Small Intimate Weddings: Private Dining Options for Your Special Day

Small intimate weddings are becoming increasingly popular, especially these days when many couples look for unique and personalized ways to celebrate their love. If you’re planning a small wedding and searching for a more intimate setting, consider hosting it in a private dining room or area. Here are some incredible private dining options for your big day:

  1. Private dining rooms

Many restaurants have private dining rooms perfect for small and intimate weddings. These rooms offer privacy, personalized service, and a unique ambiance. Private dining rooms vary in size, accommodating anywhere from 10 to 100 guests, depending on the restaurant. The design and decor of these rooms can also vary, from sleek & modern to more traditional.

One of the benefits of choosing a private dining room for your small wedding is the level of customization available. You can work closely with the restaurant’s event team to create a personalized menu and decor to suit your taste and style. Some restaurants also offer custom seating plans and AV equipment to ensure every detail of your special day is perfect.

  1. Restaurants’ outdoor spaces

Looking for a more relaxed & casual atmosphere for your small wedding? Some restaurants have outdoor spaces—such as patios, rooftop areas, or gardens—that can be transformed into a beautiful wedding ceremony or reception venue. Outdoor spaces offer a beautiful backdrop for your big day and can accommodate more guests than indoor private dining rooms.

If you want a more unconventional option, consider restaurants that offer private dining on a boat or yacht. This unique experience can provide breathtaking views of the water and skyline, making it an unforgettable location for your wedding.

Also, restaurants’ outdoor spaces—no matter where they are—provide more flexibility in decor and design. You and the event team can work closely to decorate the outdoor area with flowers, lighting, and other elements to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

  1. Buyouts

For couples who want complete privacy and exclusivity, some restaurants offer the option of buying out the entire restaurant for the evening. This option can accommodate larger guest lists and allows for more flexibility in terms of decor and menu options. Buying out a restaurant is a great option for couples who want to create a truly unique experience.

At Blu Ristorante, we offer a full buyout of our restaurant for small weddings. This private dining option allows you to enjoy your big day with up to 110 guests in a perfect setting.

  1. Semi-private spaces

Some restaurants have semi-private spaces that offer a balance of privacy and openness. These spaces may have partial walls or dividers that create a sense of intimacy while still allowing for some interaction with other diners. Semi-private spaces are ideal for smaller weddings that want to create a more intimate and exclusive atmosphere while still enjoying the energy and ambiance of a bustling restaurant.

  1. Chef’s table

Are you and your soon-to-be spouse passionate about food? A chef’s table experience can be a great option for your small wedding. This option offers a unique and immersive dining experience where guests can watch the chefs prepare and plate each course. Chef’s tables are typically located in the restaurant’s kitchen or a dining area adjacent to the kitchen.

The benefits of a chef’s table experience for your small wedding include a unique and immersive dining experience. These also include personalized attention from the restaurant’s chefs and the ability to create a customized menu that highlights your favorite foods and flavors.

Summing it up

When it comes to private dining options for small weddings, the possibilities are truly endless. From intimate private rooms to beautiful outdoor spaces and unique venues, restaurants offer multiple options to create a magical and memorable wedding day. That’s not to mention that private dining also often provides the added convenience of having everything in one place —the ceremony, reception, and catering all in the same location.

It’s also worth mentioning that private dining for a small wedding can be more cost-effective than renting out a larger wedding venue. Restaurants often offer affordable packages for private dining events, which include catering and beverage options. This can help couples save money on their overall wedding budget while still providing an elegant and personalized experience for themselves and their guests.

Ready to book a private dining room or restaurant buyout for your wedding? Contact Blu Ristorante. Our restaurant staff is ready to help make your big day special & memorable.


The 12 Most Romantic Restaurants in Toronto [2023]

If you are looking for a romantic place to celebrate your special occasion, BLU Ristorante is the perfect choice. With live music Sundays, an extensive list of dishes, and a wine bar section, BLU Ristorante has everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable evening. 

The Woodfire Roasted Australian Rack of Lamb is a must-try dish, and with heirloom carrots, rapini, parsnip purée and mushroom veal jus, it’s sure to please even the most discerning palate. 

Whether you’re looking for a quiet evening for two or a night out with friends, BLU Ristorante is the perfect place to celebrate your special occasion.

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7 Reasons You Should Try Private Dining in Toronto

Whether you’re planning to throw a corporate dinner party or an intimate event with friends or family, hiring private dining rooms can be a great choice. That’s especially true if Toronto is your target location. Toronto is home to many incredible private dining rooms that can offer your guests an impressive ambiance, food, and dining experience. Still not convinced? Read on as we’ve listed the seven good reasons you should try private dining in Toronto. 

1. A sense of exclusivity

With private dining rooms in Toronto restaurants, you don’t have to worry about other guests disturbing or interfering with your event. Similarly, you don’t have to think about your party being too loud or bothersome for other diners. You can even organize a program or activity in addition to the dinner itself without worrying about other people in the restaurant. You and your guests can enjoy the amazing food, ambiance, and dining experience to the fullest! 

 

2. Impeccable service

Private dining areas usually have a designated catering staff that will give you their full attention. With no other customers to serve, the well-trained staff can quickly attend to your guests’ needs and ensure they have a great time during the dinner service. Some private dining venues in Toronto even offer special table service or a private butler who ensures the designated staff lives up to your expectations. That is a classy experience that will surely make your family party, a holiday party with friends, or a corporate event fun & memorable. 

 

3. Curated menus

When you book private dining in Toronto, you will likely have the option to have well-curated menus for your event. You can talk to the restaurant about the menu before the event. That will help you better plan your event budget. Curated menus can also help you keep an eye on your guests’ dietary requirements. It’s best to ask your guests about their dietary needs and allergies before the event. That way, you can talk to the chef to provide vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options and adjust some choices for those with food allergies. 

 

4. Better control over costing

Apart from the food menu, you can curate the drinks menu when you hire a private venue. That’s a huge help since beverages are often one of the highest costs in group parties. You can coordinate with the restaurant to only offer your guests wines, cocktails, and other drinks that suit your budget. If possible, ask to pre-select the beverages to be included in the menu. That way, you don’t have to worry about the bill when your guests start ordering drinks. 

5. A versatile venue

Need to plan a birthday and a corporate dinner in the same month? You can hire the same private venue. Most private dining rooms in Toronto are highly versatile spaces, making them suitable for a variety of occasions & functions. They often have luxurious interiors you can customize to suit your event or theme. Plus, most of these venues have or are at least willing to provide audio-visual equipment and any other tools you may need for your event. In turn, your guests can comfortably deliver a speech or participate in any activity you’ve set. 

 

6. Less planning 

When you book a private dining venue, many planning tasks are taken off your plate. These tasks include hiring a catering service, renting equipment & furniture pieces, handling the seating arrangement, and many more. You can sit back as the professionals do what they do best and help you mount the event that impresses your family, friends, or colleagues. 

 

7. No need to clean up

When hosting parties at home, your job isn’t finished when the guests leave. You still need to clean up a probably overwhelming mess. But that shouldn’t be a worry when you book a private dining room in Toronto. The restaurant staff is tasked to clean up after the event. That way, you can enjoy the event to the fullest and not worry about tidying up afterward. 


The Top 9 Toronto Restaurants for Outdoor Dining

If you want to enjoy delicious food and drinks in a soothing ambiance, Toronto has some amazing places to offer. But with so many restaurants, cafes, and bars out there, it can be difficult to pick one when you’re going out. But worry not, we have you covered. 

 

We have compiled a list of the top 9 Toronto restaurants for outdoor dining that you must check out. 

1. Blu Ristorante

Specializing in authentic Italian cuisine, Blu Ristorante (Yorkville) is famous for its beautiful ambiance and scrumptious food. You can choose to sit in the heated patio area, which is beautifully decked up to offer you a cozy, relaxing vibe. Ideal for summers, the warm and inviting atmosphere of the patio is something you’ll feel like coming back to, again and again. You could also check out their grand indoor dining area and bar while treating your ears to the melodies of live music. 

2. Allen’s 

A legendary eatery located in Danforth Avenue, Allen’s is a place you cannot miss out on. The outdoor seating area offers you the much-needed break you need after a hectic day at work. Here you can treat yourself to burgers, whisky, wine, beer, and so on—their menu is pretty extensive. Reminiscent of a New York pub, this place has a classic charm to it, something that both locals and visitors find attractive. 

3. Cano Restaurant

Be it day or night—Cano Restaurant‘s outdoor patio always feels like a great place to hang out, unwind, and indulge in your favorite dishes and drinks. Conveniently located on St. Clair Avenue, Cano Restaurant is an ideal spot to visit with your partner, friends, or family. You can also choose to sit in the nicely decorated indoor area, but the outdoor patio has its own charm!

4. Bymark 

If you’re looking for a premium dining experience in Toronto, Bymark is a must-try. Situated within the Toronto Dominion Centre in Wellington Street, Bymark boasts elevated interiors and a comfortable outdoor dining area. Everything from food, drinks, staff behavior, to the vibe of the place—you’ll find hardly anything to complain about. 

5. Sassafraz 

When you’re in Toronto, there’s nothing like sitting on the Sassafraz patio, sipping on your favorite drink, and admiring the lush greenery and the ethereal decor. Over the years, this place has become one of the most popular venues for outdoor dining, special lunch and dinners, and private events. The all-white decor complemented by a wooden touch creates a calm and refreshing ambiance and makes you feel at home. 

6. Lee

At Lee Restaurant, you’ll experience a unique amalgamation of Chinese traditions and French culinary techniques. Their curated menu serves South-East Asian delicacies. The entire restaurant is decked up in a family-style setting. While the outdoor seating area is beautiful, you’ll also enjoy the vibe and lighting of the indoor space. 

7. Lapinou

Lapinou has turned a simple alleyway of King Street West into a bright and happening outdoor dining restaurant. Inevitably reminding you of the French wine bars, this neo-bistro oozes an old-world charm. From the bare bricks, and lanterns, to the wrought iron seats, everything has an industrial vibe to it, while also being welcoming and cozy. Stay till the evening to enjoy the dreamy fairy lights. 

8. Té 

brings to you Korean cuisine prepared with a contemporary touch. With every bite you take, you’ll be reminded of Seoul’s home-cooked meals. The best part about this restaurant is that the dishes are specially made by the chef and her mother. Both the outdoor and indoor spaces boast pretty decor, with lots of wall painting and lights to cheer you up. When you’re here, don’t forget to try out their Japanese craft beer and tea cocktails. 

9. Giulietta 

Last but not least, there is Giulietta, located on College Street. Be it the seating arrangements or the decor, things are marked by simplicity here. And thanks to their top-notch food, expect to see lots of crowds here. On days when you’re craving Italian, a meal at Giulietta’s patio is all you need. 

 

Explore these places, and relish outdoor dining in Toronto like never before!

 

Image by TravelScape on Freepik


Outdoor Dining benefits

Have you ever tried outdoor dining? Sure you do. If you are one of the many people who enjoy eating food outside with the people you love while adoring a breathtaking view, then you probably know that feeling of excitement when you hear the words “Alfresco dining”. 

Outdoor Dining is not just a fun activity but also offers a long list of benefits. It is a great way to destress and defocus after a long day. Surrounded by various sights, scents, textures, and nature as you share a hearty meal together, alfresco dining is nothing but a perfect experience.

Alfresco comes from the Italian word which loosely means “in the cool air”. Spending time outdoors have great health benefits.

When you combine food with the outdoors, the experience is incredible, but it does not end there. Here are the top reasons you should choose alfresco dining for the most part.

Elevated sensory experience

Outdoor dining provides you with a good view of nature which sparks inspiration, more vigor, and creativity. It is a wonderful treat for your senses. You may also be surprised that most people who choose alfresco dining find food to taste even better because it promotes an elevated sensory experience.

The fresh air outside improves your sense of taste and smell because of its ability to reduce congestion and provide better ventilation.

 

Being one with nature

Nature benefits our emotional, psychological, and physical health. It improves our mood, reduces feelings of stress, calms down our nerves, and helps us take time out to feel more relaxed. People who spend more time outdoors enjoying the beauty of nature have a happier life.

It can generate joy, creativity, positive emotions, and calmness. It can also help facilitate concentration. Sitting outdoors away from office settings can help you to reset. You will come back to work with new ideas, better focus, and more energy.

If you’ve ever noticed, tiny natural addition to your space such as an aquarium or a plant can already provide a soothing effect. Nature has the power to keep your mind and body healthy. By looking at nature alone, your stress hormones will decrease, your muscle tensions will be eased, your blood pressure and heart rate will be regulated, and your energy levels will increase.

Give yourself a break from the monotony of being cooped inside. Take advantage of the alfresco dining experience to allow your body and mind to relax and recover. 

Soaking up the sun

How amazing is the feeling of warm sunshine streaming down on you? This is what alfresco dining can offer you. Between spending hours at work, tending to everyday chores and errands, commuting or driving, and dealing with never-ending stuff that pulls you away from relaxation, it may not be possible at all for you to find a way to soak up all the greatness of the sun.

Eating your breakfast or lunch outdoors, especially in cold months, will allow you to enjoy some sunlight which kickstarts Vitamin D production responsible for our moods and immune systems.

Vitamin D regulates our levels of adrenalin, serotonin, and dopamine. When they are at the right levels, we can keep depression at bay.

Social experience

Outdoor dining also provides an excellent social experience. When someone is enjoying a nice view, great companionship, and luscious food, that person tends to get off the grid to enjoy that moment. The lack of technology for this experience allows for better social interactions.

If you are looking for a romantic restaurant where you and your partner can have alfresco dining, Blu Ristorante is the perfect place to be. Regarded as one of the best Italian restaurants in Toronto, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. You can book a table or a private dining event at Blu Ristorante. Their dishes are truly a chef’s kiss!

Your body functions better

As we have been mentioning, alfresco dining can help you destress. When the body is in a relaxed mode, it is able to process food properly and distribute the nutrients well through the secretion of HCI into the stomach. This secretion, which also has the ability to kill harmful pathogens, does not happen all the time when we eat, especially when the stress hormones in the body are acting up. 

The soothing mood of alfresco dining can boost our body’s digestive functions.

Many studies have also shown that replacing natural light with artificial light is linked to higher chances of obesity, diabetes, and other harmful diseases. 

It is truly undeniable that alfresco dining is perfect for our mind, body, and soul.


Top 6 Reasons You Should Try Patio Dining

No matter how stunning the interior of a restaurant is, if it offers patio dining under the sky with greenery to keep you company, there’s hardly anything that can match up to it. 

If you haven’t tried the best patios in Toronto yet, this is the best time to go around the city and explore! And if you’re not sure why you should give patio dining a try, we are here to convince you. Because we don’t want you to miss out on this memorable experience! 

So without further ado, let’s dive into the top 6 reasons you should try patio dining in Toronto

Top 6 Reasons You Should Try Patio Dining in Toronto

 

1. Enjoying Nature 

Who doesn’t love to sit and enjoy their meal amid lush greenery? With patio dining, you get to spend some much-desired time in touch with nature, while also enjoying fantastic hospitality. 

Most patios these days are beautifully decorated with plants, flowers, etc. to create a welcoming atmosphere. If the weather is slightly chilly, you could also head to a place that offers heated patio seating. 

 

With patio dining, you get to spend some much-desired time in touch with nature, while also enjoying fantastic hospitality. 

 

2. Breaking the Monotony

You can eat at a regular restaurant all around the year, but the allure of patio dining is simply unmissable. When you’re dining outside the boundaries of four walls, you’re breaking free from the monotony of everyday life. 

Especially during the summer months, you should head to the patio restaurants in Toronto, and live your best life! Order your choice of cuisine, get some drinks, enjoy live music, and that’s it – fine dining at its finest!

 

Especially during the summer months, you should head to the patio restaurants in Toronto, and live your best life!

 

3. Spending Quality Time 

There’s no better place to spend quality time with your loved ones than at a patio dining restaurant. Whether you’re on a date, or you’re out and about with friends and family, patio dining allows you to spend quality time together, accompanied by food, drinks, and more. 

In short, the patio experience is an entire package – it connects you to your loved ones, and makes sure you have a gala time!

 

Blu Ristorante downtown Toronto | There's no better place to spend quality time with your loved ones than at a patio dining restaurant.

 

4. Relaxing Ambience

After spending the entire week at your workspace, your heart craves a soothing, relaxing ambiance. And you want to try out a place that takes away all your stress and worries. Well, good news – outdoor patio dining is just the solution you’re looking for. 

In most patio restaurants, you’ll be greeted with a warm, calm, yet happening ambiance – one that makes you feel good, instead of stealing away your peace of mind. So if you’re longing for some much-needed relaxing dining experience, it’s time to make a reservation at your favourite patio. 

 

 

5. Soaking in the Sunshine 

Summers don’t last forever in Toronto, so we’ve got to make the most of it while it’s still here! With patio dining, you’ll get to sit under the sun, soak in the goodness of vitamin D, and feel happy inside out. 

Sunlight boosts serotonin production in your brain, and as a result, your mood improves, and you feel more energetic and lively. And guess what, exposure to sun rays improves bone health, and also helps you sleep better. So instead of sitting in the usual indoor setup, why not step out and let your body enjoy the benefits of the sun? 

 

 

6. Perfect for Events 

Another reason why you should opt for patio dining is because it’s the perfect way to host an event. Be it your spouse’s birthday or your parents’ milestone anniversary, every celebration feels more special when you celebrate it in a beautiful patio setup. 

Delicious food, a beautiful environment, and lots of warmth – your guests will fondly remember the get-together for a long time. 

 

Enjoy the Best Patio Dining Toronto at Blu Ristorante 

If you’re in search of the best patio dining Toronto has to offer, Blu Ristorante is exactly what you need. 

Located in Yorkville, our USP is the gorgeous patio setup, the grand indoor seating area, and authentic Italian cuisine. Our special attraction is the semi-covered patio that keeps you warm and promises a happy time. 

At Blu Ristorante, you can enjoy intimate fine dining, with live music to soothe your senses. So be it for your next dinner date or a private event, don’t forget to get in touch with us. Make your reservation today! 


Dining Out: 10 Must-Try Patios in Yorkville

Yorkville isn’t only known for its upscale boutiques, beautiful homes, and bustling culture—it’s also home to some of the most interesting restaurants in Toronto, Ontario. Despite its small area, Yorkville boasts restaurants that offer a diverse range of cuisines. Visiting this neighborhood means you can eat Lebanese cuisine and grab gelato after. 

 

Moreso, Yorkville is full of restaurants that offer lovely alfresco dining. If you’re dining out this patio season, you should check out this list of some of the must-try patios in Yorkville.

 

  • Blu Ristorante

Blu Ristorante offers contemporary Italian cuisine and a wine bar right there in the heart of Yorkville. The modern decor of this restaurant is warm & inviting, but nothing beats its beautiful lush patio. Dining out on this patio will make you feel as if you were away. Your terrific dining experience will even be enhanced by the restaurant’s soothing live music.

  • Amal

Looking for a modern Lebanese restaurant in Toronto? Check out Amal in Yorkville. Its food is heavily rooted in culture while making a nod to new traditions. It also has a stunning and heated second-floor terrace that overlooks Bloor Street. Enjoy delicious Lebanese food while hanging out on this terrace decked with plants, pillows, and multiple lounge furniture pieces. 

  • The Pilot

The Pilot was originally a clubhouse for musicians, artists, and writers. Today, it still has an artsy ambiance, but it’s now a multi-level pub with an aviation theme. Apart from its main floor front patio, it also has a vibrant, spacious & heated rooftop patio called the Flight Deck. Climb to the Flight Deck and enjoy drinking draft beers and listening to live jazz music.

  • Kasa Moto 

Offering contemporary & flavor-packed Japanese food, Kasa Moto is a gem in Yorkville. It also offers two options for outdoor dining. You can either dine at a street-level terrace or go up to the rooftop patio. The sprawling rooftop patio is decked with its own bar, space heaters, and cabanas. Dine here at night, and you can enjoy delicious sushi while gazing at the stars.


  • Bar Reyna

Situated in a two-story Victorian house, Bar Reyna is a cocktail & snack bar that delivers sumptuous Mediterranean-inspired snacks and signature cocktails. It may have a small facade, but it offers plenty of alfresco dining. It features a gorgeous front patio, along with a spacious backyard patio that can seat 48 people. Try Lamb Baklava when you visit here. 

  • The Oxley

A fan of the traditional British pub? Go to The Oxley! It’s a gastropub that offers classic British pub fare—from fish and chips to traditional cask ales. It also has two patios. The front patio is on street level with a view of the Hazelton Hotel, while the courtyard offers a more intimate atmosphere. So go and grab a pint, choose a patio and enjoy your afternoon.

  • Sofia

Sofia has created the perfect space for food, art, and drink. It offers contemporary yet nostalgic Italian dishes in a restaurant space that shares a constantly curated art gallery. You can check out the art pieces before sitting and enjoying delectable pasta and wine. Plus, it features an atmospheric patio that makes for an elevated al fresco dining experience.

  • Sassafraz

Located in an array of Victorian rowhouses, Sassafraz is a gorgeous restaurant that offers irresistible French-inspired Canadian cuisine, wine, and cocktails. Apart from its lovely interiors, it has a shaded and romantic patio. It’s a perfect place to enjoy sumptuous dishes while people-watching or celebrity-spotting. 

  • Cibo Wine Bar

Cibo Wine Bar brings its southern Italian cooking to Yorkville. Here, you can enjoy handmade fresh pasta, delectable pizza, and other traditional Italian food. The restaurant offers two al fresco dining options. It has a side patio for an intimate dining experience. But if you want to be out in the open, you can stay on the street patio with umbrellas and shades.

  • ONE Restaurant

Preferred a charming candlelit patio for your romantic dinner? Go to ONE Restaurant at The Hazelton Hotel. Its tree-lined patio is the perfect place to indulge in a lavish dining experience while welcoming the patio season. Have a plate of branzino or filet mignon while drinking a glass of wine and enjoying your al fresco dining experience with your loved one. 


FINE DINING AND LIVE MUSIC IN TORONTO

In the vibrant city of Toronto, there are many options to choose from where entertainment is concerned. Trendy bars, fine dining restaurants, and a lively music scene intersperse this city’s diverse and varying neighborhoods, offering a deluge of activities to satisfy even the most finicky fusspot. Yet locating a venue that offers both a fine dining experience and live entertainment seems harder to come by. However, Blu Ristorante in Yorkville is one of those rare gems that offers live entertainment in a fine dining Italian restaurant atmosphere.

Heated Patio Yorkville Toronto

Perhaps this is because it has become difficult to bridge the two together successfully, where many places have tried but failed. It seems one must either suffer mediocre cuisine with great music or the sound is too loud and inappropriate for guests to enjoy their dining experience. Having to shout at one another across the table hardly seems relaxing or worth the money spent, and the type of music being played must also not compete with the cuisine and ambiance of the restaurant.

The supper club trend of recent years seems to have lost its appeal, as it appeared to cater only to those that didn’t mind a dining room that would suddenly turn into a raging nightclub. Some hotels in Toronto do offer live entertainment however then you are stuck staying in the hotel, rather than getting out and exploring the city. Although challenging to find, a fine dining restaurant coupled with live entertainment is an added bonus to your night out and is well worth the search.

Yorkville Live MusicYorkville RestaurantYorkville Patio To

Blu Ristorante, a fine-dining Italian restaurant in Yorkville hits all the right notes. Known as one of Toronto’s most romantic restaurants, Blu is a rare gem. The softly lit ambiance of the dining room, along with exquisite modern Italian cuisine and a sophisticated wine list, provides the type of live entertainment that doesn’t compete, but rather enhances the entire dining experience. One can carry on a conversation while enjoying the talented musicians who understand the importance of guest satisfaction. Jazz classics, as well as contemporary compositions, are performed in each singer’s own unique style.

Yorkville Patio - TorontoYorkville Romantic RestaurantYorkville Patio - Toronto

What better way to impress your date than arrange for the musician to play their favorite song? Planning a group dinner can be stressful, but the added bonus of live music ensures that your guests will be both entertained and well-fed. Blu Ristorante in Yorkville caters to both intimate and group dining and does so with ease. This is one Toronto fine dining restaurant that successfully unites exceptional live music with superior modern Italian fare. Live music can also be enjoyed on Blu’s patio. Blu’s performers connect to Blu’s sound system so music is played throughout the restaurant on two levels and patio at an enjoyable volume.

Yorkville Restaurant - Toronto

Blu offers live music on Friday and Sunday nights. Guitar players/singers are dedicated to Fridays, while pianists/singers are dedicated to Sunday nights.

 

 


The perfect place for a perfect Friday night dinner

It’s Friday evening, a tough week has finished and you’re tired and hungry. Outside, the weather is great; a clear sky and nice temperature set the scenery for a perfect summer evening, ideal to dine out. Right now, you’re wondering where would be the best place to relax and have a great dinner in a cozy environment where you feel at home.

Yorkville, the iconic hippie neighborhood during the 60’s and now Toronto’s high-end shopping district, comes to your mind immediately. You remember your best friend recommended Blu, an Italian Ristorante located some steps away on Yorkville Avenue. “You and Silvia (my wife) will love it. It’s just an experience you can’t miss!” said David.

There we are, hungry and ready to enjoy David’s recommendation. The sun is setting, and we decide to have dinner at their patio. We haven’t ordered anything yet, and we know David is right, this will be a great evening; an aroma of freshly baked bread coming from their wood fired oven welcomes us.

Italian Restaurant in Yorkville Toronto

We have a hard time to decide what to order; everything looks delicious! There’s no need to be experts in Italian cuisine to know the food is going to be superb. After a few minutes, the server who is very helpful with his suggestions, takes our order, finally. We feel adventurous and go for
a bottle of Chianti wine from Tuscany.

Meanwhile, food is coming, we have time to enjoy the ambience. Sunlight fades slowly at the time the patio is lit with an elegant soft blue light that comes from dozens of little bulbs hanging from the wooden pergola. Silvia looks happy and beautiful, we sip our wine and smile. All of a sudden, we hear from the inside the guitar chords of “For once in my life” and I breathe deep and happily; I know Blu is going to be my favourite restaurant.

Food arrived some minutes later, and it was great, but I’ll need a complete blog entry to speak about it. Please, wait for my next post so that I can share a real Italian cuisine experience with you at Blu, the best Italian restaurant in Yorkville, Toronto.

Click here to book a table


Top 5 Activities & Restaurants in Yorkville 2018

Looking for the Top 5 activities and restaurants in Yorkville, Toronto? At the intersection of Yonge and Bloor in downtown Toronto, you will discover Yorkville, an upscale neighborhood where the rich and famous love to shop and dine. Also known as the Mink Mile, the neighborhood is home to several art galleries, museums, high-end boutiques, and some of the best restaurants in Toronto.

Many people do not know that the neighborhood was once a mecca for musicians and hippies in the 1960s. Even today, you can find licensed bands playing in the Cumberland park on any weekend. However, the modern Yorkville has transformed itself into a hub of retail therapy with high-end shops and fashion boutiques.

 

Restaurants Yorkville

Here are the Top 5 things to do in Yorkville.

  1. Shopping Of course! – With a plethora of high-end shops dotting every street, it is difficult to walk around the neighborhood without buying anything. Make sure you have enough time to go window-shopping and also remember to carry your credit card as you will find many irresistible temptations on the way.    Some of the best shopping malls in the areas are Cumberland Terrace, Holt Renfrew Centre, Manulife Centre, Yorkville Village, and Hudson’s Bay Centre. Before you shop till you drop, you’ll want to save some energy to treat yourself for a fine dining restaurant in Yorkville. You’ll be surrounded by some of the best in Toronto.
  2. Yorkville Museums –  The neighborhood has some amazing museums worth a visit. You can spend an entire day in the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) watching exhibits that give you an insight into the city’s history and culture. The Bata Shoe Museum has the world’s largest collection of footwear and related items.   Another popular museum worth visiting is the Gardiner museum that boasts an amazing collection of ceramics used throughout civilization. If all that learning makes you hungry, pamper your taste buds at one of the best Yorkville restaurants.
  3. Yorkville Parks – The Village of Yorkville Park consists of a series of well-maintained gardens that are good spots to rest or just to do some people watching. The numerous parks offer a much-needed respite from the hustle-bustle of the neighborhood. They celebrate the history of Yorkville and showcase the best of the Canadian landscape. Some of the best neighborhood parks are the Jesse Ketchum Park, the Frank Stollery Park, and the Town Hall Square. The parks are in close proximity to some of the best Yorkville restaurants, so make sure you grab a bite after heading to the park.
  4. Art Galleries in Yorkville – What can be a better way to spend an afternoon in Yorkville than doing some gallery hopping? The neighborhood is home to several art galleries where you can find works by the leading artists around the country. From contemporary Canadian paintings to International art, the art galleries cover them all. Some of the best places to include in your itinerary are Canadian Fine Arts Gallery, Loch Gallery, Mayberry Fine Art, Mira Godard Gallery, and Miriam Shiell Fine Art. All that gallery hopping is sure to leave you hungry, so head to one of the nearby Yorkville restaurants to get your fill.
  5. Yorkville restaurants – There’s no denying that Yorkville has some of the best restaurants in Toronto. From breakfast, lunch & dinner, the area has must try dining experiences that are local favorites and some even recognized around the world. Enjoy Fresh Seafood and innovative Pasta dishes to Roasted Truffle Beef Tenderloin and made-to-order Tiramisu. Enjoying a restaurant in Yorkville is the perfect way to finish off a long day of shopping and sightseeing.

*** Blu Ristorante & Lounge
Experience one of Toronto’s best Italian restaurants and award winning modern Italian Cuisine. Voted as a Romantic Destination of choice for an upscale dining and live entertainment. Blu Ristorante has been recognized as one of the city’s best restaurants in Toronto for fine dining and group events.

We hope this information helps you maximize your time by seeing the best that the Yorkville neighborhood has to offer. From the tempting shopping, and enriching museums to the best Yorkville restaurants and bars, the area has something for everyone!

We welcome you to come visit us at Blu Ristorante to come try our fine dining Italian cuisine and live music (pianist and guitarist) on weekends, located in Yorkville, the heart of downtown Toronto Canada.


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