Toronto cafes, restaurants and bars where you can cozy up by the fireplace
In my household, the “fireplace channel” is constantly streaming on the TV from the onset of the holiday season until everything thaws out in the spring.
Fireplace envy is a real thing.
For those equally unfortunate and also drawn to those soft crackling sounds and hypnotic dancing flames, there are a number of Toronto establishments equipped to satisfy your winter cravings.
Here’s where to get cozy with a bevy and/or meal fireside in Toronto.
C’est What
This Toronto craft beer bar is an ideal destination when temperatures drop. Snag the seats by the fire, sample from an ever-changing selection on tap, fill up on classic comfort foods (think: stews, roti and jambalaya), and if you get bored (as if) entertain yourself with darts, billiards and board games.
Address: 67 Front Street East, Toronto
Phone: 416-867-9499
Instagram: @cestwhatto
Jacob’s & Co.
A pre-dinner cocktail by the fire in the piano room is the perfect precursor to a splurge-worthy steak dinner at this upscale chophouse steak near King West and Spadina.
Address: 12 Brant Street, Toronto
Phone: 416-366-0200
Instagram: @jacobssteakhouse
Thrive Organic Cafe
All vegan and organic fare including wholesome selections like broccoli cream soup and squash quesadillas are best enjoyed on the couch facing the fireplace at this Etobicoke restaurant.
Address: 3473 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto
Phone: 416-252-7700
Instagram: @thriveorganic
Sky Blue Sky
In the winter months, the coziest way to spend a lunch hour is nestled up to the fireplace with a cup of Buffalo chicken noodle soup or a ham and swiss sandwich from this eatery on Bloor.
Address: 605 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Phone: 647-351-7945
Instagram: @sbs_sandwiches
The Caledonian
Warm up with a dram of whisky and a plate of haggis smothered in gravy as the fire softly crackles and casts a warm glow inside this College Street public house.
Address: 856 College Street, Toronto
Phone: 416-577-7472
Instagram: @thecaledonian
The Olde Stone Cottage Pub
Pints and plates of Sheppard’s Pie are all the more attractive in cold weather. Lucky for Scarborough locals, fireside comfort foods are what this pub does best.
Address: 3750 Kingston Road, Scarborough
Phone: 416-265-7932
Instagram: @stonecottagepub
Istanbul Cafe & Espresso Bar
Deep leather armchairs surrounding the fireplace are the choice seats at this Turkish cafe. Settle in for strong coffees or a cup of lentil soup to warm yourself up inside and out.
Address: 174 Eglington Avenue East, Toronto
Phone: 416-480-0303
Instagram: @istanbulcafe03