As the year of cancelled events and prohibited activities continues, it may seem like there's nothing fun left to while away our afternoons on. But there are always plenty of things to do in Toronto – even while physical distancing.
With fall comes plenty of new restaurants and the perfect weather to start eating plenty of pies – not to mention the need to snuggle up with coffee from one of our favourite Toronto coffee shops. And if going out isn't for you, we've also got the lowdown on the restaurants offering takeaway. Yes, yes, we know we've got it all, and you are most welcome.
But for something extra special this November, check out these events and pop-ups, from Christmas markets to Matty's Patty's – a meaty, mighty new restaurant from our favourite Matty Matheson.
14 things to do in Toronto this November
Fall n' Leaves
Until November 8; 621 Richmond St
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Yes, we’re basic. No, we don’t care. Somewhere between a pumpkin patch and Oktoberfest sits Fall n’ Leaves, a pop-up celebrating the best season of all. Located on the south west corner of Bathurst and Richmond, this outdoor extravaganza features fire pits, a pizza oven and a cocktail and wine bar, so you can imbibe in your finest fall fashions from atop a bale o' hay.
Fall n’ Leaves will also be hosting events like date night paint nights and wine tastings. Finding fun new things to do this fall (with ample social distancing) needn’t be like a needle in a haystack, after all.
Street Eats Market
Open now; 9350 Yonge St.
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The team behind several of Toronto’s summer food festivals is back with a new outdoor eating event at Hillcrest Mall. Upwards of seven food trucks have rolled up to the Street Eats Market pop-up to peddle their delicious bites. Tuck into a beef bulgogi poutine from Golden Grill; a fried chicken sandwiched smothered with pesto aioli, three cheeses and garlic rosé sauce from 6 Spice Rack; or a mouthwatering jerk chicken burrito from the Jerk Brothers. Street Eats Market is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Miracle Christmas pop-up at Stackt Market
Nov 20 – Dec 26; 28 Bathurst St.
This year, the merry and bright Miracle pop-up bar is going outside at Stackt Market. From November 20th to December 26th, expect kitschy decor, festive cocktails made by the Civil Liberties team and some Yuletide cheer that could make even the Grinch smile. Parties of four or less will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis and you can remotely join their live waitlist.
One of a Kind
Until December 20; Online
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Everyone's favourite biannual craft show has moved online amidst the pandemic. Shop through food items, housewares, clothing, jewellery and crafts from more than 700 Canadian makers – all at your own leisure, from the comfort and safety of your own home. That's one more reason to support local during these times.
Afrobeat Kitchen pop-up
Open now; 1165 Bloor St W.
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Private chef and catering project Afrobeat Kitchen is back with another pop-up, this time at Caravan Cafe & Tea House on Bloor near Dufferin. For a limited time, you’ll be able to get your hands, or mouth, on modern African eats from chef Victor Uguweke. Order for pick up or delivery through Ritual.
Visit Cabana's new winterized patio the Marquee
Open now; 11 Polson St.
Trade swimsuits for scarves at the Marquee, Cabana's new winterized patio. With 5,400 square feet of heated and tented dining space, the Marquee is Toronto's newest (and most fluorescent) steak and seafood house. There are also winter-inspired cocktails like a fireball hot toddy, a warm old fashioned and a spicy margarita that will warm you from the inside-out. If you've missed brunchin' in the city, their Sunday brunch launches on November 1st.
Dine in a yurt at Amsterdam Barrel House
Open now; 87 Laird Dr.
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Grab your bubble buddies and book into this unique private dining experience. Accommodating groups of up to six people, the yurt on the patio at Amsterdam Barrel House is fully heated and enclosed, with two opening flaps to allow for air flow (and meet the city’s COVID-19 requirements). Cozy up under the twinkling string lights and tuck into your feast.
Make fancy cocktails with a cocktail kit from Project Gigglewater
Available now; 1369 Dundas St. W.
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Wine-not be your own bartender with a cocktail kit from Project Gigglewater? This Dundas West watering-hole put in a lot of hard work with their DIY cocktail kits so you don't have to. Pre-order for pick-up or delivery, then do some minor mixing and you're good to go. Each cocktail comes with just over seven servings and are sure to entertain with names like the Mrs. Stoutfire and Cran me a River.
Get a Pizza subscription from General Assembly
Available now
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We're honestly surprised it took this long for someone to come up with a pizza subscription service. You can thank General Assembly Pizza for that. Their pizza subscription offers free home delivery of their frozen pizzas (which cook in under ten minutes) to postal codes in Toronto. Subscribers can choose their monthly stack size, select their type of pizza from the subscription menu and cancel the service at any time – goes exceptionally well with pyjamas.
Journey into Enchantment
Nov 20 – Jan 4; 10080 Kennedy Rd., Markham
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More than a million lights went into making this drive-through exhibition of holiday cheer. Animated and static displays, music shows, simulated fireworks and a dazzling tunnel await you on your journey into enchantment. Located at the Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, this magical event is 1.6km of family-friendly fun. Open daily from 5:30 p.m.
Eat a sub from Lambo’s Deli & Grocery
Open now; 176 Bellwoods Ave.
Sandwiches are already near-perfect vessels, but there's a new place in Trinity Bellwoods that has truly perfected the art of the deli sandwich. Lambo's Deli and Grocery right across from Trinity Bellwoods Park serves up fully-loaded Italian-style subs that are truly bellissimo. Meat lovers will rejoice with their Italian Trio of capocollo, mortadella and prosciutto tucked beside fresh mozzarella, roasted red pepper and a Calabrian chili spread. Vegetarians can find love too with their Italian Vegetable sub or a creamy vegan Caesar salad.
See some cool glass art by Dale Chihuly
Until January 24; 100 Sunrise Ave., Unit 150
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Famous glass sculptor Dale Chihuly is back in Toronto for the first time since his previous exhibition at the ROM. Check out his intricate installations at the Sandra Ainsley Gallery in North York where you can book one-on-one appointments. Or view them online and pretend the sculptures are in your home. Chihuly's art does actually exist in the homes of notable people like Queen Elizabeth II, Elton John and Halle Berry, but we can dream, right?
Grab a burger from Matty’s Patty's
Open now; 923a Queen St. W.
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Fans of homegrown hero Matty Matheson now have a permanent spot where they can get their hands on the celebrity chef’s beloved burgers. Directly across from Trinity Bellwoods park on Queen West, Matty’s Patty’s serves their hefty burgers on a sesame milk bun, topped with gooey American cheese and with a side of fries. An Impossible vegetarian burger is also on offer. Pre-order on their site for pickup.
By Chef Nuit Pop-up
Open now; 326 Adelaide St.
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To the delight of her fans, chef Nuit Regular has added a new pop-up to her lineup of Thai restaurants that includes Kiin, Pai and Khao San Road. Operating out of the Kiin space, this latest venture offers a "culinary playground" for chef Regular. Expect creative dishes like the Pad Gra Prow Burger with crispy holy basil, aged cheddar and a Thai fried egg on top. Order for delivery or takeout.
