Toronto: Where to Stay, Eat, and Party
Toronto has a way of pulling you in – its glittering skyline, the warmth of its people, and the promise of unforgettable bites at every turn. Every visit combines coziness and luxury perfectly. From indulging in the most exquisite steak we’ve ever had to ringing in the new year with a VIP view, every moment topped the next. And, of course, no adventure would be complete without a touch of nostalgia, returning to our favorite brunch spot, where the first bite brought memories of our first Valentine’s Day together.
Here’s a recap of our trip, including highlights from our first visit in 2019, sorted by where we stayed, ate, and partied.
DAY 1
Where We Stayed:
Pantages Hotel Downtown Toronto
We checked into the Pantages Hotel, which was perfectly located in a central location in downtown Toronto, which made exploring the city seamless. Everything was 15 minutes or less in distance. Be sure to call ahead to let the front desk know that it’s your birthday! They’ll be sure to have a treat waiting for you, ours was a double chocolate cake with strawberries! Ask for robes as well, and you’ll also have plush white robes waiting for you! The robe was so heavy and long and it wrapped around me like a hug!

DINNER AT AERA TORONTO: SUSHI & STEAK IN THE SKY
The service? Impeccable. The ambiance? Mesmerizing. The view? A breathtaking panorama of Toronto’s skyline, making each sip of our cocktails feel like a toast to the city itself. Wrapped in moody sophistication, sultry lighting, and an air of luxury, every detail whispered indulgence – and we were ready to listen.
Aera isn’t just a restaurant – it’s an experience. And without a doubt, we had the best steak we’ve ever tasted.
What We Ordered:
Our meal began with the Creamy Tuna Crunch Roll, paired with a Passionfruit Margarita. For entrées, we savored the Stuffed Chicken Breast with truffled mushroom stuffing, the Maritime Lobster Spaghetti in a rich tomato bisque, and the show-stopping Ontario AAA Beef Tenderloin, served with whipped mashed potatoes. The only miss? The roasted broccoli, which had a ranch-like sauce I wasn’t fond of – but if that’s your thing, you might love it!
Tip: Always Read the Reviews
We planned to hit a club after dinner, but after scanning reviews, nothing matched the magic of our night. Instead, we lingered at Aera, enjoying another round of cocktails before retreating to our plush hotel. Sometimes, the best nights end where they begin, with impeccable food, dreamy views, and an experience worth savoring.
DAY 2 - NEW YEAR'S EVE
BRUNCH AT THE MORNING AFTER
New Year’s Eve brunch at The Morning After offered hearty, creative plates like the Wake & Steak, the tempting Make No Mis-Steak and the classic Chicken & Waffels. Though the Flying Unicorn Latte (with alcohol) wasn’t a favorite, the rest of the meal was a great start to the day! They played the best music from DMX to Maroon-5. All the vibes!
A Journey Through Arcadia Earth
Stepping into Arcadia Earth felt like diving into a living, breathing art exhibit – one that tells the urgent story of our planet’s future. Each immersive installation shed light on the impact of our choices and ways to improve from innovative recycling methods to educating us on the small but mighty role of bees in our food system. Learning just how crucial these tiny pollinators are made me appreciate their work in a whole new way. The experience was equal parts eye-opening and inspiring, a reminder that even the smallest actions can lead to a more sustainable world.
MICHELIN STAR EXPERIENCE AT VELA!
New Year’s Eve at Vela was pure magic. Each course of their NYE Prefix tasting menu was a masterpiece, perfectly paired with the smooth, soulful sounds of Free The Revolution, whose live R&B set elevated the evening’s luxurious ambiance. Meeting Chef Marvin Palomo was the cherry on top – gracious, kind, and as brilliant as his culinary creations. He took the time to share his inspiration behind the menu, making us appreciate every bite even more. A night of exceptional food, music, and hospitality – truly an unforgettable way to welcome the new year!
44 Toronto
After dinner at Vela, we continued our New Year’s Eve at 44 Toronto with a VIP table. The balcony section was ideal, offering a mix of privacy and crowd energy. Highlights included custom bottle service with our sign, “In The Six With My Woes,” and exclusive bathrooms with an attendant. It was the perfect way to ring in the new year in style.
We were hungry after the club, so we went to a late-night place called Grillies. We ordered tacos and burgers; it was really good, and they are open 24 hours!
DAY 3
Lady Marmalade
Our final meal in Toronto was brunch at Lady Marmalade. This cozy spot feels like home, offering warm service and delicious food like the Buttermilk Sweet Waffle and The Breakfast. They also make their own very delicious ketchup and jelly in-house! It was the perfect farewell before heading back to the U.S.
Tip:
Lady Marmalade is walk-ins only, but our wait was only about 15 minutes.
Highlights from Our First Trip to Toronto (Valentine’s Day 2019)
Snow Valley Ski Resort
During our first visit, we spent a day at Snow Valley Ski Resort in Barrie, Ontario which was a little under an hour driving distance from Toronto. The team at Snow Valley was incredibly gracious and treated us like family. Their customer service made all the difference, especially since I hadn’t been on the slopes since my grandmother would take me to Brandywine years ago. Try their hot chocolate! It’s amazing! They asked me whether I’d like whipped cream or marshmallows and when I couldn’t choose they encouraged me to get both! Now, I only drink my hot cocoa like this!
CN Tower
We dined at the CN Tower during that trip, but unfortunately, the food and service didn’t live up to the stunning view. While the cityscape was breathtaking, the dry, unseasoned steak and forgettable service left much to be desired.
Keg Mansion
After a lazy day binge-watching classic SpongeBob episodes, we stumbled upon the Keg Mansion for a late-night meal. The service was impeccable, and the steaks were perfection! We ordered their 8oz Top Sirloin Steak with Lobster and King Crab and 8oz Top Sirloin Steak with Mashed Potatoes. Until Aera, this was the best steak we’d ever had!
The cottage we stayed in no longer takes bookings.
Toronto continues to charm us with its mix of luxury, warmth, and unforgettable moments. Whether skiing, savoring incredible food, or celebrating in style, this city remains one of my favorite destinations. Here’s to more adventures in the Sixth!
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