First thing's first — there are no spoilers for season four of FX's hit show, The Bear, here. Matty Matheson's foodie dramedy that captivated the world has already been renewed for a fifth season, and after some of the developments in the last 10 episodes (IYKYK), we're on the edge of our seats to find out what happens next.
In celebration of the latest season, we asked ourselves: What if the characters from The Bear spent a weekend in Toronto? Follow ups included: How angry would Richie get with the traffic? How quickly will Sydney fall in love with Kensington Market? Would Carmy get lost in St. Lawrence Market? Our city would be a natural fit for these fictional foodies. From world-class, Michelin-starred menus; to late-night dive bars; and renowned sandwich counters, Toronto's food scene would undoubtedly capture their imaginations and appetites.
We’ve had some fun deciding where each main character of The Bear would eat, drink and hang out while visiting Toronto. From Carmy admiring perfection at DaNico to Sydney seeking inspiration at Hong Shing and Marcus obsessing over detailed desserts at Roselle, each pick reflects their tastes, quirks and growth throughout the series.
Whether you're a diehard fan of the show or just hungry to add great spots to add to your list, we've got you covered.
Where The Bear characters would dine out in Toronto
Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto
Bar Pompette is a neighbourhood spot slinging farm-fresh cocktails
At Bar Pompette, a French-inspired drinking den in Little Italy, the cocktail menu is about way more than just booze. Fresh herbs and produce shine in their drams.
Read moreFor dinner: DaNico
440 College St.
Chef Daniele Corona's Michelin-star-awarded cuisine is exactly what Carmy strives for in his restaurant. Plus, DaNico's Italian influences would remind Carmy of his family.
For lunch: BEAR Steak Sandwiches
550A College St.
Not only because this spot is a cheeky play on his last name, Carmy would love BEAR Steak's down-to-earth, yet elevated approach to flank steak sandwiches.
For a drink: Bar Pompette
607 College St.
Elegant, but not too swanky that he'd feel out of place, Bar Pompette's chef-driven approach to craft cocktails and overall modesty will enamour Carmy.
Richard "Richie" Jerimovich
For dinner: Restaurant 20 Victoria
20 Victoria St.
After season two, Richie is the front-of-house expert. Restaurant 20 Victoria was recognized by Michelin with an Outstanding Service Award in 2023. He'd be blown away — 'nuff said.
For lunch: Sugo
1281 Bloor St. W.
Unpretentious and with a family-friendly vibe (much like the original 'The Beef'), Sugo serves classic red-sauce, Italian plates that Richie would rave about.
For a drink: Civil Liberties
878 Bloor St. W.
Richie probably doesn't have a favourite cocktail — he seems more like a whatever's-cheapest-please kind of guy to us — so the team at Civil Liberties would help guide him into a custom, perfect creation.
Sydney Adamu
Five years on, Quetzal is a tight ship and the pinnacle of Toronto dining
Not long after it opened in 2018, the future of Quetzal seemed unclear. Today, it's one of the most complete dining experiences in the city and deserving of all the fanfare.
Read moreFor dinner: Quetzal
419 College St.
Sydney isn't afraid to be bold and push boundaries (and Carmy), and that's the name of the game at Quetzal, the one-Michelin-star Mexican restaurant helmed by chef Steven Molnar. Plus, we just know she'd be obsessed with the 28-foot wood-fired oven.
For lunch: Hong Shing
195 Dundas St. W.
We know Sydney has a penchant for Chinese cuisine after she visits a dumpling restaurant in season two. Hong Shing, a Toronto institution that's been serving homestyle Chinese food since 1997, would help Adamu rediscover her love of regional cuisine.
For a drink: Grape Witches
1247 Dundas St. W.
Who doesn't love the gorgeous back patio at Grape Witches' Dundas Street location? Sydney would adore the easygoing, creative vibe here and might catch up with Marcus over a glass of natural vino.
Marcus Brooks
Juicy tentacles and Spanish tapas at Bar Isabel
Originally the only game in town for tapas, the groundbreaking Bar Isabel switched focus from Blackbeard bacchanal to curated cuisine.
Read moreFor dinner: Richmond Station
1 Richmond St. W.
Lana Spieler, Richmond Station's talented pastry chef, would surely impress Marcus with her stunning desserts, like a chocolate hazelnut pie with delicate, caramelized feuilletine.
For a drink: Bar Isabel
797 College St. W.
Marcus would be head-over-heels for the precision in Bar Isabel's tapas. Plus, he's a globetrotter and would appreciate the restaurant's Catalan-focused cuisine.
For a treat: Roselle Desserts
362 King St. E.
Chefs Stephanie Duong and Bruce Lee opened their dream, French-inspired pastry shop in February 2015, and it's quickly become one of the best in the city. Marcus would spend hours here poring over their technical mastery and unique treats.
Tina Marrero
The truth behind a truly Toronto pizza
Toronto is going through a major pizza glow-up. Five of the best pizza slingers from around the city — each making a unique style — weigh in on the recent renaissance.
Read moreFor dinner: Lake Inez
1471 Gerrard St. E.
Tina would love the family-style feel and soul of this beloved east-end spot. She'd be raving about chef Jay Moore's mystery patio tasting menu to Sydney for weeks to come.
For lunch: Pizzeria Badiali
181 Dovercourt Rd.
Tina is from the Bronx, so chances are she's a fan of good pizza. What better place to go than Toronto's most popular pie shop for an afternoon slice? She might get a bit impatient waiting in line, but it'll be so worth it.
For a drink: Bar Volo
17 Nicholas St.
Whether she's looking to unwind after a stressful service or she's convinced Carmy to bring the team here for a work party, Tina would make Bar Volo her second home on a trip to Toronto.
Neil Fak
We chat with the owners of Lambo's Deli ahead of their new opening
When Lambo's Deli opened next to Trinity Bellwoods Park during the pandemic, the city went wild for Italian deli sammies. Now, they're headed east to continue their sandwich empire in Leslieville.
Read moreFor dinner: Bar Clams
802 Dundas St. W.
Yes, it's owned by Matheson in real life, but Bar Clams is also a fun spot for mouth-watering seafood that doesn't take itself too seriously — just like Fak.
For lunch: Lambo’s Deli
1372 Queen St. E.
Fak might plan his whole trip to Toronto around scoring a sandwich at the Leslieville location of this sandwich shop. He'd demolish an Italian Trio in eight seconds.
For a drink: Sweaty Betty’s
13 Ossington Ave.
This unpretentious dive is chock-full of quirky decor and friendly vibes that Fak would love. Plus, it's a short walk to Get Well and The City Pool — two other spots Fak would bar-hop to on a night out.
