NOT JUST YOUR ORDINARY MEAL OUT, THESE ARE CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Toronto is known for having an excellent culinary culture, including some very one-of-a-kind dining experiences. If you’re getting tired of an ordinary meal out, or just want to try something different this weekend, we’ve got you covered. Here are 9 unique dining experiences in the city.
A take on a traditional Japanese pub, Guu Izakaya is not your ordinary Japanese meal. Expect to be greeted with shouts, eat at communal tables, and have a really good time. Food is served tapas style so it’s best to go with a group and share a bunch of plates. There are two Toronto locations: Church and Gerrard, and Guu Sakabar at Bathurst and Bloor.
Did you know the famous “dining in the dark” concept has a Toronto location at Church and Charles? This is truly a unique culinary experience as you’re served by a blind wait staff, in complete darkness. The idea behind O.NOIR is that when you take your sight away, all other senses become heightened. You’ll have to ditch your phones (and anything that glows for that matter), so sorry guys, no Instagramming food pics here.
RODEO BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE RODIZIO
Embrace the Rodizio tradition at Rodeo Brazilian Steakhouse on the Danforth. Prepare yourself for the meat sweats, this place is all-you-can-eat BBQ. The Brazilian experience would not be complete without watching some Capoeira (martial arts that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music) while you consume never-ending meat.
This won’t be your cheapest meal out, but it’s definitely a Toronto must-do. Dining at 351 meters above the city, the 360 Restaurant rotates a complete 360 degrees, giving you the ultimate view of Toronto and beyond. If the thought of that makes you sick, don’t worry; it takes 72 minutes for the full rotation so you hardly feel any motion at all.
If heights isn’t your thing, perhaps water is. Take in a different view of the Toronto skyline while you eat aboard one of Mariposa Cruise Line’s fleet of seven vessels. Dinner is served buffet style so you are free to wander and dance beneath the stars.
Experience the Jays game from a new vantage point and eat lunch at Arriba Restaurant. Located in the Renaissance Hotel, the restaurant overlooks the field so you can enjoy your lunch while having a great view of the entire Rogers Centre. If you’d rather watch the game from your seats, pregame beers during batting practice is a good alternative.
Maybe you went to Medieval Times on a field trip in grade school, and yeah, it’s still awesome. Knights jousting on horses, a castle, and a meal you can eat with your hands? You can’t find a dining experience quite like it.
This cavernous beer hall is relatively new to the Junction and has become an instant neighborhood favourite. With live music most nights, vintage pinball machines, an art gallery, 16 taps of Ontario craft beers, and ex-Grand Electric Chef Adisa Brian’s excellent menu, 3030 has become more of a community hub than a restaurant.
THE SULTAN’S TENT & CAFE MOROC
Experience North Africa without leaving the city. At Sultan’s Tent you can try authentic Moroccan cuisine while belly dancers flounce around you any night of the week. From the décor to the staff to the entertainment, Sultan’s does a great job at transporting you to a far away place.
By jaimie lerner