Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Pickering

"Fitting right into its location in the vibrant Queen Street West neighborhood, The Drake, which opened in 2004, has become a hub of Toronto art, design, and food. You’ll feel the energy the moment you walk into the former apartment building, where original granite floors, exposed brick, and other historical touches live alongside vivid murals, green leather seating, vintage stereos, and pieces from a rotating art collection. There's always something happening here, from DJs on the rooftop to live bands at Drake Underground, the hotel's performance space."

"This is a popular name when it comes to best lounges in Toronto. All the hype is in fact worth it!. The Drake Underground is a multi-faceted performance venue with incredible sound system."

"The corner of Queen and Spadina was never the most posh or  interesting address in Toronto, so when chef Patrick Kriss announced he would open a restaurant on the third floor of a historic Victorian building there, local foodies were skeptical. Once Alo opened in 2015 with high-concept, French-inflected cuisine, it soon topped critics' choice lists around the world and Kriss' naysayers became believers. The menu changes with the seasons; you're as likely to encounter 30-day dry-aged rack of lamb as you are Hokkaido sea urchin with fennel, wasabi, and yuzu."

"Multilingual as Toronto may be, there are also a lot of people who speak bad French. We can make up for the fact that we butcher our country's official language by taking romantic partners to French restaurants. If we are dating the person we accompany, we can be upfront with our shortcomings."

"Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants designated Alo Restaurant as its number one restaurant in the entire country in 2017. It is not hard to see why when dining here. Alo is a contemporary French restaurant and cocktail bar located atop a heritage building in downtown Toronto."

"The most striking thing about Gusto 101 isn't the fact that it's located in a former auto body shop—it's that the space actually feels cozy and convivial. The restaurant delivers crowd pleasing Southern Italian classics, including a near-perfect rendition of cacio e pepe. Grilled entrees are also exceptional, especially the branzino, which is served with escarole, cannellini beans, and a lemony, garlicky salmoriglio sauce."

"Gusto means tasty in Italian and let’s just say this place lives up to its name!. Elegant sauce, perfectly cooked pasta and a menu to die for. Must Try: Rigatoni Al Pomodoro"

"A global menu is served at this sexy rooftop restobar on King West where you can see the skyline for days."

"When I worked for the Ministry of the Attorney General at Bay and Gerrard Streets, there was a hole-in-the-wall Middle Eastern take-out restaurant that served the best shawarma. That was my introduction to this spicy roasted chicken pita and I have been a fan ever since. So I was thrilled to find Shish on Queen Street East at Leslie Street and have included it as the best take out and delivery in Toronto east end."

"20 When he’s not working as a sous chef at Queen and Spadina’s Aloette—home to one of the city’s best burgers—Gregory Bourolias slings his own burgers from his trusty griddle at pop-up events across the city. He calls the gatherings “Burger Drops” and, to date, he’s dropped more than 1,200 patties, each one griddle-smashed then sauced, cheesed and pickle-topped inside a pillowy bun, and stacked—if you’re smart and hungry enough—several to a plate."

"Brunch at this brewery is an all-you-can-eat affair served Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm. Best of all this feast costs just $14 which should leave you with sums to spend on beer!. Address: 7 Marie Labatte Road, Unit E1, TorontoPhone: 416-384-1133"

"Restaurants North Toronto. What is it: Forget the latest hipster trends. Granite Brewery’s midtown location and traditional brewing mentality is for beer lovers that just want an honest-to-goodness pint."

"Elmwood Spa is perfect for those who are seeking stress relief and relaxation in a peaceful atmosphere. Whether reconnecting with friends, celebrating a milestone, or for personal stress relief and self-renewal, Elmwood Spa is the ideal place to visit. The spa offers a warm, welcoming feel and provides attentive service that allows clients to feel special the moment they walk into the spa."

"Even checking in for your appointment at the Elmwood Spa is a pleasant experience. Hand towels are at the ready while you prepare for further relaxation. The pristine environment sets the tone for the pampering we all need from time to time."

"Since the 1800s, when the Beach boasted amusement rides and quaint cottages, both tourists and Torontonians alike have flocked to this east-end neighbourhood. With tennis courts, a baseball diamond, wading pool in the summer and ice rink during the winter, not to mention the picturesque bandstand and playgrounds, it’s no wonder that Kew Gardens is the go-to venue for those in the know. The park regularly hosts events, with movie nights a favourite throughout the summer; it’s also home to the Beach Guild of Fine Art, a group of local artists who regularly host exhibits and sales in the Historic Gardener’s Cottage."

"The long sandy beach is popular with everyone from sunbathers and paddlers to dog walkers and joggers. The Martin Goodman Trail runs through Balmy Beach Park parallel to the boardwalk and beach so there's ample space for bikers, walkers and rollerbladers. Kew Balmy Beach Park is also home to bike trails, an off-leash dog area, outdoor fitness equipment, a snack bar, a playground and bowling greens."

"Kew and Balmy Beaches are beautiful beaches filled with history and charm. Parking is available. Where: Located on the shores of Lake Ontario in 2 Silver Birch Ave, Toronto"

"Best Croissants In Toronto For: Authentic, classic French pastries. Technically, pain perdu translates to “lost bread” in reference to how French toast saves stale bread from being “lost.” However, in this context, Pain Perdu is a bakery known for purveying glorious, classic French confections. This quaint St. Clair West spot is lauded by locals as a hidden gem to find the best croissants in Toronto with a rich buttery flavour and flaky texture."

"Pain Perdu is renowned for its Parisian baked goods like croissants, quiche, eclairs and mille-feuille. Located in the St. Clair West neighbourhood, the décor is quaint and the staff is on point. This combination makes Pain Perdu a must-try for anyone who wants to pretend they’re in Paris for an afternoon."

"The Dundas west location of Café Plenty is a neat little spot in the middle of a super busy area; It’s smack across the street from Toronto Police 52 Division, on the cusp of Hospital Row and heading towards China Town west. This small yet roomy chic café is good for a croissant and latte pick-up, but if you’re hankering for more grab a sandwich and salad as well."

"Have breakfast either at hotel, grab it on the run at a Tim Hortons, Starbucks or sit down at the Sunset Grill, for a standard breakfast at a reasonable price. Get oriented to Toronto with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour: great value for a short stay as your ticket includes transportation and a narrated guided tour of the city. Book a Toronto Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour with Viator. This tour's first bus leaves from Yonge-Dundas Square and the pass is good for three consecutive days."