These cozy bars & restaurants are perfect for an intimate evening in Toronto

The air is getting cooler and the sun is setting earlier but that doesn’t mean you have to stay in! Toronto has a selection of amazing bars and restaurants that have the cozy, intimate vibes you’d find at home with the added elevation of delicious bites and crafty cocktails. These are the best cozy bars & restaurants perfect for an intimate evening in Toronto.

Parquet

Parquet is a French Bistro located on a cherished corner on Harbord Street, with vibes as amazing as the food.

According to Parquet, the spot “blurs the line between a neighbourhood bistro and a Toronto destination: relaxed and down to earth, yet refined and cosmopolitan.”

You’ll find the lights turned down low here so make a reservation, show up hungry and enjoy your night out!

Where: 97 Harbord St

The Wood Owl

If you haven’t tried The Wood Owl yet, do so immediately.

This gem of a spot on the Danforth has an interior that feels like dining at an old friend’s house with a rotating menu of amazing comfort dishes including pasta and steak frites.

This is easily one of the best (and coziest) restaurants in the city.

Where: 1380 Danforth Ave

Bar Banane

Time to head to Ossington!

Bar Banane is an intimate cocktail bar above La Banane.

The drinks are top tier and the vibes are level 100 cozy.

Where: 227A Ossington Ave

Bar Bowie

Staying on Ossington, Bar Bowie is a basement martini and cocktail lounge with dimmed lighting and gorgeous interior touches.

Pick something strong off the martini menu and settle in for the evening.

Where: 180R Ossington Ave

Superpoint 

Last stop on Ossington!

Superpoint is one of my favourite spots in the city for a one-on-one night out with someone.

The pizza and appetizers are amazing and the space is small yet inviting. *Chefs kiss*.

Where: 184 Ossington Ave

Cocktail Bar

It’s exactly what you think it is – a cocktail bar. An incredible one, at that.

Their website says it best, “Classic and modern libations, addictive bar snacks and a beautiful environment.”

If you’re looking for a place to have cozy date night drinks, this is it.

Where: 923 Dundas St W

Bar Vendetta

Across the street is Cocktail Bar’s sister restaurant Bar Vendetta.

The restaurant is small but the food packs a punch. The Crown Cacio e Pepe is their famous dish and comes dressed with ricotta, lemon, butter and black pepper.

If you can, get the window spot here.

Where: 928 Dundas St W

Midfield Wine Bar

With over 350 different wines, you won’t have any trouble settling in for an evening at Midfield.

This hidden gem has the perfect ambiance and I find myself going here a lot because I know it’ll be amazing every time.

Where: 1434 Dundas St W

Lake Inez

Lake Inez is one of east end Toronto’s best restaurants.

Stepping inside this spot is like a warm hug. The menu is described as “nostalgic” and I couldn’t agree more.

The dishes are inspired by Asian cuisine but have their own amazing twists.

Where: 1471 Gerrard St E

Contrada 

College has some of the greatest restaurants in the city and although it’s relatively new, Contrada fits that bill.

The Italian fare here includes pasta, branzino, and an olive oil cake you have to try before you leave.

The interior is rustic yet modern with dim lights and friendly service.

Where: 537 College St

Bar Isabel 

Tapas are meant to be shared in a cozy and cute environment.

Bar Isabel brings all of the above and two of my favourite dishes in the city – their grilled octopus and roast veal bone marrow.

Where: 797 College St

Northern Belle

There’s something about a cocktail bar on a street corner that I cannot resist.

Located near Trinity Bellwoods, this is a great spot to catch up with an old friend over drinks or for a date night out.

Where: 913 Dundas St W

416 Snack Bar

Blink and you might miss it!

416 Snack Bar is tucked into a small space on Bathurst but the vibes here are always 10/10.

The menu includes small dishes, funky wine and easy-to-sip cocktails.

Where: 181 Bathurst St

Start planning your intimate night out at one of these bars and restaurants, Toronto!

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