Located just west of the bustling Entertainment and Financial districts, King West Village is a rapidly growing corner of Downtown Toronto. King st. West is littered with trendy urban eateries, Advertising agencies, and retail stores. This neighbourhood is a popular spot for young professionals for both living and entertainment. The boundaries of this neighbourhood are generally regarded as the area west of Spadina and East of Bathurst although the boundaries are not necessarily set.
King West village is popular for a variety of reasons but one is definitely because it is within walking distance to many of Toronto’s biggest districts. So what are some highlights of this trendy Toronto neighbourhood? Well, let’s start at food because King West is home to some of the best restaurants in the city. Gusto 101 is an Italian eatery located in Portland, just south of Adelaide Street. This space is a renovated mechanic’s garage and has a rustic charm and elegance that is commonly found in the King West area. They offer simple yet delicious classic Italian fare, beautiful homemade bread, and a wine list sure to impress any sommelier.
However, if you are looking for something a little more casual you should check out the Thompson Diner, located at the base of the swanky Thompson hotel. This place has melded contemporary design with a classic diner feel and is open nearly 24 hours a day. This diner offers what could be called elevated diner fare, for example, you can dip your fork into their famous mac and cheese complete with truffle oil.
Another perk of the King West area is that Toronto’s Famous TIFF International Film Festival takes place there. The Bell Lightbox, which is the main hub for the festival is located just east of Spadina and there are often events and after-parties held in the many trendy bars and restaurants along the street. If you are a movie buff or just like being in the action you will definitely want to check out this area in September.
