Our community picks for top cocktail bars, dive bars and nightlife spots in Toronto, Ontario — independent, family-run and locally-loved places, ranked by rating and community feedback. Each spot links to its full profile with hours, menu highlights and vibe.
Toronto · 5/5 (17 reviews)
Rumble Pontiac offers a relaxed atmosphere for patrons to enjoy drinks and conversation. It's a straightforward bar setting designed for casual gatherings and unwinding after a long day. The focus is on providing a…
Known for: a relaxed atmosphere for drinks and conversation.
Toronto · 4.9/5 (1052 reviews) · chinese
Street Grill Bar offers a variety of traditional Chinese dishes in a casual dining setting. Located in Toronto, Ontario, it provides a comfortable spot for enjoying familiar flavors and classic preparations. The…
Known for: traditional Chinese dishes in a casual dining setting.
Toronto · 4.9/5 (64 reviews) · african, caribbean
Modern Afro-Caribbean restaurant on Queen West blending Nigerian, Caribbean, and contemporary flavours. Creative cocktails, jollof arancini, and suya-spiced dishes in a stylish, lively setting.
Known for: modern Afro-Caribbean dishes and creative cocktails in a lively setting.
Toronto · 4.8/5 (54 reviews) · african
Arada Bar and Restaurant offers a taste of Ethiopia in Toronto. Enjoy traditional dishes served on injera, a sourdough flatbread, perfect for sharing. The atmosphere is welcoming, making it a good spot for a casual…
Known for: traditional Ethiopian dishes served on injera, perfect for sharing.
Toronto · 4.8/5 (5317 reviews) · indian
Modern, bare-brick space with a relaxed vibe offering inventive Indian cuisine, served tapas-style.
Known for: inventive Indian cuisine, served tapas-style, in a modern setting.
Toronto · 4.8/5 (6692 reviews) · indian
Cosy restaurant offering traditional Punjabi dishes & vegetarian options, plus a wine bar.
Known for: Authentic North Indian cuisine with Punjabi Dhaba style cooking using seasonal herbs and rich spices
Toronto · 4.8/5 (296 reviews) · french, fusion
A Leslieville gem championing Ontario ingredients and all-Ontario wines. Chef Ricky Casipe elevates nostalgic 90s childhood classics with clever twists, including a Big Mac-inspired steak tartare.
Known for: elevated nostalgic classics using Ontario ingredients and wines.
Toronto · 4.8/5 (3114 reviews) · chinese, indian
Angara offers a taste of both traditional Indian and Hakka cuisine in downtown Toronto. Diners can explore a menu that blends familiar Indian spices with Chinese influences, perfect for a casual meal or takeaway. The…
Known for: Authentic Indian and Hakka cuisine with North Indian specialties and traditional tandoor grills
Toronto · 4.8/5 (8073 reviews) · indian
Charcoal butter chicken, fish tikka & curry plates in a laid-back Indian eatery with a terrace.
Known for: charcoal butter chicken, fish tikka, and curry plates in a laid-back setting
Toronto · 4.8/5 (2778 reviews) · chinese, indian
Kalyug offers a unique fusion of Indian and Hakka flavors in a vibrant cocktail bar setting. Enjoy a diverse menu featuring classic Indian dishes alongside popular Hakka cuisine, all while exploring an innovative…
Known for: a unique fusion of Indian and Hakka flavors in a vibrant cocktail bar setting.
Toronto · 4.8/5 (2690 reviews) · indian
Dil Tak Indian Cuisine and Bar in Toronto offers a taste of traditional Indian flavors. The restaurant provides a welcoming atmosphere for diners to enjoy their meals. It's a suitable spot for those seeking authentic…
Known for: traditional Indian flavors in a welcoming atmosphere
Toronto · 4.8/5 (703 reviews) · chinese
Chopfire 西门炊烟 offers a contemporary dining experience in Toronto, specializing in Northern Chinese cuisine with a focus on noodles and grilled dishes. The restaurant provides a stylish setting suitable for various…
Known for: Northern Chinese cuisine with a focus on noodles and grilled dishes
Toronto · 4.7/5 (381 reviews)
Henrietta Lane is a Toronto bar offering a curated selection of drinks in a stylish setting. The venue provides a comfortable space for patrons to unwind and socialize over expertly crafted cocktails and other…
Known for: a curated selection of expertly crafted cocktails in a stylish setting
Toronto · 4.7/5 (924 reviews) · chinese
A BBQ House offers a variety of classic barbecue dishes in a casual setting. This restaurant provides a straightforward dining experience for those seeking familiar flavors. It is a suitable spot for a relaxed meal…
Known for: a variety of classic barbecue dishes in a casual, straightforward setting.
Toronto · 4.6/5 (1206 reviews) · indian
Baazigar offers a taste of vibrant Indian street food in a lively setting. The menu features familiar favorites and regional specialties, prepared with authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. It's a place to gather…
Known for: vibrant Indian street food and regional specialties
Toronto · 4.6/5 (815 reviews) · french, fusion
A gorgeous Dovercourt neighbourhood tavern from the team behind Dreyfus. Rotisserie chicken, Ontario vegetable dishes, and a sharp wine list in a warm Montreal-inspired setting with live piano.
Known for: rotisserie chicken, Ontario vegetable dishes, and a sharp wine list
Toronto · 4.6/5 (1973 reviews) · american
One Eyed Jack offers a diverse menu with a focus on quality ingredients in a lively setting. It's a popular spot for both casual meals and evening drinks, providing a comfortable atmosphere for diners and patrons…
Known for: a diverse menu with quality ingredients in a lively setting
Toronto · 4.6/5 (11098 reviews) · italian
Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar on Front Street offers a taste of Italy in the heart of Toronto. This eatery aims to provide a comfortable dining experience with a focus on traditional Italian dishes prepared with…
Known for: traditional Italian dishes prepared with fresh ingredients in a comfortable setting
Toronto · 4.6/5 (402 reviews) · greek, indian
This Leslieville spot may be small, but it boasts an amazing cocktail menu and great food (oysters, fried chicken, scallop crudo) to go with it. Potential drawback: This place is pretty small. 3. Wa
Known for: an amazing cocktail menu and great food like oysters and fried chicken.
Toronto · 4.6/5 (1043 reviews) · african
Sleek Eritrean-Ethiopian eatery featuring live music & dishes for both carnivores & vegans.
Known for: sleek Eritrean-Ethiopian eatery featuring live music and diverse dishes
We rank top cocktail bars, dive bars and nightlife spots in Toronto by rating and community feedback, favouring independent and family-run spots — 20 are listed on this page.
See our late-night guide at https://cupsandbites.com/toronto/open-late for spots in Toronto open past 10 p.m., with today's hours on every profile.
Spots that take reservations show a "Reserve a table" button on their profile; others show "Call to book" or are walk-in.
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