It's time to put that pesky oyster myth to bed: no, you don't have to wait for a month with an "r" in it to order your next dozen. So with that out of the way, where should you start? From classy bites to cosy locals, these six spots are guaranteed to satisfy your craving.
Ceili Cottage
Leslieville
Oysters are front and centre at Leslieville's favourite local, but what else would you expect from a joint owned by Patrick McMurray? The champion oyster shucker—and brains behind Starfish (RIP) and Pearl Diver—modelled the spot on a traditional Irish pub, which means an epic range of beer and whisky to wash down your bivalves. Pull up a pew—literally—in the historic cottage room, or grab a seat on the popular Queen Street-facing patio if the sun's out. Between the cosy neighbourhood vibe and the variety of oysters on offer, it's the kind of place that keeps you loyal.
If the prospect of slurping back a raw oyster freaks you out—but you still want to see what all the fuss is about—get yourself to Oyster Boy. They serve up baked oysters with a variety of toppings by the half dozen (spring for an even dozen if you're sharing). Yes, that includes the classic oysters Rockafeller with spinach and white sauce, but if it's indulgence you're looking for, order the Royale. It doesn't get much more decadent than oysters topped with crab meat and a sherry-laced bechamel...
Pete Gaffney Photo
Monday night at the Chase Fish and Oyster is one of the city's best kept secrets: endless oysters (and half-priced bubbles, just to sweeten the deal). For $30 a head, you're in for as many oysters as you can swallow. They come out a dozen at a time, with one east coast and one west coast variety on offer, plus all the fixings. It may sound too good to be true, but as long as you keep slurping, they'll keep shucking. We'll meet you there.
The Junction's favourite buck-a-shuck takes place from 6pm onwards every Tuesday night at The Hole in the Wall. Like Ceili Cottage, this is a true neighbourhood spot, frequented mainly by locals dropping in for a drink or two—and to check out the regular live music offerings. Craft beer nerds are well catered for, but if you're feeling more adventurous, try a cocktail. There are plenty of comfort food classics on the menu to keep you around all night, but the oysters are fresh and plump enough to fill you up on their own.
There's a famous scene from Mad Men featuring Don and Roger downing oysters and classy cocktails in an upscale New York City cafe. If that's the vibe you're going for, opt for lunch at Cafe Boulud. The oyster platter here is all Canadian (#eatlocal) and naturally, you're getting only the best. Even if you're a purist who balks at the prospect of lemon or tabasco, you have to try Cafe Boulud's mignonette. It's a mixture of red wine vinegar and shallots, and it complements the ocean-fresh oysters to a tee.
Thoroughbred
Entertainment District
This chill spot in the Entertainment District is known for small bites, cocktails and a great range of wines. Pro tip: rock up to the bar for a few of their perfectly plump oysters and a glass of vino—they keep it on tap—before a night out, or even to kick off a trip to cheer on our Toronto Blue Jays. At $3.50 a shuck, Thoroughbred's oysters aren't exactly cheap, but they're substantial enough to make it worth your while. Oh, and if wine's not your thing, check out the bottled beers. The list is short, but eclectic enough to cater to beer snobs and PBR drinkers alike.
