Ricky + Olivia

Chefs Ricky Casipe and Olivia Simpson have carved out a distinct corner on Queen East, turning a narrow Leslieville storefront into a multi-zone operation that leans hard into Ontario’s agricultural output. The space moves from a front-facing bottle shop stocked with local producers into a moody lounge and a back dining room where the kitchen is fully exposed. It avoids the usual stuffy fine-dining tropes, opting instead for vibrant murals and an eclectic interior that feels more like a house party than a formal service. The focus remains strictly on local sourcing, whether you’re grabbing a bottle of Ontario wine or settling in for a seasonal menu that treats regional ingredients with a heavy dose of irreverence.

Expect the food to play with 90s nostalgia using high-end technique, like the steak tartare that riffs on a Big Mac by subbing in iceberg lettuce and a house-made cheese whiz. The radish dish is another staple that keeps things interactive, making the menu best suited for groups of two to four who are down to share. Because this spot has become a fixture for the neighbourhood crowd, you’ll want to book a table well in advance. If you’re just looking to browse the bottle shop, the staff knows their way around the local wine list and can steer you toward something worth drinking.