If you are visiting Toronto and have done some research on where to eat, chances are you have heard a lot about Toronto’s west end – Queen West, Ossington, Parkdale, etc. Those are all great areas, but Toronto’s east end is sort of like the new cool kid on the block with lots of gems like Wynona.

Wynona is my dream neighbourhood restaurant. It’s small but not crowded, sophisticated but not pretentious, has a nice “buzzy” atmosphere but is not so loud you feel like you need to yell in order for your tablemates to hear you.

The menu at Wynona is more seafood-focused (marinated Portuguese sardines, tuna crudo, whole branzino, etc.), however they do have a few meat and vegetarian options as well. The beef carpaccio with crème fraiche, beets, horseradish and black walnuts is a definite highlight, as are the focaccia and burrata starters. No matter what you get when you come here, be sure to include a pasta or two (or three) in your order – they are all made in-house and are delicious.

In addition to seafood and pasta, Wynona is focused on wine – they have a well-curated wine list and offer beer as well. Note that due to the size of the room (and their focus on wine), there is no full bar at Wynona so those looking for a cocktail should stop elsewhere before coming here.