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.”
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Shop Like The Locals
Like us here at Heaps Estrin, Hopson Grace specializes in life’s joyful essentials: food, wine, friends, family and great design. Andrea Hopson, a former VP at Tiffany and Co., and Martha Grace McKimm, a Marketing Executive, opened Hopson Grace in Rosedale in 2015. The corner boutique, selling luxury items like Tina Frey Champagne buckets, Japanese knives and hand-painted coasters, quickly became a neighbourhood fixture for the amateur chef and the hostess with the mostest. Step into Hopson Grace’s beautifully curated store to look for inspiration as you plan your next dinner party, imagine your next celebration or update your home. Andrea & Martha have eliminated the burden of having too many options by curating some of the most beautiful tableware designs from around the globe.
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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.
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Curated lifestyle boutique nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Rosedale, Wolf & Moon is a woman’s one-stop-shop for the trendiest home, fashion, and baby items. Walk-in and bask in the cozy atmosphere while browsing some of the most kitsch items like the sage and lavender kindling bundle, stunning ceramics, and an array of funky jewellery. Their selection of Peruvian pillows from bryarwolf are handwoven and made from hand-spun + hand-dyed alpaca wool. Add this shop to your list of places to visit while visiting Rosedale & Summerhill.
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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:
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.
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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.
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.
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.
