Date night ideas in Toronto’s west end

Dine above the city lights or express your love with paint and canvas. You’ll never run out of ideas on date night in Toronto's west end. Indoor or out, bar or restaurant, upscale or delightfully down-home, you choose the mood and make the moment your own. This side of the city is rich in couples fun and romance. [Image credit: iStock.com/BraunS]

Date night ideas in Toronto’s west end
Toronto Localist By

Art Gallery of Ontario

1
317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4

Neither of you have to be culture fanatics to enjoy this famous monthly party, but if you are, so much the better. On the first Thursday of every month, the Art Gallery of Ontario opens its doors for an evening of DJs, a night market and snacks, plus the current exhibition. You can wander the galleries or lounge in scattered sofas and watch events unfold on giant screens as you sip your cocktails.

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Paintlounge

2
784 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1C6

If a picture says a thousand words, you’ll know just what your partner is saying after an evening at Paint Lounge. You book a canvas in advance and, with unlimited paints, spend three hours together working on a masterpiece. Specialty coffee drinks and boutique teas keep you quenched because being creative and romantic can be pleasantly tiring.

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The Roof Lounge

3
4 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2E8

This one checks all the boxes: a stunning view, romance, and class. You and your date can nuzzle 18 floors above downtown Toronto in a spot that’s trendy yet elegant, chic yet old-world, with a literary vibe, comfy leather sofas and inviting fireplace. All you need are cocktails and conversation, and the night is yours.

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Drake Hotel

4
1150 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J3

Rising musical talent, a trivia night or even a poetry slam – there’s always plenty to make date night fun at the beautifully-refurbished Drake. Weekly menu changes constantly introduce stimulating new flavours as the bar follows suit. You can get everything from cider to sake, so if a laid-back drink is the means to break the ice, you’ll find something to satisfy.

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The Ball Room

5
145 John St, Toronto, ON M5V 2E4

If your date is sporty like you and shares a taste for uncomplicated pub grub, head to The Ballroom where you can work off your meal with a game of hockey – bubble hockey, that is! You can also bond while playing ping-pong, pool, and foosball, or hit the bowling lanes. The four bars dotted around the venue mean a refreshing bevvy is always within reach.

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ROMWalks

6
100 Queen's Pk, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6

Spend date night doing what devoted couples enjoy most: strolling around the city holding hands. During the summer, the Royal Ontario Museum offers a variety of free group walks through selected city neighbourhoods. You’ll learn about local architecture, history, and culture – and more about each other. Private walks can be booked if you want to bring friends.

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The One Eighty

7
55 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M4W 1A5

First-timers or not, it’s the perfect spot for a date night. The bird’s-eye view of downtown Toronto makes you feel lucky to live here, and the food is highbrow without being precious. You can sample plates from the chef’s start and share menu with delights like Piri Piri Chicken Drummies with black garlic aioli and roasted chillies.

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