About the Ossington Strip
Ossington Avenue between Dundas Street West and Queen Street West has become one of Toronto’s most celebrated dining and nightlife corridors. What was once a quiet stretch of Portuguese and Vietnamese family businesses has evolved into a destination for some of the city’s most innovative restaurants, cocktail bars, and art galleries — while still retaining much of its original character.
The transformation began around 2008 when the City of Toronto placed a moratorium on new liquor licences on Queen West, pushing bar and restaurant operators to look for alternatives. Ossington, with its affordable rents and interesting building stock, became the natural choice. Today, the strip is consistently ranked among Toronto’s best food and drink streets.
The Ossington Experience
Walking along Ossington on a Friday evening, you’ll pass natural wine bars tucked into converted garages, tasting-menu restaurants in narrow Victorian storefronts, and cocktail lounges with no signage except a small number on the door. The strip rewards exploration — some of the best spots don’t advertise.
By day, Ossington reveals a different character. Independent coffee roasters, specialty food shops, and design studios serve the neighbourhood’s creative community. Several co-working spaces have opened in the area, attracting freelancers and startups who appreciate the neighbourhood’s walkability and energy.
Top 5 Local Recommendations
- Cocktail Crawl — The Ossington strip is home to some of Toronto’s most acclaimed cocktail bars. Start at the north end and work your way south for an unforgettable evening.
- Gallery Hopping — Several contemporary art galleries have set up on Ossington, showcasing emerging Canadian and international artists. Most have free admission.
- Brunch Culture — Weekend brunch is a religion on Ossington. Arrive early (before 10 AM) to beat the queues at the neighbourhood’s beloved brunch spots.
- Trinity Bellwoods Park — Just steps away, this sprawling urban park is perfect for afternoon picnics, dog walking, and people-watching. In summer, it’s Toronto’s living room.
- Late-Night Eats — After the bars close, Ossington’s Vietnamese pho shops and late-night pizza spots serve the nightlife crowd into the early morning.
Getting Here
Ossington Station on the Bloor-Danforth line is a short walk north. The 63 Ossington bus runs the length of the strip. From downtown, the 501 Queen streetcar stops at Ossington Avenue. Bike parking is plentiful along the strip.
Shopping & Gift Ideas
The Bag of Ossington captures the artisan spirit of this neighbourhood — curated local products from the independent makers and food producers who call Ossington home.