Toronto’s Trendiest Restaurants For An Action Filled Date Night
By: Emmy Gnat
We all can admit to that one (or five) night(s…) we cancelled a reservation to get a meal from Uber Eats and entertainment from Netflix. The lazy night-in never fails to impress, but it is quick to bore your relationship. Pick yourself up from your date night slump; bring out your inner gamer and eating pants and head out to some of Toronto’s boldest date night restaurants.
Photo: trackandfieldbar on Instagram
Ever challenged your significant other to an intense and intoxicated game of shuffleboard? Well, now you can at this lawn game exclusive bar. The owners, Dustin Keating, Joshua Leblanc, and publicist Nickie Minshall were sick of sitting around at bars and wanted to spend their night doing something active. They had already ventured to every other game themed bar in the city and were ready to create their own unique kind. Wait no longer than 25 minutes for the most exciting version of retirement home games. Their huge drink menu ranges from fine wines to homemade cocktails. Not in the mood for what’s on the menu? Order some pizza, whatever you want go’s – the customer is always right. This may be new to the Toronto bar scene but its creative platform is sure to make it a classic.
Photo: bar_isabel on Instagram
Open late and perfect for an after date bite; Bar Isabel has a delectable menu of appetizer sized portions. This restaurant is decorated like a Spanish Tavern looking to transport you from the busy streets of Toronto. From Monday to Sunday this place is packed full of young and energetic people hustling about. Their infamous menu will have you drooling. Some fan favourites are the octopus, seafood tower, and roast bone marrow. The waiters here know the menu inside out and will be able to give you all the tips for complimenting your meal with the perfect wines from their extensive bar collection. Make sure you order lots and share because there are tons of items on this menu that you don’t want to miss out on.
Photo: crimarkable on Instagram
Is there a better way to get to know your significant other than over a Game of Life? Online gaming may be all the rage, but sometimes it’s best to play the originals – board games. Ben Castanie and Aurelia Peynet first opened their doors in 2010 after moving to Canada from France. Their goal was to keep the fun of boardgames that helped their family bond. There may be no wifi, but you will be satisfied with their selection of over a thousand games and the social and friendly atmosphere with a crowd ranging from mid teens to seniors. The menu at this adorably entertaining café ranges from quick coffee shop food to wine and salmon tartar. Take the dessert route and try their infamous Nutella Latte or homemade brownies. There is no time limit here so you can game until they kick you out at closing.
Photo: gothyapplejack on Instagram
Get ready to whip out your paddles and take your table tennis skills to the next level at this crazy fun restaurant. Originally from New York, creator Ryan Fisher saw the need for some Ping-Pong in Toronto and was ready to bring his A-game. Why hit balls in the basement when you can join a tournament to show off your talent. Not the competitive type? That is cool too, book a private table for you and your friends to catch up and play around. Re-energize in between games with pretzel knots or hand cut fries. SPiN prides themselves in using local ingredients in their food. Get off your boring bar stool and get playing.