Hard to Get in Restaurants, Made Easier Now

If there’s one obvious advantage to the current pivot we’ve had to make to strictly takeout dining, it’s the absence of long lineups and reservation wait times for some of the city’s most prominent upscale dining establishments. Torontonians who aim to bring a more refined dinner experience home with them can now choose from a variety of coveted restaurants offering takeout and delivery, so there’s no reason to wait for that authentic Italian feast, Japanese tasting menu or elegant steak dinner.

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@alorestaurant

Photo Courtesy: @AloRestaurant

Alo

This stylish and sophisticated downtown spot serves a seasonally-inspired French tasting menu with optional wine tastings in their dining room, plus an a la carte menu and a selection of cocktails in the adjacent bar area. Those looking for a more elevated dining experience at home can now order an Alo tasting menu for $65 per person, available for pick-up via Tock. Although the menus rotate weekly, they typically include a portion of protein, fresh homemade bread and pasta, a salad and a decadent dessert. Available for pickup only through Tock.

Now Toronto

Photo Courtesy: Now Toronto

Giulietta

With a focus on simple and classic yet brilliantly prepared Italian food, this Dufferin Grove restaurant has proven to be a favourite among Torontonians looking for a light, fresh and satisfying meal. The menu offers classics like wood-fired pizzas and house-made pasta dishes, along with a delightful grilled octopus, creative vegetable sides and an extensive wine and cocktail list. Rather than waiting to snag a spot in their 80-seat dining room, you can now order many of their most popular dishes, as well as grill-at-home meats, pantry items and bottled cocktails, for curbside pickup or UberEats delivery from Wednesday through Sunday. Available Wednesday to Sunday, 2:30-8:30pm for pickup directly through the restaurant (website or phone) or for delivery via UberEats.

@pianopianotherestaurant

Photo Courtesy: @pianopianotherestaurant

Piano Piano

This spacious and colourful dining destination took Harbord Street by storm back in 2016, offering from-scratch, Canadian-Italian fare that is sure to impress. Owner and executive chef Victor Barry (formerly of Splendido) dreamt up the menu of rich pastas, creatively-dressed pizzas, spicy veal parm and perfectly indulgent desserts, all of which can currently be ordered for takeout through the restaurant’s website or delivery through UberEats. If you’re looking for the ideal date night in, they also have a Dinner for Two menu that features freshly baked focaccia, olives, caesar salad, lasagna and tiramisu – and don’t forget to add on a bottle of their house red or white wines to complete your meal. Available to order for pickup through their website or by phone, and for delivery through UberEats.

@sushimasakisaito

Photo Courtesy: @sushimasakisaito

Sushi Masaki Saito

If you’re seeking out a truly indulgent and elevated meal while you’re stuck at home, Sushi Masaki Saito has got your back. Not only does their namesake chef boast a two Michelin Star rating, but they also provide an exceptionally authentic Japanese dining experience unlike any other in the city. While their tasting menu is typically offered at a jaw-dropping $500 per person, chef Saito has reworked the menu to align with the parameters of takeout dining, including fish preparation that can withstand delivery time and a lower price point to account for the lack of a sit-down dining experience. They are only accepting a maximum of ten orders per day, so make sure to get yours in well in advance! Available for curbside pickup and delivery by calling the restaurant directly.

@sottosotto

Photo Courtesy: @sottosotto

Sotto Sotto

Sotto Sotto may be well-known as a hotspot for celebrities who visit the city, but it lives up to the type with delicious and well-executed dishes inspired by South-Central Italy in an intimate, charming space on Avenue Road. It can sometimes be difficult to score a seat at this coveted hotspot, but their latest initiative allows diners to enjoy their food at home while supporting both the Toronto restaurant industry and the Italy COVID-19 Response Appeal, which they encourage guests to donate to via their website. Their takeout and delivery menu features their house-made sourdough bread alongside a selection of antipasti, plus freshly-made pastas, meats cooked to perfection and simple vegetable side dishes. Available for contact-free delivery and pickup by placing an order with the restaurant by phone, plus a slightly trimmed menu is available for delivery through UberEats.

Jacobs & Co

Photo Courtesy: Jacobs & Co

Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse

Toronto’s swankiest steakhouse is often recognized for its exceptional service, perfectly prepared cuts of meat and – let’s be honest – star sightings. Considering that their giant piece of real estate is forced to close to the public for the foreseeable future, they have shifted to a streamlined takeout offering for those who want to bring the elegance home for a celebration or fancy date night. Dine on their famous caesar salad for two and shrimp cocktail to start before moving on to your desired size and cut of meat, plus simply-prepared side dishes and bottles of wine to compliment your steak dinner. Available for takeout and delivery, Wednesday through Sunday evenings, by ordering on their website or calling the restaurant directly.

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