The Best Places To Eat, Shop & Drink In Leslieville

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If you haven't checked out any of Queen Street east of Yonge, you'd better get a move on. The neighbourhood is humming with activity and there's lots to see and do (& eat!).

 1. The Burger's Priest

1636 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4L 1G3
Canada
(647) 346-0617

Category: Burgers

Neighborhood: Upper Beach

4.0 star rating
  8/11/2010

I don't normally like veggie burgers all that much, and I definitely don't like mushrooms (unless they're canned - gross, I know), but hear me out: "The Option" at The Burger's Priest is an absolute vegetarian delight!

As others have mentioned, oozy,…More »

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 2. Babycake Cupcakes

892 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1J3
Canada
(416) 406-5910

Categories: Desserts, Bakeries

Neighborhood: Leslieville

5.0 star rating
  7/11/2009

If you want cupcake variety, you've gotta make Babycake Cupcakes your jam. They've got over a dozen types of cupcakes with sassy names like "Velvet Underground", "Thumper's Odyssey", "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Lemony Snickets." No plain vanilla or…More »

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 3. Gio Rana's Really Really Nice Restaurant

1220 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1L7
Canada
(416) 469-5225

Categories: Italian, Tapas/Small Plates

Neighborhood: Leslieville

5.0 star rating
  Update - 8/26/2009

Still my favourite, and consistently wonderful. All of the servers look happy to be working there. Try to get Josh, the dude that looks like a cuter David Arquette, as your server. He's the best of the best.

Lovely ambiance, terrific food, great…More »

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  • 5.0 star rating
    2/11/2009

    LONG LIVE THE NOSE!

    My absolute #1 spot for dinner in the city. I love long, drawn out dinners from… Read more »

 4. Chino Locos

4 Greenwood Ave
Toronto, ON M4L 2P4
Canada
(647) 345-5626

Categories: Mexican, Asian Fusion

Neighborhood: Leslieville

5.0 star rating
  8/29/2009

I moved to Leslieville 29 days ago on August 1. I was out of town for 11 of those days, so let's round up and say I've been around for just over two weeks.

I've eaten at Chino Locos seven times.

I can safely say they're the bomb when it comes to…More »

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 5. Joy Bistro Bar

884 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1J3
Canada
(416) 465-8855

Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Canadian (New), Wine Bars

Neighborhood: Riverdale

4.0 star rating
  2/16/2009

Supremely yummy brunch options! I love Joy (and its sister restaurant, Over Joy - which is the upstairs portion) because it's off the beaten path and never overly crowded or hard to get a table. If you go, make sure you order Joy's Cheesy Eggs…More »

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 6. Bonjour Brioche

812 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1H7
Canada
(416) 406-1250

Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, French

Neighborhood: Riverdale

4.0 star rating
  Update - 7/26/2010

...and we're back. Service has returned to "I'm French, fabulous, and only partially care about you being here, but will still serve you with a modicum of courtesy and concern," which is a far cry from the former attitude of "I'm French, and I…More »

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2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 3.0 star rating
    7/2/2009

    I go to Bonjour Brioche consistently almost once a week and generally leave between 25-40% tip - the… Read more »

 7. Pulp Kitchen - CLOSED

898 Queen Street E
Toronto, ON M4M 1J3
Canada
(416) 461-4612

Categories: Vegetarian, Breakfast & Brunch

Neighborhood: Leslieville

4.0 star rating
  2/9/2009

Every time I've gone by Pulp Kitchen it's been closed - they have the strangest business hours ever - essentially they're not open for dinner so you can only visit if you're unemployed or work a night shift (alternately, on the weekend).

I had the day…More »

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 8. Gadabout

1300 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4L 1C4
Canada
(416) 463-1254

Categories: Antiques, Used, Vintage & Consignment

Neighborhood: Leslieville

4.0 star rating
  3/16/2009

At first glance, stepping into Gadabout is both intimidating and overwhelming. It's a tiny boutique wayyy east on Queen Street in Leslieville and you definitely feel like you're making a 'special' trip for vintage items, but it's worth it, because…More »

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 9. Mercury Espresso Bar

915 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1J4
Canada
(647) 435-4779

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighborhood: Leslieville

5.0 star rating
  Update - 6/1/2010

NOW OPEN TILL 8PM EVERY DAY.

Holy shit, this makes me unreasonably happy. No longer shall I wander the city desperately searching for a non-chain cappuccino shop that's open past 6pm (harder to find than you'd think). I'm thrilled.

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  • 4.0 star rating
    12/17/2009

    Recently I'd really been missing the vibe in Williamsburg, NY, and without the budget to purchase a… Read more »

 10. Sideshow Café

1300 Gerrard St E
Toronto, ON M4L 1Y7
Canada

Category: Coffee & Tea

4.0 star rating
  1/19/2010

In a sea of traffic ticket rebuttal shops along Gerrard Street, Sideshow Café goes practically unnoticed.

It's tiny (10 seats), it's attached to the circus school that you didn't even realize existed, and it's an awesome place to get work done,…More »

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 11. Te Aro

983 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1K2
Canada
(416) 465-2006

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighborhood: Leslieville

4.0 star rating
  7/20/2010

Te Aro owners Jesse & Andy are lovely people - both impossibly gorgeous, friendly in a small-town-neighbourhood kinda way and they've created a lovely space out of a former autoshop. Te Aro in the summertime is especially wonderful thanks to the…More »

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 12. The Opera House

735 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1H1
Canada
(416) 466-0313

Category: Music Venues

Neighborhood: Riverdale

4.0 star rating
  4/14/2009

There seems to be a lot of disdain for The Opera House's location, but bear in mind the MULTIPLE methods of transportation that lead to it. If you think about it it's actually quite convenient - you've got the 501 Queen and 504 King Streetcars going…More »

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 13. Ed's Real Scoop

920 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1J5
Canada
(416) 406-2525

Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt

Neighborhood: Leslieville

5.0 star rating
  Update - 4/11/2010

OK fine. Five stars. How can I not?
* incredibly friendly owner Steven lets (nay, encourages) customers to sample as many flavours as they want
* Stout ice cream made with Guinness?? I'd never tried Guinness until now, and this was awesome!
* fair…More »

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2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/6/2010

    I dare you to try the Cinnamon ice cream and not immediately...
    a) fall in love
    b) throw any adherence… Read more »

 14. OK OK Diner

1128 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1K8
Canada
(416) 461-2988

Categories: Diners, Breakfast & Brunch

Neighborhood: Leslieville

3.0 star rating
  Update - 3/5/2010

The Chocolate Elvis (banana, peanut butter, honey and nutella) on an incredible pairing of egg bread slices is so, so good, but for $7 less I can make it for myself at home and skip the surly service that, along with too-long lineups on weekends, has…More »

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  • 4.0 star rating
    9/19/2009

    This time I ordered the Huevos Rancheros (featuring "kickass guacamole" and spicy black beans), and… Read more »

 15. Paint Depot

914 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1J5
Canada
(416) 469-5633

Category: Home Decor

Neighborhood: Leslieville

5.0 star rating
  8/2/2009

On a whim I called this paint store at 7:45am Friday morning thinking I'd get their answering service with a breakdown of their opening hours - imagine my surprise when someone answered! I did a double take thinking I'd accidentally dialed someone's…More »

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 16. Value Village

924 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1J5
Canada
(416) 778-4818

Category: Thrift Stores

Neighborhood: Leslieville

4.0 star rating
  7/5/2009

My second favourite Value Village (#1 being the Blansdowne location)! There isn't a huge selection of furniture and home accessories at this location, but what it lacks for in home decor it more than makes up for in scarves and sewing notions. I've…More »

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 17. Tango Palace Coffee Company

1156 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1L2
Canada
(416) 465-8085

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches

Neighborhood: Leslieville

4.0 star rating
  Update - 12/12/2009

Still a solid place to get work done and the only place in the area that's open till 11pm. Armchairs are cozy and the wi-fi is reliable, even when every single person in the cafe has a laptop in tow.

The shitty, sticky front door has been replaced (I…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/2/2009

    I think I've found my new favourite place to work! From the outside, Tango Palace looks like it… Read more »

 18. Lady Marmalade

898 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1J3
Canada
(647) 351-7645

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Neighborhood: Leslieville

4.0 star rating
  Update - 4/13/2010

In July 2009 when Lady Marmalade first opened, they promised "debit coming soon" - debit is still not available as of April 2010. Cash only. Luckily there is a TD a few doors down, and if you read this before or during your wait in the guaranteed…More »

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  • 4.0 star rating
    7/5/2009 First to Review

    How can I not love a brunch spot that plays The Sea & Cake's groundbreaking "Oui" album in its… Read more »

 19. Leonidas

5 Coady Ave
Toronto, ON M4M 2Y9
Canada
(416) 285-1100

Categories: Chocolatiers and Shops, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt

Neighborhood: Leslieville

4.0 star rating
  8/10/2009 First to Review

You know when you get a box of Black Magic or Pot Of Gold at the holidays and your bratty siblings steal all the "good" chocolates right from under your nose (by "good" I mean the chocolate orange crescent moon, the caramel square and the solid dark…More »

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 20. The Friendly Thai

1218 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1L7
Canada
(416) 461-8424

Category: Thai

Neighborhood: Leslieville

3.0 star rating
  8/4/2009 First to Review

I'm personally shocked that I had to add this Leslieville listing AND that I'm getting an FTR for it, because at 6pm the place was bustling with activity and every table was taken!

There was the young couple to the right who were pounding back a…More »

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 21. Sushi Bar

703 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M
Canada
(647) 351-3138

Categories: Japanese, Sushi Bars

Neighborhood: Riverdale

4.0 star rating
  8/15/2009

Gosh, do I ever love listening to the likes of Hanson ("Isn't It Weird?") , Britney Spears ("Lucky") and Robbie Williams ("Millennium") while slurping up salty broth and munching on sushi bites!

This place is brand new (open only a month) and the…More »

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 22. The Film Buff East

1380 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4L 1C9
Canada
(416) 465-4324

Categories: Videos and Video Game Rental, Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt

Neighborhood: Leslieville

5.0 star rating
  Update - 10/1/2009

Cheesecake ice cream with blackberry jam swirl at 9:50pm on a Wednesday. Fuck yes!

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  • 5.0 star rating
    8/18/2009

    Ice cream. Amazing flavours of it. About ten of them with fun, cheeky names, among them, Atomic… Read more »

 23. East End Garden & Hardware

1395 Queen Street E
Toronto, ON M4L 1C7
Canada
(416) 469-4925

Category: Nurseries & Gardening

Neighborhood: Leslieville

4.0 star rating
  9/21/2009 First to Review

My middle name may as well be "herbicide", because, well, I kill plants. The ones I want as well as the ones I don't want. I don't have a green thumb - mine is BLACK. Plants have died in my presence just in anticipation of the haphazard & uneducated…More »

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 24. The Curzon

1192 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1L4
Canada
(416) 850-3650

Category: Lounges

Neighborhood: Leslieville

5.0 star rating
  10/22/2009

This is pretty much my new local.

I've come here almost a dozen times in the past few months and it's consistently been a solid good time. The decor and mood are sexy, vintage/preloved and old-timey, with those plush velvet couches that have "button…More »

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 25. Parkside Fish and Chips

210 Greenwood Ave
Toronto, ON M4L 2R1
Canada

Category: Fish & Chips

Neighborhood: Leslieville

4.0 star rating
  10/23/2009 First to Review

So now that I'm pretty much eating fish 'n chips on the regular, I had to check out Parkside Fish And Chips on recommendation of my friend John A, who's been eating here since childhood. There is no seating - it's just a takeaway shop, but if you're…More »

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 26. Lil' Baci

892 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1J3
Canada
(416) 465-4888

Categories: Italian, Pizza

Neighborhood: Riverdale

4.0 star rating
  10/28/2009

Lil' Baci is decidedly Italian, from the perfect pronunciation of the menu items to the beverage choices (Brio, Orangina, San Pellegrino). FYI they do not offer iced tea.

Our server, Justin, was cheerful and outgoing, bordering on overbearing at…More »

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 27. Stratengers Bar & Restaurant

1130 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1L1
Canada
(416) 466-8934

Categories: Canadian (New), Dive Bars

Neighborhood: Leslieville

3.0 star rating
  11/4/2009

This place is so enigmatic -- I don't quite know what to make of it. It's at once the most bizarre and inexplicable venue/restaurant/dive bar I've been to. When you walk in, you're punched in the face by the aroma of mushrooms and woodchips. There…More »

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 28. Pulp Kitchen - CLOSED

1129 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1L1
Canada
(416) 461-4612

Categories: Vegetarian, Juice Bars & Smoothies, Sandwiches

Neighborhood: Leslieville

4.0 star rating
  11/22/2009 First to Review

I'll bet you didn't know that Greg C and I were twins. We both (unknowingly) dined at the same two restaurants within a 24 hour period.

And at the second of these, the newly re-opened Pulp Kitchen, we ordered the same sandwich AND juice! So bizarre.…More »

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 29. Shoppers Drug Mart

970 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1J8
Canada
(416) 462-0062

Categories: Drugstores, Cosmetics & Beauty Supply

Neighborhood: Leslieville

3.0 star rating
  11/25/2009

Dear Shoppers Drug Mart at Queen & Carlaw,

I enjoy your extended hours (7am till midnight every day!) very, very much. My social circle thanks you for satisfying my late night shopping urges -- it prevents them from having to hear (yet again) that…More »

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 30. Sweet Bliss Baking Company

1304 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4L 1C4
Canada
(416) 916-7895

Category: Bakeries

Neighborhood: Leslieville

5.0 star rating
  Update - 12/20/2009

It's time for an update - with my multiple visits each week I can safely say this is my favourite spot to buy sweet stuff. The owners are welcoming and personable - they epitomize that "small town" kinda feeling that's rare in Toronto, but happens to…More »

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  • 4.0 star rating
    7/9/2009

    At $2 a pop, Sweet Bliss' cupcakes are affordable and priced just right for their ample size - a… Read more »

 31. Starbucks Coffee

908 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1J5
Canada
(416) 461-9788

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighborhood: Leslieville

4.0 star rating
  12/27/2009 First to Review

For a Starbucks this location is consistently good - no complaints here. Drinks come out at a reasonable pace and the orders are always correct.

They also consistently offer a kickass selection of mugs & French presses here. Plus, I'm happy to report…More »

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 32. Hastings Snack Bar

5 Hastings Ave
Toronto, ON M4L 2L1
Canada
(416) 466-0534

Category: Diners

Neighborhood: Leslieville

4.0 star rating
  1/10/2010 First to Review

Come here for greasy, no frills, no banter diner breakfast. If you weren't reading this review you might never notice this place - it's on a side street in Leslieville and is barely perceivable on a neighbourhood stroll.

NOTES:
* As soon as you walk in…More »

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 33. Dark Horse Espresso

682 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1G9
Canada
(647) 436-3460

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighborhood: Riverdale

4.0 star rating
  1/20/2010

Don't come here on a low self-esteem day, cause you'll leave feeling ugly. All of the baristas (male and female) are gorgeous in addition to being friendly and able to make a stellar cappuccino ($2.25).

They sell Tea In The Sahara looseleaf tea here…More »

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 34. Pizzaiolo

698 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1G9
Canada
(416) 406-3456

Category: Pizza

Neighborhood: Riverdale

3.0 star rating
  1/30/2010

In store experience: 5 stars
Delivery experience: 2 stars

For the former, Sarah L and I visited the newly opened location at Broadview and got slices to stay. Counter girl Paula was very friendly and cheerful, although her lack of proper implements…More »

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 35. Prohibition

696 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1G9
Canada
(416) 406-2669

Categories: Pubs, Gastropubs

Neighborhood: Riverdale

3.0 star rating
  Update - 4/27/2010

Dear Prohibition,

Please stop completely revolutionizing your menu at such feverish intervals. The vitamin D fortified soy milk in my fridge lasts longer than an average entree on the menu here. With every new menu pressing, the list of vegetarian…More »

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  • 4.0 star rating
    2/4/2010

    This is my local and it's taken me a while to review it. Sarah L and I come here with terrifying… Read more »

 36. Velvet...Fine Food

932 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1J5
Canada
(416) 461-9762

Category: Pubs

Neighborhood: Leslieville

3.0 star rating
  4/21/2010

Ah, "The Question Mark."

What's with Leslieville businesses having so many nicknames? First "The Nose" and now "The Question Mark." At least The Nose/Gio Rana's nickname makes sense (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...), but I don't see much about Velvet...Fine…More »

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"Get ready for greatness!"

Ambassador

Review votes:
6225 Useful, 4214 Funny, and 3874 Cool

Location

San Francisco, CA

Yelping Since

February 2009

Things I Love

criminally dark chocolate, accordions, Jonny Greenwood, John Frusciante, cashmere, graph paper, heirloom beans, Dogme 95, Peter Cetera, dimples, Dr. Mario, lengthy makeouts, winklepickers

My Hometown

Toronto, Canada

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm fantasizing about Bob Harper

My Second Favourite Website

http://breadpeople.tum...

The Last Great Book I Read

The Crying Of Lot 49

My First Concert

Metallica (...And Justice for All)

My Favourite Movie

Shallow Grave

My Last Meal On Earth

Pâté Chinois

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

I hate having dirty feet

Most Recent Discovery

Black Queen: http://www.youtube.com...

Current Crush

blue eyes & dimples