Written by The Strategy

We love this city we call, maybe even more than Drake. We just wrapped up the most exciting time of year in Toronto, but we think this city is pretty great all year round. So, if you sadly missed the two weeks of the film festival, make sure to still give this vibrant, bustling city a chance!

Toronto is known for its culinary landscape, so it was extremely hard to narrow down our three favourites. Restaurants come and go almost weekly, but these three have stood the test of time.

• 416 Snack Bar The menu at this snack bar is small, as are the portions, but we have never had a bad dish. It’s open late, making it the perfect spot to go for a light dinner and drinks. It’s also rumoured to have fan in Champagne Papi himself. 181 Bathurst St., Toronto
• Bar Isabel The interior of this, relatively small, restaurant is reminiscent of a Spanish tavern. It has a dark, sexy vibe that makes it a perfect spot for date night, if you are willing to wait. You know a restaurant is good when there is almost always a line. 797 College St., Toronto
• Terroni We’ve been coming here since university and hope to still be coming here well into our middle-age. The classic Italian menu never fails to disappoint, and neither does the cool West Queen West ambiance. 720 Queen St. W, Toronto

• The Drake Hotel With epic restaurants throughout the city and in the hotel itself, The Drake is one of our favourite places to treat ourselves to a staycation. The rooftop is perfect to see the city skyline and the night sees that the hotel is the perfect place for a drink. You basically never have to leave. 1150 Queen St. W, Toronto
• The Anndore House This hotel is relatively new to the scene and has quickly become a favourite to out of town visitors.  The stylish rooms are waiting to grace your Instagram feeds, and the location is just steps away from some of the city’s best shopping. 15 Charles St. E, Toronto

• Reformation Reformation just recently opened its doors in Toronto and since, it’s become a favourite shopping destination for many of us here at TS HQ. Sure you can buy online, but there’s something about the IRL experience that makes shopping so much more fun. Yorkdale Mall, 3401 Dufferin St., Toronto
• Easy Tiger Goods We have spent way to much time and probably way to much money buying trinkets from Easy Tiger Goods. With an array of cute, greeting cards, the beautiful, unique jewelry and apothecary essentials we feel the need to visit this store at least once a week.  1447 Dundas St. W, Toronto
• The Narwhal Boutique The Narwhal Boutique is our go to for the likesUlla Johnson and Raquel Allegra. We’ve been shopping at this spot for years, and think you absolutely must visit when you find yourself in town. 1128 Yonge St., Toronto