The Toronto Distillery District is charming. They did a spectacular job restoring this area while making it current, relevant and a destination for locals and tourists alike. Several blocks of 19th century historic industrial buildings and cobblestone streets transform you back into Dickens novel, especially in winter when the streets are not filled with tourists.
Restaurants with lovely outdoor spaces and shops line the streets. Pure Spirits is a charming, warm welcoming space with rustic plank floors, exposed brick and large window and true timber loft ceiling.
Welcoming staff seated us without reservations. The place soon filled up. Food was quite tasty. I had the gnocchi and seafood paella both of which were very good. A nicely recommended Pinot Grigio paired the meal. My dinner partner slurped fresh oysters and enjoyed a pappardelle, also excellent.
Two large parties (one party 16+ ladies) overwhelmed our waiter, who was really trying to keep it together but the swirling madness soon caught up with him, so I forgive some of the service unravelling as I watched him do the same in a French/Canadian sort of way.
The hostess charged my phone for me while we ate, which was very sweet.