Toronto, London, Tokyo, and more - Where I want to eat in 2024
The 'I'm-hungry-again' wishlist.
2023 took me to Mexico City, London, Paris, Venice, Milan, LA, Chicago, Ottawa, New York, and of course Toronto. I was spoiled with foreign tastes - and I appreciated each bite, and each minute in these incredible restaurant, cafes, hotels, and bars. As evidenced by the fact I started to write about these meals in an almost weekly newsletter.
I am just as happy sitting in a run down coffee shop or dive bar as I am a high end hotel. As long as the establishment has a sense of place and good service, I willingly spend my money. I try not to visit chains (of the mass variety) or Instagram-hotspots, but some choices are inevitable (See: Daphne).
2024 will have some travel no doubt, but with other major life expenses, I suspect there will be a bit less. That said, the following restaurants are on my wishlist for the year.
Toronto
Emmer - I’m waiting for a sunny weekend to walk over to the bakery + small plate lunch spot in Harbord Village. Since I am 99.9% gluten-free, bakeries typically do not rank high for me; but I’ve heard great things for years and a bite won’t kill me…
Viaggio - Are all your friends moving to the West end? The exodess to the East has stopped - or stalled - with high interest rates and fewer young people buying new homes. Friends, co-workers, and even one Italian recommended Viaggio..! I’ll make a reservation for when I really deserve it (like after a big run or some clean eats).
Lobster and peas for spring? Groundbreaking. La Bartola - La Bartola has been on my list since it was recognized by Michelin. It’s a meat-free mexican place that sounds like the perfect sister-date night; and since I have been to Mexico city once, I know all about Mezcal.
A cute taco waiting to be eaten. Parallel Basta - When Alon, Guy and Aharon Ozery opened Parallel on Geary Avenue I thought the street and the restaurants were the epitome of cool. My new lug boots looked great at Blood Brothers and I felt we had our very own little Brooklyn. (Eye roll @ 2017 me!) All to say, the food at Parallel is great and I loved to bring my dad when he visited. Parallel Basta is the new Kensington Market outpost, and while I do not frequent that area often (save for El Rey), I’ll look forward to walking over on a Sunday, having a little lunch and brining home some take out. Interestingly it sounds like this first floor opening is just the start.
Notable mentions for places on my list for the later half of the year are: Sue Fung Dim Sum (is it a sin I haven’t been here yet?), Tondou Ramen, and MSSM (a 14 course menu for $98!). Since we’re going to Asia for our honeymoon, I want to crave the authentic plates we’ll eat there. And no, Nobu opening up does not get me excited. I am already cringing for the young women of the Toronto dating scene. (That said if Nobu would like to invite me to change this opinion, I will take it - the miso cod is excellent…).
Ottawa
Arlo Wine & Restaurant - Oysters, Steak Frites, and Natural Wine, my friends in the 613 tell me this place is actually cool; and unlike most cities, dining out in Ottawa is still affordable.
A wine bar’s wine bar Stofa - This restaurant is suspiciously close to my parents house and I have not been; it’s hard to spend money out when your mom’s fridge is right there? A best friend connected me to the spot through her boyfriend and it is now on the top of my home-to-see-parents-celebratory-dinner list.
Montreal
Cafe Olympico - Of all the places in the world, Cafe Olypmico is in my Top 3 coffee shops. Heading back to MTL for my bachelorette and I know a hangover-curing Americano will be waiting for me Saturday morning.
Tokyo
35 Steps - Surprisingly, I am trying not to ‘over-plan’ our honeymoon spots; but I have a couple places on my list. I am looking for lively places with incredible food instead of 101 intimate romantic spots. This review screams good time:
Shima Steak - A substack friend and the chick I frequently DM for fashion advice (the Jacquemus skirt purchase was made!)
recommended this restaurant and the only place I can find it on the internet is this little blog! I have been thinking about steak sandwiches since I saw her post.
Shima Steak Sandwich Fun fact,
founded Ghia and has some great recs for your dry January. Personally, I am extending ‘dry Jan’ to our May wedding so this post is now my bible.New York Bar - Obviously.
London
Cafe Cecilia - I regret every minute I spent in London not eating here. I found this space in the depths of the internet and it is picking up on the ‘gram which makes me nervous.
River Cafe - The establishment has been on my list for as long as I’ve loved Coldplay and GP. Bruce Springsteen recently went after his summer show and it’s the first time my fiance has shown interest in a restaurant. To satisfy my cravings, I am listening to Ruthie’s Table 4.
That’s all for now! If I am missing something in any of these cities or, if you have Kyoto recs, please do not hesitate to reach out !