The one place in Toronto where finding a stiff caffè, the finest gelato, TO's best sandwich, underground acts, insanely delicious grilled octopus, and haggis (if you’re into it) is never more than a minute away. This particular Little Italy is considerably younger, cosmopolitan, and friendlier to creatives than its sister hood in NYC. And probably a little less obnoxiously Italian (which in this case is a good thing). In the midst of its own renaissance, a number of interesting and unique restaurants, bars, and shops run by some of Toronto’s up-and-coming have opened up and reinvigorated this once recently sleepy street. Just make sure to bring an empty stomach and a full wallet to get a taste for the real Little Italy.
The city's best octopus and craft beer selection
One of two restaurants on College St. owned by chef Grant van Gameren, Bar Isabel has excited anyone with good taste since it opened 3 years ago. Although it’s not as difficult to get a table as it was then, definitely book through the site or over phone to secure a reservation. It's a great place for a first date, date night, dinner with the girls, or beer with the boys. Craft beer fanatics will geek out over their collection, cocktail drinkers will get their fill, and lovers of good food will salivate over pretty much everything. Must eats: Fried Rabbit, Whole Grilled Octopus & Potatoes, Roast Bone Marrow, Pan Con Jamón Ibérico de Bellota. (Photos of eats to come!)
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