The Pilot

Restaurant: The Pilot
Address: 22 Cumberland St.
Phone: 416-923-5716
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 AM - 2 AM, Sat 12 PM - 2 AM, Sun 1 - 10 PM
Website: www.thepilot.ca

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Menu

Review

The Pilot was one of the top results I found online when I was looking for a nice rooftop patio during the summer. Located in the heart of Yorkville, The Pilot has a very relaxed vibe in contrast to the high-end restaurants within the area.

I went to this restaurant twice because I enjoyed their patio so much the first time around. I ordered the Pulled Pork Sandwich during my first visit with a glass of Fruli and tried a pound of their wings for my second visit (I do not recall which flavour unfortunately). I wouldn't say the food was anything amazing or different than your typical bar. However, if you want a place with a rooftop patio that is more wallet-friendly, give The Pilot a shot when summer rolls around.

Coco Lezzone

Restaurant: Coco Lezzone
Address: 137 Avenue Rd.
Phone: 416-975-1717
Store Hours: Lunch | Private bookings only; Dinner | Mon-Sun 4 PM - Close
Website: www.cocolezzone.com

Interior

Menu

Review

I attended a private media event for the Rebirth of Coco Lezzone last week. It was a networking event for event planners and food bloggers. Coco Lezzone is high-end Italian restaurant in Yorkville, near the intersection of Davenport and Avenue. At the beginning of the event, they served different food samples such as meatballs and slices of pizza. My foodie friends loved the Sicillian Pizza ($19) since it had the best toppings. After, they brought out plates of appetizers, ranging from Italian Cold Cut Plate ($16) to Calamari ($15). Those ran out pretty quickly.

The host brought out four of Coco Lezzone's popular dishes for the food bloggers to take photos of. Unfortunately once the photos were done, all the plates were demolished between 10 or so people. Therefore I had a less than accurate tasting opinion on all these dishes (I believe I missed out on the Osso Buco completely!). I personally enjoyed the Seafood Risotto ($22) because I like my meal to have some sort of grain in it. Everyone raved about the Chilean Seabass ($38). I'm not a fish person but it was good, based on the one forkful I had of it.

I think Coco Lezzone would be a lovely anniversary spot or even for a private company party. They also have a Date Night menu where you get a three course meal for a deal of $35.
 

Yorkville Espresso Bar - CLOSED

Cafe: Yorkville Espresso Bar

Address: 3 Yorkville Ave.

Phone: 416-515-7366 x 28

Store Hours: Mon-Sat 8 AM - 8 PM, Sun 10 AM - 6 PM

Website: www.yorkvilleespressobar.com

Wi-Fi?: Yes

Study Appropriate?: Yes

Stamp Cards?: No

Interior

Menu

Drinks - Soy/Almond/Lactose Options?: Yes to all
- Offers 1%  and 3% organic milk
- Roasted coffee beans from Rufino Organic Coffee and Hale Single Origin

Food - Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten-Free Options?: Vegetarian and gluten-free only
- Everything made in-house, including spreads, dressings, and rubs

Review

My Order: Hot Chocolate, $3

I had a meeting at Yorkville Espresso Bar for the first time. It's a small cafe attached to an adjacent kitchen that doubles as extra seating for patrons. The Kitchen Studio is a cooking school, catering company, and a private/corporate event space. It's also perfect for filming and photo shoots. If you are curious, you can learn more about the kitchen here: www.yorkvillekitchenstudio.com.

When I received my drink, I was surprised for a second because I thought the barista had given me the wrong order. Usually hot chocolate would look like hot chocolate, not like a cup of latte! Luckily though, it was not a mistake and it was delicious. I overall like how quaint the cafe is. I think it's a nice spot in Yorkville and can be overlooked if you aren't seeking it out.