Being a foodie, whenever I attend events and the day has just ended, I always have one question in mind: What’s good to eat in the city?
To help make this easier, I have put together my top five restaurants for you to explore while you’re here at WEC 2019. If you need more suggestions, message me on the WEC 2019 app or on Instagram @dharma80, and I would be happy to navigate you.
Let’s get started! Here are five restaurants you should totally check out at WEC 2019:
Oretta
If you want to check out a casual Italian eatery with a retro-modern feel, then this is the place for you.
With its pastel and jewel tones, the atmosphere takes you back to the 60s and 70s. As for the food, the arancini balls will literally have you salivating with the mouth-watering porcini arancini truffles. And for the main course, my favorite is the Chitarrina al Pomodoro, a simple pasta dish topped with fresh basil and extra flavors. It’s a classic that will never steer you wrong.
Planta
If you’re in the mood for vegetarian, there’s no better option than Planta, which is 100 percent plant-based and the brainchild of local chef David Lee.
Appetizers here are stunning creations. I’m not usually a fan of broccoli, but the bang-bang broccoli, sauteed in chili sauce and peanut butter, converted me. As for mains, you can’t go wrong with the wild morel mushroom fried rice, which pairs nicely with the kung pao eggplant. This sweet explosion of spices and flavor keeps me going back.
www.plantarestaurants.com/location/planta-queen/
Miku
This much-hyped Japanese restaurant originated in Vancouver and now lives at Toronto’s waterfront, where it’s just a 15-minute walk from the convention centre.
I have to confess: I’m not big on fish. But its claim to fame is Aburi-style sushi, which has me thinking differently. It’s a delicious take on layered sushi that’s flame-seared. That’s right: flame-seared. Of course, they have many other items on the menu that are incredible and a diner’s delight.
www.mikutoronto.com/
El Catrin
One of my favorite things to do in Toronto is heading to the Distillery District. It always takes me back in time with its cobblestone streets and architecture from the 1800’s. There’s always this magic there whenever I’ve gone to visit.
Within this incredible space is El Catrin, a fun Mexican restaurant that gives you a nostalgic feeling with lantern-like lighting and a firepit in the center. The venue is beautifully decorated with folk-art inspired chandeliers and a huge mural on the wall. As for the food, well, the tacos are delicious. And their Esquites – which include charred corn off the cob, chipotle aioli, lime, queso cotija and cilantro – are a home run every time.
Ramen Isshin
If you have a craving for ramen at an authentic local spot while you’re here in Toronto, check this place out. I always go to Ramen Isshin to fulfill my craving for a vegetarian spicy delicious bowl of heaven. The noodles are perfectly cooked and make an explosion of flavor with the homemade broth. I usually top it with a melt in your mouth egg and hot volcano sauce. I like it spicy (Saikim Style).
There’s no better taste of truly authentic Ramen IMO. Just remember to get there early to avoid its long lineups. Lines can be as long as 45 minutes. I recommend get your name on the list, head next door for a drink and pop back in. They’re on point with their timing.
www.ramenisshin.com/
To help make it easier, please enjoy this friendly map highlighting the restaurants in the city. I’ve also included my favorite bar on this list: BarChef!
