Malta, the tiny Mediterranean island off the coast of Italy, is among the smallest countries in the world. So it makes sense that Malta Village, in the Junction past Pacific on Dundas West, is likewise minuscule.
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Best to start any tour with the traditional Maltese pastizzi, a ricotta- or pea-filled pastry, at the Malta Bake Shop (3256 Dundas West, 416-769-2174). Mind the time of day, though, as there’s typically a rush on savouries after Maltese church service at Saint Paul the Apostle (3224 Dundas West) next door. In this case, “skuza” means “excuse” and “caqlaq” means “move.”
Walk east on Dundas to the Maltese Canadian Society of Toronto (3132 Dundas West, 416-767-3645), where you can view 30-plus photos of past Miss Malta Pageant winners. Buy a Kinnie, an orange-flavoured Maltese soft drink, from the friendly staff, pair it with a Maltese language magazine from the Annette Public Library (145 Annette, 416-393-7692) and relax on the dirt floor of the postage-stamp-sized Malta Park (corner of Dundas West and St Johns Road).
For nightlife, step out of the Mediterranean and into Brooklyn for a beverage at hipster joint Margret (2952 Dundas West, 416-762-3373).