The Danforth, also known as Toronto’s Greek town is a one of the city’s richest cultural areas as well as a popular dining destination for both visitors and Torontonians alike, boasting one of the highest concentrations of restaurants per Kilometer in the world. The Danforth spans across approximately 91 blocks, beginning at the east side of the Don River valley to merge with the Kingston road in Scarborough.
The Danforth is perhaps most popular for the “Taste of The Danforth Festival”, North America’s premier Greek Festival, held every summer in August. The Taste of the Danforth showcases the best in Hellenic cuisine and culture. For 3 days, The Danforth is blocked off to cars as more than 1,000,000 people visit this major event to enjoy the food, the entertainment and the atmosphere.
PLACES TO EAT AND PARTY ON THE DANFORTH
The Local Co.
New to the Danforth, the vision behind The Local Company is to create a captivating experience for those who appreciate and are inspired by a love of music, art, photography and film. The Local offers something different for Danforth patrons by offering an ideal nightlife option, perfect for post dinner activities.
This uniquely designed 3100 sq ft loft-style, contemporary space authentic to Toronto stimulates the senses and offers something distinctive and refined. The Local encompasses a superior Mediterranean shared-plate approach to dining out and a diverse music style which fuse perfectly together to create the ultimate social destination.
Taking its inspiration from the quintessential art galleries of New York combined with natural elements, Local has three main areas of the design: the main dining area, the lounge, and the loft which are all beautifully unified by the palatial ceiling and a prevailing exposed brick wall. The Local caters to the hybrid food and drink aficionado; those who are seeking exceptional cuisine and wish to experience an entire night out, by subtly transforming from a restaurant to a stylish after dinner affair.
Trapezzi
Located just a few doors down from Local is Trapezzi, a unique resto-lounge offering masterful Mediterranean cuisine and of the-moment-cocktail concoctions in the heart of Greektown. The suede-lined dining room is done in shades of wine and chocolate, with polished hardwood floors providing a serene oasis. An elegant establishment with a cosmopolitan ambience. Trapezzi is the ideal place to host an intimate gathering, a group celebration or a large-scale event.
Myth
Located in the heart of Greek town on the Danforth, Myth boasts a truly unique and inspiring environment for your next dinner, event, party or function. The kitchen is second to none using only the freshest and finest ingredients in all the dishes. Our traditional Mediterranean fare offers a medley of Old World flavour and charm, all prepared to entice the eyes and satisfy any palate. Expert kitchen, floor and bar staff work to ensure an unparalleled level of service and quality. Myth offers a wide sampling of wines from the Mediterranean region, as well as other international offerings from the finest wine regions and producers in the world.
Every Saturday at Myth
Modern Greek music at 9pm with hot DJ's.
Every Friday at Myth
Arabesque Night, sensual live Arabic music with beautiful Belly dancers at 10pm.
Brought to you by Arabesque Company & Orchestra. Dance floor for all to enjoy dancing to the band... bring your hip scarf!
NO Cover. http://www.myth.to/site/
Lolita’s Lust
Intimate and romantic, Lolita’s Lust is one of the trendiest restaurants in the city. Wonderfully bohemian in its atmosphere, this cozy upscale eatery features a delightful range of meat and fish dishes from around the globe. Tucked away like a best-kept secret, Lolita’s Lust has long been the place to be seen. Visiting celebrities have been known to enjoy a quiet evening of dining here.
http://www.lolitaslust.ca/lolitas-lust-location.htm
Allens
Allen's was founded in 1987 and the menu, which changes often, concentrates on the freshest ingredients in entirely home-made preparations. Only here can one find traditional but sophisticated Irish fare, featuring Kerry Lamb, Atlantic salmon fresh and smoked, and the noble potato presented in eight different ways. The kitchen is famed as well for Angus steaks, chicken, and massive salads.
All food is cooked on the premises and to order, and use local, pesticide and hormone-free produce wherever possible. Allen’s ambition is to present food and drink in a traditional way, as was done before theme restaurants and entertainment dining begin to crowd the marketplace. We are decidedly informal, but strive for thoroughly professional service and a civilized atmosphere.
http://allens.to/
Omonia
Experience meets elegance at Omonia. Established in 1978, Omonia Restaurant continues to provide patrons with the most unique Greek Mediterranean dining experience the Danforth has to offer. . Moreover, they also introduced the first ever Saganaki Opa in Toronto in 1983.Omonia's patio was the first licensed patio in Toronto in 1981
Omonia's new chic, elegant and modern look proves once again that this restaurant is Greek town’s innovator. The Greek Mediterranean menu will tantalize your taste buds.
http://www.dine.to/omonia
Kokkino
Kokkino Restaurant & Lounge, one of the sexiest spaces on the Danforth, just got sexier! Danforth's local patron's love the newly elegant Black and White theme! Kokkino caters world music styles with happening DJs every Wednesday to Sunday. Experience the warm vibe punctuated with great drinks, food and Modern Greek music.
http://www.kokkinolounge.com/
Messini
Located at 445 Danforth Ave. Marinos Dafnas offers Torontonians fine authentic Greek cuisine through his restaurant “Messini Authentic Gyros”. At Messini’s people can experience the city’s greatest tasting Gyro while dining in a comfortable, well designed atmosphere.
Opening its doors everyday at 11 A.M. and closing most days at 1 A.M. Messini Authentic Gyros is one of the few restaurants that caters to a younger crowd, especially with their 5 A.M. closing time on Friday and Saturday nights. Most of Messini’s customers are between the ages of 13 to 38; however the core group is people between the ages of 18 to 30. When most people come out of a club after a long night they are generally hungry and tend to settle for anything they can find. Messini’s decided to remain open late offering them real food. Not only are gyros a healthy alternative at night when pizza or burgers are all there is to choose from, they are also a delicious, filling meal choice for any other time of the day.
Gyros are a Greek pita sandwich generally made with chicken or pork. The pita is generally stuffed with meat, tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce. In Greece, Gyros are usually made as a fast food, as hamburgers are in the Western world. The Gyro sandwich is a very versatile food that can be made a number of ways and can include a wide range of ingredients depending upon the restaurant and the preferences of the consumer.
http://www.messini.ca/home.php
Café
521 Cafe and bar
For 9 years, this newly renovated bar and lounge has been one of the hot spots on the Danforth. 521 offers a modern lounge atmosphere that always attracts a great crowd. Enjoy the eclectic menu which includes fresh fruit drinks, grilled paninis, or infused martinis while you relax on the large patio, the comfortable VIP room, or by the circular fireplaces. The sophisticated, modern, and sensual atmosphere will create a great experience.
http://www.dine.to/521
Mocha Mocha
Mocha-Mocha Café is a popular neighbourhood spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Great food, caffe latte, fresh juices, fruit smoothies, snacks and desserts. The menu is relaxed and well balanced with flavorful and nutritious dishes ranging from light vegetarian choices to spicy creations infused with Latin and African flavors. The place has a casual, warm and welcoming atmosphere and prices to match. Favorite items are Chicken Enchiladas, Spicy Chick-Pea-Guacamole, Vegetarian Club, African Chicken Stew, Crêpes, Niçoise, Warm Brown Rice and Mediterranean Salads.
http://www.mochamocha.ca/
Euro Crepe Cafe
Europe Crepe Cafe invites you to an unforgettable experience in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. With an assortment of sweet and savoury crepes using fine ingredients and delicious organic coffees and teas to accompany your preferred crepe or sandwich. Euro Crepe Café is open daily, offering specials and brunch on Saturdays.
http://www.dine.to/eurocrepe