Dundas West, Toronto’s Foodie Mile
Because they know I am always out and about, always on the lookout for the best places to eat, people often ask me where to go. In Toronto, my favorite neighborhood to at the moment, besides Little Italy – that is still and always a must- is Dundas West.
In recent years, the heart of Toronto’s Portuguese district, along Dundas West, has emerged as the neighbourhood of choice for the city’s up-and- coming chefs. The hottest new restos can be found on the strip from Bathurst to Dufferin, with another cluster on the almost-as-hot Ossington Avenue. Foodies converge here for youthful, ad- venturous cooking featuring terroir ingredients and influences from the great culinary traditions.
Start your explorations by lunching on one of the city’s best sandwiches, served up by Porchetta & Co. As soon as you walk into the space, owner Nick auf der Mauer’s passion is suggested by the aroma and confirmed with the first bite of his marinated, roasted pork shoulder, which he wraps in prosciutto and pork belly before slow- cooking it for several hours. heavenly!
Just one street off Bathurst, at the corner of Markham, you will find the already buzzing Bent – Chef Susur Lee’s new restaurant with sons Kai and Levi Bent-Lee. A family affair, set in an amazing décor by Lee’s very talented designer wife Brenda, with a fresh and creative menu focusing on various ways of presenting raw fish, ceviche, sushi, crudo…all of it with presented in the most forthcoming fashion. Of course you will find some meat options and more! A must try!
Next, try a selection of appetizers from the mouthwatering (and ever-changing) menu at Campagnolo, along with a glass of one of the wines of the day. Chef Craig Harding has three powerful inspirations: terroir, seasonal ingredients, and his Italian mamma, resulting in felicitous pairings of meats and fish with bottarga, burrata, caponata, and prosciutto. his tuna tartare with prosciutto, shallots, and parsley sauce is to die for!
A little farther along the strip is The Black Hoof, a much-loved Toronto locavore pioneer that gave today’s Dundas West culinary scene its spark, in 2008. The cooking is meat-focused, from char- cuterie to horse tartare and various preparations of offal.
Another popular spot is Enoteca Sociale (the wine-bar-resto sibling to Libretto, the excellent nea- politan pizzeria on Ossington), where they serve classic homemade pastas such as cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper), bucatini all’amatriciana (pancetta, onions, tomato sauce), and more ad- venturous fare like fettuccine with chicken livers or ravioli with salt cod, capers, and mint. The rustic ambiance, long bar, and delightful patio — come early for a seat in the summer — make this a fantastic stop, even if you only have time for an appetizer and a glass of wine from the extensive list, boasting 80 bottles under $80.
Finally, have a nightcap at the local musicians’ and artists’ haunt, the Communist’s Daughter (a reference to a neutral milk hotel song). The tiny space has just seven barstools and eight tables. cozy and bohemian, complete with a jukebox and a short, simple bar menu with items such as pickled eggs, salami and cheese sandwiches, olives, and hummus. Live music every weekend.
