 |
|
 |
|
|
|
There
was a time back in the 70's and 80's when you could find a disco club in many of the
hotels. Restaurants and Cafes including the lobby bars were the areas to hang out before
going into the club or for a quick late night bite at the end of the night. Times have
really changed. The discos or dance clubs are for the most part gone. Fine dining
restaurants, martini bars, lounges, bars and cafes are taking over. Anyone can experience
these hot spots' without having to check into the hotel. Some are more seasonal than
others especially those that are located on rooftops or have extended patios such as The
Drake and InterContinental Yorkville. There is still dancing going on as well as live
entertainment at some of the locations including The Old Mill Inn & Spa
and Stage West All-Suites Hotel.
Here are some of our recommended picks of HOTEL HOT
SPOTS in the GTA and surrounding areas. |
|
|
|
|
|
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
21 AVENUE ROAD
416-928-7330 STUDIO CAFE
This warm, bright and airy all-day restaurant, located on the second floor, serves
breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch in a casual and friendly atmosphere. The
uniquely designed restaurant overlooks Yorkville Avenue and features contemporary Italian
furnishings and original artwork by Canadian artists, including colourful glass sculptures
and whimsical paintings. The Studio Cafe features an open kitchen and a wine cellar for
over 1,200 wine bottles.
The Studio Cafe's diverse la carte menu includes an assortment of daily
specials. Lunch and dinner selections reflect Italian and Mediterranean influences,
including gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and entrées. The distinctive wine cellar permits
an extensive wine list, highlighted by a large collection of international vintages. A
special children's menu is available for younger guests.
Studio Cafe's 30/30 menu is a four-course lunch specially presented on one platter,
including soup, appetizer, entrée and dessert. Enjoy it all in less than 30 minutes.
LOBBY BAR
This bright and airy atrium is adjacent to the lobby. It's the ideal place to relax
over afternoon tea or enjoy an early evening cocktail.
AVENUE
Overlooking Yorkville Avenue, contemporary elegance and modern sophistication embody
Avenue bar and lounge. Guests enjoy a stylish and comfortable candle-lit atmosphere with
warm, neutral colours accented by vivid black and white prints and oversized couches and
chairs. Avenue's centrepiece is a stunning 6-metre (20-foot) onyx bar complemented by
marble flooring and Italian and French handmade furniture.
|
| (top) |
|
HILTON TORONTO
145 RICHMOND ST. W.
416-860-6800
BARRISTER BAR
A casual atmosphere perfect for lunch or dinner. Unwind after a long day with a
cocktail and good conversation at this nostalgic location - a long time favourite spot for
Toronto's legal community.
RUTH'S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE
The largest upscale steak house in the world, Ruth's Chris specializes in aged, USDA
Prime beef, broiled at high temperature to sear in the natural flavour and served sizzling
on a heated plate to keep each steak hot and juicy to the last bite.
TUNDRA BAR AND RESTAURANT
Prepare yourself for a dining experience where the decor is inspired by Canada and the
award-winning cuisine inspired by the world. Tundra, Toronto's hottest new Canadian
-concept restaurant, is open daily from 6:30 am to 11:30 am for breakfast, 11:30 am to
2:00 pm Monday to Friday for lunch and nightly from 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm for dinner.
|
| (top) |
|
HOTEL
INTERCONTINENTAL
220 BLOOR ST. W.
416-980-5200
PROOF BAR
PROOF Bar holds a prominent position in Yorkville's night scene. Urban professionals
and hotel guests mix and mingle in a modern setting punctuated by ultra suede lounges, a
12-person communal table and a pure white granite bar encased in cork. More than 40
vodkas, traditional and herb-infused martinis, champagnes and fine wines headline the
drink menu, accompanied by sophisticated light bites.
SIGNATURES RESTAURANT
Toronto's own multicultural neighbourhoods inspire the ever-changing menu in
Signatures, a global fusion restaurant just off the lobby. Chef Joe Rabba's culinary
artistry can be sampled at breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main dining room or the less
formal lower level. As interesting as the gourmet cuisine are the photographs of Toronto's
landmark neighbourhoods lining the walls.
SKYLOUNGE
Skylounge redefines patio dining with an elegant oasis found just steps from bustling
Bloor Street West. Sleek sofas intermingle with Brazilian wood tables, where Executive
Chef Christopher Perera's Mediterranean tapas-style menu offers smaller portions ideal for
sharing. Prosciutto Wrapped Figs and Grilled Sea Bream Fillet are favourite
teasers, while Grilled Lamb Chops and Moroccan Spiced Boneless Cornish Hen
satisfy healthier appetites. Open May to October, weather permitting.
|
| (top) |
|
HOTEL LE GERMAIN
30 MERCER ST.
416-599-5823 VICTOR RESTAURANT
Victor Restaurant and Lounge specializes in social dining, creating dishes inspired by
the ethnic mosaic that is unique to Toronto. It's your opportunity to enjoy the best
seasonal produce: bold salads, roasts, vegetables, fish and game. The dishes are served
family style letting the joys of sharing and the pleasures of the senses free.
The chef's creations take the form of plates to share and highlight the use of
organically sourced and sustainable seasonal produce, notably from farms and individuals
who respect the environment.
Contemporary architecture and decor that blend style, warmth and a welcoming atmosphere.
David Chrystian, recognized by The National Post as one of Toronto's top 10 chefs.
|
| (top) |
|
INTERCONTINENTAL
HOTEL
225 FRONT ST. W.
416-597-8142
PROOF VODKA BAR
Enjoy a meal or a drink at one of Toronto's best restaurants. Conveniently located in
the Intercontinental Hotel in the heart of the Financial and Entertainment districts, the
Azure Restaurant is your destination for a business lunch, after dinner drinks, or a
romantic night of fine dining.
With live Jazz music and an exquisite menu, the Azure restaurant is an elegant place
for a professional get-together or a relaxing personal evening.
|
| (top) |
|
PARK HYATT
4 AVENUE RD
416-324-1567 ANNONA RESTAURANT
Rich gold and plum decor hints at the sumptuous cuisine and chic atmosphere of Annona
Restaurant, aptly named for the Roman goddess of harvest. Soft lighting and intimate
banquettes contribute to the solitude that many of the hotel's celebrity guests and
professionals seek. The cuisine of Annona Restaurant rivals its fashionable Yorkville
neighborhood. Award-winning executive chef Joan Monfaredi turns out awe-inspiring dishes
like Seafood Risotto and Grilled Angus Filet.
Begin your day with a decadent breakfast of scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and
capers. Linger over a leisurely Sunday brunch. Solidify a deal during a lunch of
succulently plump crab cakes with an avocado salsa, aged balsamic reduction and organic
seedlings. Take a brief respite for the frenetic pace of life with afternoon tea. Spy a
well-known celebrity in town for the Toronto International Film Festival as you dine on
Grilled Lobster with Tomato and Olive Relish. Indulge in a sumptuous Caramelized Pineapple
Tart with Rum Ice Cream for dessert. The culinary feats from the kosher kitchen are
complemented by soothing music from the Bang & Olufsen sound system.
MORTON'S, THE STEAKHOUSE
Expect incomparable service and impeccably prepared fare in the handsome setting of
this Yorkville restaurant. Morton's The Steakhouse has long been renowned for its
prime cuts of aged American Angus beef. The attractive decor heightens the tableside
service and extensive menu. Commence the evening with sweet Bluepoint Oysters on the Half
Shell or Broiled Sea Scallops Wrapped in Bacon with an Apricot Chutney. Order one of the
restaurant's signature beef entrees like the Double Cut Filet Mignon with Sauce Bearnaise.
Deviate from the norm and select a blackened swordfish. Accompany your Porterhouse steak
or veal chops with a fresh Maine lobster. Save room for one of our Yorkville Toronto
restaurant's decadent desserts such as the Chocolate Velvet Cake or a souffle available in
one of four flavours.
THE ROOF LOUNGE
Located on the 18th floor, The Roof Lounge has earned a reputation as one of the best
bars in the world. It is favoured equally by locals and celebrities. Order a vintage Pinot
Noir and sit by the inviting fireplace of this downtown Toronto lounge on a crisp fall
evening. Make your way out to the summer terrace with a refreshing Cosmopolitan and
stunning views of this vibrant city. Stave off hunger with selections from the light bar
menu. Enjoy a light lunch, retro-style. Meet friends for one of The Roof Lounge's
signature martinis.
|
| (top) |
|
ROYAL YORK
FAIRMOUNT
100 FRONT S.T W.
416-368-2511EPIC
The Fairmont Royal York has created a dining experience that will redefine every notion
of a hotel restaurant. EPIC is characterized by an exciting juxtaposition of old and new,
evident in every facet of this innovative restaurant. EPIC is a dynamic, fluid, and
contemporary room, contrasting effectively with the traditional grandeur that is The
Fairmont Royal York. The menu offers a scintillating combination of fresh local
ingredients preparedwith the classic French touches that distinguish Chef de Cuisine
Jean-CharlesDupoire's culinary heritage. Every diner is cared for by the energetic staff
who make food service their profession. EPIC is a proud recipient of the 2007 VQA
Restaurant Award of Excellence from the Wine Council of Ontario.
LIBRARY BAR
Located adjacent to the famous Imperial Room in The Fairmont Royal York, the Library
Bar is the ideal venue for pre-dinner or theatre beverages, business lunches or evening
cocktails. The atmosphere will transport you back to the era that saw the opening of the
Library Bar. The warm club feel is highlighted by rich fabrics, floor to ceiling wood
paneling with book-lined walls and comfortable sofas for your lounging pleasure. Ratedthe
number one martinis in the city, the Library Bar will continue its well established
reputation of serving Toronto's best. The newbeveragelistincludes classic favorites along
withcreative new cocktails. Featuring a live classical guitarist, Friday and Saturday
evenings, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
BENIHANA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
Benihana is a fabulous Japanese steakhouse experience in the heart of Toronto - enjoy the excitement of teppan cooking right at your table.
Instead of using conventional kitchens, Benihana's highly skilled chefs present and prepare all entrées at a 'hibachi' table (a flat 4' X 3' grill), around which, up to seven guests are seated. A fast-paced performance of chopping and juggling creates an exciting teppanyaki-style dining experience for guests of all ages. Benihana is a unique experience for special occasions, tours, and office parties.
Teppan cooking is Benihana's specialty, but guests are also invited to venture their taste buds into more exotic foods from our sushi and sashimi menus.
PIPER'S GASTROPUB
Piper's Gastropub is a great place for sports. Its proximity to Air Canada Center and the Rogers Center makes Piper's an ideal location for drinks before and after the game. Piper's is also an ideal setting for your next informal office gathering. Please call for more details on hosting a group experience in Piper's.
|
| (top) |
|
STAGE WEST
ALL-SUITE HOTEL
5400 DIXIE ROAD, MISSISSAUGA
905-238-42905HAIDA GARDEN CAFE
Chef Joseph and the Stage West Culinary Team prepare a wonderful buffet in the Haida
Garden Cafe, with a large variety of selections to choose from.
STAGE WEST THEATRE RESTAURANT
Take in an elaborate buffet, combine this with entertaining plays headlined by
internationally known stars, and you have Stage West Theatre Restaurant a dinner
theatre unlike any other. Some of the world's major stars have graced the stage of this
theatre and the presentation of hit shows keeps this restaurant rolling season after
season.
|
| (top) |
|
SUTTON PLACE
955 BAY ST.
416-924-9221 ACCENTS Restaurant & Bar
Accents Restaurant & Bar at The Sutton Place Hotel offers an eclectic array of
seasonal cuisine to tempt every palate. Their warm and friendly restaurant staff provides
you with the best of service and will ensure that your dining experience will be a
memorable one. The Executive Chef along with his culinary team are constantly creating new
and innovative cuisine, selecting from the freshest of market produce.
|
| (top) |
|
THE DRAKE HOTEL
1150 QUEEN ST. W.
416-531-5042 CORNER CAFE
Drakes Corner Café is a neighbourhood destination. Known as the go-to spot by
day within the hood, we offer home-baked goodies, a full menu, fresh juice, awesome
coffee and a fully licensed bar. Begin your day in the Café and hook up to our
complimentary wireless network, where you can catch up with work or just surf while
sipping on a tasty espresso.
Our Corner Café offers a parallel identity at night with a cozy, candlelit bistro
providing refuge for locals and travellers alike. In the summertime, giant garage doors
open onto the boulevard Café patio, where you can dine or sip on a fine glass of wine
under the stars.
LOUNGE
Drakes signature room re-envisions a bygone era, the mid-century lounge
experience. Hear your favourite songs blend with new music to complement classic
cocktails, best enjoyed with friends. Take in a live music performance, an inspired DJ or
set the mood with food.
Overlooking Queen Street West, the Lounge is a destination all its own. Recently
remodelled, new additions include leather booths and banquettes, artist-commissioned mica
chandeliers, brass bar tops and two lush murals by Joe Becker that blend classic painting
and contemporary influences with stunning results.
We invite you to unwind after work, relax before dinner or 'dress the part' for an
evening out that stretches into the wee hours; all the while, share some tantalizing
appetizers and sip on a seven-hourmartini with old friends or new lovers. Youll be
glad you stopped by.
SKY YARD
Drake's rooftop offers a unique year round covered patio experience. Join in for a
nightly party, complete with bold colours, bamboo overhangs, douglas fir tables, laid-back
seating and communal tables. Offbeat performance art takes place in the adjoining yoga den
on Monday and Friday evenings. Smoking is permitted.
UNDERGROUND
Drake's entertainment room has been redesigned with one thing in mind: creative
flexibility. This spacious venue features a modular stage, 3 digital projectors, newly
installed dance floor lighting, and state of the art 5.1 Surround Sound PA system manned
by experienced technical staff. The space has welcomed major darlings of indie music
scene, dance parties, art happenings, video game tournaments and more.
Drake's rolled out the carpet for venerable legends Carole Pope, Burton Cummings and
Negativeland, rubbed shoulders with local rock royalty Broken Social Scene, Metric and
Stars, and shone with rising stars Gogol Bordello, Living Things, Wolfmother, MIA, KT
Tunstall and We Are Wolves. The Undergound is a cutting edge venue for a rockin' crowd.
DINING ROOM
Drake knows good Food and Wine. It's free-spirited menu includes lovingly concocted
international cuisine and reinterpreted classics. Executive Chef Anthony Rose and Sous
Chef Cory Vitiello present unique menus culled from their combined talents. Anthony brings
his passion for classic, simple and ingredient driven food. Back from eight years in the
food Meccas of New York and San Francisco, Anthony brings Drake his love of world cuisine
and food experimentation, while Sous Chef Cory (ex. Scaramouche) has been an anchor in the
Drake kitchen since the very early days. Featured is a 200+ bottle wine list including
cult favourites, small production gems and odds that are a pleasure to see, smell and sip.
ROOM 222
A perfect nook for hosting private affairs, Room 222 is available day and night for decadent dinner parties, creative collaborations or company brainstorming sessions. Room 222 sits at the edge of the action on the second floor with an optional view of the Sky Yard for prime people watching.
|
| (top) |
|
THE OLD MILL
INN AND SPA
21 OLD MILL ROAD
416-236-2641DINING ROOM
The roots of live entertainment and dancing at The Old Mill began in 1921, with the duo
combination of pianist Nelson Hatch and violinist Cec Ryder in the Print Room. After the
completion of the new dance hall in 1929 with it's spacious dance floor, the successful
duo expanded to a nine piece orchestra.
Dinner and dancing have been part of the social fabric of the city of Toronto ever
since. While regrettably it has not retained the social dominance of yesteryear, The Old
Mill Restaurant has continued the tradition of offering popular bands for your listening
and dancing pleasure. Be part of the dinner and dancing experience which has truly been
part of many, many special and happy memories over the years.
Refer to the band schedule on the official website www.oldmilltoronto.com and call to
make your reservations for your memorable night out.
|
| (top) |
|
WESTIN PRINCE
HOTEL
900 YORK MILLS RD.
416-444-2511THE KATSURA
If variety is the spice of life, then your taste buds are going to be a tingling! Enjoy
any or all of the on-site restaurants, each offering a different atmosphere and cuisine.
Spice it up at The Katsura, one of Toronto's most popular and authentic Japanese
restaurants where you can choose from a variety of dining options - Teppenyaki Tables,
private Tatami Rooms, a Sushi Bar, a Robata Bar and a main dining area.
SEASONS AT THE PRINCE
Feed your soul at the newly renovated Seasons at the Prince Restaurant. Relax while overlooking the lush natural surroundings or rejuvenate by the sleek fireplace. Their culinary team will delight your senses with savory menu items featuring the freshest local and regional ingredients along with Super foods to fuel your well-being.
900 LOUNGE
Unwind at the end of a busy day with our nourishing bites menu while sipping on one of our signature cocktails. Make the transformation from day to night in a modern and sophisticated atmosphere at The Westin Prince Toronto.
|
| (top) |
|
WINDSOR ARMS HOTEL
18 ST. THOMAS ST.
416-921-2921 COURTYARD CAFE
While staying at Toronto's most luxurious hotel, you can experience fine dining at the
Courtyard Cafe. Adjacent to the lobby, you will notice the elegant dining room beautifully
wrought with elegant textures reminiscent of the late romantic era. Whether it's a formal
business setting you require or a warm and intimate dinner for two, the beauty of the
Courtyard Cafe isn't only skin deep. For beyond the impeccable wait staff, a brilliant
dining experience awaits you.
LOUNGE TWENTY TWO
Take advantage of Lounge Twenty Two's cocktail hour. After a day of serious shopping, kick back
with a fabulous martini and celebrate the day's purchases. Lounge Twenty Two's cocktail hour offers
the perfect opportunity to meet and greet, cap off a business meeting, or share a drink
with your date before dining at The Courtyard Cafe.
PRIME STEAK HOUSE
Prime is a modern steakhouse, its burning fireplace lighting two rooms of tan leather, dark wood and a collection of paintings by Canadian artist Charles Pachter.
In the kitchen, certified dry-aged Kobe, organic lamb and beef steaks are prepared in an 1,800 ½ infra-red broiler.
Prime's wine program features a selection of the world's finest. We are honored and humbled to have received the Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator for the past two years. Private wine lockers are available.
|
| (top) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |