Living

Toronto’s Most Unique Restaurants

By: Emmy Gnat 

Getting bored of the same local pizza place? Ordering-in the same sushi every night? Take a break from the ordinary and experience some of Toronto’s hidden treasures. Dine all across the city, and try stopping by some of these unique restaurants for a wide variety of tempting eats.

SIGNS

Enjoy a dining experience like no other at Canada’s first restaurant staffed only with deaf waiters. This restaurant runs on the platform of wanting to feed their customers great food while also providing jobs in hospitality to those with hearing impairments. This new experience will allow you and your pals to learn ASL (American Sign Language) together. There’s no need to worry about being unfamiliar with sign language because you get a cheat sheet. The staffs also incredibly love to teach their customers. Push your comfort zone at this remarkable learning and dining experience.

signs_restaurant

Photo: Signs Restaurnant on Instagram 

O.Noir

If you like to sleep with a nightlight, this restaurant may not be your top choice. O.Noir allows all your senses to be heightened while eating without the distraction of sight. No phones and no flashlights mean all your focus goes into experiencing the flavours of each dish. This restaurant is their modern take on the old “dining in the dark” theory by having visually impaired waiters serving the food. If you’re up to the challenge, try ordering the mystery dessert. Scare yourself, eat something delicious and learn a bit about living life without your sight.

O NOIR

Photo: katherineromp on Instagram 

Guu Izakaya

Get ready to be greeted with screams and shouts at this unconventional Japanese restaurant. This one-of-a-kind dining experience was first brought to Vancouver where its popularity quickly grew. Get to know citizens of Toronto at the restaurants communal tables. The concept of Izakaya restaurants is to bring people together to share food, drinks, and stories so, join in the fun and meet some new people. Although it is closed for renovations right now, when it reopens this restaurant promises to serve up the same authentic and friendly experience.

EATR

Photo: eatr.toronto on Instagram 

The Dirty Bird Chicken + Waffles

This #NorthernFried joint serves up exactly what their name says – chicken and waffles. A southern American classic that has crept its way into the bellies of Torontonians has become a Kensington Market staple. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere with all wood tables so you don’t have to worry about your sticky fingers marking up any tablecloths. From their infamous ODB to their desert waffles, this menu is sure to hit your sweet and savory spot. Also, everything can be done gluten free, so you really have no excuse not to go here.

DIRTY BIRD

Photo: dirtybirdto on Instagram