A year and a half ago, after our trip to Greece and our failed attempt to go to a hidden restaurant, I got it into my head to find some in Toronto. So obviously I’ve never seen them, because by definition … they’re hidden, but I really like the idea. So since then we’ve tried out a few and I’ve put together a list of the best secret bars and restaurants in Toronto that you absolutely must put on your list. Don’t worry, I’ll share the addresses with you without telling you too much, so as not to hide your surprise!
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If you’re looking for original restaurants in Toronto, read this article!
À toi
I’m starting this list of secret bars with my favorite hidden bar in Toronto: À Toi. And this one really is hidden right in front of your eyes. On the bustling King Street West. As promised, I’m not going to tell you more than what’s available on the website, to keep the surprise effect going. But know that this is the one that, in my opinion, has the best set-up to bring you into their world. Get ready to step back in time to the 20s!
The story goes back to the last century, when French billionaire Antoine Mercier built the little hotel in the 1920s as a gift to the city of Toronto. The name comes from the fact that the real gift was for his wife Isabel. Sadly, he died before completion. An inquest into his death confirmed that it was natural causes. His wife no longer had the energy to finish building the hotel, and she stopped at the hotel entrance. Welcome to À toi.
Please note that photos are forbidden except in one spot.
Bowie
This is my second favorite on this list. Bowie is a bar hidden away on a small street in the Ossington district. We searched for a while to find the entrance. I love the difference between the unassuming exterior and the moment you walk through the door and enter a completely different universe. Bowie doesn’t have a history like A Toi, but it’s still a well-hidden restaurant in Toronto. The place isn’t very big, so you have several tables for small groups or if you’re coming one-on-one. They have great cocktails and mocktails (although they’re expensive for blood alcohol). We also tried the mini burgers and fries: everything was very good. What I also liked was that the music wasn’t too loud and we could hear each other.
Prequel &co. Apothecary
So I had high hopes for Prequel &co. Apothecary. We’re now on the Queen Street West side of the street. The exterior is gorgeous. As with À toi, the decor is inspired by Paris. You enter through a small boutique. There’s so much potential, but I think the setting and the entry into the story could be better. They’ve already got the structure, the decoration, there’s not much missing. I wasn’t so keen on the story, but their cocktails are really good. You can also order food and it was really delicious.
Slice of Life
This hidden bar didn’t come up on any lists when I was researching secret bars in Toronto. So this one is really well hidden. Let me tell you how I found it. We had eaten on Queen Street West for my boyfriend’s birthday. We were looking for a bar afterwards. I looked on the map and found a speak easy called Slice of Life. But then to be hidden it was really hidden. You could have walked past it a thousand times, day or night, and you wouldn’t have seen it! We pushed open the door, not knowing whether we’d stumble into the bar we were looking for or into someone’s apartment and give them a pleasant surprise.
The place is tiny but the cocktails are super original! The entrance is hot. No history either, but I really liked the place.
Here’s a non-exhaustive list of Toronto’s hidden bars, but one that’s sure to evolve! I’ve got more secret bars in my notes to try out… Bookmark this article and come back to it when I’ve added new experiences. In the meantime, find me on Instagram and Youtube! Comment with your favorite hidden restaurants and bars in Toronto.
