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General 3 years ago

Rosedale & Summerhill Insider Guide

Toronto is one of the most sought-after cities for locals and tourists alike. With such a diverse population and vibrant communities at every turn, it’s no surprise that there are so many hidden gems for The Heaps Estrin Team to uncover.

In our newest blog series, #LiveLikeTheLocals, The Heaps Estrin Team uncovers all the locals’ best-kept secrets in the established and the up-and-coming neighbourhoods of Toronto. Stay tuned to discover the inside track on events, luxurious cuisine, boutique shops, and where to find them too.

Being just as close to the city life and shops as it is to the hidden trails and ravines, Rosedale and Summerhill offer the best of both worlds when it comes to living in Toronto. With the abundance of lavish restaurants, distinguished clubs, and a tight-knit community, there is a lot to learn about these sought-after neighbourhoods.

Rosedale is one of Toronto’s most prestigious and affluent neighbourhoods, with a median household income of $2,108,017. Rosedale has the highest concentration of professional couples in Canada with children under 18 years old. The top occupations of its residents are physicians or dentists, lawyers, senior executives, and medical doctors.

Meanwhile, Summerhill offers an eclectic mix of people from all walks of life, from artists to retirees. The modestly priced homes, in comparison to Rosedale, provide great value but also allow buyers to be part-time landlords as rental rates are still high in the area.

Eat, shop and play like the locals of Summerhill & Rosedale with our insider neighbourhood guide.

Eat Like The Locals

Experience fresh, fine dining in Summerhill with an upbeat twist. Sash Restaurant + Wine Bar prepares unique colourful dishes and features an Instagram-worthy flower-covered patio. Chef Simpson gives you a culinary experience with modern American dishes with an international flair.

Sash Restaurant + Wine Bar’s seasonally changing menu includes a selection of dry-aged steaks, and even an oyster and caviar menu. There are separate lunch and dinner menus and a list of bar bites like oysters Rockefeller and the Sash Burger topped with white truffle aïoli, shaved torchon, and French brie.

Enjoy the delicacy of Foie Gras (duck or goose liver) served with brioche, roasted rhubarb, pickled cherry compote and truffle essence, or enjoy a stunningly plated Lemon Meringue topped with basil foam.

On weekends, you can expect a live DJ after 9:45 p.m. to set the mood.

“It still is white linen, but it’s not snobbish,” says Chef Simpson. “You don’t have to be quiet.”

Sash 1133 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 2Y7
Charcuterie @sashrestaurantto
Flower Covered Patio @sashrestaurantto
Minted Pea Ravioli Via @sashrestaurantto
Minted Pea Ravioli @sashrestaurantto

Reviews from the locals:

Kokulan
Kokulan
Local Guide
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With its excellent food, service, and ambience - this place is deserving of nothing less than five stars. Would recommend the scallop ceviche, the salmon tartare, & the oysters.
Peter
Peter
Local Guide
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Fine cocktails, great service, better portions. The food really speaks for itself.
Neha
NehaLocal Guide
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Best meal we’ve had all year. Just incredible - the service, the food, the ambiance - all of it!!! Will be coming regularly to enjoy this special place.
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Just down the street, situated in the Heart of Rosedale, you’ll find this neighbourhood gem perfect for casual elegant dining, is the French Mediterranean-inspired restaurant; Sorrel. Recent winner of the “Fine Dining Experience of the Year,” Sorrel stands as one of the top restaurants in Rosedale. Their Diver Scallops are the perfect bite-size delight, seared in sambuca lime butter and served on a bed of creamed cauliflower, this dish has the locals raving. Now with their front CaféTO patio open, you can marvel at the Summerhill Grand Clock under the Yonge Street lamp posts while reading their extensive 34 page wine list and enjoying freshly shucked oysters.

Sorrel 1158 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2L9
Diver Scallops @sorrel_restaurant
Patio @sorrel_restaurant

Reviews from the locals:

Edwin
Edwin
Local Guide
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Delightful steak tartare, definitely ranks amongst the top in Toronto. Excellent executed bouillabaisse as well, pairs well with the house bread. Staff was friendly and fun.
Sarah
Sarah
Local Guide
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Everything was 10/10 - food, atmosphere, friendly staff. Ceviche and oysters were excellent and the sea bass was the best version I’ve ever had. - Highly highly recommend!
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Tucked away in the suburbs of Rosedale lies Summerhill Market, a local favourite since 1954. Summerhill Market offers high-quality food and drink in a cheerful, welcoming environment. Here, you can find high-end pre-made meals, fresh produce, deli, and provide catering options for any special occasion. From vegan to Kosher to Keto options, the selection is endless. What sets the store apart is the unique selection of locally sourced foods and their continuous support of Toronto based entrepreneurs and businesses such as Gryfe’s Bagels (voted Toronto’s top bagels), Blank Slate – a Toronto-based vegan cold-pressed juice line infused with probiotics, or Heart & Soul’s Challah bread. The market also offers rare seasonal produce like fiddleheads – delicious ferns, exclusively native to Canada and only available for a short time – which are an incredible addition to any meal. 

Summerhill Market 446 Summerhill Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 2E4
Heart and Soul Challah @summerhillmkt
Seasonal Fiddleheads @summerhillmkt

Reviews from the locals:

Kinjal
Kinjal
Local Guide
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Soo much to love about this little market. Super fresh quality. Wide variety of pre-packaged meals. Curry Chicken Salad is amazing (along with basically everything they make in house.)
George
George
Local Guide
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One of the best places to shop in Toronto if you are looking for a smaller high quality place to shop. - Staff are always friendly and happy to help and even get to know regular customers
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Conveniently located next door to the Summerhill Market lies the most remarkable bakery in the heart of Rosedale. Dolce Bakery is an Italian bakery that offers so much more. Its storefront is as chic and luxurious as the desserts. The front awning has been known to be a great shot for an Instagram photo. Inside, you’ll find everything from pizza cones to couture cakes; there is so much deliciousness to choose from. Dolce Bakery is a one-stop shop if you’re heading to a dinner or birthday party. Quickly grab a gift, a treat for yourself (because you deserve a cookie) and custom helium balloons for any occasion. Stop by for a cappuccino, a hearty lunch or place an order for a specialty cake. You will not be disappointed!

Dolce Bakery 420 Summerhill Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 2E4
@dolcebakery_toronto
@dolcebakery_toronto

Reviews from the locals:

Maryam
Maryam
Local Guide
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What an amazing find. Had a very hard time deciding what not to buy. Their Macchiato was just right. Loved loved loved their olive bread and their cannolis were perfection 👌. Would definitely have to visit again
Sandra
Sandra
Local Guide
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This place has so much deliciousness to choose from! A great stop if you’re heading to a dinner or birthday for the gifts and balloons available too.
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Shop Like The Locals

Explore The Lobby by Heaps Estrin, Canada’s first real estate concept store, where home meets lifestyle in the heart of Toronto. This innovative space merges real estate expertise with the warmth of a community hub, offering an array of handpicked items that elevate the essence of luxury living. Whether you’re seeking expert advice on the market or a statement piece for your home, The Lobby invites you to immerse in a curated experience where every visit inspires and connects. Discover The Lobby, a celebration of community and fine living, all under one roof.

The Lobby by Heaps Estrin | 1120 Yonge St, Toronto, ON
The Lobby by Heaps Estrin | 1120 Yonge St, Toronto, ON
Davie Ocho 70's Inspired Candle
Davie Ocho 70's Inspired Candle
calla-classic-niki-babouches-new-classics-studios-sustainable-and-ethical-fashion-canada-455163_1000x
Babouche Slippers
Large Wave Flower Pot Basket
Large Wave Flower Pot Basket

Reviews from the locals:

Bailey Gordon Thomas
Bailey Gordon Thomas
Local Guide
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An incredible experience with kind, knowledgeable and professional personnel. Will definitely recommend.
Cam Lavers
Cam Lavers
Local Guide
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The Best!!!!
Meg Bush
Meg Bush
Local Guide
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The Lobby team knows how to give you an event that leaves you looking forward to the next one! The space was alive with energy, the people were happy, and every detail was thoughtfully curated. I would highly recommend The Lobby for your next event!
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Luxury concept shop Clementine’s offers curated fashion, lifestyle, home and art pieces worth the splurge. Owned and operated by a mother-daughter duo, their combined passion is evident from the moment you walk into the shop. You can find rare art pieces by Jeff Goodman Studio (founded by late Toronto glass-blowing artist Jeff Goodman) who skillfully handcraft stunning vases that are sure to be the centrepiece of a room.

Clementine's 1054 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2L1
Jeff Goodman Lima - Smokey Topaz
Cyntia Miglio Hoop Drop Link Earrings
Chapeaux & Divas Series

Reviews from the locals:

Jola
Jola
Local Guide
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A carefully curated store, with items you are not likely to spot elsewhere. Christina & Kelly are always very helpful and are part of what makes this store truly one of a kind.
Andrew
Andrew
Local Guide
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Fantastic store with amazing products.
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Beauty revitalization shop Gee Beauty prides itself as a multi-generational brand, curated by the “Gee Women”. Located just west of Rosedale, Gee sells top-of-the-line products from all over the world, as well as beauty services performed by their experienced and well-educated staff. Gee’s makeup gurus are particularly popular amongst teens seeking a professional prom makeup look! The company also boasts an incredible blog and YouTube feature, covering everything from summer styles to manifesting your own joy.

Best Sellers:

FaceWare Pro
Good Body Scrub
Gua Sha Tool

Cross the street right over to retail pet boutique Dogfather & Co which has been a staple in the Rosedale community for several years. Shop around and find suede dress wear, stylish 100% leather harnesses, and more. From human-grade food to doggie-safe cupcakes, this shop is bound to satisfy a pet owner’s needs. They even have their own Paw Spa and dental cleanings to keep your pet in tip-top shape.

Dogfather & Co. Rosedale 1007 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2K9
Buddy Belt Elite Bahama
Susan Lanci Harnesses
Custom Cake

Reviews from the locals:

Adam
Adam
Local Guide
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Hugo had his first grooming appointment at their Yonge St location and we couldn’t be happier. They were very knowledgeable about the type of cut a Pwd traditionally has and we were really happy with the end result! Thanks guys!
Lauren
Lauren
Local Guide
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This is a little shop with a lot packed in.. Including a love of animals and pet products. The team here are knowledgeable about the variety they offer, and up to date on animal toy trends. Their passion and customer care is evident and appreciated. Highly recommend.
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Play Like The Locals

Stretching across almost 14 acres of land, Ramsden Park is one of the largest in the area. Release your pup at the off-leash dog park or go for a long stroll down the tree lined paths. The recreational space boasts a baseball diamond, two playgrounds, tennis courts, and a wading pool. Its recently renovated playground was named one of Toronto’s best, including a water feature, climbing structures and a picturesque slide. The park is the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic, family walk, or leisurely skating in the winter months.

If you are looking for a charming and hidden spot to picnic or simply stroll around, Craigleigh Gardens is the perfect park for you. Walk in through the antique iron gates and find yourself in a tree covered oasis. Enjoy the off-leash dog park and get to know the local neighbours around. Located in the heart of Rosedale with connections to stunning hiking trails such as the Beltline and Evergreen Brickworks, Craigleigh Gardens is truly the jewel of Rosedale.

The rarely mentioned and mystical, David A Balfour Park is soon to see massive improvements. With $3.9 million dollars worth of renovations as part of the Rosehill Reservoir Rehabilitation, the neighbourhood is sure to rise in value. Its features include ornamental fountains, reflecting pools, a gated garden, and children’s playground. It is the oldest and largest of 11 water reservoirs in Toronto and the park overlooks a forested ravine that is a tributary to the Don River. Take the trails down into the ravine and walk along the peaceful Yellow Creek. 

Redesign by Brodie & Associates

You could also get lost in the winding, hilly paths of  Chorley Park, once the Lieutenant Governor’s residence in Toronto, torn down in 1959. Stumble onto city viewpoints and find your way down to Evergreen Brickworks.

Join the social scene at one of Canada’s most prestigious tennis organizations, The Toronto Lawn Tennis Club. Established in 1876, the club truly offers Old-World charm, with updated modern facilities. Members can enjoy indoor and outdoor tennis, squash courts, fitness, wellness, swimming, and dining options. Overlook the tennis courts with a glass of wine in hand at the Courtside Café or perch up on the second level Bistro. 

Via www.torontolawn.com

Just off Mount Pleasant, sits Mooredale House, an Elizebethan-style mansion turned community centre that now offers a host of programs for preschoolers up to adults. Enroll the kids in a day camp, join the Mooredale Swim Club or Sailing Club or enjoy a moving string quartet. Seasonally hosted at Rosedale Park, a fantastic fair (to return in 2022) is hosted in Rosedale Park. Stomach-churning thrills, delicious BBQ, and a rock-and-roll beer garden are just a few of the things to be enjoyed at Mayfair.

Via Mooredale.com

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