Pedestrian heritage district east of downtown, Victorian-era distillery buildings repurposed for restaurants and Soulpepper Theatre. El Catrin Mexican, Cluny Bistro, Mill Street Brewery taproom and the Christmas Market.
Cluny on Tank House Lane is the King Street Food Co.'s French bistro in the Distillery District since 2014, steak frites and an attached boulangerie.
Signature: Steak frites, Plateau de fruits de mer
Order: The steak frites and a glass from the all-French list.
Tip: The patio runs onto cobblestones in summer. Sister boulangerie next door for takeout viennoiserie.
El Catrin on Tank House Lane in the Distillery District runs Mexican tapas with Canada's largest mezcal and tequila collection, plus a Sergio Sanchez mural.
Signature: Tapas-style Mexican plates, Mezcal flights
Order: The cochinita pibil tacos and a flight of mezcal espadin.
Tip: The 400-seat patio is the largest in the Distillery District. Brunch service Saturday and Sunday.
Balzac's flagship in the Distillery District is the brand's heritage building cafe since 2002, a two-storey Victorian space named for Honore de Balzac.
Signature drink: Atwood Blend, latte
Order: The Atwood Blend latte at the mezzanine looking down on the espresso bar.
Tip: Eight Toronto locations; the Distillery building is the largest. Christmas Market season draws hour-long lines.
Brick Street Bakery on Trinity Street in the Distillery District has run rustic European-style bread and pastries since 2003, sticky buns and savoury pies.
Order: The sticky bun and a slice of pork pie for the patio.
Tip: Cash and card. The Distillery flagship is the original; smaller satellites at Roy Thomson Hall and Front Street East.
Mill Street Brewery in the Distillery District has brewed organic lagers and the Cobblestone Stout since 2002 in a heritage building taproom.
Order: A pint of Cobblestone Stout with the brewer's burger.
Tip: The Distillery patio packs in summer. Brewery tours run weekends.
Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery District is the city's reference European Christmas market since 2010, mulled wine, raclette, pierogi and crepes.