LibbyThere’s nothing quite like June in Toronto. From the crack of the bat at the Jay’s game to a chorus of rainbow parades through the village, things are finally starting to look up. With restaurants back in full swing, parties planned and ‘fests of all finds actually happening, the city is humming with energy.
From Pride to Canada Day and everything in between here’s what’s happening in Toronto this month.
The flags are flying and our hearts are soaring. Pride is an occasion to celebrate, honour, remember and show love for your 2SLGBTQ+ community. We crafted an entire post dedicated to Pride. Top picks for events include a BBQ on Toronto’s Islands. ⛵
June 3-5th brings back Do West Fest (formerly Dundas West Fest) and sees road closures for good- a good time that is. From Ossington to Lansdowne, Dundas will be closed to vehicular traffic so pedestrians can drop dollars at their fave cafes, restaurants and clothing shops. We suggest Gia’s adorable new patio as a perfect spot to perch.
June 10th brings all of Toronto’s best and brightest together under one massive roof for a great cause. Do not miss your chance to rub elbows with sports legends and support infant congenital heart disease research at SickKids. The All-Star Gala brings live music, a snazzy auction and an open bar to the lakeside scenery of the Toronto Event Centre. See you there!
Taco Fest (lead photo) is coming in hot June 17-19th. Boasting 125 taco options and 26 tequilas, you have your work cut out for you if you’re trying to tackle everything. Tickets are now on sale, get yours here.
After a two-year hiatus Union Summer- presented by TD is back and holding court at Union Station from June 27 to August 28th. Expect the usual revelry including live music from SoulSessions Fridays, Game Nights on Tuesdays and Jay’s games being screened right on the street. Drop-in and family-friendly, oh and absolutely free.
Wine Fest is also selling tickets for its upcoming event July 8-9th at the RendeZviews Patio (5th Supperclub). This event promises wines from around the world in an elegant and lush outdoor setting. Get your tickets now– this one will sell out!
Here’s what’s HOT in Toronto this month.
Valerie has just opened and is already breaking hearts. Housed on the top floors of Hotel X Toronto, look for posh and pretty plates by Executive Chef Adrian Niman with a hefty drink menu to compete with the gorgeous lake views. Live music and DJs add energy and style to this hotel housed project.
Oretta is expanding and has opened a new spot at Yonge and Eglinton. Oretta Midtown was already hopping on the media tasting night and small wonder. The menu is long and packed with interest, the vibe is energetic and the cocktails are innovative. From cocktails to dessert, there are special touches of innovation alongside traditional Italian fare and flare. There are gluten-free options available, too!
Mumbai Frankie is ushering in a new era for Indian food on Gerrard East. Owner Hemant Bhagwani says the ‘real street food concept’ is going to create some buzz for this already bustling pocket of Little India. A frankie is known as an ‘Indian Burrito’, a rolled-up tasty bundle popular in Mumbai. Shops in Leaside, Barrie and Mississauga prove Toronto has an appetite for frankies too.
Superfresh, an Asian Night Market has opened in the old Annex Food Hall. Co-founded by Trevor Lui the site pays homage to Asian culture and night market vibe. Superfresh focuses on young Asian owned food vendors across several cultures in one fun and photo-worthy space. Eat the baos, noodle bowls, Japanese shokupan sandwiches and mochi muffins. Open every day (except Tuesdays) from 4 pm until late. Follow their IG for hints on the weekly password to get into the secret speakeasy in the back.
Marben Market is officially open at Stackt. Grab and go John’s Burgers and a few other locally sourced grocery goodies. Marben Market is open daily from noon to 7pm.
What’s better than a GoodGood opening in your hood (hood)? Two GoodGood’s naturally. Both King West & Queen West are now snack central for thirsty downtown dwellers. With a bounty of candies, chips, coffees and yes, booze to pickup or deliver, we see this whole park life thing coming full circle.
Vegan friends! A new coffee shop is opening on June 3rd. Aunty Em’s Deli & Coffee aims to impress St Clair cuties with their steady rotation of espresso-based drinks and sweet treats.
Craig’s Cookies has opted in on a bigger better spot in their OG neighbourhood, Parkdale. Known for creative delicious cookies in a friendly environment where everyone is truly welcome, Craig stressed the importance of re-opening in the ‘hood that started it all.
Boustan is now open at Leslie and York Mills. It’s a bold move to claim you’re the BEST Lebanese food in town when you just flung your doors open but we love shawarma so we won’t it against you. Look for falafel, pitas and saj platters to round out their menu.
CAN’T WAIT- COMING SOON TO TORONTO!
NODO Liberty is getting ready to give Liberty Village a new Italian eatery. With locations in the Junction, St. Clair West, and Leslieville humming steadily, LV peeps will adore this classic comfort food, grabbing cannolis and fresh focaccia right at their doorstep.
Pizzeria Libretto is opening on Yonge, just north of Sheppard. This pizza outfit has been cranking out the pies in collabs with local restaurants and grab-and-gos during the pandemic, but it’s great to see a proper brick and mortar location for this tasty brand.
The Daughter is uptown’s answer for natural wines. Operating as a bottle shop and wine bar, with clever takeaway snacks and bevvies, look for this female-led Bayview Avenue operation to open in July. We’re excited as you are uptown TO!
Taking up the chunky block that was Drake Commissary, Spaccio expects to be open by late June. Converting the 120 seat restaurant and 40 seat patio to their tastes, including a gourmet grocery, expect an Italian influence and imported wines, Spaccio is part of the Terroni family.
Sweetie Pie expands with its latest opening at the old Pizzaville shop on Yonge north of Lawrence. Look for sweet and savoury pies (vegan too!) at this 7th location for the bakery.
Toula, at the Westin Harbour Castle, has been closed since 2020, but recent news confirms Don Alfonso 1890 is opting in on the space. Come for the beautiful views, stay for the legendary gastronomy experience. A match made in heaven!
Aloette at Yonge and Eglinton won’t be open for a while yet, but we’re crushing hard and stalking socials. And doing drive-bys. It’s more wholesome than it sounds, we assure you.
W Hotel is nearing completion in Yorkville. Stay tuned as we stalk their food and beverage plans. If it’s like any other W property, Toronto is in great hands. Forecast this hot spot for your spring rotation.
JUNE CLOSING TIME
Papabubble shuttered their doors on Yonge street. The Spanish candy factory was in operation since 2015 on uptown Yonge Street. Le sigh.
TASTE OF THE MONTH
Destination: downtown. With meetings, games, parties and hangouts happening, I just want a clubhouse I can count on. With friendly staff and a huge patio and bar, I’m calling King Taps my summer fling and I don’t care who knows it. Order the Bang Bang Shrimp for me, please.
Got a burning food tip? Hit us up! food@auburnlane.com
All photos by Libby Roach.