Brianna HarrisonExploring Toronto’s vibrant food scene around Scotiabank Arena is a treat as the ACC offers a wide range of cool restaurants to suit every picky taste bud.
While you can’t always visit Italy for the sunshine, these restaurants can transport you to il bel paese. Here are some of our favorite picks.
Aria
Website: https://ariaristorante.ca/
Address: 25 York St, Toronto, ON M5J 2V5, Canada
Contact details: (416) 363-2742
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5 – 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 5 – 9:30 PM
- Closed on Sunday
Directly adjacent to the arena, Aria sets the standard for authentic Italian cuisine in Toronto. With 35-foot glass walls, the dining space is bathed in daylight, creating a beautiful and lofty atmosphere.
The restaurant offers a tempting menu from calamari fritti to branzino with spring caponata. Once here, you might find yourself overeating – but don’t worry, you can always walk around the ACC for a relaxing stroll afterward.
Pro Tip:
We have a preference for the ravioli stuffed with porcini in white truffle butter and their espresso martini.
Amano
Website: https://www.eatamano.com/
Address: Union Station, 65 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E6, Canada
Contact details: (647) 350-0092
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 3 – 9 PM
Tucked in Union Station, this Italian spot is a surprise with better-than-expected food like the burrata cheese and rigatoni bolognese. Crafting handmade pasta right in front of you, it’s a delightful discovery for commuters, just across from Union Chicken.
Despite the calm vibe with candle-lit tables, it gets a bit lively near the open kitchen. If you’re after serenity, this might not be your quiet corner.
Pro Tip:
Coffee lovers, they’ve got a cafe open Tuesday to Thursday, 7:30 am to 11:00 am.
Fresh
Website: https://www.eatamano.com/
Address: Union Station, 65 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E6, Canada
Contact details: (647) 350-0092
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 3 – 9 PM
In the heart of the city near Union Station, Berczy Park, and the iconic Gooderham Building, Fresh is your spot for plant-based eats in the downtown hustle. They’ve got a big menu of modern veggie and vegan dishes plus made-to-order juices!
You can take your pick from happy hour food, vegan delights, and enjoy the convenience of Wi-Fi. We love their brunch, which is available on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:30 AM to 3 PM.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for a quick afternoon bite, try the Dragon Fries with their date almond drink during happy hours – 3 to 5 PM daily.
Kupfert & Kim
Website: http://www.kupfertandkim.com/
Address: 20 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario M6J 2N8
Contact details: (416) 360-5555
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday: 8 AM – 2:30 PM
- Closed on Saturday and Sunday
At Kupfert & Kim in Waterpark Place, they’re all about plant-based goodness served fast. Try their minimally processed food to help save animals and the planet – one delectable bite at a time!
You can find them near Toronto’s waterfront Mecca, Queen’s Quay, with a pedestrian walkway linking us to the south face of the Scotiabank Arena. You might just work up an appetite on your way here.
Pro Tip:
Don’t judge us, but we love their overnight oats and the almond chocolate bowl washed down with their açaí smoothie for quick snacks.
Real Sports
Website: https://www.rs.ca/
Address: 15 York St, Toronto, ON M5J 2Z2, Canada
Contact details: (416) 815-5983
Operating hours:
- Open every day from 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Visit Real Sports in Maple Leaf Square Condos for the ultimate sports bar experience! With nearly 200 TVs and 100+ beer taps, it’s the go-to spot for classic nachos, featuring freshly fried chips, a signature spice blend, housemade pico de gallo, and more!
Amp up the goodness with toppings like chili, guacamole, or roast chicken. It’s not just a meal – it’s a game-day feast!
Pro Tip:
Try their garlic knots, chicken tenders, and poutine for some quick bites in between rooting for your favorite players and athletes.
La Carnita
Website: https://www.lacarnita.com/
Address: 106 John St, Toronto, ON M5H 1X9, Canada
Contact details: (647) 348-1166
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday 12 – 11 PM
- Thursday to Saturday 12 PM – 12 AM
La Carnita is your spot for creative tacos, craft beer, and cocktails with graffiti murals and a hip-hop vibe. Dive into Mexican street corn, a variety of tacos (try the fish or al pastor), and margaritas at this Entertainment District hotspot.
The place boasts lively music, so opt for the patio if you prefer conversation during dinner. Finish with a paletta for dessert before your short walk to Scotiabank Arena.
Pro Tip:
We recommend pairing their Mexican street corn with Carne Asada Short Ribs for some filling feasts.
Miku Toronto
Website: https://mikutoronto.com/
Address: 10 Bay St. #105, Toronto, ON M5J 2R8, Canada
Contact details: (647) 347-7347
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Monday: 12 – 9 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 – 10 PM
Discover flame-seared sushi perfection at Miku Toronto in Waterpark Place. This Japanese fine-dining spot features stunning ceilings, happy hour delights, and fantastic cocktails.
Try the exquisite Aburi – the torch-seared sushi – for a memorable tasting experience. We know Executive Chef Junnosuke Fujikawa loves to bring out new food ideas and we can’t wait to try them!
Pro Tip:
Aside from the signature Aburi, we recommend checking out their Japanese crispy chicken and matcha chocolate fondant.
Sansotei Ramen Union Station
Website: https://www.sansotei.com/
Address: 65 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E6, Canada
Contact details: (416) 861-9770
Operating hours:
- Open every day from 10 AM – 8 PM
Get your noodle fix without leaving Union Station at Sansotei Ramen. This casual spot in Union Food Court offers modern Japanese noodle soups, with a specialty in pork-based Tonkotsu ramen.
No reservations needed – just stop by for a quick bowl before your indoor stroll to the arena!
Pro Tip:
If Tonkotsu isn’t your style, try the Shoyu or the Spicy Tantan.
e11even
Website: https://www.e11even.ca/
Address: 65 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E6, Canada
Contact details: (416) 861-9770
Operating hours:
- Open every day from 10 AM – 8 PM
Experience updated American classics and a 3,200-bottle wine list at e11even in Maple Leaf Square Condos. Their happy-hour food options pair perfectly with their cocktails – and there are even vegetarian dishes if you’re into that.
You can sit between their York Street and Don Julio patio sides and enjoy the last summer rays on their patio before the season ends.
Pro Tip:
Call us old-fashioned but we love their e11even burger and their platinum service kosher hot dogs with some glasses or bottles of their wine collection.
The Fox
Website: https://www.foxonbay.ca/
Address: 35 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5J 3B2, Canada
Contact details: (416) 869-3535
Operating hours:
- Open every day from 11:30 AM – 12 AM
Visit The Fox at Pinnacle Centre for quick drinks and fries while waiting at GO Union Station. This stylish pub offers American comfort food, craft brews, and a streetside patio.
Enjoy quick service with outdoor seating, great cocktails, and food served at the bar. Located just 50 yards south of Scotiabank Arena, The Fox provides an urban take on the traditional pub with handcrafted cocktails and craft beer.
Pro Tip:
Pair the chicken club sandwich and steak fries with some of their giant 32-ounce beer or a glass of their strawberry negroni – careful though, the alcohol can be strong!
Miller Tavern
Website: https://themillertavern.com/bay
Address: 31 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5J 3B2, Canada
Contact details: (416) 366-5544
Operating hours:
- Open every day from 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Satisfy your raw bar cravings at Miller Tavern in the Financial District. Don’t miss the impressive seafood tower featuring a dozen oysters, six shrimp, tuna, crab claws, and a whole lobster!
If seafood isn’t your first choice, there are equally satisfying steak bavette or mushroom risotto. This time-tested restaurant in Pinnacle Centre serves seafood, chops, and gourmet comfort food with a great wine list, perfect for happy hour and sports watching.
Pro Tip:
Try their crab cakes and the seafood platter to satisfy your cravings!
Pearl Diver
Website: https://pearldiver.to/
Address: 100 Adelaide St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1K9
Contact details: (416) 366-7827
Operating hours:
- Sunday: 4:30 PM – 10 PM
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 4:30 PM – 10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 4:30 PM – 11 PM
Experience the best in seafood and carnivorous delights at The Pearl Diver on Adelaide St. E. With a focus on local, ethical, and sustainable options, this award-winning restaurant offers a diverse menu.
Led by chefs Milosz “Tom” Malycha and Martin Zechel, the Pearl Diver dishes out dry-aged beef burgers, PEI Rib Eyes, local pork loin chops, and Ontario hanger steaks. Thirsty? Try their craft beers, wine selections, and hand-crafted seasonal cocktails.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning a small party, the restaurant’s spacious “kitchen pantry” is perfect for private functions.
