Little Italy

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.

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Bar Raval

Address
505 College Street
Website
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If Bar Raval was a person, it’d be a perfect 10. The newest place on College St. owned by national treasure Grant Van Gameren, this tapas bar not only has incredible eats but has the most incredible decor the city’s seen in years. The beautiful and hypnotizing woodwork that goes from ceiling to floor perfectly complements their many original cocktails and exquisite plates that wow the tastebuds. (We never talk about food this way, but you will once you've gone here.) Open for brunch, happy hour, straight through to last call. Always buzzing, a place to see and be seen. No reservations and mostly a standing bar with a few seats if you can steal them. Must eats: Octopus, Grilled Pork Belly, Stracciatella & Boquerones. Oh, and house-canned sardines. Need I say more?

Bar Raval
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Bar Raval
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Bar Raval
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Bar Raval
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Bar Raval
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Bar Raval
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Bar Raval
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Bar Raval
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Bar Raval
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Bar Raval
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Motoretta

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