April is in full bloom in Old Town Toronto with fresh reasons to explore! Start your month with handcrafted treats at the now full-time Dipped Donuts or celebrate National Bubble Tea Month at Chatime. From the “Love is in the Mail” exhibit at Toronto’s First Post Office and the secret pasta escape of Pasta Privato to “yard sale” finds at Wildlife Thrift Store and 50% off a second appointment at Bahn Thai Spa, there are so many ways to eat, shop, and celebrate. Whether you’re enjoying a Champagne dinner at Biff’s Bistro or winning designer frames at St. Lawrence Eye Care, it’s the perfect time to support your neighborhood favorites!
New Month. New Flavours. New Dipped Location!
Dipped Donuts has officially opened at St. Lawrence Market, bringing our handcrafted gourmet donuts to the heart of Old Town Toronto. After initially operating Fridays through Sundays since Thanksgiving weekend in 2025, Dipped Donuts is now open full-time — so you no longer have to wait until the weekend to get your donut fix.
Each month features rotating limited-edition flavours alongside fan favourites you know and love, including Brown Butter Sea Salt, Boston Cream, and the Butter Tart Bomb. With new flavours to discover every month, you donut want to miss out.
Visit us on the Lower Level of St. Lawrence Market to explore this month’s lineup — we guarantee you’ll be back for more.
Dipped Donuts
95 Front St E, 647-514-5801
www.dippeddonuts.ca
Instagram: @dippeddonutsinc
Happy Hour is at St.Louis Bar & Grill
From Open to 5:00 pm, and 9:00 pm to close, we have an awesome Happy Hour program! Enjoy domestic draught, bar rail, house wine, sliders, our signature golden fries, sweet potato fries, and many other fan favourites starting at just $4.00! This Happy Hour is dine-in only. Stop by and enjoy a happy time!
St. Louis Bar & Grill
92 King St E, 416-840-0268
www.locations.stlouiswings.com/on-toronto-5219/
Instagram: @kinge.stlouis
Date Night at Duke’s Refresher
Every Wednesday night is Date Night at Duke’s Refresher! Bring bae down to eat, drink and play on the only night where 2 can dine for $69 from our bar classics sharing menu; including 2 drinks, 2 mains and a choice of either an appetizer or dessert 😘
Duke’s Refresher
73A Front St E, 416-603-8826
www.dukesrefresher.ca
Instagram: @dukesrefresherslm
Love is in the Mail: A Temporary Exhibit at Toronto’s First Post Office
Coming this April, a new temporary exhibit is being installed at Toronto’s First Post Office. Designed and curated by the students of the University of Toronto’s Master of Museum Studies Capstone Project, the exhibit, “Love is in the Mail” aims to share the history of love through letters in 19th century Toronto. With detailed examples of historic love letters from Torontonian residents, the exhibit will explain the social customs of the time, courting regulations, and how even with the passage of time, we still long to transmit emotion through communication.
This exhibition was developed as part of the Faculty of Information’s Museum Studies Capstone Projects course in collaboration with Toronto’s First Post Office, and is curated by Hannah Bell, Alexis Green, Jessica Merlihan, and Victoria Tywonek-Sobota. Special thanks to Dr. Irina D. Mihalache for providing mentorship to the students throughout the project.
With the installation date set for April 1st and this temporary exhibit will remain up until October. Stop by soon and enjoy!
Toronto’s First Post Office
260 Adelaide St E, 416-865-1833
www.TownofYork.com
Instagram: @tos1stpo
Pasta Privato at Notte Ristorante
Toronto has a new secret restaurant—and it’s a 30-seat escape tucked inside Notte. It’s called Pasta Privato, a restaurant within a restaurant by Chef Michael Angeloni, centred around handmade pasta but not limited to it.
Every dish is crafted in-house, featuring rare pastas alongside thoughtfully composed plates and regional recipes you won’t usually find outside of Italy. Now accepting reservations for those who want to experience an intimate, unexpected way to dine.
Notte Ristorante
9 Church St, 647-735-3175
www.notteristorante.ca
Instagram: @notte.ristorante
Steven Isserlis & Connie Shih: Music Toronto
Renowned cellist Steven Isserlis and Canadian pianist Connie Shih, celebrated worldwide, join for a captivating program. Featuring the Ritournelle by Czech composer Vítězslava Kaprálová and other cello-piano gems, their performance promises profound artistry and lasting impact, reflecting Isserlis’s deep musical insight and passion.
Music Toronto
27 Front St E, 416-366–7723
www.musictorontoconcerts.com/concerts/isserlis-shih
Instagram: @music.toronto.concerts
Smart Hustle Saturdays at LAUFT On-Demand Workspace
Building any side hustle is hard. You have to juggle a 9 to 5 to survive while chasing a dream that is equal parts hope and equal parts prayer.
We get it.
So we’ve opened up our 95 King St. E location to anyone burning that weekend oil on their side hustle.
$15+HST = $16.95 👀 gets you a seat for the day (10am-5pm)
What you’ll get:
- Access to a space built for work
- Work side by side with other side hustlers
- Access to any of the deals we’ve made for food & services
- Network, collaborate and get curious
LAUFT On-Demand Workspace
95 King St. E, unit #100, 1-844-935-2838
www.lauft.work/locations/kingeast
Instagram: @lauftworkspace
What We’re Loving Now at The Chesterfield Shop Ltd: April Edition!
Recline in Comfort!
Our famous “M SERIES” recliners – the BEST in comfort to drink your coffee…stream your shows…watch the Blue Jays…hockey playoffs…take a nap!
CANADIAN-made with a sleek, contemporary design.
Featuring swivel functionality, double power reclining, an optional lumbar support, available in premium leathers and beautiful fabrics.
Come in to see Stephan, Karen, Binal and Giselle at 275 King St. East!
The Chesterfield Shop Ltd.
275 King St. E, 416-667-1150
www.thechesterfieldshop.com
Instagram: @thechesterfieldshop
Spring #AtTheOmni
Spring has arrived at the Omni King Edward Hotel, bringing fresh seasonal experiences, elegant traditions, and the perfect moments to relax, indulge, and celebrate.
🍃 Spring Afternoon Tea
Now available at Victoria Café
Saturdays & Sundays | 12:30 PM – 5 PM (Last seating 4 PM)
💐 Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea
May 9, 2026 | 12:30 PM – 5 PM (Last seating 4 PM)
Celebrate with an elegant tea experience featuring seasonal treats and premium teas.
Pricing: $99 per adult | $47 per child (4–12) | Under 3 complimentary
📞 416-945-3323 | 📧 to-festive@omnihotels.com
✨ Mokara Spa Spring Specials
Platinum Hydrafacial Event
Book a Deluxe Hydrafacial (April–June) for a chance to win a complimentary Platinum Hydrafacial ($395 value).
Featured Treatments:
• Hydrafacial Glow & Polish Ritual (90 min)
• Spring Renewal Body Glow & Massage (90 min)
• Blissful Escape (2 hrs)
📞 416-863-3131 | 📧 MokaraSpaToronto@omnihotels.com
Advance booking recommended. Offers cannot be combined.
Treat yourself this spring with moments of relaxation and indulgence.
Omni King Edward
37 King St E, 416-863-9700
www.omnihotels.com
Instagram: @omnikingedward
Treat Yourself… Twice at Bahn Thai Spa and School
Self-care should be a necessity, not a luxury. And at Bahn Thai Spa, we want to make it accessible for everyone.
This month, when you book an appointment with one of our students or apprentice practitioners, you can enjoy 50% off a second appointment of the same level (no need to see the same practitioner!) All of our practitioners have completed in-depth case studies and hold a Holistic Practitioner License with the City of Toronto, so you’re always in skilled, knowledgeable hands.
Support the next generation of massage therapists while giving your body the care it deserves. ✨ Call/email today to learn more or book!
Bahn Thai Spa and School
136 Adelaide St E, 416-594-3406
wwwbahnthaispa.com
Instagram: @bahnthaispaschool
Boys With Cars at YPT!
Does high school feel like a minefield of unspoken rules? Follow Naz as she navigates a suburban world where cultures clash and fitting in comes at a cost. This powerful coming-of-age story explores identity, power, and consent through a raw, mesmerizing performance.
***Content Advisory: The characters speak in authentic teenage voices, using coarse language including swearing as well as sexually explicit terminology. In the course of the story a character recounts a sexual assault.
Tickets: https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/shows-tickets/boys-with-cars/
Young People’s Theatre
165 Front St E, 416-862-2222
www.youngpeoplestheatre.org
Instagram: @ypttoronto
Spring Giveaway at St. Lawrence Eye Care
***SPRING GIVEAWAY!!! March 20th-April 10th***
Like, comment, share this instagram post for one entry to win a pair of Salt “Reiner” polarized sunglasses!
Book an eye exam and mention giveaway at check-in during your appointment and this counts for 10 entries 🙂
Salt is an independent eyewear line designed all in California and fully manufactured in Japan! The acetate is of premium quality made from natural materials like wood pulp and cotton. The “Reiner” sunglasses are absolutely chic and a coarse staple with a traditional shape. There are 7 barrels on the hinges and they are extremely durable!
**Note that giveaway prize needs to be picked up in store**
St. Lawrence Eye Care
12 Church St, 416-504-7532
www.stlawrenceeyecare.com
Instagram:@stlawrenceeyecare
Bomba To Go
If you want to bring that artisan flair home, this is your sign.
Our jarred gelato keeps everything you love about Bomba intact: bold flavours, rich texture, and that unmistakable full-bodied experience, just waiting in your freezer. Each jar is crafted with the best ingredients we can get our hands on, no shortcuts, no compromises.
From timeless favourites to more adventurous combinations, every flavour is built to surprise you, in the best way.
Big flavours. Bold pairings. Creamy, indulgent perfection. Always done Bomba style.
Bomba Gelato
St. Lawrence Market South Building, Lower Level, 92- 95 Front St E
647-348-9894
www.bombagelato.com
Instagram: @bombagelato
Cheers to 7 years at The Fifth Dance
We’re turning 7 and throwing a big blowout party with one large goal. Thanks to all of your love, we are simply overflowing in our current rental space, and we need a new studio in order to keep growing and welcoming new members of the Fifth Fam every day!
Join us Saturday, May 9th from 7:30pm till late at The Fifth Dance, 366 Adelaide East in your best Black & White outfits with a pop of yellow (our brand colours). We’ll have a DJ, bar, raffle prizes, photobooth, and performances for you by current teachers and students. Money raised from the event through tickets, raffle tickets, and drinks will all go directly into a dedicated fund to support the renovation and transition into a new building. See you there!
The Fifth Dance
366 Adelaide St E, 647-746-535
www.thefifthdance.com
Instagram: @thefifthdance
National Bubble Tea Month Celebration at Chatime
National Bubble Tea Month is back! To kick off the celebration, starting April 6, we’re launching our 2 for $10 offer, featuring:
• Pineapple Passionfruit Tea (NEW)
• Blueberry Tea
• Lychee Tea Slush
• QQ Passionfruit Juice
• Roasted Milk Tea
• Honey Green Tea
Chatime
163 King St E, 416-223-9871
www.chatime.ca
Instagram: @chatimecanada
Champagne Wine Dinner at Biff’s Bistro
On Sunday, April 26, Biff’s Bistro presents the inaugural evening of its Wine Dinner Series, beginning with a one‑night‑only celebration of Champagne.
Guests will enjoy a five‑course tasting menu paired with four distinct cuvées (3oz pours) from revered maisons and notable grower‑producers across the region. Optional tasting notes will be available for those wishing to explore each wine in greater depth. This exclusive experience is priced at $125 per guest (plus tax and gratuity) and includes the full tasting menu and all Champagne pairings. Seatings are available between 5:30pm and 8pm.
Biff’s Bistro
2 Front St. E, 416-860-0086
www.biffsbistro.com
Instagram: @biffsbistro
Fresh Finds and Yard Sale prices at Wildlife Thrift Store
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering amazing pieces at prices that feel straight out of a neighborhood yard sale and that’s exactly what we’re bringing you this month! We’re bringing out all our spring time treasures just in time for you to refresh your closets.
Every week we’re rolling back our prices across the store to give you that classic yard sale feeling, without the early morning scramble.
It’s the ultimate yard sale experience but indoors and organized!
Wildlife Thrift Store
67 Front St E, 416-861-9080
www.wildlifethriftstore.com
Instagram: @wildlifethriftstore
Easter & Mother’s Day Brunches at Café Nicole Bistro + Bar
Celebrate Easter and Mother’s Day with a festive brunch featuring freshly baked pastries, fruit, smoothie jars, and yogurt parfaits. Enjoy salads, a charcuterie board, and a made-to-order omelet station, along with brunch favourites like eggs Benedict, brioche French toast, bacon, and quiche. Available from 11:30am to 3:00pm.
Adults – $39.95 | Children under 12 – $24.00
Taxes and gratuities not included
Easter can be reserved on April 5, 2026
Mother’s Day can be reserved on May 10, 2026
LINK TO BOOK YOUR TABLE: https://www.opentable.ca/cafe-nicole-novotel-toronto-centre
Café Nicole Bistro + Bar
45 The Esplanade, 416-860-5151
www.cafenicole.ca
Instagram: @cafenicolebistro
Mini Egg Season is in Full Bloom (but Pistachio Banana Latte Season starts soon) at Balzac’s Coffee Ltd
Mini Egg season will be continuing through until April 12th! The Mini Egg Latte, available hot or frozen, is crafted with a double shot of Balzac’s Espresso, rich chocolate, and salted caramel syrup, then topped with whipped cream and crunchy mini eggs. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy your egg-spresso this season.
Look out for our next seasonal launch—the PBL (Pistachio Banana Latte) menu—arriving April 13th!
Balzac’s Coffee Ltd
10 Market St, 416-368-4949
www.balzacs.com
Instagram: @balzacscoffee
Olympic Cheese: New Faces at the Counter Thanks to Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto
Spring always brings a renewed energy to St. Lawrence Market. As the weather warms up, familiar faces return, new visitors explore the aisles, and the market once again fills with the rhythm that makes Old Town so special.
At Olympic Cheese, we experience it all from behind the counter. Since 1972, our family has been helping customers discover cheeses from Canada and around the world, whether it’s a quick recommendation for dinner, something new to try, or the perfect cheese board for a gathering.
This season, we’re especially happy to welcome Melat and Patricia to our team through our partnership with Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto, an organization that supports women building new lives and careers in Canada.
It’s a reminder that the market is more than a place to shop, it’s a place where community grows.
If you’re visiting this spring, stop by and say hello. We’re always happy to share something delicious.
Olympic Cheese
93 Front St E, 416-363-7602
www.olympiccheese.com
Instagram: @Olympic_Cheese
What is Old Town Toronto Business Improvement Area?
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is made up of commercial and industrial property owners and their non-residential tenants who join together under a volunteer Board of Management (BIA Board) to carry out improvements and promote economic development within their designated area…(click here to continue reading.)
What are the Boundaries of Old Town Toronto?
How to Submit to This Newsletter
Do you represent a commercial property, or a business located within a commercial property, inside the boundaries of the Old Town Toronto Business Improvement Area? If you are not currently receiving our Members Newsletter (which includes the monthly submission form for Where To Support Local), please subscribe by clicking here.
Am I a Member? All commercial property owners and businesses located within them, within the Old Town Toronto BIA boundaries, are automatically members of our not-for-profit organization and are eligible to submit one entry per publication of Where To Support Local.
