See
When it comes to home décor, there’s no shortage of sources in the city. Make a beeline to King Street East for top-end designer furnishings. Stop first at Klaus by Nienkamper (300 King Street East, 416 362 3434) to see the latest from Patricia Urquoila, Moooi, Moroso, Tom Dixon and Daniel Libeskind. Continue eastbound to Avenue Road (415 Eastern Avenue, 416 548 7788). This well-curated design shop housed in a heritage building and features a selection from international brands as well as Canadian designers, including rugs from The Rug Company, outdoor pieces from Moss & Lam and works by the likes of Jacques Guillon and Yabu Pushelberg.

Photos courtesy of Avenue Road.

At the West End of the city, embrace a retro vibe with vintage furnishings from Commute Home (365 Dupont Street, 416 861 0521), which is part furniture store and part interior design studio for the shop’s two owners. Pick up home accessories straight from the source at the headquarters of iconic Canadian homeware brand Umbra Store (165 John Street, 416 599 0088). There’s also Style Garage(78 Ossington Avenue, 416 534 4343) which features two floors filled with creations by Canadian designers such as Gus Modern as well as quintessential Canadiana such as ottomans with Great Lakes and Douglas Fir-patterned upholstery.

Photo courtesy of Style Garage. 

Eat
Start your night off right with an expertly mixed negroni at Buca (604 King Street West, 416 865 1600) before progressing to a full-fledged contemporary Italian meal paired with great wines. Its industrial interiors, complete with exposed red-brick walls, are of particular note. There’s also the casual Bar Buca (75 Portland Street, 416 599 2822) that offers equally delicious wines and creative small bites. Another cult favourite amongst King West dwellers is Forno Cultura (609 King Street West, 416 603 8305). This pint-sized, basement Italian bakery boasts queues that wrap all the way around the street corner. If you miss out on their sandwiches, which sell out every day, stock up on amaretti cookies and ooey-gooey custard-filled zeppole. Hankering for something a little more South-of-the-border? Los Colibris (220 King Street West, 416 979 7717) offers fine Mexican dining with deftly crafted cocktails to go with its charming contemporary hacienda feel, complete with terracotta tiles and artworks that hark back to the owner’s native land.

Stay
Hazelton Hotel (118 Yorkville Avenue, 416 963 6300) is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World association, with interiors designed by none other than Yabu Pushelberg.

The spacious rooms are slick and sophisticated – set in dark wood and marble with soft grey accents. Another big plus is the hotel’s screening room, a much sought-after feature during the annual Toronto Film Festival, when Hollywood celebrities check into the five-star boutique hotel in droves. The One Restaurant’s outoor patio is a good vantage point for people watching and taking in the charming atmosphere of Yorkville neighbourhood. Local celebrity chef Mark McEwan helms the establishment. Don’t miss his creative renditions of classics such as the Cobb salad and B.L.T. sandwich, which use locally sourced ingredients.

Photo courtesy of Hazelton Hotel.

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