Every major city has a myriad of options in terms of entertainment, but far too often people find themselves getting dragged into the same old usual spots. Even though a popular place can still be a great time, there is something about doing something out of the ordinary that makes a night out more special.
Doing something completely out of your comfort zone will make for a night to remember. The best thing about partaking in events or activities that are unique is enjoying the discovery of a new experience and making memories in the process. Unfortunately finding a fun place can be difficult, which is why we’ve curated a list of cool things to do in Toronto.
Food
1. Antler Kitchen And Bar
The Antler Kitchen and Bar is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Toronto in terms of dining. Antler Kitchen and Bar has one of the most natural menus in the city for meat eaters. Specializing in game meat, this restaurant serves everything from wild boar to bison rib-eye steaks. Everything served on the menu is native to Canada and is prepared in a dignified manner, with owner Michael Hunter being strictly against factory farming.
Antler Kitchen and Bar has gained some attention in the media after Michael Hunter peacefully counter-protested vegan activists outside of his establishment. Regardless of which side of the controversy you stand on, Antler provides an incredible dining experience and truly is one of the few of its kind, definitely making eating here of the most unusual things to do in Toronto.
Antler Kitchen and Bar includes not only dinner but also brunch, dessert, and drinks. One of the most appetizing items on the menu is the eggs benedict house smoked wild salmon that comes with home fries or side greens for the price of $17. Though this does seem steep for brunch, it’s important to remember everything on the menu is natural and homegrown.
Another featured item that was showcased on their Instagram page is the wild boar chop, covered in maple charred onions, sweet potato, pistachio sauce, which excited Toronto tourists prompting them to comment “Can’t wait to get to TO to try your place out”.
2. O.Noir
When someone thinks of a nice restaurant, they rarely think about eating in complete darkness, but that is what you get at O.Noir. O.Noir is the only restaurant of its kind in Canada with two locations in Toronto and Montreal. The entire purpose of eating in complete darkness is to enhance the other senses and truly appreciate the all the scents and flavors of your meal.
Other than providing an intense dining experience, O.Noir takes on a social responsibility by giving its patrons the experience of what it may be like to be visually impaired. They also employ a complete staff of visually impaired servers. The idea to serve patrons food they cannot see was originated in Zurich by a man named Jorge Spielmann “a blind pastor who would blindfold his dinner guests so they could share his eating experience”.
O.Noir’s menu is affordable and will not break the bank for your night out consisting of a 3-course package for $44 dollars and a 2-course package for $36 or $34. The menu contains both vegetarian options along with meat and fish, making sure all guests needs are accounted for. Although O.Noir is one of the most unusual things to do in Toronto in terms of dining, it is not for everybody as not being able to see the food does not sit well with some patrons, but this is to be expected. Some people have addressed concerns with the comfort of the seating in the establishment and decor of the lobby, but in reality, you go to O.Noir to truly experience your meal not observe the lobby.
3. Assembly Chef’s Hall
Assembly Chef’s Hall was a hit right from the start thanks to DaiLo, Shoushin, Khao San Road, Ramen Isshin, Cherry Street Bar-B-Que, the hot spots that originally established a fun atmosphere among foodies.
Assembly Chef’s Hall is a popular food hall, taking the meaning of food court to a whole new level. With many culinary treats, you’ll be able to try new dishes and drinks. What’s so great about this place?
- Extensive hours
- 18 restaurants
- 3 different halls
- Fully stocked bars
- A guest DJ that frequents the hall
Andreas Antoniou, the restaurateur who spearheaded the project, says Assembly is all about “bringing top-quality food to Toronto– including restaurants otherwise unable to afford downtown rents — into one accessible spot.”
Located at 111 Richmond West, at York, sharing the same building as Google’s Toronto office in the Financial District.
4. Coq of the Walk
Here you’ll meet absinthe enthusiasts, mixologists, beer tasters, and wine connoisseurs. They serve absinthe and a wide variety of other experiences, depending on what you’re feeling for the night.
…Read 8 Cool Things To Do In Toronto That Will Not Disappoint