6 great date-night spots in the Annex
Looking for a romantic bar or restaurant in the city? Well, look no further.
If there’s anything that can trip up a couple heading out on a date, it’s planning where to go for the evening.
Thankfully, the Annex area is brimming with quaint and intimate restaurants boasting varying levels of swank, swagger, and price points. Below are our top picks for the most romantic dinner spots in the area — both in the Annex and close by in Harbord Village.
Fair warning: Some restaurants on the list may require a reservation, so plan accordingly.
Fet Zun
Address: 252 Dupont St.
Why You’ll Go: A key fixture of Anthony Rose’s Dupont St. empire that also includes Fat Pasha, Fet Zun is ideal for the couple looking for delicious Middle Eastern fare. Their hummus is one of the best in the Annex, and the slow braised brisket is a tasty choice for meat lovers.
And dinner isn’t your only option here. If you’re going to see a play at the nearby Tarragon Theatre, heading to Fet Zun for drinks and dessert afterward could be a fantastic way to cap off the evening.
Romance Factor: Despite the bar taking up a good portion of the main space, it’s surprisingly quiet and comfortable at one of their tables. Many potted plants add to the relaxing, homey vibe that makes Fet Zun so attractive for date nights.
How Expensive:
Go-to Dish: Slow braised brisket, with horseradish labneh, sumac onions, and apple
Go-to Drink: Summer of Hearts, with strawberry mint infused rum, lemon, simple syrup, soda water
Insomnia
Address: 563 Bloor St. W.
Why You’ll Go: An Annex institution best known for their brunch menu, Insomnia is also an under-rated resto for drinks and comfort food. Their dishes never disappoint, the service is quick and friendly, and the interior design features eye-catching artwork on the east wall. Bonus points for being steps away from Bathurst Station (for those leaving the car at home).
It’s also worth noting that Tuesday is Tequila Night at Insomnia, where all tequila drinks and shots are $5.
Romance Factor: Insomnia offers a slew of comfy cushioned chairs to help customers settle in. Also, bistro lighting runs across the ceiling, creating a romantic starry-night atmosphere.
How Expensive:
Go-to Dish: Wild mushroom and lentil shepherd’s pie, with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, lentil, cremini, shitake button mushroom, and mushroom gravy
Go-to Drink: French 75, with Empress 1908 Gin, lemon, simple syrup, and sparkling wine
Piano Piano
Address: 88 Harbord St.
Why You’ll Go: This is a classy Italian-inspired spot, right down to the stunning chandeliers and exquisite (albeit pricey) mains and cocktails. When it debuted in 2017, Toronto Life named it one of the year’s best restaurants, writing, “It’s Italian grandmother cooking—if your nonna knew her way around a five-star kitchen.”
Romance Factor: The dining area is airy with high ceilings and splashes of artistry due to the pieces they’ve hung up on the walls. It’s dark enough to set the mood without you losing sight of what your fork is spearing.
How Expensive:
Go-to Dish: The People’s Champ Pizza, with tomato, grana padano, prosciutto, arugula, and olive oil
Go-to Drink: Last Flight to Venice, with thyme-infused vodka, amara, Nonino, Cocchi Americano, green chartreuse, lemon juice, and Prosecco-lavender syrup
Park Hyatt’s Writers Room Bar
Address: 4 Avenue Rd.
Why You’ll Go: It doesn’t get more “high” end than Park Hyatt’s new 17th-floor Writers Room Bar. Expect a fanciful take on veggies (smashed cucumber salad with chili crisp), fish (scallop crudo with grapefruit ponzu), and meat (you haven’t lived until you’ve tucked into their foie gras doughnut).
Cocktail aficionados will be impressed by the range of options available, with each drink’s name and concoction inspired by Canadian literary icons such as Margaret Atwood and Mordecai Richler.
Romance Factor: For a panoramic view of the city, the Writers Room is a stunner thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows. The intimate setting riffs nicely with the chic décor, complete with a double-sided fireplace, dark-stained oak walls, and black-stone tables.
How Expensive:
Go-to Dish: Foie gras doughnut, made with a blueberry fritter and ice wine vinegar glaze
Go-to Drink: National Treasures (inspired by June Callwood), with Canadian rye, sweet vermouth, banana, and Islay scotch blessing
Rasa
Address: 196 Robert St.
Why You’ll Go: A hidden gem on Harbord, Rasa offers an exquisite menu of classics and bold options, ranging from lamb dumplings with pickled mango to tuna tartare complimented with sweet and sour avocado.
Romance Factor: A cottagey feel, complete with exposed pipes and stonework, plus candle-lit tables and sultry food makes for a vibe you and your date will revel in as soon as you’re seated. For the people-watching couple, score a seat by the window ledge to watch the passers-by on Harbord.
How Expensive:
Go-to Dish: Rasa Chopped Salad (enough for two), with quinoa, cucumbers, cabbage, peppers, jalapeno feta, harissa chickpeas, and sumac
Go-to Drink: Irish Goodbye, with Writers’ Tears whiskey, chestnut and toasted fennel seed syrup, chocolate bitters, licor 34 infused cream, and grated tonka bean
Bampot Tea House
Address: 201 Harbord St.
Why You’ll Go: Vegans and tea lovers uninterested in booze—this one’s for you. Under new ownership since last summer, Bampot features warm or cold tea as their main draw.
Their menu isn’t as robust as you’ll find at other spots, so this could be an option for couples who don’t need large plates, but prefer items that are simpler and more shareable. Vegetarians and vegans will especially be fans of their dinner menu.
Romance Factor: It’s as cozy as can be, with cushions and low-set tables. Dozens of board games are available if you and your date feel like getting competitive. If you find tea pairings romantic, Bampot has you covered there, too.
How Expensive:
Go-to Dish: Impossible hash, made with sweet potato, potato, Impossible crumble, avo crema, and shallots
Go-to Drink: 2 Doves Silver Needle white tea
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