit dinner around Toronto's Junction neighbourhood

Looking for somewhere to take your sweetie that’s a little under the radar but still screams romance? The Junction is about to become your new best friend. Whether you’re into fine Italian cuisine or sharing some drinks over a stellar plate of Mexican nibbles, The Junction has the perfect low-lit dinner for every couple – be it lovers or pals! [Feature image: Nodo]

By Sarah Botelho

Nodo Restaurant

1

2885 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y9

• Phone Number
  • 416-901-1559Primary
• Directions
• Menu

This Sicilian-inspired restaurant offers your favourite Italian comfort food: pastas, thin-crust pizzas and hearty meat and fish dishes. With its outstandingly unique décor, Nodo definitely has a modern feel to it, but it still strikes a balance between elegant, cozy and casual. Share the warm olive and garlic knots appetizer with that special someone.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Pizza craving in the Junction in Toronto

Farmhouse Tavern

2

1627 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M6P 3S8

• Phone Number
  • 416-561-9114Primary
• Directions

If you’re looking for an intimate brunch spot (or a carnivorous dinner), The Farmhouse Tavern is your best bet. Serving a changing menu of farm-to-table food, craft beers, and local wines, this Canadiana-inspired mainstay fits its Junction Triangle digs to a T – it’s the kind of spot with the looks of a rickety country cabin, and the ethical awareness and critically acclaimed dishes of an upscale urban eatery.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Best restaurants in Toronto with reservations for brunch
• The best happy hours in Toronto’s west end
• Dig into a family-style feast at these Toronto restaurants

Indie Alehouse

3

2876 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y8

• Phone Number
  • 416-760-9691Primary
• Directions
• Menu

For a casual place to share some beers and hearty snacks, check out the Junction’s Indie Alehouse. This small brewpub has a classy, old-school feel to it, complete with wooden tables and funky overhead lighting. If you’re going for a beer and a bite, may we suggest the Broken Hipster paired with the pulled pork spring rolls? Bonus: stop into the bottle shop and grab a four pack to go (or a growler, if you’re feeling mischievous!) of the brewed-on-site craft concoctions.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Sip on some craft beer at Toronto's top-tier microbreweries
• Cozy on down to these pubs in Toronto’s Junction
• Pizza craving in the Junction in Toronto

Playa Cabana Cantina

4

2883 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y9

• Reserve
• Phone Number
  • 647-352-7767Primary
• Directions
• Menu

A Junction veteran, this super cozy spot is all about exposed brick, vintage wall décor, and second-to-none Mexican fare. But as with any intimate spot, especially one so beloved by neighbourhood lokes, you’re going to want to make a reservation or get there early, because this place fills up quick. Relax with the one you love and enjoy pescado tacos, fresh ceviche, or enchiladas with veggie chorizo, alongside some seriously stellar cerveza and cocktail options.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Great Toronto restaurants to satisfy your enchilada craving
• Where to find mezcal in Toronto
• Great Mexican restaurants in midtown Toronto

Annette Food Market

5

240, Annette St., Toronto, ON M6P 1R1

• Phone Number
  • 647-792-6963Primary
• Directions

With its wood and brick accents and homey-meets-modern vibe, the Annette Food Market will (hopefully not literally) charm the pants right off of ya. If you’re into Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas, you need to pay this place a visit. Not to mention, they serve great original cocktails, draft beer, and have a list of over 50 champagnes and wines available by the glass.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• The best new brunch spots in Toronto's west end
• A round-up of Toronto’s new restaurants from 2015
• Best Mother's Day Brunch in Toronto

Honest Weight

6

2766A Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y3

• Phone Number
  • 416-604-9992Primary
• Directions

This spot is the coziest New-England-style seafood haven in the city. Wood-clad from floor to ceiling, Honest Weight boasts a so-cozy, natural feel. The menu changes regularly based on what seafood is available, and includes some rare selections – like their Lapas (limpet clams), a dish native to the Azores in Portugal. Tuck in for an outstanding seafood feast in the dining area, or pop in and purchase something fresh to go from the fishmonger table in the back.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Best seafood restaurants in Toronto

More from Sarah Botelho

Sarah is currently in her last year of an English & Creative Writing degree. She is a big supporter of floral prints and could probably identify any "Friends" quote in under 5 seconds.  

• My Twitter

Lunchtime gems around U of T

Maybe you’ve got back-to-back class around Trinity College – or that new sweetheart you swiped right on does. If you’re hitting the books at Robart’s, make sure you’re good and fed. These lunchtime gems around the University of Toronto St. George campus will set you right up. [Image credit: iStock.com/Preto_perola]

7 spots to take a whiskey lover

Some like tequila, others like beer, but let’s not forget about the whiskey lover. We all know that person who prides themselves at the bar on being a whiskey connoisseur. If you want to take them to get their Jack Daniel’s on, or for a sampling of something a little more rare, we’ve got you covered. Check out this list of the best places to take a whiskey lover in Toronto. [Feature image: Boxcar Social]

What’s new in cocktail spots and brew pubs on Bloor

Bloor Street. You’ve been there before and you’ll go there again because let’s face it: it’s a prime location in Toronto to enjoy some drinks with friends after a long day in the 6. Fortunately for you, there’s always a new spot (or nine) on the strip to enjoy a craft brew or unique cocktails with pals. [Feature Image: The Gaslight]