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
A few steps down from College St. and Clinton, the Monarch Tavern has been a part of the community since 1927, and is one of the oldest bars in the city. A living monument to the Little Italy of old. You’d never think it, but it’s got one of the biggest, most robust bourbon collections in the city and has 15 Ontario craft beers on tap (giving those hipsters further west a run for their money). The upstairs is super chill with lots of places to sit, pool tables and pinball machines; where you want to be when all you want to do is have a few drinks with friends or make some new ones. Downstairs is a more energetic cocktail bar/lounge that opens up at night; where you’ll want to dance after you’ve had a few upstairs.
