It’s almost Valentine’s Day, which means spending time with loved ones. While the time-honoured tradition of ‘date night’ happens all year, there’s something extra magic about a day dedicated to celebrating love.
Nestled in the Exchange District are a number of unique and intimate local restaurants, bars, and breweries, each with its own distinctive charm. We’ve curated this list of top date night spots for whatever you’re in the mood for.
Check out spots tailored for cocktail connoisseurs, treat your tastebuds to some fine local fare, make your evening an experience, get cozy in an intimate corner, or try comfort food with a twist. Your loved ones will thank you!
Cocktail Connoisseurs
Amsterdam Tea Room and Bar
At Amsterdam Tea Room and Bar, you’ll find tea-inspired cocktails with a twist served in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. They design their menu around tea rather than just cocktail types, applying a cook’s approach to flavour and drinks. Try one of their tea cocktail flights alongside some small plates for snacking.
@amsterdamtearoomandbar
103-211 Bannatyne Ave
Patent 5
Patent 5 is an award-winning distillery that serves cocktails made from the spirits they produce on-site. Head to their cozy and intimate cocktail room for a high-concept cocktail crafted with culinary techniques and unusual ingredients. They also serve some fine-looking cheeseboards and other snacks if you feel peckish.
@patent5distillery
108 Alexander Ave
Treat your Tastebuds
Deer + Almond
Deer + Almond is helmed by co-chefs Mandel Hitzer and Kris Kurus and serves a four-course prix fixe menu inspired by regional Canadian fare. Their warm, relaxed dining room makes way for their focus on fine, quality food. Number 59 on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants in 2023, this is one date night spot you don’t want to miss. Reservations are recommended!
@deer_and_almond
85 Princess St
Peasant Cookery
Head to Peasant Cookery for hearty, upscale comfort food. They abide by a from-scratch philosophy, curing meat, pickling vegetables, and baking bread in-house. Choose from various dishes made with fresh, local ingredients and a gorgeous selection of wine, local beers, and cocktails. Plus, they’ve just started opening for brunch!
@peasantcookerywpg
283 Bannatyne Ave
An Experiential Evening
Carnaval
Carnaval is an authentic “Churrascaria” steakhouse that fuses local ingredients and traditional Brazilian BBQ to create a unique culinary experience. Gauchos (Carvers) are ready to offer you cuts of seasoned beef, pork, chicken, and Brazilian sausage, all accompanied by traditional side items and house-baked Brazilian cheese bread. Brazilian and international wines, desserts, and aperitifs complete the menu.
@carnavalrestaurant.ca
100-270 Waterfront Dr
Little Brown Jug
Little Brown Jug is an open-concept brewery that makes beer with intention and precision. Situated in a heritage building, they utilize their spacious home to host various unique events and experiences.
@littlebrownjugbrewing
336 William Ave
Intimate and Cozy
Cordova Tapas and Wine
Visit Cordova Tapas and Wine to experience the Spanish art of dining. Enjoy tapas and other small plates alongside beer, wine, and cocktails in a dimly lit room with a cool ambiance. Cordova is a great place to start or end your night, and they often feature live music or DJs on the weekends.
@cordovatapas
93 Albert St
Nonsuch Brewing Co.
Nonsuch Brewing Co. serves up house-made beer, excellent culinary creations, and rotating menus from guest chefs. The interior is stylish and elegant, with many couches perfect for cozying up with a loved one. Not only is the food and beverage outstanding, but the design by Fireside makes this spot stand out as Instagram-worthy.
@nonsuchbeer
125 Pacific Ave
Photo by: @stevenjuniperackerman3000
Comfort Food with a Twist
Corrientes Argentine Pizza
Corrientes serves up Argentine pizza, empanadas, sandwiches, and salads in a brick-walled heritage building. Named after Corrientes Avenue, the cultural core of life and entertainment in Buenos Aires, this restaurant aims to be a meeting place for people seeking excellent food. Stop by for Latin American eats in a relaxing atmosphere.
@corrienteswpg
137 Bannatyne Ave
Kevin’s Bistro
Kevin’s is a cozy bistro offering ‘divine comfort food.’ Treat yourself and your date to decadent mac and cheese, pasta, flatbreads, sandwiches, or shared plates made with fresh, local ingredients. It’s a neighbourhood favourite you don’t want to miss!
@kevinsbistro
141 Bannatyne Ave
You can check out the complete list of restaurants in the Exchange for even more inspiration.