By Brian McClelland on
Little Italy is a neighbourhood that really sings. Fans of live music, visual arts, record shops and other indie and lo-fi cultural experiences will have their pick of Toronto’s finest on College Street.
Putting foot to pavement is highly recommended on your College Street culture trip, and public transit makes it simple. One of the easiest ways to get here by TTC is to hop off at Queen’s Park station, on the Line 1 Yonge-University subway, and catch the streetcar westbound. The 506 Carlton streetcar runs the entirety of the College Street commercial strip, which is roughly bounded by Euclid Avenue and Shaw Street.
Plan to eat along the way. Little Italy offers more culinary diversity than the name implies—which is not to say you shouldn’t indulge in some orecchiette at one of the many trattorias (say, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Pizza Bar). Or a slice of pizza at Bitondo’s Pizzeria —with a Brio, Toronto’s homegrown Italian-style soft drink.
For a light meal, check out the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand and Barcelona-inspired tapas bar Bar Raval, and once you’ve taken a photo of its Instagram-ready woodwork, enjoy a sherry-based cocktail and an exquisite little plate of olives and Iberian chorizo. Further west, try to grab a sought-after seat on Toronto’s original Italian patio at Café Diplomatico, and watch the people go by. Call it “The Dip” to go undercover with the locals, and treat yourself to pasta alla pescatora.
Now it’s time to feed your soul. Onward to the culture spots:
A former art house cinema, the Royal Theatre has transformed into a top venue for comedy shows in Toronto. It’s the place to catch up-and-coming Canadian and international standup comedians before they move up to the arena level. The historic circa-1939 Art Deco theatre also hosts live podcasts plus the occasional concert, film screening or festival.
Mrs. Robinson is a throwback to the golden age of funk and soul. Named for R & B legend Sylvia Robinson, this low-lit cocktail bar nails its ’70s-inspired ambience, right down to the wall of vintage stereos. Stick around for live instrumental covers of old-school hip-hop.
Soundscapes is an indie music store that’s big on community. Not only can you pick up tickets for concert halls across Toronto, you can also catch live performances from local acts inside the store. Music to our ears!
Steps from Soundscapes, Neurotica Records is a Toronto staple for vinyl collectors, offering used records, books, video games and collectables of all sorts. Neurotica also supports homegrown talent by offering a recording studio for local artists.
Fulfill your BookTok wishlist by stopping by Flying Books and Bellwoods Books, two indie bookshops located at one address. The former sells buzz-worthy literature, while the latter is open on weekends and by midweek “browsing appointment,” selling unique second-hand finds, including curated vintage book boxes packed with the bookshop’s tote, toque or ball cap. (Very giftable!)
Take the Line 1 Yonge-University subway to Queen’s Park station, then catch the 506 College streetcar westbound to Bathurst Street.