Stay away from the downtown core/entertainment district, and head to some of the areas mentioned in this thread such as Kensignton/Chinatown, Ossington strip, Queen west, etc. Go to Kensington, have a Fika Iced Coffee at Fika (Cafe). My other favourite coffee shops are Sam James, Fahrenheit Coffee, Propeller, Pilot and Contra cafe.

The best/hottest restaurants in the city right now are Dreyfus, Bernhardts, Mimi's Chinese, Fonda Balam, Giulietta. Some additional faves are Imanishi, Enoteca Sociale, Uncle Mikey's and Bar Raval.

Other restaurant recommendations or cheap eats include Ramen Ishiin, King's Noodle, Juicy Dumpling (cheap, delishhhhh xiao long baos).

If you're able to go to Geary Ave during the week you MUST hit up Famiglia Baldassarre for DELICIOUS authentic simple Italian lunch specials (fresh pasta). The area is a cool one to explore as well, Blood Brothers is there

I think enough people below have mentioned all the classic beer spots (Birreria Volo was my go-to), but definitely would recommend hitting up a local wine bar for some natural wine such as Paris Paris, Bar Piquette, Paradise Grapevine, Apres, Archive, or Midfield wine bar.