With a decorated career as a musician that includes a 2020 Juno Award for Jazz Album of the Year, few Canadian artists are more sought-after than Toronto-based drummer, composer, and bandleader Ernesto Cervini.
In addition to his performing career, Cervini is also the founder of Orange Grove Publicity and the co-founder of record label TPR, which has led him to become one of the country’s most influential and in-demand jazz publicists as well.
With his latest album Joy quickly becoming one of our favourites to listen to around the Eat North office, we decided to find out if the multifaceted musician is as knowledgeable about his local food scene as he is about music. As you'll soon come to find out, he most certainly is. Read on for some great restaurant recommendations for dining in Toronto.
Breakfast
One of my favourite spots for a good weekend brunch is Kitchen on Sixth. It's a great restaurant (any time of day!) and they make a killer English breakfast. Dig in!
Lunch
Barque Smokehouse is an excellent, excellent barbecue joint in Roncesvalles. The ribs are fantastic, the fries and delicious, the Caesar salad rocks, and the free popcorn snack is so good. I have some of the popcorn dust at home, and I use it all the time!
Dinner
Pizzeria Defina is also on Roncesvalles, and is my favourite restaurant in the city. The pizzas are really, really excellent, and the vegetable side dishes are killer. I especially love the Brussels sprouts…highly recommended!!
Drinks
Laylow Brewery is an excellent, intimate bar on College St. It’s a wonderful microbrew and they make fantastic beers and serve wonderful food. Toronto’s smallest brewery…the vibe is excellent! It’s a great hang.
