We’ve all heard of staycations (you know I’m a huge fan of those) but have you heard of a fakecation? Specifically, a Toronto fakecation. It’s one of my favourite things! In particular, it’s a great way to explore a city—without ever having to leave yours. Kind of confusing, right?
Well, living in as multi-cultural of a city as I do, I’ve come to explore & experience many different ways of life. After all, not all of us can afford to jet off to a different country every time we want to taste a new dish or sip a traditional cocktail. So, that’s where a Toronto fakecation comes into play. You can indulge in many different cities right here! If you go to any of the three restaurants I picked below, I guarantee you’ll feel like you’ve left Toronto and ended up on an international vacation.
Where to Go for a Toronto Fakecation
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Italy: Dine at Taverniti’s
My boyfriend & I are obsessed with Taverniti’s. Just ask any of our friends—I’m constantly getting the “you’re going there again?” reaction from them when I say we’re going for Valentine’s Day, Andre’s birthday, a casual Friday date night. You name it, we’re there. Once you step through the front door, it’s like you’ve been transported to Italy. They have exposed brick walls, red & white checkered table cloths and the best pasta + pizza selection in the city. Plus, Mama Rosina Taverniti still hand makes pasta! Or so a server told me during my first dining experience there.
Location: 591 College Street
Best dish: There are so many amazing dishes—but I’d have to go for the diavola pizza or bauletti de zuca pasta
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France: Sip cocktails at The Walton
With the vintage decor, soft jazz music and assortment of baked goods, I feel as if I’ve stepped back in time to 1940s Paris when I come to The Walton. It’s only about a 10 minute walk from my apartment, which is perfect for this Toronto fakecation. It starts off as a cafe in the mornings and then after 6pm, the evening festivities begin. They have seriously delicious cocktails but if you’re looking for a meal, you won’t get it. They have snacks & sharing plates, but nothing that’s going to fill you up. Luckily, my favourite fried chicken place, PG Clucks, is right across the street.
Location: 607 College Street
Best drink: Pink Mimosa, cava + pink lemonade
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Peru: Come en Mira
For those of you who don’t know, I’m half Peruvian on my mom’s side. When I lived at home (about 10 years ago) my mom used to make all the traditional Peruvian meals. I was kind of embarrassed when I was a kid and my friends would come over for dinner and have aji de gallina instead of something Canadian like… I don’t know, macaroni & cheese? But as I grew older I learned to love & embrace my Peruvian culture. Mira is a fabulous Peruvian restaurant. They get everything right—from the pisco sours to the cancha on the tables.
Location: 420A Wellington Street West
Best dish: Cerdo, suckling pig + quinoa fried rice + ramen glaze + rocoto jam
Where is your favourite place to go for a Toronto fakecation? Let me know so I can escape to somewhere new!
