B espresso bar

Rated this place:

111 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON, M5C1S2

Indie cafe: Hip and ultra-cool, their coffee kicks serious butt. I lived in Rome for a few months back in the day, and there's an essence of that here, but modern - a little more Milano than Roma. There's so much more to rave about: a handsome Italian man is telling me I'm bellissima, the wireless network lets me check my email and get a bit of work done while I sip my perfect latte and manga a delicous panini. I really don't think it gets any better than this. Swoon!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Indie Cafe

Simon Says ?

Rated this place:

635 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, M4S 2M9

Kid's clothing: If you're looking for something funky-cool to dress your little one in, Simon Says is your best bet. Nestled in the heart of Davisville Village on Mt. Pleasant Ave., owner Tina will infect you with her passion for fashionable kid wear.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Kid's Clothing

John Fluevog Shoes

Rated this place:

242 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, M5V1Z7

Shoe store: It's my guilty pleasure. I'm not usually one to drop mega bux on shoes, but Fluevog brings out the Carrie Bradshaw in me. From ultra-funky to just plain gorgeous, Fluevogs can create pure joy.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Shoe store

Gymboree Play & Music

Rated this place:

1 Promenade Circle, Suite 301E, Thornhill, ON, L4J 4P8

Fun for kids: Bright with lots of happy colours, Gymboree Play and Music is a great extracurricular activity for your child, from baby to pre-schooler. Choose from Gymboree, Music, Yoga, and more. I especially love Gymboree when winter makes it tougher to get outside to play.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Fun for Kids

Mabel's Fables Childrens Book Stores

Rated this place:

2939 Bloor W, Etobicoke, ON, M8X1B3

Children's bookstore: Mabel's Fables is the perfect children's bookstore. Set in a vintage store that looks like a gingerbread house, the books are organized by age group to make it easy to find the perfect read for the children you love.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Children's Bookstore

Terroni

Rated this place:

720 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON, M6J1E8

Pizza: Their pizza is the absolute best this side of Rome. Having lived in Rome as a student, I learned what good pizza really is. There is nothing better than a glass of vino rosso with Terroni's Fungi appetizer and a Santo Spirito pizza. Pure heaven.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Pizza

The Longest Yard Pub & Patio

Rated this place:

535 Mount Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON, M4S2M5

Family restaurant: In summer they have a fabulous patio, in winter it's bright and cozy. Because they don't mind when you bring your kids and they make a mess. Because their burgers are delish, and because their weekend breakfast is the best.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Family Restaurant

George's Trains

Rated this place:

510 Mount Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON, M4S2M2

Model trains: If you've got a kid who loves trains, you must take them to George's Trains. Renowned in North America as one of the most well-known mecca for model trains, their entire 2nd floor is dedicated to Thomas the Tank Engine gear.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Model Trains

Bean Sprout

Rated this place:

616 Mount Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON, M4S2M8

Kid's clothing: Whenever I'm looking for something unique and funky-cool, I just have to walk up the street to Bean Sprout to see what owner Trish Haddad has in her shop.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Kid's Clothing

Il Gelatiere

Rated this place:

647 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Toronto, ON, M4S2N2

Gelato: They greet you in Italiano, and have the best gelato in the 'hood. Why travel all the way to Corso Italia or Little Italy when there's a little piece of Rome right here in Davisville.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• gelato

Jules Cafe Patisserie

Rated this place:

617 Mount Pleasant, Toronto, ON, M4S2M5

Croissant: The atmosphere is friendly and comforting, because Jules makes the most delictable croissants, because his lattes kick butt, and because they're just up the street from me.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• croissant

Moms to Be ... and More

Rated this place:

1642/44 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4G 3C2

Baby and kid gear: If you're about to enter the world of parenthood, or you're already there, you'll want to visit Moms To Be for the latest, chic-est gear around. Just because you're a mom doesn't mean you've lost your cool; Moms to Be keeps you looking stylish and makes parenting just a little bit easier.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Baby and Kid Gear

The Cupcake Shoppe

Rated this place:

2417 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M4P2H4

Cupcakes: These cupcakes are to die for: they're a stunning work of art, and so delicious. The icing is light as air (mmm, must be all that butter!) and the cupcake is yummy spongecake. Betcha you can't eat just one!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Cupcakes