Where to eat, drink and shop in the Beaches

Written By

Abhigyaan Bararia

2 years ago

While Queen Street West can be considered one of the major commercial hubs of Downtown Toronto, follow the same street east, and you’ll see the scenery change quite significantly — leading you straight to the Beaches.

Also called the Beach, depending on your preference, it’s a neighbourhood that populates the east side of Toronto. Named so due to the presence of the four beaches situated on Lake Ontario, its approximate boundaries are Victoria Park Avenue on the east, Kingston Road on the north, Coxwell Avenue on the west and Lake Ontario or the beaches on the south.

Characterized by a large number of independent boutiques, the stores along Queen are known to have a quick turnover of tenants, leading to a major facelift every year or so. This gives the neighbourhood quite a dynamic feel where there is always something new to do or see. While that is true, there also stands many an establishment that has called the area home for decades on end.

The area is characterized by semi-detached and large-scale Victorian, Edwardian and new-style houses, which can be found lining the side streets of the neighbourhood. New development over the past few years has given rise to not only apartments but controversies also. Locals have raised concerns over traditional aesthetics being endangered by the latest builds.

The Beaches is well-known for its extensive park system along the waterfront, with the major players including Tommy Thompson Park, Woodbine Park and Kew Gardens. Every July, the neighbourhood celebrates the Beaches International Jazz Festival, which always draws large crowds to the area. Outside of that, the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant is another notable attraction, having been the site for many TV programs and films.

If it’s not the greenery or heritage that allures you, fret not. The Beaches is also home to an extensive list of restaurants, bars, cafes and places to shop. A few highlights of the commercial and entertainment scene of the neighbourhood can be found below.

Where to eat

Mira Mira

1963 Queen St E

When one comes across the word “diner,” they’re immediately transported to a neighbourhood joint fit for the cast of “Seinfeld” to sit at. They think of a no-frills spot you go to for the signature burnt coffee and where the sandwiches and pies are served by people working there since before your birth.

With a tagline of “who said a ‘diner’ can’t be fancy,” Mira Mira operates under a different mindset. While the name might allude to a more humble and salt-of-the-earth experience, the joint serves an elevated and memorable food experience. Located on the corner of Queen Street East and Kenilworth Avenue, the restaurant has quite an upscale vibe. With exposed brick on the walls and a clean interior of light-brown wood and white, this joint could exist anywhere in the heart of Downtown Toronto and not be considered out of place.

Mira Mira has an extensive food menu featuring items like oysters, burrata, coconut shrimp, seafood chowder and salads for the appetizers.

As for entrees, the list includes steak frites, a burger, black cod, lobster tortellini and mushroom tagliatelle. It also has a separate brunch menu and a vast array of cocktails and wines.

For an elevated dining experience in The Beaches, a visit to Mira Mira is an absolute must. There’s something oddly satisfying about having a dry-aged, 10 oz. ribeye with a side of organic duck eggs at a restaurant that has the word “diner” in it.

Limon Restaurant

1968 Queen St E

As is the case with any Toronto neighbourhood, food from all over the world is available within minutes. The Beaches is no different. Limon is a newly-opened joint that champions local ingredients and uses them to churn out delectable Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern fare.

A sophisticated-yet-fun establishment, this Israeli restaurant is the brainchild of brothers Benjamin and Jonathan, who have created a menu they deem “deeply satisfying” that champions traditional Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavours while highlighting the vibrancy of Israeli cooking.

Its menu consists of tried-and-tested shareables such as baba ganoush, labneh, hummus, lentil soup and falafel while also championing both the sea and the land with dishes like roasted rainbow trout, whole sea bream, chicken schnitzel and beef shish kabob. And, of course, any Middle-Eastern/ Mediterranean spot worth its weight would be incomplete without classics such as pita sandwiches, lamb kafta, and, of course, hot sauce and zhug.

With a large variety of offerings and a pocket-friendly price point, there is no confusion as to why Limon is on its way to becoming a Beaches staple — if it already isn’t.

Tiflisi

1970 Queen St E

Named after the capital city of the country whose food it represents, Tiflis is a family-owned business that celebrates the culinary diversity of Georgia through its authentic Georgian recipes.

As each guest is treated like a family member in the Eastern European country, Tiflis strives to attain that same level of comfort and authenticity where each patron feels like they're at their friend's home rather than out to eat at a restaurant. Given the vibrancy and diversity of the Beaches, a Georgian restaurant fits in perfectly with the crowd.

Some of the wonderful dishes on the menu include Imereti (fried eggplants and red bell peppers covered with a delicate walnut sauce,) Kuchmachi (boiled chicken gizzard mixed with walnuts and cilantro,) Kupati Imeruli (Stewed beef and pork variety meats seasoned with Georgian spices,) and, of course, the infamous Khachapuri that is offered with a multitude of different fillings/toppings.

Georgian food is designed to be fulfilling, satisfying and wholesome. Given the current Canadian climate, it might do everyone well to make the trip over to Tiflisi and grab themselves some comfort food that soothes the soul.

Breakwall BBQ & Smokehouse

1910 Queen St E

Breakwall BBQ & Smokehouse is one of the original premium smokehouses in Toronto, serving its low ‘n’ slow smoked meats bursting with flavours created from an array of homemade sauces and dry rubs. The restaurant prides itself on its selection of ingredients — keeping it local and picking only the finest of cuts from local Ontario farms.

At its helm is Shane Ryan, who brings over 24 years of culinary experience to the joint, combining his knowledge of various styles of cooking to create mouth-watering smokey concoctions that leave the patrons yearning for more. Having fallen in love with the ambiance and culture of the Beaches, Ryan wanted to add to the microcosm of the neighbourhood. In 2012 he got to do just that by opening Breakwall — a neighbourhood institution serving people for over a decade.

The restaurant’s top offerings include hickory and applewood-smoked pork back ribs that just fall off the bone; hickory-smoked Angus brisket which is cooked for 16 hours straight; and also perfectly cooked jumbo chicken wings that are tossed in the secret 10-spice rub made in house.

While the place presents itself as a bold establishment focusing on big flavours and hunks of meat, its other menu offerings also include delicate and elevated items such as baked brie, steamed mussels, bruschetta and six different kinds of salads. They juxtapose the other side of the menu quite well — the one that holds dishes that are basically heaps of meat on a serving platter.

With the chicken and brisket being halal, Breakwall BBQ & Smokehouse is also an accessible place where every palate can find something it enjoys — a quality that makes it one of the most popular dining establishments in the Beaches.

Sauvignon Bistro

1862 Queen St E

Having first opened its doors in 1998, it’s no doubt that Sauvignon Bistro is one of The Beaches’ prime food institutions. With a bright and open storefront, rustic overhead light fixtures, exposed brick, an open bar with a stone countertop and a modern-looking pattern under it, the interiors of the place toe the line between new-age and old-school. And that kind of vibe is also felt through the food and service. It’s comfortable with a pleasant staff and a warm ambiance and sports a globally-inspired menu — making it a crowd favourite and showcasing why it’s been around for a quarter of a century.

Calling itself as having an “authentic, fresh market eclectic cuisine,” Sauvignon Bistro serves classic dishes made in a sophisticated way. It focuses on prime ingredients and offers a comparatively scaled-back menu — but does those dishes perfectly day in and day out, much to the joy of its regulars. One of the oldest establishments in the neighbourhood, it’s not a place for those seeking a quick bite or those whose diet strictly consists of chicken nuggets. Sauvignon Bistro is as much a place for a meal as it is an experience in itself.

In a classic bistro manner, some menu items include foie gras torchon, escargot, mussels mariniere and duck confit. If these don’t sound like something you’d enjoy, the restaurant also serves dishes like grilled calamari, mixed green salad, pan-seared salmon, chicken schnitzel, roasted rack of lamb and steak.

For an elevated experience, the highly-knowledgable servers can also suggest wine pairings that the restaurant offers to add another dimension to your meal.

With its customer base, longstanding history of serving classic dishes and eclectic interiors, Sauvignon Bistro is one of the top places to eat at in the Beaches.

Where to drink

Beaches Brewing Company

1953 Queen St E

No neighbourhood in Toronto is complete without its fair share of watering holes and craft breweries. The Beaches is no different. Beaches Brewing Company might’ve been born in the Beaches, but its inspirations are drawn from beaches all over the globe.

Founded in 2014 by long-time Beaches resident Carl Pratt, the company started as a contract brewery with the ultimate goal of establishing itself as a brick-and-mortar location within the neighbourhood.

With wooden tables, colourful chairs and ropes tied up against wooden posts, the decor nails the beach vibe the brewery is going for. Having said that, the fact that you’re in a brewing facility and not actually a shack by the water is also not lost on the patrons: large, industrial vats and steel kegs lining the interiors see to that point.

Within those vats reside the crown jewels of the spot — the beer, of course. Beaches Brewing Company offers a large variety of brews that are made in-house. Some of the offerings include the “East Wind” winter warmer (a winter special,) the “Grow Up Tomorrow” Kolsch, “Wave Rider” Weissbier and the “Island Time” IPA. On top of that, there is also a sizable wine and cocktail list that the restaurant offers.

No drink is complete without food by its side, and BBC has got you covered for that, too. From pizzas and salads to snacks like poutine, quesadillas, fried calamari and BBQ cauliflower, the kitchen has your back, so you’re not just drinking on an empty stomach. Because, let’s face it, that never ends well.

If you still crave something more substantial, there are mains to be devoured, too. From fish & chips and seafood chowder to pineapple fried rice and everything else in between, the elevated pub fare that Beaches Brewing Company serves will leave your appetite sated, to say the least.

While it might be a place of business, it also feels like home to the regulars. Come in, grab a cold beer, watch a game, hang with friends and make great memories that will last you a lifetime.

Lloyd’s

1298 Queen St E

Lloyd’s on Queen perfectly masquerades as the perfect local watering hole. Dimly lit, booths in the corner, high-top tables elsewhere — it is what you expect from any local bar in any neighbourhood.

It’s named after the bartender from “The Shining,” and thankfully there aren’t any other characteristics that transferred over from the movie. So no, before you ask, the rum served is NOT red in colour.

The bar does give off the vibe that it’s a place frequented by college students — framed local memorabilia and pop-culture references adorn the walls with a healthy mix of the latest hits and oldies blaring from the speakers. The demographic is quite varied, though.

Lloyd’s, at its core, is a no-frills establishment. No fancy, over-the-top drinks, it does a few classic cocktails alongside beer and wine and serves typical bar food like burgers and hot dogs. But it’s a Beaches, and by extension, a Toronto staple, where the vibe is uplifting, the beer is cold and the people are warm.

Castro’s Lounge

2116 Queen St E

A good playlist is as essential to a bar’s vibes as the drinks. Okay, maybe not AS important, but it’s certainly up amongst the must-haves for a great ambiance. Castro’s Lounge (affiliation to Fidel unclear) takes that importance to another level — hosting live shows every Thursday through Sunday.

Unsure of the Communism angle though the logo itself is a sickle and a hammer, Castro’s is an eclectic neighbourhood spot that has been around for longer than bands like Nirvana, Weezer and Pearl Jam and is showing no signs of slowing down.

The busy interiors, largely due to the over 200 photos hung on the wall, showcase the history of the spot, giving newcomers an idea of the kinds of things those four walls and the people inside have experienced. It’s a simple spot that focuses on supporting local breweries by having an ever-evolving selection of craft beers and local musicians by having performances four days a week.

It exudes the energy you expect from a neighbourhood bar: no frills, inviting and loved by newcomers and regulars alike. Everyone’s welcome at Castro’s — for once you enter, you’re basically family. So if you’re looking for a pint in peace, friendly locals to spark new friendships, or a place to take a date, Castro’s Lounge has you covered.

Where to grab a coffee

Tori’s Bakeshop

2188 Queen St E

With a quaint, Victorian-esque storefront with a window on either side of the green door, Tori’s Bakeshop fits in seamlessly with the facade of Queen Street East. It looks like a cafe that could exist not only in the Beaches, but in any major European city on a side street completely paved by cobblestones.

It has a clean, fresh vibe that lures you in, and once in, makes you want to hang around just a little longer. It has quite the modern decor, filled with green accents in the way of plants or paint. The green is potentially another nod toward its plant-based, ecologically vegan existence.

Since its inception in 2012, the bakery/cafe has been known for its organic baked goods — free of all animal byproducts, refined sugar, and often wheat and gluten, and its espresso- and tea-based beverages, wine, beer and cider.

Some of Tori’s Bakeshop’s offerings include seasonal cupcakes (cookies and cream, lemon drop, coffee bomb, coconut raspberry,) cookies, doughnuts, pies and cakes. On the beverage side, you have a slew of hot and cold drinks ranging from hot chocolates to Pumpkin Pours — a riff on the classic pumpkin spice latte made with whole-roasted pumpkin.

With an inviting exterior, modern-yet-cozy interiors and a menu where everything looks like something you need to ingest, it’s no surprise that Tori’s Bakeshop has grown to be the premier Beaches cafe that it is now.

And who knows, if you’re lucky enough, you might just get to hang out with a Boston Terrier named Ollie — the official Bakeshop mascot.

Bud’s Coffee

1966 Queen St E

Another local neighbourhood gem, Bud’s Coffee, is a cheerful cafe full of natural light, uplifting vibes and friendly staff. With a counter, if you want something quick to go, as well as proper sit-down tables and chairs, it’s easy to just hang out and get some work done, catch up with friends, or even have a cute first date.

Owned and operated by Ken Galbraith and Sarah Griffiths, the space is named after Galbraith’s grandfather, Bud, and serves delicious coffee provided by Hatch — a specialty coffee roastery in Toronto.

The cafe has almost a nautical theme to its interiors, complete with a life preserver adorning the wall and the staff moving about wearing toques. During the warmer months, Bud’s also rolls out its patio — a lush little area right by the store separated from the street by a wooden fence with plants all around. It feels like a little oasis, providing respite from all the rush around Queen East.

As for its offerings, Bud does all the classic espresso-based drinks and baked goods, but also has a few specialty items up its sleeve, like a s’mores cookie, vegan pumpkin muffins, tahini oatmeal cookies, breakfast and lunch sandwiches and even a beetroot latte with spices.

So if you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix on the run, some sustenance while you sit down and work, or even trying to impress someone you like, Bud’s Coffee has you covered.

Remarkable Bean

2242 Queen St E

Something a little different from your run-of-the-mill coffee shop, Remarkable Bean is a daily-owned business selling coffee and tea since 1994. All its coffee is Certified Fair Trade Organic, sustainably grown and roasted on-site. The loose-leaf teas are ethically grown as well.

The in-house master roasters pick the finest green coffee beans from around the world and turn them into the delicious products the business sells. All the coffee at Remarkable Bean is small-batch micro-roasted daily. It’s a rather hands-on process that fine-tunes the roasting process while accounting for the individual characteristics of each specific bean.

The business sells varieties of coffee beans while also specifying the tasting notes of each blend. Some of them include Rocket Fuel (super dark roast, strong, bold, rich,) El Torro (medium roast, earthy, mellow,) El Zipa (medium roast, chocolaty clean finish) and Ethiopian Yirgacheffe (medium roast, chocolate overtones, hints of citrus.)

The roastery also sells baked goods like savoury and sweet scones, cookies and even carrot cake.

So the next time you’re thinking of replenishing your stock, think of Remarkable Bean for all your local coffee and tea needs.

Where to shop

Rowe Farms Beaches

2120 Queen St E

With a few locations scattered across Toronto, Rowe Farms’ approach to eating is simple: the people believe that the best approach to healthy eating is to consume sustainably-raised, locally-grown, minimally-processed, organic foods.

Since its inception in 1972 in Guelph, John Rowe has exhibited a passion for producing animals without antibiotics, growth-promoting hormones, or animal byproducts. That is where the Rowe Farms Conscience was born. The company’s dedication toward grass-fed beef is a step toward a better future, Rowe believes.

Biologically, cattle cannot easily digest grain and corn and are unhealthy. So even though people are more used to consuming grain-fed beef, grass-fed cattle are healthier and thus contribute to keeping the food chain healthier and more sustainable.

All that jargon aside, Rowe Farms provides a large variety of organic and sustainable products to the people of The Beaches. So you can feel good about doing your bit while you indulge in high-quality meats and seafood.

Barring the regular offerings of beef, pork, chicken and deli cuts, Rowe Farms also sells hot foods like a whole family-sized rotisserie chicken for $19.99; pre-portioned beef, steak, bison, chicken and turkey burgers costing $23.49 for eight 5 oz patties; seasoned whole spatchcock and even a variety of salsas and other Mexican dips.

With the rise in meat prices across grocery stores, people are always on the hunt for the most affordable products, even though they’re not always the most sustainable. If you can afford it, however, Rowe Farms has a great offering of organic and sustainable products that you can enjoy while also doing your small part for the environment.

Courage Foods

976 Kingston Rd

Located at almost the border of the Beaches on Kingston Road, this local Upper Beaches grocery store holds its own against the big names around. Offering a carefully-curated selection of items with an emphasis on championing local products, the store tries to cater to its loyal clientele.

Courage Foods also sells baked goods created in-house along with other prepared foods that are a product of its back kitchen. Needless to say, the entire store usually has wonderful aromas wafting through the aisles on any given day.

Founded and owned by Karen and Jum O’Brien in 2010, the store has a good mix of essentials that the community around it asks for, while at the same time also reserving a few shelves for the pricier luxuries. And while that is the thought process behind the curation, the underlying theme is to shine a spotlight on the local artisans around the city.

From cookies, breads, jams and assorted fudge to hot sauces and even mustards, Courage Foods strives to be the one-stop-shop that helps you discover the talent and beauty of the people around the city.

As for the in-house kitchen, Courage sells items like soups, stews, salads, curries, sandwiches, quiches and even savoury pies.

So whether you’re looking to restock your pantry, broaden your culinary horizons or simply satiate your grumbling stomach, Courage Foods is the place for you.

One-half of the couple that owns the shop, Karen O’Brien, sadly passed away in July 2022. After a brief pause in operation, Courage Foods resumed service soon after, eager to continue her legacy and progress her creation.

Chocolate by Wickerhead

2375 Queen St E

If you’ve ever been browsing and window shopping on Queen East, chances are that you know what this store is, even if you’ve never stepped foot into it. With “chocolate” written on the board in a large font and a storefront whose colour resembles that of your favourite cocoa-based treat, Chocolate by Wickerhead is a Beaches staple whenever your sweet tooth might need tending.

The team at Chocolate by Wickerhead is dedicated to creating the most decadent and exquisite handmade Belgian chocolate. Each treat at the shop is preservative-free and crafted using premium ingredients. It’s the kind of place where you might enter on a whim, curious to check out what’s being offered. But once you’re in, the amount of artisanally-crafted treats on display will make it hard for you to leave empty-handed.

From afar, the chocolate might look like the kind you get in a mixer pack during the holidays. But get a little closer and you learn to genuinely understand and appreciate the skill that’s needed to create every single one. With a clever infusion of flavours, eye-catching moulds and sheer decadence, the chocolates can make even the strongest-willed person buckle and purchase something.

Some of the store’s offerings include solid Belgian chocolate in the shape of a Buddha, Cara Croquant (caramel and crunchy biscuit, available in milk and dark chocolate,) Balzac’s espresso ganache, Bowmore (Bowmore Single Malt Scotch ganache, Chai Tiger (steeped black chai and sambuca ganache,) Lemon Mint (fresh lemon and mont in white ganache) and Lychee Peony (aromatic green tea with peony petals and essence of lychee.)

As a luxurious and skill-heavy offering, the prices are decided accordingly. One can purchase a small (six pieces), medium (10 pieces) or a large (20 pieces) assorted box for $16.50, $28.90, or $52.95, respectively. Also on offer are artisanal chocolate bars for $15 each, chocolate-covered popcorn and other gourmet treats.

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