A Toronto Guide from Someone Who Can’t Decide If They’d Move Back

100+ recommendations. Google Maps link included.

Mar 05, 2025

Kicking off this guide series with Toronto feels fitting—I’m not going to lie, I’m always torn on whether I’d ever move back. These days, I love visiting a few times a year and experiencing the city as a tourist. Toronto is constantly changing, and every trip, I find something new. My home is in Montreal now, but I’m back and forth often to see friends and family. With another trip coming up next week, it felt like the right time to put together a list of all my go-to spots.

This is everywhere I love to shop, eat, drink, and explore—Google Maps link included. Even if you’re not heading to Toronto anytime soon, I’m willing to bet a lot of these places will make it into your saved tabs.

Just a heads-up—nothing here is sponsored! If you’d like to support Inter-Work, becoming a paid subscriber helps keep it going and ensures future posts stay accessible. Your support truly means the world—thank you! And if you're a brand interested in sponsoring a post, feel free to reach out at nobodyknowsstudio.com.

If you need a place to stay, here are a few solid options: Ode Toronto, Union Hotel, Annex Hotel, Drake Hotel, Ace Hotel, or the W Hotel

Before we really dive in—PLEASE visit Wards Island. The ferry ride back gives you the best view of the city, and if you’re visiting in the spring or summer, make a day out of it. It’s hands down one of my favourite places in Toronto.

Uncle Studios, Absolutely Fabrics

Shops I love:

If you love a good mix of indie boutiques, vintage gems, and contemporary finds, these are my go-tos. You’ve probably seen Absolutely Fabrics on IG—they’ve done pop-ups with WSA and Kids World, and they even have a space upstairs available for events. Some of my favorite curated shops include Boketto, VSP Consignment, Shop Coat, Mine & Yours Consignment, Lost & Found, River Crossing, Everything Ease, and Ewanika. I also love supporting Canadian brands like Uncle Studios, KOTN, and Grays Boutique. I buy most of my denim from Paola Di Boutique. If you're into streetwear and culture-driven retail, Better Gift Shop, is always a fun stop. When it comes to vintage, I’ve found some vintage tees at Penny Arcade and Public Butter - if this is your vibe spend a day in Kensington Market. For more designer selects, head to The Webster, NOMAD, and when I’m looking for sneakers, Livestock is my go-to.

For interior lovers, here’s where to find the good stuff. Bonne Choice has a selection of Katie Kohl's mirrors, which I’ve been eyeing for a while now. If you’re looking for furniture, accessories, or lighting, these are my go-to stops: Mjolk, Guff, Stay Home Furnishings, Zig Zag Collectibles, Martha’s Room (need an appointment), Post Design Collective, Shoppe Clover, Quasi Modomodern, Vintage Home Boutique , What the Vintage, Vintique, Atomic Design, Daughter, The Apartment Life. I also really want a throw from Art 27 —they have a beautiful selection from WALLACE+SEWELL.

Looking for jewelry, you may find something at some of the above spots but my two fav in the city is Lisa Gozlan and if you want something custom and special I would book an appointment at Cuchara Jewelry showroom.

Me at Formula Fig, Nice Day Pilates

Wellness spots I saved:

For a reset, recharge, or just a little self-care, Formula Fig is a great place to start—you get $100 off your first facial, so it’s worth booking. Health Hut is where you’ll probably discover your new favorite hand cream, while Detox Market is another go-to for clean beauty and wellness finds. If you need a deep recharge, book an appointment at Nud, or if you’re looking for movement and connection, you’ll likely find yourself making friends at Othership, Jaybird, or Fairgrounds. For something more grounding, try a flow class at Trove , or if you’re in the mood for a killer low-impact workout, book a reformer class at Nice Day Pilates. If you forgot your workout set head to Permissions on Oz.

Coffee & book shops I saved:

When I’m in the city, it’s often for work, so you’ll usually find me at Toronto Reference Library, Sam James Coffee, Rooms Coffee, and I’ve been meaning to stop by Give. I can spend hours in a bookstore, and my favorite in the city is BMV Books—their rare book section is always worth a browse. If you’re heading to Trinity Bellwoods and just want to sit and read, stop by Type Books right across the street. And if you’re out shopping on Dundas or College, make sure to check out SOOP SOOP, Issues, and Art Metropole—if you love art books and rare selections, this is your spot.

Food & drinks spots I saved:

This section is going to be a long one—I love to eat in Toronto

Manita, Vildas

If I’m in the East End, it’s either Saturday or Sunday. On Saturdays, I start my day walking the David A. Balfour Park trail (it’s on the map)—I may even be hosting a walk with NKWC to head to the Evergreen Brickworks Market. On Sundays, I’m at St. Lawrence Market. It’s the perfect day to visit Guff or Zig Zag Collectibles, and at some point, I’m either grabbing a gyro at Messini or a jerk plate at Good Vibes Kitchen. If you want brunch, Maha's Brunch is amazing, and for dinner, I’d go to Belle Isle

If I’m in the West End, I’m probably spending my day at the park, shopping, and either grabbing brunch at Manita or Milou , a smash burger from Matty Patty’s or a Caesaroni Vildas . For drinks, I usually go to Little Jerry’s. Bar Bowie, Bar Raval, Hole in the wall or Grape Witches. For dinner, I’m heading to Linny’s—definitely book a resy because it gets busy. I might even stop by Favorites—I could easily have two dozen of their oysters. Other great spots include Daymi, Guu, Viaggio, Bar pompette, Jamil's, Lardo, Imanishi, Mimi Chinese, Sunny Chinese, Golden Turtle. If I’m craving pasta, Sugo is always a solid choice. If you are just in the mood for a slice head to Badialli.

If I’m uptown, I’m grabbing a veal sandwich from Commisso Bros. & Racco Italian Bakery (no website—if you know, you know). Around this area, Parallel is great for bites or dinner. If I’m midtown, I’m stopping at La Salumeria—ask for the original, Black Camel—get all the sauces and onions, or Belly Busters—Turkey Bacon Sub. For dinner, I’m at Robertos Italian, and if it’s too packed, Grazies is my backup. For drinks, I’m at The Daughter.

Next week I am going to be trying Bonitos they open yesterday!

Wait…I can’t end the food section without mentioning my childhood holy grail: Gryfe’s, If you love bagels, TRUST ME. You’ll probably have to Uber here, but it’s so worth it.