I know it can be tough to know where to take a first date in Toronto, especially if you are newly divorced or out of the dating scene for awhile. So I have compiled a list of 5 restaurant options that would suit a first date. Enjoy!
1. Bar Buca
Located on King and Portland, this Italian restaurant consists mostly of shared plates.They have four sommeliers and more than 30 wines on offer. They also have a great cocktail list that is impressive. The atmosphere is casual yet modern with an industrial chic design. The menu is more interesting than typical Italian restaurants and their burrata is one of the best. This restaurant is conveniently open 7 days a week (several restaurants are not open on Sunday evenings in Toronto) from 7am-2am but doesn’t accept reservations so its best to go early.
2. Hy’s
This restaurant typically would not be on my list but it is not that busy on weekends so if you are looking for a quiet atmosphere for you and your date, Hy’s is a good bet. It is a steakhouse with great fare and has an extensive wine and food list to satisfy most people. Most of my matchmaking dates want to be discreet for a first meet up and don’t want to be bump into friends or family on a first date when they are just getting to know one another. That’s why I recommend this steakhouse, as opposed to a more trendy STK, which is a lot of fun but can be loud and distracting which is not appreciated for a first date! Hy’s is located in the financial core on 120 Adelaide St W and is open 7 days a week until 11pm (10 pm on Sunday’s).
3. Lee
If you and your date are not feeling Italian or a steakhouse and prefer lighter fare, Lee’s is a good choice. Located for several years now on happening King St W, the fare is asian inspired sharing plates by famous chef Susur Lee. In the summer you can take your date outside and sit on the patio for some interesting people watching on King St W. Lee is another choice that is open 7 days a week for dinner (Sunday-Wednesday 5:30-10:30 pm and Thursday-Saturday 5:30-11:30 pm) and accepts reservations.
4. Miku
Miku is a great option, imported from Vancouver, if you are in the mood for sushi. Located on the Harbour Front its a nice change from the loud atmosphere of King W or Yorkville. The restaurant is over 7000 square feet so there is a lot of room and often quiet which is perfect for a matchmaking first date when you want to get to know someone. Miku is known for its Aburi sushi, the first of its kind in Toronto. This restaurant accepts reservations and is open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
5. Cluny
Located in the gorgeous Distillery District, Cluny is a great option if you are wanting to head to this area and in the mood for French fare. The Distillery District is a gorgeous historic area and the food at Cluny is a more modern and unfussy take on French food. It is casual enough for a first date and hits the spot if you are craving French but not the pretentious atmosphere of most French fine dining restaurants. Cluny accepts reservations and is open for lunch (brunch on Saturday and Sunday) and dinner 7 days a week.
So there you have it! Some wonderful first date dining options from your Toronto Matchmaker! Till next time!
