Rebecca is a Toronto-based foodie friend of mine who has been in my life for almost 21 years

We grew up as neighbours and found common ground over our love for Barbies. Despite growing apart in our late teen years as we both ventured off to different universities, we still find similarities in our passions for food. If you missed my Instagram profile on Rebecca, be sure to check it out! Rebecca considers herself somewhere between vegetarian and vegan and, as a Toronto resident, knows all the best city spots. Recently, I sat down with Rebecca and asked her all about her Toronto life, including her favourite places to eat, drink, and hang out. If you’re interested, read on and be sure to bookmark this post for future reference.

Rebecca’s favourite Toronto eatery?

The very first question I wanted the answer to was, of course: “what is your favourite place to eat in Toronto?” What is Rebecca’s number one, can’t-miss stop when in the city? Pow Wow Café. This indigenous restaurant in the Kensington Market is known for serving up tacos on Ojibway-style flatbread and is also a snug spot for weekend brunch.

“Everything is made from scratch and their fry bread is the best I’ve ever had.”

Favourite Toronto coffee shop?

Next, I got down to the specifics. Best place to grab a coffee or sit and chat over lattes? Rebecca says it’s Le Gourmand. This Queen and Spadina restaurant offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and coffee. According to Rebecca, it’s privately owned by an Italian family, and it’s a place where you’ll find the coolest, most down-to-earth people. Rebecca’s go-to order is an oat milk latte, and she raved about the location’s cookies.

Best Toronto bakery?

Rebecca’s recommendation when looking for baked goods? Blackbird Bakery in Kensington market. This bakery sells bread, pastry, and granola. Rebecca suggests giving the ginger honey scones a try, but she always gets their sourdough.

“The Kensington location specifically. It’s so nice to go to the market and get fresh bread.”

Favourite place to get groceries in the city?

Rebecca told me that when she has the time, she loves to go to 4 Life Natural Foods in Kensington. She enjoys leisurely browsing the isles, picking out her produce, and talking to the store owners and workers she might run into. Rebecca told me that Toronto is a tight nit community. Though it may seem large and aloof to those who are unfamiliar, Rebecca describes a small city vibe.

“Because it’s such a big tourist area, people really like to see the same customers come in.”

Toronto brunch Recommendation?

This is a must-know – am I right? Rebecca’s favourite is the Drake Hotel on Queen. This city destination is known for its hospitality, art, culture, and community. Rebecca recommends the food as well as the atmosphere. She tells me that they have one room for brunch and another for lunch and dinner. The brunch spot is white and open with lots of natural light (so it’s great for food pictures).

“It’s fun if you go there at night too. All the Drake locations are nice.”

Favourite bar?

At the end of a fun day in the city, where’s the perfect place to grab a drink? Rebecca says it’s the Trinity Bellwoods Brewery on Ossington. Open since April 2012; this bar is memorable by its bright, fresh, and hoppy beers. Rebecca likes the brewery’s aesthetics, and she loves taking pictures with her friends in the big bathroom. She recommends it as a good date location or a setting to talk with friends.

Together we can help to ensure that our favourite places to eat are able to survive the Covid-19 pandemic

Due to the current state of the world (Covid-19), many of the above businesses are struggling to stay afloat. Small, locally-owned restaurants and services are being hit the hardest financially and need your help and support more than ever. If you’re in the Toronto area, consider pick-up or delivery from Pow Wow Café (call in advance as they may not be offering take-out options at this time), Le Gourmand, Blackbird Bakery, and 4 Life Natural Foods.

Follow Rebecca on her Instagram food account for plant-based inspiration and recipes and more of her favourite places to eat in Toronto!