Whether you’re a lifelong Leslievillian or new to the neighbourhood, the area has plenty of romantic restaurants for any stage of a relationship. On your next date night, show your sweetie just how much you care by booking a table at one of these places.
Named after the famed Italian F1 driver, Alberto Ascari, the restaurateurs aim as high as he did in their cuisine. Nothing has been left to chance here. The service is impeccable, the décor classic and minimalist, and the food is so good you’ll wish you could steal Chef John. If you happen to come in with hearty appetites, split the Antipasto Ciccio appetizer for a wonderful assortment of cheeses, cured meats and marinated olives.
Most people think a coffee shop is where you’d go for a casual date, not so much a romantic one, but Tango Palace has reversed traditional notions. The 1920s-style interior is decorated with tin ceiling tiles, warmly lit light fixtures and sconces, and exposed brick walls with eclectic art. Try one of their delicious sandwiches made with local ingredients, a flourless pastry for dessert, and get a mug of one of Toronto’s best Americanos.
The red-and-black exterior gives Baldini a European bistro feel, and the sophisticated inside completes the theme beautifully. The black-and-white colour scheme and exposed brick wall make the atmosphere effortlessly elegant, and the attentive wait staff and marvelous food will take it from there. Settle in with a plate of P.E.I. mussels, move on to a pizza for your main, and save room for a cappuccino with dessert – jazz music playing softly all the while.
They’re open every evening from six to eleven, except Sunday, making dinners ever so romantic, even well after the sun has set. It’s also a restaurant that’s somewhat under-the-radar, the kind where only locals know of the magic that happens inside. The interior décor has an industrial chic feel infused with retro light fixtures and sconces, casting the perfect mood while you munch away on lobster spaghettini or grilled calamari. Finish your meal off perfectly with a chocolate raspberry tartufo.
Tabülè boasts Middle Eastern food with an elegant flair, from the cool black exterior, to the vibrant dining area and artistically arranged dishes. Be sure to take a peek at their ultra modern light fixture and awesome wall décor. Call ahead and reserve a table by the front window, so that you can share lamb skewers, sip fine wine and watch the passersby on Queen.