Wynona

The open kitchen is the heart of Wynona, a small, active space that sets the tone for this east-end neighborhood bistro on Gerrard Street East. The dining room itself is intimate, with just a handful of small tables set under warm lighting that creates a buzzy and lively atmosphere when it’s full. The whole concept is a modern take on a classic European wine bar, serving as both a special occasion spot and a place for a more casual plate of pasta. The menu is rooted in Italian and Mediterranean flavors, but it changes weekly to match whatever ingredients are available locally. Handmade pasta is a constant, with shapes like tonnarelli or ravioli doppio making regular appearances alongside fresh seafood and crudo. Main courses often include dishes like whole branzino. Everything is made from scratch, and the kitchen uses whole ingredients to minimize waste – even the fish bones get turned into dashi. Many people opt for the five-course shared tasting menu, simply called "Trust Us!", to get a full survey of the kitchen's current offerings. The wine list is just as central to the experience as the food. It’s a tightly curated selection of natural, low-intervention, and unfiltered bottles chosen specifically to pair with the seasonal dishes. Given its intimate size and steady popularity – it’s a frequent choice for birthdays and anniversaries – reservations are highly recommended.