Welcome to 1883 Magazine’s city guide series, where we recruit our favourite talent and tastemakers from across the globe to plan out the perfect day in their hometown, complete with restaurant recommendations, top menu picks, their go-to places to take in the views, and more.
Toronto is the definition of a melting pot city. It has a signature blend of cultures and sounds, filled with bespoke shops, independent businesses, and more. Emmanuel Jal moves through the city with the quiet confidence of someone who has found a new home — not just a place to live, but a canvas for his art. The South Sudanese artist, author, and former child soldier has woven his extraordinary life into music, and now, as a proud Canadian citizen, he’s inviting 1883 into his world for a day.
Favourite spot to get breakfast?
Usually, I don’t do breakfast. I just drink hot water in the morning, but in case I am on the road to Hamilton, Tim Horton is where you can get me taking some tea with some Timbits.
You need caffeine — what café are we going to?
I usually drink green tea. Usually Starbucks or Tim.
If someone was visiting your city, what tourist activity would you do with them?
I would take them to the Harbourfront to look at the Lake, it’s so peaceful there. I used to live just a two-minute walk to the Lake. Love taking morning walks and evening walks there.
Where can we go in the city to take in the views?
CN Tower is the tallest place to want to be. It can give you a bird’s eye view of the city.
Now that it’s lunchtime, where should we go? Best thing on the menu?
I go to Lalibela — an Ethiopian restaurant on Bloor Street West. Chacha tips, vegetarian plata, and the mixed meat dish. That is the place for heavy lunch. When I get there, I eat so much that I don’t feel like eating dinner.
Where is your favourite place in your city?
Kensington Market is the best place to be. It’s like where the hippies and cool people go to eat or find vintage shops. The market is in a walkable neighbourhood that pulls a range of artists and tourists to its colourful vibrant shops, vintage boutiques, and art spaces. The Market has a large variety of Chinese grocery shops and it’s the home to a wide array of specialty grocers, bakeries and cheese shops, foods, and drinks.
For the evening we need a new look — what’s the best place for vintage shopping?
The Brimz hat boutique on Queen Street. They also make their own collections—the best hats in town.
What’s the best bar to go to for a drink before the night begins? Drink recommendation?
Soluna—it’s a bar and restaurant that turns into a club at midnight. It’s a cool place to be in. Check it out. They play Afro house music, which I love.
If it’s date night, what spot are you going to?
For dates, it depends on the person what they like and do. Some like homemade food, some like to eat at nice places and go to clubs. For me, I would take a date for dinner wherever they desire or take them for a movie, and if not either of those, meet them for an Afro house party at Saluna on Friday or Saturday.
If we’re going to a concert, what is the best venue in town?
Harbourfront has amazing indoor theatres that do music and outdoor ones which are great for concerts and festivals. I would take them to Harbourfront to look at the Lake, it’s so peaceful there. I used to live just a minute’s walk to the Lake. Love taking morning and evening walks.
The Harbourfront shores of Lake Ontario provide waterfront parks, trails and galleries, theatres, and literary events at the Harbourfront Centre. Families take the ferry to the Toronto Islands for beaches and the Centreville children’s amusement park with its 1907 carousel.
Now that the night is wrapping up, we’re feeling a little peckish — where should we go for a late-night bite? Are we having dessert?
You may not like it. McDonald’s always wins with their fries .. They call you from miles away.
Where can we follow you for more city recommendations?
See more at emmanueljal.com, @emmanueljal on Instagram, and @emmanueljalart on TikTok.
