CANOE: with its epic view of the city with an equally epic contemporary menu. This restaurant creates beautiful dishes inspired by our country’s diverse landscape. Chef Ron McKinlay is always creating something unforgettable.

DOVA: this pretty neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Cabbagetown serves up some impressive seafood dishes. Chef Roberto Marotta’s (also ARDO) attention to detail and flavours show. He also lets them naturally shine.

Don Alfonso 1890: Perched up high at the Westin Harbour Castle, this the only North American location of world renowned  Chefs Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino’s signature restaurant (Italy).  Tasting menu is a great option.

Kiin Café: Treat mom to a Royal Thai dining experience. Toronto’s favourite Chef Nuit Regular has recently launched a new brunch menu offering traditional Thai breakfast and lunch menu items. Reservations encouraged.

Cafe Boulud: at Four Seasons Hotel. We have our favourites at Chef Daniel Boulud’s Toronto restaurant and so does mom. This brasserie features classic and contemporary dishes inspired by the Chef’s family means in Lyon, France. Be sure to order their fresh baked lemon Madeleines.

Auberge du Pommier: Just north of the city (but south of the 401) is this quaint cottage-style structure that sits at the steps away from office buildings. But this hidden gem is a charming spot and a favourite for fine dining.

REIGN at The Fairmont Royal York: For Mother’s Day this popular restaurant is offering a full hot and cold buffet. The selection offers all the classic brunch favourites as well as a few additional dishes. There’s also a dessert room! $119 per person.

Marked: Take a delicious trip with their weekend all-inclusive bubbles brunch. Unlimited small plates and bottomless Prosecco feels like you’re on vacation. No worries about lost luggage either.

Oretta Midtown: Casual Italian hot spot offers an extensive brunch menu on the weekends. Lots of choices from salads, pizzas, pastas and other delicious dishes. Bottomless mimosas too!

AGO Bistro: Make it a day out with mom at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Explore the permanent collections as well as the contemporary galleries. Then, round off your visit with brunch at the onsite restaurant. Mother’s Day Prix Fixe menu available for $57 per person.

Miznon: If you’re taking in the Bloor Yorkville “Fleurs de Ville” fresh floral installations (May 10-14) and looking for something quick and casual, this will hit the spot. Miznon offers Mediterranean street food that we keep returning to. Their warm fluffy stuffed pitas are what dreams are made of. Cauliflower is iconic.

AFTERNOON TEA

Casa Loma: a favourite for many is the magical High Tea fit for every queen. Scones, pastries, and tea sandwiches will be serve along with tea, of course! Guests are also invited to tour the castle with their reservation. $75 per person.

Queen Bee Afternoon Tea at d|bar (Four Seasons Hotel): This special afternoon tea created by the culinary team to honour our Queen Bee while raising awareness of the importance of honey bees and the important roles they play in our everyday lives. $105 per person. Also available is Afternoon Tea at Home for $88 per person (pre-order by May 10 for pick up).

DAY TRIPPERS

The Royal Hotel Picton: The Dining Room here at this spectacular hotel is worthy of a day trip (or overnighter). Chef Albert Ponzo (formerly Le Select Bistro) brings true farm to table   menu that includes sourcing ingredients from the hotel’s own farm up the road. Seasonal menu items are offered as well as classic favourites.

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You may be familiar with Oretta’s first location on King Street West near Bathurst. It opened it 2017 and continues to be well received for it’s inviting casual-but-chic decor and classic regional Italian menu. The second location brings the same vibe from the popular downtown location and offers fan-favourite menu items along with a few new items. Standing tall and confident Oretta Midtown also has a south facing patio space that seats about 60 people. It’s a pretty oasis protected from the breezy and busy Yonge Street corridor. Inside, the space seats about 200 with cozy leather banquettes along the windows and beautiful attention overall aesthetics without overwhelming.

Gabriele Di Marco (Executive Chef) and Darren Couto (Chef de Cuisine) offers a menu of Italian fare from various regions. Familiar coastal dishes are beautifully presented including their show-stopping Miste di Pesce seafood board along side their Miste di Carne board for the meat-lovers.

On our most recent visit we fully enjoyed the appetizer selections including Carciofi Fritti (crispy fried artichokes), a fresh Orata Crudo (Mediterranean Sea bream with hint of chili, lemon and drizzle of olive oil), Polipo (octopus tentacles served on chickpea panella, olives, n’duja) and a robust Agrumi (citrus salad). Hands down we could have just enjoyed the selection of appetizers and leave completely satisfied.

But of course, it’s an Italian restaurant so there is a selection of pastas and risottos for a heartier meal! Yes, pizzas are here and they are delicious. We tried the Mortadella pizza on a crisp and slightly chewy pizza dough topped with artichoke purée, mortadella, crisp artichoke, stracciatella, candied tomato, and pistachio. Another favourite order we would return for!

Dessert offering included a classic Tiramisu as well as a refreshing and tasty pineapple served right it its own skin. Cannoli lovers will enjoy the table side experience with the roll-in cart and made fresh to order right in front of your eyes! Forget bottle service! It’s Cannoli service for us!

By the way, I heard that brunch here at Oretta is really good. I’ll be returning to check that out soon! They do have a brunch offering happening. For $45 per person, you can get a mimosa + anything on the brunch menu + a bombolone (Saturdays and Sundays, open from 10 am to 3 pm)

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Oretta Midtown is located at 2131 Yonge Street. Check their website for hours of operation. They open daily for indoor and patio dining as well as take out and online ordering.

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