One of Toronto’s most popular foodie events is finally returning. The Summerlicious restaurant festival runs from August 12 to 28, giving diners a chance to celebrate the city’s diverse culinary scene with set menus and price points.
The fixed-price lunch menus range from $20 to $55, and dinner menu prices range from $25 to $75, depending on the restaurant and its offerings. There are dozens of spots serving up affordable three-course meals during Summerlicious, and here are 10 of the best ones.
La Pizza e La Pasta
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Located inside Eataly Toronto, this spot serves up fresh and authentic regional cuisine, with delicious varieties of pizza, pasta, and wine. Stop by for a prix fixe meal and stay for an al fresco cocktail at the outdoor walk-up bar on Bloor Street.
Where: 55 Bloor St West
Cost: $27 Lunch, $35 Dinner
Dynasty Chinese Cuisine
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This popular Yorkville spot known for its delicious Chinese cuisine is participating in Summerlicious. The menu features all kinds of dishes from seafood to duck to dim-sum, so you can probably expect a nice variety of flavours on its festival menu.
Where: 69 Yorkville Ave
Cost: $27 Lunch, $35 Dinner
Shinyi Handmade Dumplings
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Known for its traditional and rainbow-coloured dumplings, Shinyi is known as one of Toronto’s favourite dumpling houses for a reason. It’s located right in the downtown core and also serves up a number of other dishes including stir-fried cauliflower, egg fried rice, and more.
Where: 641 Yonge St
Cost: $27 Lunch, $35 Dinner
The Blake House
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The Blake House is one of the last standing heritage structures in Toronto, built in 1891, according to its website. Famous for its steaks, burgers, shared, plates, and wines, this chic bar and grill is a great option during Summerlicious.
Where: 449 Jarvis St
Cost: $27 Lunch, $35 Dinner
The Real Jerk Restaurant
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Celebs and athletes are among the loyal patrons of this east-end Caribbean restaurant, and you can dine there for a good price during Summerlicious. It was the backdrop of the music video for Rihanna and Drake’s song “Work” and is loved by athletes including the Toronto Raptors players and NBA icon Steph Curry, who apparently brought his whole family to dine there a few years ago.
Where: 842 Gerrard St East
Cost: $27 Lunch, $35 Dinner
Bangkok Garden
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This restaurant claims to have introduced Toronto to Thai culture and cuisine over 39 years ago, and that gives it some serious points. Plus, it’s located in a historic building with soaring ceilings and a gorgeous atmosphere.
Where: 18 Elm St
Cost: $27 Lunch, $35 Dinner
Rivoli
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If you’re looking for lunch or dinner with a side of live entertainment, Rivoli is the place to be. The Queen West mainstay is a lively spot known for its creative food and drink menu. Come for the eats, stay for the vibes.
Where: 332 Queen St West
Cost: $27 Lunch, $35 Dinner
Hey Lucy’s Wood Oven Pizza
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Hand-stretched wood-oven pizza is what you’ll get to enjoy at this bustling Italian restaurant in the Entertainment District. The two-floor restaurant also has two patios and a rooftop patio, making it ideal for an al fresco meal in the summertime.
Where: 295 King St West
Cost: $27 Lunch, $35 Dinner
Kathmandu Restaurant
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Popular eatery Kathmandu is serving up its traditional Nepalese and Indian dishes on special set menus during Summerlicious. This eatery is located in Yorkville, where there’s no shortage of exciting things to do this August before or after your meal.
Where: 12 Cumberland St
Cost: $27 Lunch, $35 Dinner
iSLAS Filipino BBQ & Bar
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You’ll find this incredibly tasty spot in the west end, known for its traditional grilled Filipino cuisine and tropical cocktails. Summerlicious is the perfect opportunity to expand your culinary horizons, and iSLAS does not disappoint.
Where: 1690 Queen St West
Cost: $25 Dinner
