Silvano / Susan’s guidebook

Susan
Silvano / Susan’s guidebook

Grocery & Specialty Food Shops

We are in easy walking distance to a number of full grocery, specialty food and convenience stores; offering a wide selection to suit any taste or budget.
This shop is not fancy, but the produce is good and it carries all of the basics at very good prices. The quickest route there is heading south on Sherbourne St., to Bloor.
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rob's No Frills
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This shop is not fancy, but the produce is good and it carries all of the basics at very good prices. The quickest route there is heading south on Sherbourne St., to Bloor.
This store is a tad further away than Rob's No Frills, but is a bit more upscale, and though smaller than other Longo's locations, has all that you need. You'll likely find a larger selection of organic produce here as well.
70 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Market by Longo's
111 Elizabeth St
70 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This store is a tad further away than Rob's No Frills, but is a bit more upscale, and though smaller than other Longo's locations, has all that you need. You'll likely find a larger selection of organic produce here as well.
I would describe this shop as a very upscale, grocery/specialty food shop. The produce is excellent, with a full range of organic items, for which you will pay more of a premium, but worth it if you're looking for top quality and selection. Their bread selection is very good as well, in case our favourite bread shop (Thuet, across the street) has sold out. Their cheese selection is also excellent, and they have a good range of prepared foods. It is conveniently located across from the wine store (LCBO) so is good for one stop shopping. Though, it is a tad farther than the other grocery stores on my list.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Harvest Wagon
1103 Yonge St
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
I would describe this shop as a very upscale, grocery/specialty food shop. The produce is excellent, with a full range of organic items, for which you will pay more of a premium, but worth it if you're looking for top quality and selection. Their bread selection is very good as well, in case our favourite bread shop (Thuet, across the street) has sold out. Their cheese selection is also excellent, and they have a good range of prepared foods. It is conveniently located across from the wine store (LCBO) so is good for one stop shopping. Though, it is a tad farther than the other grocery stores on my list.
If you have a car, and want to treat yourself this is an excellent and well laid out upscale market. While it is still possible to walk to Summerhill (just walk north on Mt. Pleasant) it is a bit farther than the others so is reserved for ambitious walkers. As with Harvest Wagon, the produce at Summerhill is second to none (again, you will pay a premium). They have an excellent butcher counter, and a variety of prepared foods if you want something better than local fast food but don't necessarily want to cook a meal from scratch. They also have a beautiful florist studio in the store.
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Summerhill Market
1014 Bathurst St
21 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
If you have a car, and want to treat yourself this is an excellent and well laid out upscale market. While it is still possible to walk to Summerhill (just walk north on Mt. Pleasant) it is a bit farther than the others so is reserved for ambitious walkers. As with Harvest Wagon, the produce at Summerhill is second to none (again, you will pay a premium). They have an excellent butcher counter, and a variety of prepared foods if you want something better than local fast food but don't necessarily want to cook a meal from scratch. They also have a beautiful florist studio in the store.
Upscale grocery store. Has an excellent selection of organic produce, cheeses, breads, etc. A tad pricey, but renowned for its selection and quality.
204 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whole Foods Market
1860 Bayview Ave
204 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Upscale grocery store. Has an excellent selection of organic produce, cheeses, breads, etc. A tad pricey, but renowned for its selection and quality.

Restaurants/ Dining

There are many dining options suiting all tastes and price ranges within easy walking distance, or by Uber or public transport if you prefer. Here are a few of our favourites.
This pub has been a favourite of ours for many years, as it has been among the locals in Cabbagetown (the neighbourhood that borders Rosedale on the south east). This restaurant is about a 15-20 min walk away, so not the closest, but is a few dollar Uber ride away if you're not in the mood to walk. Though a lively pub, the food is better than your average pub grub. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming. The price point is mid range and excellent value for the money. Place is always packed but you can't reserve. Line moves quickly though. They also do an excellent weekend brunch starting at 11 a.m.
159 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
House on Parliament
454 Parliament St
159 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This pub has been a favourite of ours for many years, as it has been among the locals in Cabbagetown (the neighbourhood that borders Rosedale on the south east). This restaurant is about a 15-20 min walk away, so not the closest, but is a few dollar Uber ride away if you're not in the mood to walk. Though a lively pub, the food is better than your average pub grub. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming. The price point is mid range and excellent value for the money. Place is always packed but you can't reserve. Line moves quickly though. They also do an excellent weekend brunch starting at 11 a.m.
Terroni is part of a chain (other locations in the City) but they have maintained an excellent standard of quality at each, so none feel like it. Each feels more like a one of restaurant. They prepare excellent Italian fare. Price is mid range and good value. You can easily walk to this restaurant in 7 mins or so, depending on your speed. This particular location has a beautiful upper terrace/ solarium type dining room which is particularly nice in summer. The downstairs part (Osteria) is sort of like Italian tapas and not the full Terroni menu of pasta and pizza.
445 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Terroni
720 Queen St W
445 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Terroni is part of a chain (other locations in the City) but they have maintained an excellent standard of quality at each, so none feel like it. Each feels more like a one of restaurant. They prepare excellent Italian fare. Price is mid range and good value. You can easily walk to this restaurant in 7 mins or so, depending on your speed. This particular location has a beautiful upper terrace/ solarium type dining room which is particularly nice in summer. The downstairs part (Osteria) is sort of like Italian tapas and not the full Terroni menu of pasta and pizza.
The restaurant "One" is part of the hotel, but not exclusive to guests. It is upscale but not overly pretentious. They have a delicious weekend brunch and their patio in summer is a wonderful place to dine, whether for brunch, lunch or dinner. Located in Yorkville, you may have occasion to rub elbows with local or visiting celebs as Yorkville is a popular spot for celebs to visit and hang out. In particular, if you travel during film festival season, you just may spot someone famous dining next to you.
The Hazelton Hotel
118 Yorkville Ave
The restaurant "One" is part of the hotel, but not exclusive to guests. It is upscale but not overly pretentious. They have a delicious weekend brunch and their patio in summer is a wonderful place to dine, whether for brunch, lunch or dinner. Located in Yorkville, you may have occasion to rub elbows with local or visiting celebs as Yorkville is a popular spot for celebs to visit and hang out. In particular, if you travel during film festival season, you just may spot someone famous dining next to you.
Danforth Avenue (aka "the Danforth/ or Greek Town, named for the street and because of the large portion of residents of Greek heritage that settled and still live here) has many fine restaurants. Mezes is our favourite. The food is excellent and they have a patio albiet, small, so you may have to wait in summer if you want a spot outside. The staff is friendly and engaging, but above all, the food is authentic Greek, and excellent. Price is mid range and very good value. It is possible to walk to the Danforth from our place but Mezes is further down, so would be a bit of a hike. Your best bet is to hop the subway from Sherbourne (which is only a few mins walk from us) and take it just a few stops east on the Bloor line.
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mezes
440 Danforth Ave
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Danforth Avenue (aka "the Danforth/ or Greek Town, named for the street and because of the large portion of residents of Greek heritage that settled and still live here) has many fine restaurants. Mezes is our favourite. The food is excellent and they have a patio albiet, small, so you may have to wait in summer if you want a spot outside. The staff is friendly and engaging, but above all, the food is authentic Greek, and excellent. Price is mid range and very good value. It is possible to walk to the Danforth from our place but Mezes is further down, so would be a bit of a hike. Your best bet is to hop the subway from Sherbourne (which is only a few mins walk from us) and take it just a few stops east on the Bloor line.

Coffee Shops

If you don't fancy making your own brew with our french press/ bodum, or with the stove top espresso pot, good coffee is just a walk away.
A Canadian classic. Love it (many do) or hate it (some do), it's decent and consistent at every location. It's closest equivalent (if I had to compare) is the coffee at Dunkin Donuts in USA.
143 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tim Hortons
1500 O'Connor Dr
143 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A Canadian classic. Love it (many do) or hate it (some do), it's decent and consistent at every location. It's closest equivalent (if I had to compare) is the coffee at Dunkin Donuts in USA.
This place makes very good coffee and has a large variety of pastries, sandwiches, etc. freshly made on site. In nice weather they have a decent sized patio outside for people watching on Bloor Street.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Presse Café
875 Bay St.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This place makes very good coffee and has a large variety of pastries, sandwiches, etc. freshly made on site. In nice weather they have a decent sized patio outside for people watching on Bloor Street.
Another Starbucks location; this one on Yonge, just accross the street and north a bit, from Rosedale subway station. Has a large patio; great for people watching in summer.
143 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Starbucks
1909 Yonge St
143 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Another Starbucks location; this one on Yonge, just accross the street and north a bit, from Rosedale subway station. Has a large patio; great for people watching in summer.
Aside from serving great coffee and pastries, the location boasts a stunning view of the city skyline just accross the street. Given its location, it also enjoys a long sunset. There is a park accross the street from which the view can be enjoyed if there is no seating on the patio which is fairly small. But on a summer night it is a wonderful place to linger and watch the sun go down.
159 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rooster Coffee House
479 Broadview Ave
159 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Aside from serving great coffee and pastries, the location boasts a stunning view of the city skyline just accross the street. Given its location, it also enjoys a long sunset. There is a park accross the street from which the view can be enjoyed if there is no seating on the patio which is fairly small. But on a summer night it is a wonderful place to linger and watch the sun go down.

Gym/ Recreation Facilities

Though there are many walking trails; for those who prefer the gym experience, we have provided some options nearby.
Goodlife is a full service, chain of gyms with many locations around the city. This one is on Bloor, just west of Bay Street. About a 10 min walk from our place.
GoodLife Fitness Toronto Manulife Centre
55 Bloor Street West
Goodlife is a full service, chain of gyms with many locations around the city. This one is on Bloor, just west of Bay Street. About a 10 min walk from our place.
Another Good Life location, a bit farther than the one on Bloor Street.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
GoodLife Fitness Toronto 137 Yonge Street
137 Yonge St
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Another Good Life location, a bit farther than the one on Bloor Street.
A small, local outfit; it does not boast as much in the way of equipment as Good Life, but it gets good reviews and is excellent value for the money. It's a tad closer than the Good Life on Bloor.
Hone Fitness Yonge & Isabella
7 Isabella St
A small, local outfit; it does not boast as much in the way of equipment as Good Life, but it gets good reviews and is excellent value for the money. It's a tad closer than the Good Life on Bloor.

Bike Rentals

We are surrounded by many excellent bike trails that can take you from our neighbourhood to all across the city (Waterfront, Don River, Beaches, Humber River, even as far as Port Credit or Oakville for the ambitious). To get there, you'll need a bicycle. Here are some rental options.
Bike Share Toronto has hundreds of locations to rent and drop off bikes all accross the City. This one, on Jarvis Street (South of Bloor, Mt. Pleasant Rd. becomes Jarvis Street). For more locations, search for Bike Share Toronto in Google to access their website. The site also explains how the rental system works.
57 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bike Share Toronto
57 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bike Share Toronto has hundreds of locations to rent and drop off bikes all accross the City. This one, on Jarvis Street (South of Bloor, Mt. Pleasant Rd. becomes Jarvis Street). For more locations, search for Bike Share Toronto in Google to access their website. The site also explains how the rental system works.
This local bike rental shop is on Bloor Street, a bit west of us in the Annex neighbourhood. It gets good reviews and is a good option for longer term rentals, and more options than Bike Share Toronto which only has one type of bicycle on offer.
Sweet Pete's Annex
517 Bloor St W
This local bike rental shop is on Bloor Street, a bit west of us in the Annex neighbourhood. It gets good reviews and is a good option for longer term rentals, and more options than Bike Share Toronto which only has one type of bicycle on offer.

Public Transportation

We are about 7 mins walk to both major subway lines (Sherbourne, on the Bloor line, and Rosedale on the Yonge line). We have included information on each of those subway stations.
Rosedale subway station is just a few minutes walk along Crescent Road, and is on the Yonge Street subway line, which runs north/south. To access Crescent Road, simply exit our driveway and turn right to walk along the small paved path until the end. You will have reached Crescent Road. Turn left and continue on Crescent Road until it ends, and you will reach Rosedale Station.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rosedale Station
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rosedale subway station is just a few minutes walk along Crescent Road, and is on the Yonge Street subway line, which runs north/south. To access Crescent Road, simply exit our driveway and turn right to walk along the small paved path until the end. You will have reached Crescent Road. Turn left and continue on Crescent Road until it ends, and you will reach Rosedale Station.
Sherbourne Station is a subway stop along the Bloor subway line and runs east/west. To get to this station, walk out of our driveway and turn left on Scarth Road. At the end of Scarth, turn left again, to South Drive for a very short distance and turn right to walk along Sherbourne Street. Sherbourne street starts at South Drive. Walk south on Sherbourne to Bloor Street. Sherbourne station is on the south side of Bloor on the east side of Sherbourne St.
46 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sherbourne Station Photo ID Centre
420 Bloor St E
46 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sherbourne Station is a subway stop along the Bloor subway line and runs east/west. To get to this station, walk out of our driveway and turn left on Scarth Road. At the end of Scarth, turn left again, to South Drive for a very short distance and turn right to walk along Sherbourne Street. Sherbourne street starts at South Drive. Walk south on Sherbourne to Bloor Street. Sherbourne station is on the south side of Bloor on the east side of Sherbourne St.

Shopping

We are within walking distance of world class shopping on Bloor Street and in Yorkville if you want to stay close by. There are also many other options that are a quick subway ride away. We have included a list of some of our favourites.
COS is a scandinavian brand that just opened locations in Toronto a few years ago. It includes ladies and menswear, and even some children's wear.
COS
85 Bloor St W
COS is a scandinavian brand that just opened locations in Toronto a few years ago. It includes ladies and menswear, and even some children's wear.
This Canadian chain of mid range women's wear includes the sister brands, Babaton, Wilfred and TNA. Originating in Vancouver BC, Aritizia is a Canadian success story, boasting a loyal following that ranges from tweens to hip seniors. The Bloor Street store just had a huge makeover and now includes a coffee shop.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Aritzia
280 Queen St W
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This Canadian chain of mid range women's wear includes the sister brands, Babaton, Wilfred and TNA. Originating in Vancouver BC, Aritizia is a Canadian success story, boasting a loyal following that ranges from tweens to hip seniors. The Bloor Street store just had a huge makeover and now includes a coffee shop.
This combo store (winners is the clothing part, for all family members, and home sense is the furniture home wears side) is a mecca of good value. Whether you are looking for well priced clothing for your family or well priced home decor and furniture this store cannot be beaten. The rule is that if you see something really great, buy it, because if you hem and haw and come back later, it will be gone. The best items are snatched up right away. Don't say we didn't warn you.
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Winners & HomeSense
110 Bloor St W
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This combo store (winners is the clothing part, for all family members, and home sense is the furniture home wears side) is a mecca of good value. Whether you are looking for well priced clothing for your family or well priced home decor and furniture this store cannot be beaten. The rule is that if you see something really great, buy it, because if you hem and haw and come back later, it will be gone. The best items are snatched up right away. Don't say we didn't warn you.
This high end department store is a fun place to window shop, even if you don't plan on buying. It carries a wide range of excellent Canadian and other designers. It also has an excellent restaurant on the top floor, which is an excellent place for weekend brunch.
153 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Holt Renfrew Bloor
50 Bloor St W
153 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This high end department store is a fun place to window shop, even if you don't plan on buying. It carries a wide range of excellent Canadian and other designers. It also has an excellent restaurant on the top floor, which is an excellent place for weekend brunch.
This flag ship Canadian (now US owned) department store; named for the original Hudson's Bay fur trapping company boast an excellent selection of brands for the whole family. Priced a little lower than Holt Renfrew, it's a great option for one stop shopping. It intersects Bloor and Yonge and you can access either of the main subway lines to travel elsewhere in the city if you wish to go farther afield.
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hudson's Bay Centre
44 Bloor St E
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This flag ship Canadian (now US owned) department store; named for the original Hudson's Bay fur trapping company boast an excellent selection of brands for the whole family. Priced a little lower than Holt Renfrew, it's a great option for one stop shopping. It intersects Bloor and Yonge and you can access either of the main subway lines to travel elsewhere in the city if you wish to go farther afield.
The Eaton Centre is a favourite shopping and dining destination for locals and visitors alike. Located in the heart of downtown, close to the financial district and City Hall, it boasts hundreds of stores and services to suite the entire family. You can reach it easily from our house, via the Yonge St. subway line. It is just a few stops from Rosedale station. You can exit at either Dundas St. or Queen St. as the mall runs between these two stations on the north and south and between Yonge and Bay east and west. You can spend a whole day there and only scratch the surface.
2460 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
CF Toronto Eaton Centre
220 Yonge St
2460 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Eaton Centre is a favourite shopping and dining destination for locals and visitors alike. Located in the heart of downtown, close to the financial district and City Hall, it boasts hundreds of stores and services to suite the entire family. You can reach it easily from our house, via the Yonge St. subway line. It is just a few stops from Rosedale station. You can exit at either Dundas St. or Queen St. as the mall runs between these two stations on the north and south and between Yonge and Bay east and west. You can spend a whole day there and only scratch the surface.
John Fluevog is an avante garde Canadian shoe designer; Toronto boast two locations (this one is in the distillery district, a destination in it's own right, also included here in our guide) and is a feast for the eyes. Though a tad pricey, his shoes are like no others and we have been long time fans for many years. If you are visiting from the US, the prices may actually seem a steal. In any event, even if you don't want to buy, the shop is worth a visit to see some really cool shoes and the staff are friendly and welcoming brand ambassadors.
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
John Fluevog Shoes
686 Queen St W
15 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
John Fluevog is an avante garde Canadian shoe designer; Toronto boast two locations (this one is in the distillery district, a destination in it's own right, also included here in our guide) and is a feast for the eyes. Though a tad pricey, his shoes are like no others and we have been long time fans for many years. If you are visiting from the US, the prices may actually seem a steal. In any event, even if you don't want to buy, the shop is worth a visit to see some really cool shoes and the staff are friendly and welcoming brand ambassadors.
Canadian designed and Canadian made, this shop boast gorgeous and well fitting clothes, and beautifully, handcrafted hand bags and other small accessories. You will occasionally find the owner/ designer in the store; she is always happy to engage with customers about her design philosophy or to opine on how a garment looks on you. Their collections are small and limited, but are of fine quality and craftsmanship, and their staff are lovely. I love their aesthetic which is simple and uncomplicated, but exceedingly well designed and well crafted. They are the sort of pieces that will become staples in your wardrobe. Their shop is located in the Distillery District, which I have recommended as a 'destination' in its own right.
Hoi Bo
15 Trinity St
Canadian designed and Canadian made, this shop boast gorgeous and well fitting clothes, and beautifully, handcrafted hand bags and other small accessories. You will occasionally find the owner/ designer in the store; she is always happy to engage with customers about her design philosophy or to opine on how a garment looks on you. Their collections are small and limited, but are of fine quality and craftsmanship, and their staff are lovely. I love their aesthetic which is simple and uncomplicated, but exceedingly well designed and well crafted. They are the sort of pieces that will become staples in your wardrobe. Their shop is located in the Distillery District, which I have recommended as a 'destination' in its own right.