Bloor-Yorkville is one of Toronto’s most stylish neighbourhoods — and it’s about to get even more dazzling with the return of Yorkville Murals (YVM) 2025.
Among this bustling neighbourhood are a bevy of hidden gems, like beloved restaurants, highly acclaimed art galleries, and low-key hotspots. These small businesses give the neighbourhood its unique character, and Amex is proud to support them through its Local Gems initiative.
Visit participating businesses in Yorkville to receive a free tote bag designed by local artist birdO when making an in-store purchase with your Amex card, until Sept. 30. Just look for the Amex Local Gems blue beacon on the storefront to identify them!
This is your chance to get out there and explore Yorkville’s local gems! Lucky for you, we teamed up with Amex to highlight some must-visit spots while you’re exploring YVM.
Summer’s Sweet Memories
One of the city’s most beloved ice cream spots, Summer’s, has been serving up homemade ice cream since 1984. Started by Len and Helka Tolko, building off Helka’s Czech family tradition of ice cream making, it’s a well-visited spot all year round.
Summer’s boasts delicious flavours like Pumpkin Pie, Cookie Dough, Banana Cream, and the restaurant’s original Toronto Pothole — that’s almonds, marshmallows, peanuts and chocolate chunks!
Over the Rainbow Ltd
Premium denim since 1975? Count us in! Over the Rainbow Ltd has been supplying Yorkville with premium threads for decades, and now it’s your turn to explore.
Wide leg, cropped, high-waisted, skinny — you name it, Over the Rainbow has it, including top-designer brands. But it’s not just denim you can find here, Over the Rainbow also stocks accessories, clothing, self-care products, and eyewear too.
Vaticano Restaurant
After a day of strolling through beautiful murals and wandering the streets of Yorkville, you’ll surely be ready for a filling meal, and this is where Vaticano’s comes in. Authentic Italian plates are the name of the game here, from freshly-crafted pasta, risottos, fish, appetizers, classic entrees, and more.
Want our reccos? Start with homemade bread and Polpette (hand-rolled meatballs), and either the Pappardelle Montecassino (that’s sausage and broccoli pasta), Allo Scoglio (mixed seafood risotto), or the Vitello Saltimbocca (sage and prosciutto veal scaloppini in a white wine reduction); buon appetito!
Majesty’s Pleasure
Wind down and relax with a rejuvenating trip to Majesty’s Pleasure, the place for total self-care! The Yorkville penthouse location is nestled among the area’s most prestigious shops and restaurants — fitting for body scrubs and massages, nail care, haircare, facials, hair removal, and more.
Clean, steam, exfoliate, and extract the day away with Majesty’s Pleasure expert staff — whether you want to glam up or strip down to the basics — drinks and bites included!
Taglialatella Galleries Toronto
With two locations in New York and Paris, Taglialatella Galleries at 99 Yorkville Avenue is a contemporary art gallery that hosts some of the world’s most famous and prestigious artworks.
From their recent Andy Warhol exhibition to pieces from Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring, Banksy, KAWS, and more, Taglialatella serves up a healthy dose of culture
Discover the full lineup of Local Gems shops in Bloor-Yorkville and find out how you can get rewarded for supporting local businesses.
