Ossington has quickly become the hippest neighbourhood in Toronto, with some of the coolest clothing brands and swankiest restaurants opening up shop here.
There’s always something fun to do along this lively strip, whether you’re looking to hit up trendy cafés or hit up some local boutiques.
Here are some of the best and most fun things to do along Ossington – perfect for a weekend stroll, a date night, or a day out with friends!
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Best things to do on Ossington
Get a facial at Formula Fig
Start your day with a glow at this chic, green-tiled beauty studio.
Formula Fig is known for their quick and effective facials, leaving you with a perfect, dewy glow for your day out on Ossington.
It’s the perfect self-care moment before exploring the rest of the neighbourhood.
Keep in mind that you do have to book an appointment in advance!
You can also find their other locations in Summerhill and Midtown.
Enjoy brunch at Manita
Manita is a friendly neighbourhood café, restaurant, and bar located right on the strip.
It also happens to be one of my favourite brunch spots in Toronto – their shakshuka is truly next level.
The dish comes with harissa-spiced tomato sauce, jalapeño yogurt, and a perfectly-toasted baguette for dipping.
Their menu is Mediterranean-inspired, with fresh, flavourful, and beautifully-plated dishes that take you seamlessly from breakfast to dinner.
You can also find their other location in Rosedale!
LOCATION: 210 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON
Shop at the boutiques along Ossington
Ossington is lined with stylish, curated shops featuring everything from minimalist basics to accessories and home goods.
Don’t miss stopping into cool clothing stores like Kotn (their flagship!), Uncle Studios, and Permission.
Here are some other cool boutiques and shops worth checking out along Ossington:
- LoversLand: bridal shop also offering up designer apparel
- Reigning Champ: men’s streetwear and athleisure brand from Vancouver
- Melanie Auld Jewelry: stylish, affordable, and quality jewelry
- Sundays: stylish, minimalist furniture from Vancouver
- VdeV: boho-chic home goods from Montreal
- Monos: quality, minimalist luggage
Get caffeinated at Sam James or Forget Me Not
Sam James Coffee Bar is a neighbourhood staple and local favourite, known for their smooth, high-quality coffee.
This minimalist café is the perfect pit stop for a caffeine recharge while exploring Ossington.
I also really like Pilot Coffee – all of their coffee is sourced ethically and through direct trade!
If you’re looking for more unique coffee drinks or even matcha, stop into Forget Me Not Coffee for seasonal offerings like their Dalgona Latte or Black Sesame Latte.
They went super viral for their Banana Bread Matcha Latte back in the summer!
Explore the art and murals around Ossington
The alleyways and side streets around Ossington offer plenty of photo-worthy murals and street art.
Great for Instagram photo ops, or just a casual stroll.
Keep your camera ready – there are colourful backdrops around every corner!
Enjoy a scoop at Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery
You can’t come to Ossington and not get ice cream from Bang Bang.
A long-standing fixture in the neighbourhood, they’re known for their unique selection of flavours.
From creative seasonal flavours to the classics, this spot is a must-try dessert stop for any sweet tooth.
The Totaro flavour is an ube (purple yam) ice cream with coconut, and it’s one of my absolute favourites.
You really can’t go wrong with any of their flavours, to be honest!
Enjoy a scoop in their Hong Kong waffle cone if you’re looking for something indulgent.
Or, get an ice cream sandwich stuffed between their freshly-baked cookies.
Summer months bring lines out the door, but it’s so worth the wait.
If you just can’t enough, you can even grab a pint to take home with you.
LOCATION: 93A Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON
Indulge in a cookie at Andrea’s
If cookies are more your thing, then you’ll probably want to stop into Andrea’s Cookies.
Andrea’s has taken over Toronto by storm in the last few years, and for good reason.
Their rotating selection of cookies changes up by the week, and they’ve developed a cult following in the city.
With flavours like miso butterscotch, chocolate knafeh, and almond croissant, it’s no wonder they’re become so well-loved.
You can also find them in Midtown and by High Park!
LOCATION: 166 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON
Sip on wine at Paris Paris
When the evening hits, unwind with a glass of fine wine or even some beautifully crafted cocktails at Paris Paris.
Nestled inside a converted autoshop, this unpretentious wine bar has a huge selection of bottles you can enjoy by the glass.
Plus, they’ve got a fantastic internationally-influenced menu to take you from brunch through dinner.
Their bistro-inspired dishes are perfect for sharing!
Paris Paris is a great spot for pre-dinner drinks or a slow, cozy night out.
And you can even grab a bottle from their wine shop to take home with you!
They’re a sister restaurant to Favorites Thai BBQ, which is also located along the Ossington Strip.
If you’re more in the mood for a beer, pay a visit to Bellwoods Brewery for their rotating selection of craft beer.
LOCATION: 146 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON
Treat yourself to dinner at one of Ossington’s hotspots
Ossington is packed with some of Toronto’s best dining spots, offering up a diverse range of cuisines from around the world.
Whether you’re in the mood for upscale Greek at Mamakas, Michelin-quality Vietnamese at The Lunch Lady of Saigon, or steak frites at Côte de Bœuf, you’ll definitely find something unforgettable.
Whatever you crave, Ossington delivers.
Catch a show at Small Talk or The Painted Lady
End your busy Ossington adventure with some great vibes and local talent.
Small Talk is a swanky jazz club serving up specialty martinis alongside wagyu hot dogs and caviar bumps.
The Painted Lady is an iconic venue with tons of character, and they’re always something entertaining happening on stage.
Stop in for a burlesque show or rock ‘n’ roll night – they offer up a variety of music and events!
Best things to do on Ossington:
- Get a facial at Formula Fig
- Enjoy brunch at Manita
- Shop at boutiques along Ossington
- Get caffeinated at Sam James or Forget Me Not
- Explore the art and murals around Ossington
- Enjoy a scoop at Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery
- Indulge in a cookie at Andrea’s
- Sip on wine at Paris Paris
- Treat yourself to dinner at one of Ossington’s hotspots
- Catch a show at Small Talk or The Painted Lady
I love exploring the Ossington neighbourhood, and new spots are always popping up in this hip part of town.
What are your favourite things to do along Ossington? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!
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