Whether you’re a fan of live music, comedy or sports, if you live in the Toronto area, you’re bound to visit Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena for a night out. Not certain where to eat before the game or show? Here are our picks for the 10 best restaurants near Scotiabank Arena, including cozy pub fare and some of the best sushi in the city.
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Miku
The first east coast location of the popular Vancouver sushi restaurant, Miku is famous for its irresistible flame-seared aburi sushi. While the seafood and fish dishes are exquisite, they also offer a wagyu striploin steak and AAA prime rib for the meat lovers in your group. The space itself, located at Bay and Queen’s Quay, is over 7,000 square feet and features a raw bar, a sushi bar and a large patio.
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Taverna Mercatto
A classic Italian-style tavern featuring rustic Italian dishes just like nonna made, Taverna Mercatto is mere steps away from the arena on Bremner Boulevard. Enjoy a pint of beer or a glass of wine alongside hearty pastas, pizzas and a selection of grilled meats. Take a cushy, blue-velvet seat at the communal granite-topped bar or opt for a cozier table.
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Beertown
Beertown, located on Wellington Street West, is the place to go if you love a large selection of craft beers and modern pub fare like burgers, fried chicken and mac and cheese. The space is bright and airy, with an assortment of bar seating, booths and tables. It’s a place you could return to again and again thanks to its seasonal menu offerings and the rotating selection of both bottled and draught brews.
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PAI
If you live in Toronto, chances are you’ve experienced Chef Nuit Regular‘s signature Northern Thai cuisine thanks to restaurants like Sukhothai. For a divine dinner before the game or concert, head to PAI on Duncan Street for a warming bowl of khao soi or a flavour-packed curry. There’s even a wide selection of vegan dishes including the popular Chef Nuit pad thai.
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The Fox
Just south of Scotiabank Arena on Bay Street is The Fox, an urban pub featuring a menu of craft beer, hand-crafted cocktails and classic pub dishes like burgers, fish and chips and chicken wings. Check them out for a pre-game meal and if you happen to arrive in the area on the earlier side, they have a daily happy hour from 12 to 4 PM.
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Richmond Station
Located on Richmond Street just west of Yonge is Richmond Station, a lively neighbourhood restaurant that’s been serving the area for a decade. Go with an assortment of shareable plates including their unbelievable Fogo Island Shrimp Dip, or one of their tempting mains like the Berkshire Pork. They also feature a solid vegetarian menu with favourites like the garden squash cavatelli. Also notable is that they’re a no-tipping establishment, as menu prices include the cost of hospitality.
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Don Alfonso 1890
For a truly memorable meal, Don Alfonso 1890 is the place to go. Perched atop the Westin Harbour Castle hotel on Queen’s Quay, it not only has a gorgeous panoramic view of the city and Lake Ontario, but it’s also one of Toronto’s most internationally renowned restaurants with several accolades including one Michelin star. The a la carte or lounge menu are probably the best options before an evening at the Scotiabank Arena, but you may want to plan a separate visit to sample their signature tasting menu.
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The Butcher Chef
If you’re looking for fine dining at one of Toronto’s top steakhouses, The Butcher Chef on Harbour Street is the place to go. Specializing in the finest cuts of beef from around the world, an emphasis on local, sustainable produce and a unique selection of award-winning wines and scotches, you’ll enjoy a meal that’s an event itself.
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Library Bar
Tucked away in the Royal York Hotel is Library Bar, an art deco gem known for exquisite cocktails and dishes inspired by beloved classics like their Bay Street Prime Rib Sandwich. Indulge in a hearty meal or sample their Nordic-inspired small plates alongside a martini, or sip on something from their selection of fine spirits. Directly across from Union Station on Front Street, it’s only a short walk to Scotiabank Arena.
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e11even
Located in Maple Leaf Square at the corner of York and Bremner is e11even, offering an elevated dining experience just outside of Scotiabank Arena. Their menu offerings — including oysters, baby back ribs and roast chicken — are accompanied by a selection of over 3,000 wines from their cellar and creative seasonal cocktails. Dine in their lounge or if you’re with a large group, look into reserving their 20-person communal table.
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