February 2, 2023 | Neighbourhoods
West End Eateries For A Romantic Dinner
In love and in the west end?
Looking for a romantic restaurant to woo your date, pop the question or just celebrate a wonderful friendship, Valentine’s Day anyone? We Choo Choo Choose this list of some of the most romantic, little restaurants in the west end. Let’s buck the trend of super high end, white linen service setting the standard for romance. Many of these small local restaurants rival the big guys and are often even better. In addition to not travelling too far afield for a lovely dinner, you get the added satisfaction of supporting local, by keeping it in the neighbourhood.
Check out the restaurants on our list all with excellent wine lists, accomplished chefs and five-star service. You will most definitely have a wonderful night out, no matter who you are celebrating.
Donna’s – Brockton Village
The award winning Donna’s is a must on this list. Coming in at number three on Canada’s Best New Restaurants in 2019, and number two on the Toronto Life Best New Restaurants in 2019. To say Donna’s made an impression is an understatement. Helmed by some of the city’s top chefs, the menu at Donna’s stands out for it’s variety and uniqueness. You won’t find a mass-appeal burger here. Instead there is an eclectic mix of perfectly executed dishes more akin to elevated comfort food and home cooking. With dishes such as lamb liver on toast, or roasted duck breast perhaps this is the best location for a double date. With a menu designed to be enjoyed family style, the more the merrier, as they say. The interior is as varied as the menu, with brightly painted wood finishings, a jungle of plants, and a lovely display of what their bottle shop has to offer. Speaking of bottles, the list of natural wines, local craft brews and creative cocktails will have you camping out at your table well past dessert, it’s just that good!
Discover Donna’s in Brockton Village right here.
Campo Restaurant – Baby Point
This intimate space in Baby Point offers up Spanish and Italian inspired cuisine in a quaint little dining room with with just a handful of tables. With a menu full of beautiful dishes, plenty of black truffle and an extensive Italian and Spanish wine list, Campo might be the most indulgent contender on our romantic restaurant list. What we love about this spot is the variety of the Italian and Spanish dishes. Beautiful fresh pastas are served up along side perfectly spiced paellas and occasionally the two fares meet in the middle for a delicious Italian Spanish fusion, such as their Spanish cannelloni There is no wrong move with Campo, a date night here will be effortless and delicious.
Learn more about Campo Restaurant in Baby Point here.
Looking for more cafes and restaurants in Toronto’s West End? Read more posts here:
- Our Favourite Trendy Coffee Shops in Parkdale and Roncy
- Bloor West Village: A Gourmet Grocery Destination
- Our Favourite Breakfast Spots in The Junction
Queen’s Pasta Cafe – Bloor West Village
If you’re looking for romance in Bloor West Village look no further than Queen’s Pasta Cafe. This charming little restaurant has been a neighbourhood staple since 1985, making it one of the longest running establishments in Bloor West Village. With an enticing menu full of delicious, authentic Italian fare and a focus on fresh, home made pasta daily, this intimate spot makes for a romantic date night out. A perfectly curated wine list of new and old world wines, including some beautiful Niagara selections, makes choosing the right bottle a breeze. If wine selection is not your forté, but you still want to impress your date, defer to one of their knowledgable servers who will gladly steer you in the right direction.
Check out Queen’s Pasta Cafe in Bloor West Village here.
Stamps Lane Seafood Bar – Roncesvalles
What is more synonymous with romance than oysters? Well, a few things but oysters are considered an aphrodisiac in some circles. This is why Stamps Lane Seafood Bar makes the cut on our list of romantic restaurants in the west end. This little seafood shack features many east coast staples, including oysters and snow crab. Delivered fresh daily and lovingly prepared, the ever changing menu offers a seafood lover’s dream of options. In addition to the east coast imports, the chefs here also try to source seafood from within 100km, keeping it local and sustainable. With a raw bar menu and a classic seafood menu, think clambakes and lobster boil, there is something on this menu for every palate.
Follow Stamps Lane Seafood Bar in Roncesvalles on Instagram here.
Skyline – Parkdale
At first glance Skyline might look like an old school diner straight out of the 70’s, but it is anything but. This Parkdale staple has in fact been in business since 1963, with the same owner from 1973, until he sold it to the current owners in 2016. The new owners kept much, almost all of the old style charm in tact. With a few upgrades here and there, most notably the menu, this intimate, little piece of Toronto history is the perfect spot for a cute date. Come to the Skyline on any given Sunday, sit in one of the cozy red vinyl booths in the back half of the restaurant and have yourself a quiet romantic dinner. The Sunday night date night special is not to be missed. Spaghetti and meatballs, buttery garlic bread and Caesar salad, paired with a half litre of house wine make this an easy choice for a relaxing, stress free, delicious date night out.
Visit Skyline in Parkdale online right here.
The Ace – Roncesvalles
The Ace is a Roncy staple and definitely a go to of ours for a romantic night out. Housed in a former Chinese restaurant, the Ace is a beautiful, dimly lit, cozy little nook perfect for sharing sweet nothings across a private table. The decor has not been changed from the previous owner, rather it has been restored. A beautiful diner-style wooden bar with little stools is the focal point of the interior, with cute, intimate booths along the side. The menu is seasonal and changes from week to week, however there are some staples you can count on, such as the delicious Ace Burger. With an excellent wine program and some serious talent behind the bar, you are guaranteed and impressive and fun night out. Oh, and did we mention its haunted? Ask your server for details!
Learn more about The Ace in Roncesvalles right here.
Honest Weight – The Junction
Perhaps the Junction’s best kept secret, Honest Weight is a small little seafood shop and restaurant quietly tucked away amongst the many storefronts on Dundas St. The back functions as the seafood shop and the front has a few small tables perfect for an intimate dinner for two. Choose from a menu full of fresh seafood, expertly prepared by a chef who really knows what they are doing. Mahi Mahi with mango salsa anyone? House made sodas and lovely cocktails round out the small menu as well as a small wine selection, perfect for pairing. Who says romance is only for dinners? Honest Weight also has a fantastic brunch on offer on the weekends, including a delicious crab omelette paired with a perfect mimosa.
Check out Honest Weight in The Junction here.
Are you a foodie at heart? Here are some more West End eateries to know about:
- Our Favourite Breakfast Spots in Roncy
- West End Toronto Takeout Spots
- 5 Junction and BWV Spots for More than Just Coffee
Le Baratin – Brockton Village
What would a list of romantic restaurants be without the inclusion of a French restaurant? Mais oui, French is the language of love, n’est ce pas? Le Baratin, is an absolutely adorable little French restaurant nestled into the Dundas West strip at Brock ave. Featuring a beautiful menu of French classics such as escargots, pâté du campagne and steak frites, romance will most definitely be in the air the moment you step inside. In fact, you’d forgiven for thinking you were in France as you take in the authentic French bistro interior. With an incredibly well-curated, entirely French wine list, you are in for a treat. We highly recommend La Table d’Hôte du Baratin, a multi-course tasting menu with vegetarian options as well.
Discover Le Baratin in Brockton Village here.
Miss Things – Parkdale
Need a romantic getaway but still have to work on Monday? Enter Miss Things, a Hawaiian restaurant and tropical cocktail bar. This beautifully appointed eatery will transport you to another time and place the moment you walk in. Decorated in rich teals, deep brown leathers and tropical pinks, Miss Things is a vibe. From the gorgeous floral murals to the stunning statement light fixtures, everything about this place will make you want to stay as long as possible. Sidle up to your date in one of the cozy round booths and cheers to romance with one of their expertly crafted tropical cocktails. Share a delicious plate of pineapple fried rice and pork belly, served in an actual pineapple. Follow it up with a dessert of the classic pineapple treat Dole Whip. Every detail has been considered in the creation of Miss Things from the interior to the presentation of each dish and drink, the experience is unlike any other in the city.
Learn more about Miss Things in Parkdale right here.
Looking for more reasons to love living in the West End? Call us at 416-909-1602 or email hello@getnested.ca today!
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