There’s something about this time of year that reminds us to call old friends, throw a little party or linger a little longer with co-workers “after five.” Since beginning my Newmarket based career I have had the opportunity to try out a variety of different spots locally and I honestly have yet to be disappointed. So in the spirit of spending more time enjoying the season and less time reading here’s my quick list of my favourite get-together friendly spots you should visit this holiday season.

Top 4 Spots for Holiday Get Togethers in Newmarket

1. Cachet: Starting downtown at Fairy Lake - Cachet Restaurant + Bar has brought outdoor dining into the holiday season. As you can see on the Cachet Supper Club page - they have brought in heated igloos from City Winery in Chicago. Imagine sipping on your holiday beverage while the snow comes down around you all while staying toasty warm. I feel like this is the perfect spot for a romantic evening or a gathering for friends. I love love love the way they look and the holiday vibe they add to the downtown.

2. The Goulash House: If you are a lover of holiday Hallmark movies or you want to catch the holiday spirit, you need to head to The Goulash House in downtown Newmarket. The Goulash House serves homemade Hungarian and has a lovely homey feel, perfect for catching up with old friends. There are HUGE portions and of course amazing perogies and schnitzel. It also is the home of Netflix’s latest Hallmark Christmas movie Christmas Wedding Planner. The movie is produced by local studio Brain Power. (Check out the movie review from Narcity here)

3. Villa Risi: If what you are looking for is something with a long-standing tradition of excellence, and a more lounge like feel - Villa Risi is the place to go. It truly has some of THE best lasagna and has a large enough space to host a bigger gathering. It’s right on Yonge Street, South of Davis Drive (beside the Midas)- so it’s super convenient if you have friends coming in from the city.

4. Midici The Neapolitan Pizza Company: If you are looking for something a little different, head to the new Midici in the Upper Canada Mall’s Market & Co. The pizza here is all wood fired and absolutely to die for. I had the Diavola - so so good! If you go in for lunch- you can just pop right up to the chef’s, tell them what you’d like and it is delivered to your table. I had incredibly fast service - so much so that the friend I brought along and I didn’t get to catch up much before we ate, so we toured around the rest of the Market afterwards. Midici was recently featured in Toronto Life - check it out here.

There you have it- my top 4 spots to grab a holiday catch-up meal in Newmarket! Enjoy