Cathy MerrittI mostly come to Bloor West Village to shop because there are many amazing specialty clothing stores and bookshops. But then, I started checking out the restaurants as well (I get hungry after shopping), and I realized that the food scene is just as impressive.
Over time, I’ve kept note of the restaurants in the neighborhood that I love. Many of them are Italian restaurants (I can’t resist a good pasta dish), but there are also pubs and bars that deliver on the cozy vibes.
If you’re visiting Bloor West Village soon, here are my foodie recommendations!
La Capricciosa
– From: lacapricciosator
Address: 2372 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday—11:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14167636164
La Capricciosa is one of the first restaurants I tried in this neighborhood, and now it’s one of my go-to dining spots. The menu is filled with Italian dishes, and my favorite has to be the linguine allo scoglio; I love how it’s topped with so much seafood!
If I’m dining with other people, I like to get a pizza. So far, I can’t stop thinking about the La Napoli flavor. It has an interesting topping combination (fior di latte, anchovies, and capers), but somehow, I like it; every bite is salty, tangy, and creamy at the same time.
| Pro Tips: You can book the restaurant’s catering services for your event.If you want to host a party, you can only do so on a Sunday. Fill out this form to reserve your spot. |
Marusya’s Kitchen
– From: janchenkobakery
Address: 2432 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday—11 am to 6 pm
- Wednesday and Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
- Thursday and Friday—10 am to 8 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14378808363
In my opinion, Eastern European cuisine is so underrated, but thankfully, I’ve found Marusya’s Kitchen, so I know where to go when I’m craving it.
Beef stroganoff is my go-to dish because it’s so comforting. The beef has been slow-simmered, so it’s so tender and juicy. Meanwhile, the cream is rich, earthy, and kind of tangy, and it coasts the egg noodles (or mashed potatoes) really well.
For dessert, I recommend getting Janchenko’s Pampushky, which is a donut that’s topped with vanilla gelato, chocolate sauce, and fresh berries. It’s so decadent!
| Pro Tip: If the weather is clear and sunny, you might want to take a seat on the patio. It’s super cozy there. |
Flame Food + Design
– From: flame.plus
Address: 2197 Bloor St W
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—1 to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14167626000
Flame Food + Design features Anatolian cuisine, which is probably one of the oldest in the world, but this time, the chefs add a modern touch to it.
Kebabs are the specialty here, and so far, my favorite is Toros Kebab, which is made of lamb and beef ground meat. It tastes garlicky and sweet, with a kick of spice, and I love pairing it with lemony rice pilaf and roasted grape tomatoes.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant also sells knife sets and Serhat-designed marble serving plates! |
Queen’s Pasta Café
– From: queenspastacafe
Address: 2263 Bloor St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14167660993
Queen’s Pasta Café is another place I love going to whenever I’m craving pasta. The noodles are always homemade and perfectly al dente!
I love many of the dishes served here, and one of them is penne alla vodka because the sauce is so creamy and savory. Another great choice is the black and white fettuccine with grilled tiger shrimp; it balances salty and tangy flavors well.
If you want something more filling, you might want to order the chicken parmigiana instead. The chicken is crispy and pairs well with the melted cheese. The tomato sauce is also delicious; it packs quite a punch, thanks to the chilies and rapini.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant also has a first-class wine service. Order a bottle from their collection for the ultimate dining experience! |
Sugo
– From: sugotoronto
Address: 1281 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—3 to 9 pm
- Friday to Sunday—11:30 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14165351717
What I love about Sugo is that it sticks to its Italian-American theme. The interior looks like an American diner in the 1950s, while the menu is filled with Italian favorites.
The sauce here is the main highlight. No matter which one you choose, you can expect it to be creamy and incredibly savory. So far, my favorite of all their pasta dishes is the gnocchi. I love how springy the gnocchi noodles are and how they absorb the sauce!
Don’t pass up on the homemade tiramisu here. It’s not overly sweet, so I can always devour it in no time.
| Pro Tip: Do you love the sauce here? This restaurant actually sells jars of it, so buy one (or two) when you can. |
Fox and John’s Pub and Restaurant
– From: foxandjohns
Address: 2199 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—11 am to 1 am
- Thursday and Friday—11 am to 2 am
- Saturday—10 am to 2 am
- Sunday—10 am to 1 am
Contact Number: +16473487937
Fox and John is a well-known pub where people go late at night to unwind with their friends, but for me, it’s more of a brunch spot.
I love getting the English breakfast because it’s loaded with so many things (eggs, sausage, bacon, and more), so I get full and satisfied easily. The French toast is also a great choice; somehow, it tastes both sweet and salty!
Brunch isn’t complete without drinks. I prefer the Sunrise Mimosa because it tastes sweet and refreshing, but you can also get the classic bloody Caesar.
| Pro Tips: Looking for a fun time? Come here every Friday night to enjoy live DJ music!Additionally, this restaurant hosts fun events every now and then. |
Simply Thai Cuisine
– From: simplythaicuisine
Address: 2253 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—12 to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14167698866
Simply Thai Cuisine exudes a comforting atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for any casual hangouts. It also serves traditional and authentic Thai dishes that will excite your taste buds!
I love the pineapple chicken curry here because it’s so sweet and spicy, and the curry is also thick and creamy. To help dampen the heat, I always order rice, and my favorite is the shrimp fried rice. The rice tastes tangy and kind of sweet because of the shrimp.
| Pro Tip: If you order online, you can get a 15% discount on your first order. |
Bukhara Grill
– From: bukharaonbloor
Address: 2241a Bloor St W
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Monday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 5 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165515199
Featuring a gorgeous and classy interior, Bukhara Grill is a favorite spot for intimate dinners with friends and family. But even if you’re dining alone (like me), you’ll still appreciate this restaurant.
The menu is filled with Indian dishes, so of course, I always get my all-time favorite, which is butter chicken. The chicken pieces are wonderfully roasted here, and their charred flavor pairs well with the creamy, buttery tomato sauce.
I usually eat this rice or garlic naan to tone down the dish’s rich flavors a bit.
| Pro Tip: You can host an event at this restaurant, or if you already have a venue, book their catering services instead. |
The Three Speed
– From: thethreespeedbar
Address: 1163 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—5 pm to 2 am
- Saturday and Sunday—12 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16474303834
Since The Three Speed doesn’t open until the evening (or noon if you’re visiting on a weekend), this restaurant is ideal for late-night hangouts with friends. The warm and cozy interior makes you feel right at home as well.
Alcoholic beverages are the highlight here, so I always try a cocktail. So far, I like the tamarind margarita, which actually makes me pucker my face every time I drink because it’s strong and so sour.
For food, there are only a few options, but they’re all tasty bites. I love getting the sirloin burger with my drink because it’s hearty and filling.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant doesn’t accept reservations, so if you want to secure your spot, come here as early as possible. |
A Dark Horse
– From: adarkhorsepub
Address: 2401 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday—12 to 11 am, 12 to 10 pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday—12 to 10 pm
- Thursday—12 to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 2 am
- Sunday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14167694696
A Dark Horse is where you’d like to go to unwind after a long day of working (or shopping, in my case). It tends to be loud all the time, but that’s part of the charm!
This spot offers classic pub fare items. For me, my go-to is fish and chips; they use Atlantic haddock here, and it’s crispy and wonderfully seasoned. The chips, on the other hand, are thick and perfectly salty. What a comforting dish!
Of course, a pub won’t be complete without drinks. There are beers on tap, canned beverages, cocktails, and even wines!
| Pro Tip: Come here on a Wednesday to participate in the pub’s trivia nights! |
Osmow’s Shawarma
– From: osmows
Address: 2406 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—11 am to 3 am
- Thursday to Saturday—11 am to 4 am
- Sunday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14165192779
Sometimes, I don’t have a lot of time to dine in Bloor West Village. Whenever this happens, Osmow’s Shawarma is here to save the day!
This restaurant serves my order in no time, and it’s always delicious, too. My favorite thing to get is the Philly cheese steak wrap, which is just oozing with savory and cheesy goodness.
To end my meal on a sweet note, I sometimes get baklava—such a simple yet decadent dessert!
| Pro Tip: Planning an event? You can hire this restaurant as your caterer. |
Brasa Peruvian Kitchen
– From: brasaperuvian
Address: 2114 Bloor St W Unit B
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +16473603107
Brasa specializes in Peruvian cuisine, but more than that, it also features dishes with organic ingredients. Because of this, this spot is perfect if you’re on a diet!
I recommend getting the Hot Brasa Chicken Bowl because it’s loaded with ingredients from all food groups (mixed greens, roasted chicken, roasted potatoes, and more). Plus, the sauce makes everything taste tangy and spicy, so you’ll always be craving for more.
There are also superfood smoothies if you have a sweet tooth. The cafe con leche is my current favorite because it’s not too sweet.
| Pro Tip: They offer catering services for events. |
The Swan: A Firkin Pub
– From: firkinpubs
Address: 2205 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11 am to 12 am
- Thursday—11 am to 1 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +14167679222
The Swan is one of the pubs under the brand Firkin Pubs, and it’s such a fun place to hang out with friends! Locals also tend to frequent this place, so you can make new friends whenever you are here.
Treat yourself to any of the pub fare items. I personally love the steak and ale pie because it’s such a hearty and comforting dish. The flavor profile is also great; the steak is tender and savory, while the roasted mushrooms are earthy and salty.
A trip to the pub isn’t complete without drinks. You can buy a bottle or can of cider or take advantage of the beers on tap.
| Pro Tip: If you want to book an event at this pub, fill out this form. |
Grillies
– From: grillies
Address: 641 Bloor St W
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +14165166246
The food at Grillies isn’t really the healthiest, but I keep coming back anyway because it’s so good and satisfies my cravings for Mexican cuisine all the time.
I love ordering the burrito because it’s jam-packed with meat and vegetables, so every bite fills my stomach. The tacos are another favorite of mine. The shells are perfectly crispy, and I love how savory and acidic the meat and vegetable fillings are.
| Pro Tips: You can add more chicken or ground beef to your order for a small fee. This spot offers deals (e.g., discounts and combo meals) every now and then! |
Kinton Ramen High Park
– From: kintonramen
Address: 2216 Bloor St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +16473412216
When it’s raining or snowing outside, I’m always craving ramen. Fortunately, I’ve found Kinton Ramen in Bloor West Village, so I now know where to go the next time I’m out shopping there during gloomy weather.
My go-to order is the pork spicy garlic ramen. The broth is rich and spicy, so every sip warms me pretty well. The pork toppings, meanwhile, are tender and fatty, and the noodles have a lovely spring to them.
Aside from ramen, you can also get side dishes like fried chicken, kimchi, and gyoza.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant often has deals like combo meals, limited-time offers, and discounts. |
Bar Neon
– From: bar_neon
Address: 1226 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—3 to 11 pm
- Thursday—3 pm to 12 am
- Friday to Sunday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +16477486366
Bar Neon boasts a warm atmosphere that makes it perfect for romantic dates or a chill dinner with friends. The dishes here are just as great; they’re Mediterranean-inspired, so they taste bright and refreshing.
The mixed grill plate is a must-try; it’s filled with ribs, Greek sausage, chicken souvlaki, and more. You’re basically having a feast with this order!
Aside from that, you might also want to get a brick-oven pizza. My favorite flavor is The G.O.A.T. The toppings are charred green peppers, house-pickled jalapeños, honey, and arugula-sunflower pesto, so the flavor profile is spicy, sweet, and herby.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant has a private dining room that you can book for parties or intimate dinners. If you’re interested, send them an email ([email protected]). |
