In case you thought nothing new was happening on the Drive, think again. New restos and cafes are the lifeblood of this bustling strip, and the latest spots to open up prove that diversity is still – and will always be – the “driving” force here. Here are a few notables to check out during Italian Day:
Bao Down
Pan-Asian street food meets Filipino flare. From hearty baos like the Bao Chicka Bao Bao to “island” tacos (blackened ahi tuna FTW), the menu here reads like an ode to all things fried and spicy. Adobo fried chicken…’nuff said. baodown.net
Rosemary Rocksalt
What could be more apropos than a bagel, especially one topped with Montreal smoked meat and/or cream cheese (I personally like to combine the two). Try it on the eponymous bagel and have a field day of Jewish guilt and delight. rosemaryrocksalt.com
77K Freeze
Nitro-desserts have arrived. Try unusual flavours like blueberry-pine, carrot, and red velvet, both in ice cream and float iterations, as well as blended teas and smoothies. 77kfreeze.ca
No-So-New, But Still-So-Cool
JamJar
Lebanese fare with inventive cocktails. jam-jar.ca
La Mezcaleria
Casual tacos, flautas, and chicharrones, and some of the best queso fundido in town. lamezcaleria.ca
Merchants Workshop
Contemporary West Coast with a casual ethos and refined techniques. merchantsoysterbar.ca
Via Tevere
Because pizza Napoletana will always be a thing. viateverepizzeria.com
La Grotta del Formaggio
Some of the best cheese and salumi can be found here. Pick up lunch while restocking on olive oil, olives and parma. lgdf.ca
