Queen West has been the hub for hipsters and their eateries since the 1980s. Many weren't all that memorable, which made life easy for snarky, hard to please food critics like me. But life gets really difficult when your deeply ingrained prejudices have to be revised. Suddenly you find yourself being....kind, shudder. I mean there are only so many superlatives to describe the recent spate of ...

638 Queen St. W.
(647) 748-6822

In the classic Bizet opera, after being seduced by gypsy girl Carmen, Jose, a trusting soldier, abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts the military, only to end up losing her love to a bullfighter. The tragic tale of passion ends with Jos&eacute; killing Carmen in a fit of jealous rage. <br /> <br /> At Carmen, on Queen West, I too was hopelessly seduced, only in this tragic...

922 Queen St. W.
(416) 535-0404

Like Proust's madeleine's, the sublime juiciness of a classic chicken fricassee at the hands of chef Jean Regis Raynaud (Le Paradis) is something I will always remember. So when I heard he was at the recently opened Darwin in Little Italy, my mouth began to instantly salivate and I hauled out the old drool buckets. Really, is there anything finer than old school French cuisine?<br /&g...

651 College St.
(647) 348-9347

Chef Grant van Gameren has been on a one-to-watch list since his heady days at Black Hoof. And though charcuterie and offal were already trending at more high-end restaurants, it was van Gameren who brought his flair for curing to the foodie masses. Now with Bar Isabel, GVG, with co-owner Max Rimaldi (Enoteca Sociale, Pizzeria Libretto) and let's not forget GM Guy Rawlings (also from Black Ho...

797 College St.
(416) 532-2222

A mishmash of knick knacks and vintage finds is a pretty common design motif for many a new eatery these days. After all, how many restauranteurs can really afford multi-million dollar renos with A-list design teams? But the lack of any unified decor theme can be hard on this aesthete's eyes. And despite the fact that The Guild is a hodgepodge of everything from window frames to tree stumps, ...

1442 Dundas St. W.
(647) 343-7288

When a building as rich in local lore and heritage escapes the wrecking ball in this condo-crazy town for more than a century, it's an achievement to be celebrated. Such is the case with The Great Hall at 1087 Queen St. West. The four story building erected in 1889 by Samuel J. Moore was also the home of the first west end YMCA where 1907 Boston Marathon winner Tom Longboat worked out, as did...

1087 Queen St. W.
(416) 897-8348

Not even the iciest reception on a freezing winter's day can keep me away from Electric Mud BBQ. Okay, it's fine not to be open right at five on the nose as stated, but did you really have to keep us standing outside, teeth chattering, in the frigid cold? And once inside, slowly thawing, to not even acknowledge our presence is not exactly what I would call a very warm greeting.<br /&g...

5 Brock Ave.
(416) 516-8286

Few restaurants grab you the moment you walk in. Playa Cabana Cantina does. And it doesn't just grab you; it picks you up by the collar and slams your head into the wall a couple of times. This quaint little taqueria in the Junction deserves five stars alone for the best ambiance of any restaurant of any type in any city in North America. Hear that James Beard Foundation? It's like walki...

2883 Dundas St. W.
(647) 800-7768

In the last two decades we've been inundated with pan-Asian fast food restaurants, from Thai to Japanese. One day it's an empty storefront, the next a cheap and cheery eatery transformed virtually overnight into popular cookie cutter places like Spring Rolls or Ginger. <br /> <br /> But when was the last time you chowed down on a plate of maki or pad thai in a room that looks...

188 Ossington Ave.
(647) 748-0288

Few independent restaurants can claim being part of any culinary landscape for almost a quarter century, let alone lasting an entire year. Where so many end up being just a flash in the pan, homage should and must be paid to establishments that manage to weather every storm for almost 25 years. Where this column's focus tends to be on recently opened restaurants, every once in a while I feel ...

146 Front St. W.
(416) 977-8840

Competition is getting mighty fierce over in ol' Foodietown. But that's a good thing, because it keeps usually too-hip-to-care eateries on their toes as they vie for our thinly stretched dining-out dollar. And that mercifully can mean fare a bit out of the ordinary. Places like Parkdale seldom let you down with unique haunts like Chantecler and Grand Electric still attracting the gastroh...

1314 Queen St. W.
(647) 342-5776

If ever there was a local seafood resto truly reminiscent of the East coast, claws down, it's Rock Lobster. And yes, it's another terribly hip haunt that every self-respecting foodie must flock to pronto. <br /> <br /> But it's not just because their seafood is impossibly fresh and tastes as if it was just hauled from the sea and plopped on the plate (it is and it does),...

110 Ossington Ave.
(416) 312-7662

There shouldn't be that much freakin' excitement about yet another Asian eatery turning out sashimi, ramen noodles and chicken karaage. We all know Toronto is full of crazies, and none more so than the foodies or trendoids who will line up in the bitter cold for a $10 bowl of ramen.<br /> <br /> But then there's Kingyo Izakaya, the new king of Cabbagetown. A restaurant p...

51 Winchester St.
(647) 748-2121

Some nights I would lay awake dreaming of chef Richard Andino's Miami ribs from his days at the failed Flow. It took a while, but I am thrilled to say they're back on the menu at his new restaurant, Dyne. So, yay! Located between Italian food stalwarts L'Unita, Spuntini and Sotto Sotto on Avenue Road, Dyne is an area anomaly with its unique mix of Spanish and Asian influences on the...

120 Avenue Rd.
(416) 962-5655

Since 1991 Buonanotte has been feeding the fortunate foodies of Montr&Atilde;&copy;al rustic Italian cuisine in a hip lounge-like setting. So it seems fitting that after doing so successfully for more than two decades they'd finally be ready to venture into Canada's biggest and meanest metropolis.<br /> <br /> Situated in the space once occupied by Ame (formerly known...

19 Mercer St.
(416) 599-7246

Is it just me or does the woodsy, intoxicating smell of barbecue permeate the air at Smoke BBQ House? You would think it's coming from an honest to goodness barbecue pit. And the menu itself would bolster that quite rational assumption. So how is it humanly possible that the meats here barely taste like they've come within 10 miles of a smoker? <br /> <br /> And that's a...

291 Harbord St.
(647) 342-1840

The venerable People's Foods was a towering colossus among greasy spoons, a favourite of starving students and the Annex area's well-heeled alike. For 30 years it scrambled, fried and grilled its way into our hearts (and arteries). So when co-owners Anthony Rose and Robert Wilder revamped the former fast food hole-in-the-wall by injecting it with a new hit of cool, they were careful to r...

176 Dupont St.
(647) 748-3287

If, like myself, you happened to pass by Skin and Bones while it was under construction, you may have witnessed the staggering amount of blood, sweat and tears that went into just finishing the surface of a very long wooden bar. In between wiping the beads of sweat from his manly brow, an unknown figure gestured with friendly waves from within. You just knew that the folks behind those doors were ...

980 Queen St. E.
(416) 524-5209

This city needs another hipster haunt like we need another big affable moron as a mayor. But if you look a bit beyond the typically trendoid interior of The Emerson, you'll notice that something extraordinary is going on here at the intersection of Lansdowne and Bloor.<br /> <br /> Much larger, almost cavernous compared to most restaurants of its ilk, The Emerson somehow manages t...

1279 Bloor St. W.
(416) 532-1717

Is it a bistro? Is it a gastropub? Who cares. What Richmond Station isn't, is an actual subway stop, but trust me you'll definitely get off at this station. Ba dum dum.<br /> <br /> At the tender age of 27, baby-faced Top Chef Canada season two winner Carl Heinrich (Marben, db Bistro Moderne) must really be an old soul in drag. How else could someone so impossibly young conju...

1 Richmond St. W.
(647) 748-1444

I've been inconsolable since the The Old Fish Market locked its tackle box up for good in 1998; it may have looked like a restaurant that time forgot, but it was one of the few of its day devoted solely to seafood -- with a free fish spread starter to boot. Today, there are few places that compare when it comes to fresh seafood. And though there are no shortages of cookie-cutter corporate cha...

1 Balmoral Ave.
(416) 515-0551

Pop-ups or supper clubs are meant to reawaken our tired taste buds. Sometimes they are where upstart, wunderkind chefs are discovered before they eventually settle down at some fixed address, i.e real restaurants. In theory, they should be all about gee-whiz excitement, throwing all manner of culinary caution to the wind to delight die-hard foodies with their wild inventiveness and unleashed crea...

318 Wellington St. W.
(416) 489-8922

Shhhh! - I know of a place downtown where valet parking is actually cheaper than street parking! That shocking fact alone is reason enough for me to go back to Michael's on Simcoe. But then, Michael's is all about trying to make a good first impression, aiming to provide its patrons with an elegance and refinement you just don't find in even some of the toniest establishments in th...

100 Simcoe St.,
(647) 931-6906

The rebirth of Regent Park is well underway - and while not without its problems, the ambitious revitalization project has filled an already vibrant inner city neighbourhood with renewed energy and promise.<br /> <br /> Nestled in the middle of all the hubbub and construction dust is Paintbox Bistro, probably the finest eatery to ever appear in this gastronomically underserved area. Wi...

555 Dundas St. E.
(647) 748-0555

It know it may seem like an insignificant detail to some, but for me an outward demonstration of pride in one's property is one of the greatest assets any small business can possess. So charmed I was to see a barkeep sweeping a little patch of pavement outside the Riverside Public House lest a patron possibly slip on a few fallen leaves. But efforts like that are usually a pretty good indicat...

725 Queen St. E.
(647) 348-0880

Since the '90s, Guy and Michael Rubino have been feeding the foodie hordes at their higher-end eateries like beerbistro, Zoom and Luce. But it was the opening of Rain in 2001 (later re-christened Ame) that truly transformed the downtown dining experience, raising the bar to levels that Clubland had never seen before. So it's a bit of a shock that their latest venture, a pizza and pasta...

241 Spadina Ave.
(647) 351-1200

I've lived a full life?literally?stuffing myself with the finest foods and getting well-compensated for it. It's a sacrifice, what with my scary LDL cholesterol levels to show for it, but someone's gotta do it. I've enjoyed my share of memorable meals, but some of the very best have been at Cafe Boulud in NYC and Maison Boulud at the Ritz-Carlton in Montreal. So how excited I w...

60 Yorkville Ave.
(416) 964-0411

<p>The Shangri-La has been catching a lot of buzz of late, mainly due to Momofuku mania. But the cult-like enthusiasm for David Chang's three-story food show that opened just a few weeks ago is about all the excitement you'll find at this ritzy downtown address because the hotel's own dining room, Bosk, is just one big yawn short of a snoozefest. <p>Chef Jean-Paul Lourde...

188 University Avenue,
(647) 788-8888

David Chang has come a very long way in a very short time from his first modest noodle shop in the East Village circa 2004. Today he's a culinary rockstar, his name a powerful brand that's managed to continually wow finicky New York City palates with a string of successes: Momofuku Noodle Bar, Momofuku Ssäm Bar, Momofuku Ko, the 12-seater awarded two Michelin sta...

190 University Ave.
(647) 253-8000

It's no coincidence that the Museum Tavern is like stepping into a time machine and through the doors of Bemelmans, a Manhattan-style Yorkville landmark that sparkled for the last time almost 20 years ago. Fact is, co-owners Kyle and Glen Kristenbrun are the sons of Tom Kristenbrun, who for decades, with his company Chrysalis, virtually dictated where A-Listees whined and dined; places like B...

208 Bloor St. W.
(416) 920- 0110

You've got to admire chef David Friedman (Fishbar, Table 17), if for nothing else than his painstaking devotion, ensuring that every morsel from the mer at Red Fish is environmentally sustainable. But it's not just his saintly eco-friendliness that makes him so praiseworthy; his cleverly constructed menu places it at the polar opposite of many a mainstream fish house. This is the joint f...

890 College St.
(647) 933-8697

Who, besides my mother, doesn't know who Susur Lee is? This is as it should be: the man has surely earned his world-class reputation and we're lucky to have him as our very own master chef. So why then is all the buzz surrounding the new restaurant Bent centred on his two son's Kai and Levi? You'd never know they were involved in the enterprise at all, notwithstanding a photo ...

777 Dundas St. W.
(647) 352-0092

Kanji Sushi and Sake Bar has plenty going for it. Uhmmm, for one thing, it's very big. Where most neighbouring restaurants like <a href="http://www.dine.to/chantecler">Chantecler Restaurant</a> and <a href="http://www.dine.to/grand_electric">Grand Electric Restaurant</a> rely heavily on turnover because they can barely seat 20 patrons at a time, Kan...

1346 Queen St. W.,
(416) 536-8448

Leor Zimmerman's family may have been in the clothing and luggage business, but he was destined to be a chef. No surprise since he grew up smelling the myriad aromas in the heart of Kensington Market. Having studied at George Brown College and stints at mainstays like Czehoski, it was time to take the bold step and go out on his own. But while he may refer to his restaura...

1282 Dundas St. W.,
(416) 534-0407

The first thing you may notice about Glas is not its simple, austere decor or how friendly and go-out-of-their-way accommodating the servers are. What most women and quite a few men will definitely notice is how strikingly handsome chef/owner Dan Patano is. And in this tiny unassuming neighbourhood nook, there's really very little else to focus your gaze on. The fact that this talented hottie...

1118 Queen St. E.,
(647) 351-4527

Look for two massive, mod yellow doors and you will have found Weslodge, perhaps the poshest, most luxurious saloon Hogtown has ever known. Not only is it the perfect backdrop for a Ralph Lauren photo shoot (Purple Label, of course), replete with genuine cowhide banquettes and wall-to-wall dead animals, but it sets a new design benchmark for clubland's King West corridor. Hmm, I wonder who&#...

480 King St W.
(416) 367-0505

If someone put a gun to my head and asked me where they were guaranteed an excellent meal, ... or else -- I'd have no fear recommending the Farmhouse Tavern. Where most would probably scream out the name of the most fancy shmancy place in town, I would calmly suggest otherwise. With faux rustic chic all the rage, it's not uncommon to see barn board walls and mismatched plates for a chea...

1627 Dupont St.
(416) 561-9114

Clearly we take a bit longer to tire of culinary trends. Want proof? You can't swing a cat without hitting an artisanal burger stop. Then there's the tiresome proliferation of poutine on virtually every menu not to mention the glamorization of, yes, the taco. Then of course there is pizza. But not just any pizza. Still gaining gourmet ground is the Neopolitan pizza certified by the Asso...

386 Bloor St. W.
(647) 748-2333

Thanks to Suresh Doss, famished foodies on the run have more options than typical street "meat" on a bun. Meals on wheels now include cupcakes, deli sandwiches, popcorn and poutine. And in the case of La Carnita, although more a pop up taqueria than an actual food truck, its tacos, toastadas and churros have been making their way all over town since last year. They've covered so muc...

501 College St.
(416) 964-1555

Didn't someone once say, never trust a skinny chef. Makes sense to me. Well, unless of course you're referring to Claudio Aprile, who, since his early days at Senses, has been choreographing our taste buds with a level of culinary clout that most chefs can only dream about. So who would ever have thought that one of the most respected chefs in town would ever attach his name to a restau...

171 E Liberty St.
(416) 649-4567

When a design team like Munge Leung is hired to breathe new life into an old auto body shop, you just know it's going to be a hotbed for hipsters. And the King West locale of Gusto 101 is just that, a swank two-storey showcase of world-class industrial design, each filament, finial and fabric so exacting, it becomes a magnet for glitterati. Like Terroni, Gusto 101 offers up reasonably-priced...

101 Portland St.
(416) 504-9669

Hands up if you haven't been to The Orbit Room. You big liar. If you're as old as I am you'll remember back in the '90s, staggering up a dark stairwell for some late night naughtiness. Rest assured, it hasn't changed much since then. Only now it's sharing space with The Feasting Room, the latest pop-up restaurant, where for the next six months an incredibly talented ...

580-A College St.,
(647) 785-3557

The doors may have been opened only an hour earlier, but by 6pm The Bristol Yard is already out of their homemade sausages ($10). And that's a real pity, considering bangers and mash are the, ahem, meat and potatoes of any Brit pub. They're also out of haggis ($12) and baked beans on toast ($7). With so much on the menu AWOL, we contemplate coming back another time, but we keep calm and ...

146 Christie St.
(647) 716-6583

When The Bowery bowed out, it was no great loss; it was just another textbook example of superficial wow at the expense of kitchen know-how. Rechristened Osteria 55, the room looks pretty much the same and that's a good thing because, truth be told, that's about all The Bowery had going for it. The biggest improvement with the opening of Osteria 55 was the hiring of FOH manager John Che...

55 Colborne St.
(416) 901-2332

Patio fever is one of those rare diseases, a cure for which we hope they'll never find. Its infection rate is so high that every summer it has us scurrying en masse from our stifling cubicles or stuffy homes to snag a prime al fresco seat and a nice tall cold one. We could care less that we have to put up with commando squirrels, marauding wasps and/or bird poop in our salads. But, really, i...

121 Yorkville Ave.
(647) 348-1300

Imagine a native Malay cook with a Chinese roommate being taught by a Spanish chef with a love affair for everything American and you'll get an inkling of what Filipino food is all about. Or so reads the Lamesa Filipino Kitchen website, describing its food as a juxtaposition of sweet, salty and sour flavours with ingredients like rice, pork and fish figuring prominently on the menu. One wou...

669 Queen St. W.
(647) 346-2377

Unless I'm somehow mistaken, the purpose of a waiter is not just to serve but also to offer up helpful and informative advice about the menu, preferably with a smile. And at times that might even entail answering a few questions. So like scouts, waiters should always be prepared. With sharing trends still the rage, menus are often not at all what they seem: questions often include everything ...

169 Niagara St.
(416) 703-4222

As sad as it still is to see Tomi-Kro gone, what's even sadder is what's there in its place. And when you consider the combined experience and pedigree of restaurant veteran Hieu Nguyen and chef Greg Argent, our disappointment is doubled. While we root for the warm and welcoming Nguyen and want him badly to succeed - to be brutally honest, the best part about The East Ender is that you d...

1212 Queen St. E.
(647) 346-3278

Why does British food still get a bum rap? Despite the global prominence of Jamie, Nigella, Gordon, Heston et al. shaking things up, the first thing that comes to mind when you say English cuisine is hearty pub fare and haughty tea time. Chef Ben Heaton (formerly of Colborne Lane, Globe and One) aims to change that dated perception on this side of the pond, by finally ridding this would-be fine fo...

1214 Dundas St. W.
(416) 588-2299

When there's a buzz about a restaurant, it's usually about some celebrity chef - sometimes even the food. In the case of The Saint, this tavern was infamous even before it swung open its doors. Originally slated to open sometime in 2009, The Saint's debut was marred by a moratorium on new restaurants and bars along Ossington Ave. Thankfully that draconian measure was lifted at the...

227 Ossington Ave.
(647) 350-2100

The Ossington stretch between Queen and College has become so saturated with must-be-scene-at eateries its no wonder that "restaurant row" has had to extend its reach north to Dupont. And that's precisely where Actinolite smartly finds itself nestled, away from the much buzzed about competition - at least for now. In addition to being some kind of silicate mineral (who knew?), Act...

971 Ossington Ave.
(416) 962-8943

Busy busy Bayview Avenue is littered with nail salons, flea market antiques and Asian fast food haunts. Yes, there also sits McSorley's, my favourite watering hole, and I will concede that there are also a few finer Italian and Indian mainstays. But I can't remember the last time this tiny hood had an upscale-ish joint actually worth schlepping to. With the recent arrival of L'Ave...

1568 Bayview Ave.
(416) 485-1568

It's a sad truism that most eateries are a flash in the pan and close "for renovations" within a year after opening in a cut-throat, dog-eat-dog environment. But something tells me that for the owners of Bestellen, the odds are in their favour in these real life Hunger Games. The former IGA grocery store has been literally transformed into a posh "farm" that cleverly mak...

972 College St.
(647) 341-6769

The word "Chantecler" rolls off the tongue so musically, conjuring up cozy images of après ski firesides in the Laurentians. But Chantecler is not only a popular resort north of Montreal, it's also a chicken indigenous to Quebec, created by a Trappist monk at Oka who crossed a handful of breeds like the Dark Cornish, White Leghorn, Rhode Island Red, White Wyandot...

1320 Queen St. W.
(416) 628-3586

In the, ahem, eons I have spent writing about restaurants never before have I began a review singing the praises of ... a ceiling. But it's the intricate woodwork of Catch's cantilevered ceiling design that really grabs your attention the moment you walk in. That, and the affable and accommodating and a little bit flirty, waiter. But ambiance seems to have always played a key role in ...

744 St Clair Ave. W.
(416) 658-0568

The lifestyles of the rich and famous are what fantasies are made of. And what conjures up champagne wishes and caviar dreams more than The Donald? So, when we got word a Trump property was being built in Hogtown, expectations ran high that it would glam up the downtown core. Well, we all know how that turned out: The Trump International Hotel and Tower architecture is as remarkable as any other b...

325 Bay St.
(416) 637-5550

The Hopgood family knows food. For decades the family business was a small chain of grocery stores in Nova Scotia, Hopgood's Foodliner, (which are now IGAs). So it's pretty safe to say that Geoff Hopgood has food deep down in his DNA. After a highly-visible two year stint as chef at Hoof Café (now closed), it was time for something new. Like an homage to his family ...

11:00am – 2:00am
wells

Can a restaurant be too sophisticated for the typical, hyper-critical Torontonian palate? This might be the biggest problem with Ursa. I can't remember the last time I saw tofu ($12) plated so artfully, its distinct flavour profile actually paid serious attention to. No...really. But even with a magical blending of silken and firm house-made tofu in a mild house soy alongside yubu skin, spro...

924 Queen St. W.
(416) 536-8963

If you don't mind the repeated drumming and the high-pitched samurai screams of servers welcoming every new diner that arrives, then you won't mind chowing down at Don Don Izakaya. Then again, if you're familiar with this relatively new foodie phenom, you know that the cacophony is all just part of the charm, if not exactly the most suitable spot for a romantic interlude or a catch-...

130 Dundas St. W.
(416) 492-5292

Not sure if it's déjà vu, or a recurring nightmare - but here I am on Roncesvalles once again, to review yet another restaurant. Unfortunately this time I may have wished I hadn't bothered. If you make the trek, or live nearby, you'd be far better off heading on over to the neighbouring Keriwa or Local Kitchen and Wine Bar instead of Maialin...

1688 Queen St. W.
(416) 551-5251

If it weren't for the fabulous service at BruDa, we may have cut our losses and am-scrayed right after the apps. But I've always said that if the food is just fair yet the service sublime, any establishment deserves a second chance. Eager to please doesn't even come close to describing the attentiveness of our waiters, who - tada! - also happen to be the co-owners. And doing double ...

492 College St.
(416) 927-0222

Opening a restaurant in this town is slightly less risky than boarding an Italian cruise ship. Food costs and competition alone should be enough to steer anyone sane clear. And while most end up being just a flash in the pan, barely managing to eke out a year in business, every once in a while a chef like Jeff Claudio of Yours Truly surfaces to thumb his nose at the insurmountable odds. Yes, some...

229 Ossington Ave.
(416) 533-2243

Face it, only our mothers think we're special. We all hate being haughtily told "those tables are reserved", only to see that the party never arrives. So instead of sitting in a nice, cozy corner, we shared our meal with a schizophrenic vent that couldn't decide whether to blow hot or cold air blasts all night long. Open barely a week the night we visit, Ascari Enoteca 26 join...

1111 Queen St. E.
(647) 694-1165

In these times of great economic uncertainty, it's comforting to know that the needs of the 1% are still being met. I mean why else would anyone dare to open a place like The Shore Club while the world is careening off a cliff. Well, with the well-heeled spillover from the neighbouring Ritz Carlton, it's probably a pretty safe bet. Oozing with opulence, not unlike an old luxury cruise ...

155 Wellington Street West
(416) 351-3311

Sitting next to the proud father of the chef and being lucky enough to be served by someone with an uncanny resemblance to new "It" girl, Zooey Deschanel, things look very promising at Grand Electric long before we sink our teeth into the 7 finger foods on the menu. But remember, its quality not quantity that counts. And quality is all you get here. Okay maybe there are 11 items (counti...

1330 Queen St. W.
(416) 627-3459

If anyone ever truly earned the honorific of "veteran restaurateur", its Johnny K. Long before nightlife kingpins Charles Khabouth and Nick Di Donato took control of Toronto after-dark, there was Johnny Katsuras who's been setting the style standards of Hogtown since the '70s. They include lone-gone haunts like the Tazmanian Ballroom, The Blue Angel, King Curtis Room and The Cl...

842 Gerrard St. E.
(416) 907-9761

The Annex is known for its cheap, multicultural food fare, everything from Hungarian and Japanese to Middle Eastern, Korean and Indian, all within a few blocks to help nourish all those ravenous UofT students with the munchies. Now adding to the mosaic of menus to choose from is Hrvati (meaning Croats or Croatians). But if you think you are going to be serenaded by accordion players or have food b...

690 Euclid Ave.
(647) 350-4227

Fab Concepts Inc. may be responsible for a slew of relatively new bar/restos in town, but to date they have wowed more with their ability to execute fine design. Included in the their portfolio of stylin' environments are Liberty Village's Brazen Head, Against the Grain, next to Sugar Beach, and the Mill Street Brew Pub in the Distillery District. But their second instalment in Liberty ...

167 East Liberty St.
(647) 977-2628

It's always a sad day when a gastronomic great shuts down. So when Oddfellows dead bolted its doors at 936 Queen W., local foodies let out a collective sigh, shook their fists at the heavens and groaned mightily at their loss. Mercifully, the mourning period was momentary with the sudden opening of County General in the same sweet spot. And it's the same rustic narrow slip of a space sa...

936 Queen St. W.
(647) 933-8573

Who'da thunk that something as pedestrian as pizza could become a foodie craze, yet again. Instead of Wolfgang Puck-inspired California pizzas with their typically '80s-excess "gourmet" toppings, the key word nowadays is "authenticity". In fact, the art of pizza-making has become so fiercely cut-throat, pizzeria owners are tripping over themselves for bragging rights ...

12 Amelia St.
(416) 323-0666

From the open-concept kitchen, one can clearly see that the maestro, Bruce Woods, is in the house tonight. Modus has been open only two weeks the night we arrive and oddly, the celebrated chef is just here to oversee the operation, making sure each plate looks flawless before it leaves the line. So how good are his trainees? Well under the tutelage of someone like Woods, whose most recent venture...

145 King St. W.
(647) 694-1161

Black Hoof isn't the only darling to dot Dundas West these days. L'Ouvrier Kitchen Bar is the hot new haunt to grace a strip now known for its gourmet munchies. And we have Justine Fowler and chef Angus Bennett to thank for that. But walk in and you might think you've stepped into a Soho art gallery rather than a great new restaurant. The blinding white room with pinpointed hints ...

791 Dundas St. W.
(416) 901-9581

When Caffe La Gaffe burned down eons ago that was the end of great bistro fare in Kensington Market. I can still taste that signature salad, spinach with a la minute sautéed lardons drizzled over every leaf. This sorely missed hole-in-the-wall oozed with as much charm as this bowl oozed with melted Gruyere on perfectly toasted baguette. That was 1985. More than 25 years later...

256 Augusta Ave.
(416) 792-9440

If you're one of those insufferable food snobs (like moi) who judges a book by its cover, you may lower your eyes and deign to sneak a peak inside Habits Gastropub, decide it's not up to snuff, and then move on. Big mistake! Granted, the circa 1993 banquet hall chairs would send shivers even down Debbie Travis' spine; and I wouldn't be surprised if the Ossington BIA took acti...

928 College St.
(416) 533-7272

What's this. A sports bar that serves $1800 shots of Remy in a room by the design film Rockwell Group, responsible for, among other hip haunts, Nobu? And why not? Not all sports lovers should be viewed as toothless, knuckle-dragging cavemen who'd rather dine in a sweaty numbered jersey whilst chicken wing grease drips down their chin. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment seems to get it w...

15 York St
(416) 815-4891

It's not the type of place that any self-respecting restaurant critic or foodie would even consider putting on their radar. But when a sports bar like Williams Landing in Liberty Village comes around it's hard to keep that nose up in the air for long. Never has any eatery with so many wide screen TVs paid such attention to detail - a rarity even in the finest of dining establishments. ...

120 Lynn Williams St.
(647) 931-5733

It's one hour into dinner service at Hardy's Hogtown Brasserie and the waitress informs famished diners that, "It's been so busy, we are out of everything except burgers and pulled pork sandwiches." Nice try. We were the first ones in, so unless you have a drive-thru window we don't know about, being too busy isn't the real reason for being unprepared. It's...

992 St. Clair Ave. W.
(416) 836-4333

Aboriginal cuisine, eh? About friggin time. Open barely a week upon our arrival, Keriwa Café sits smack dab in the heart of Roncesvalles and Queen West, an area more noted for its quaint antique shops and dwindling Polish presence, but fast transforming into another Ossington. But unlike other hotspots that attempt to impress by hitting you over the head and wowing you with d...

1690 Queen St. W.
(416) 533-2552

A teeny tiny sign reads Bacco, the over-sized god of wine and agriculture. Yet strangely, the menu is embossed with One Eleven Yorkville, the name of a previous restaurant. Not exactly a great branding strategy if you're trying to stake a claim in this well-worn hood. BTW, Bacco's address is actually 113 Yorkville -- all the more confusing. Even the menu puzzles after a quick perusal. W...

113 Yorkville Ave.
(647) 345-0085

It could very well be one of the smartest and/or original menus in eons. Take the under-appreciated American South, tap into Canada's almost forgotten Acadian heritage and, voila, you have Acadia - a resto that celebrates the culinary heritage of colonial New France, from the Maritimes and Quebec down to Louisiana. It's merely weeks old, yet its refinement would have you believe this ki...

50C Clinton St.
(416) 792-6002

Good waiters always remember to come around to check on your meal. But it would certainly be nice if some at least pretended to care or not shoot laser beams of hatred towards you when trying to communicate that some dishes are not up to par. I'm not interrupting your texting, am I? In a family-friendly nabe like the Danforth, sincerity is as crucial an ingredient as the recipes that make up...

162 Danforth Ave.
(416) 792-8088

School's out for summer, so cafeteria food must already be a distant and dreadful memory. Then why The Drake's latest pop-up restaurant theme aims to remind its diners of the days of limp fries and gray gravy finished off with a Joe Louis for dessert is anyone's guess. Well they're not; at least that's what they claim. The Drake began this trendy foodie phenom with a BBQ ...

1150 Queen St. W.
(416) 531-5042

Saying your restaurant has the "soul of Paris in the heart of Toronto," is a pretty lofty aspiration. Undoubtedly, diners are going to expect a lot. And from an aesthetics point of view, you won't be disappointed with La Societe. Certainly, the new Bloor Street bistro breathes new life into The Colonnade and just screams the kind of quality and showmanship that club kingpin and res...

131 Bloor St. W.
(416) 551-9929

When was the last time your server could answer all your questions about a menu without first consulting with the kitchen? At Fishbar, ours even knew the lineage of each oyster on the chalkboard. And he also happened to be a master oyster shucker. Mighty impressive. Now perhaps the owner will consider allowing guests to throw their empty shells on the floor, anything to hide the hideous floor til...

217 Ossington Ave.
(647) 340-0227

Picture it: seated at a lovely table in luxe surroundings ordering $30 to $40 dishes while watching awkward adolescents scarfing down messy, mustard-dripping hotdogs at Maple Leaf Square as Q107 blasts classic rock from its kiosk. Not exactly the River Arno, and this ain't a room with a view. Drapery is on the way, or so we're told, but a few months since opening in the Telus Tower, sc...

25 York St.
(416) 363-2742

When it comes to new restaurateurs, Ed Ho is a reigning King; or he has a horseshoe up his you know what. Everything the man touches turns to gold. A novice at the time, he transformed Cafe Brussels into an epic food experience at Globe; then he took a non-descript corner in Rosedale, one that hasn't seen real success since the 1980s, and made it a dining destination with Globe Earth. But un...

2448 Bloor St.W.
(416) 763-2222

Don't you just want to wither and die every time a restaurant hostess tells you that you can't sit there because that table is "reserved". And adding insult to injured ego, how many times has that table gone empty because said parties inevitably don't show. Then there's the issue of inhuman seating times: on a recent night at the new Blowfish on Bay, four couldn'...

333 Bay St.
(416) 860-0606

When an establishment goes to great lengths to procure the best wet nap possible, you just know there's something special going on. These are so soft & luxurious you could clean your sticky fingers, wipe a baby's bottom, remove your mascara & polish your smartphone screen with just one. Open a mere few weeks, Barque Smokehouse might be the first resto to actually establish a din...

299 Roncesvalles Ave.
(416) 532-7700

If you think you have fly to Italy to enjoy dining under a lush olive tree surrounded by fragrant hedges of rosemary you'd be mistaken. Would you believe a similar experience can be had in downtown Toronto, minus the tour bus exhaust and crazed Vespa drivers? Canada's first Obikà Mozzarella Bar is based on a relatively new concept centered on Mozzarella di Bufala Ca...

181 Bay St.
(416) 546-1062

The address 326 Adelaide Street West has never really been a lucky location for anything. Waterfall Martini Lounge, anyone? Think about it: opening a restaurant in the Entertainment District has only ever lured tourists and 905ers who think Milestone's is "fine dining" and Alice Fazooli's is "real Italian." Recent openings in the area of Oliver & Bonicini's ...

326 Adelaide St. W.
(647) 352-5773

Perched on the grittier edge of Trinity Bellwoods Park next to Oyster Boy, co-owners Kianoosh Khalili (former chef of Bradgate Arms and Kensington Cafe) and Kendall Collingridge have a new little boite to brag about. It may only seat a mere 30, but it sure fits the longest park bench you've ever seen. The pine-clad room with exposed brick is as rustic and outdoorsy as an interior can be, henc...

874 Queen St. W.
(416) 536-3883

These days the on-edge Financial District needs as many watering holes as it can to calm the teeter-totter nerves of its busy-bee workers. And while some of the most popular bars here are just meat markets whose proprietors think they're getting it right when it comes to their overpriced pseudo gastopub nibbles, Black Moon Bar and Lounge has invested as much in culinary energy as it has in it...

67 Richmond St. W.
(416) 603-3100

It's little surprise that 416 Snack Bar's website reads like a blog. Adrian Ravinsky, a former food blogger, decided it was time to put his money where his mouth is. And with barely a budget, $25,000 to be exact, Ravinsky teamed up with his good friend Dave Stewart and transformed a tired burrito joint into a hip urban niche for a quickish nosh 'n nibble. Their DIY design is a s...

181 Bathurst St.
(416) 364-9320

You'd think it was free all-u-can-eat pasta night the way the line up snaked out the door. But, hey, this is a Terroni we're talking about, and getting droves of fanatic fans, including myself, to crowd their eateries has never been a problem. Few places have been around as long in this town. Fewer still have been able to expand as fast while maintaining their original mandate: promisin...

1095 Yonge St.
(416) 504-1992

Perhaps it wasn't the brightest idea for the owners of Salt to think they could get away with opening as a "grocery" store, trying to make a sneaky end run around the moratorium of new restaurant openings on Ossington's restaurant row. Because soon after opening they were forced to shut down. Thankfully for them, when Joe Pantalone lost his run for mayor, the moratorium came do...

225 Ossington Ave.
(416) 533-7258

Let's just get this out of the way: You mean to say the Ritz Carlton couldn't have come up with something more creative than TOCA for the name of its flagship restaurant? A contraction of Toronto, Canada. Really? Someone got paid for that stroke of genius? Yet despite the lame name, TOCA is full of culinary surprises and some dazzling displays of gastronomic brilliance. So, will it end u...

181 Wellington St. W.
(416) 572-8008

The Annex needs another Japanese restaurant like the world needs another Cher farewell concert. But Toronto's newest Vancouver-based Guu franchise is not just one more cheap sushi joint crowding the Bloor St. strip. By mid March it was sayonara Burger King, konbanwa saka bar. Smaller than the TO original, Guu number 2 is modelled after the ubiquitous watering holes of Japan where workers go t...

559 Bloor St. W.
(647) 343-1101

We all know Susur's back. Lee Lounge is very much his stab at interpreting what the people want and serving it to them on $29 tiered platters. Given his recent return home, after those meanie New Yorkers failed to get his Shang restaurant (the recession probably didn't help much), it's understandable that the master chef is eager to try to please the masses this time out. That�...

603 King St. W.
(416) 504-7867

Vegetarian restaurants are few and far between. Sure, there are the mainstays like Fressen and Annapurna, but really in a city with more than 8,000 eateries, it is truly surprising that, in spite of our collective interest in healthier living, more haven't popped up like woodlot fungi. But now there's Woodlot - a treehugger's paradise which offers as much flesh on one menu to sat...

293 Palmerston Ave
(647) 342-6307

I've eaten in this stretch of Dundas Street West before (Atlantic restaurant) and loved it. It's a low-key neighbourhood feel. Converted, yet still rustic looking hole-in-the-wall restaurants are frequented by those who know where to look for great, inexpensive food without the snootiness of the nearby Ossington crowd. Brocton Village is a recent addition to the area and I was hoping it...

1321 Dundas St. W.
(647) 342-6104

It's black. It's glamorous. It's expensive. So now that we've gotten all the important stuff out of the way, let's get down to what Carisma is really all about. It's about sexy, stylish and classic. Just like a little black dress. Naturally, that implies that you would only go to Carisma for special occasions. But, like anything that is classic black, a little goes a ...

73 King St. E.
(416) 864-7373

Enoteca Sociale is one of the hottest destinations in the Ossington nabe. One night I call and there is a one hour wait to get a seat at the bar. Getting reservations on a Saturday proves difficult too. We book early, call to say we'll be delayed 15 minutes and at the 18 minute mark, arrive, only to be told, "We just called and left a message saying that we'll have to give your tabl...

1288 Dundas St. West
(416) 534-1200

The man, myth and legend continues. Mark McEwan recently opened his second establishment at the Shops at Don Mills. His latest endeavour, Fabbrica, is an Italian restaurant located directly across the street from the ultra chic supermarket that bears his name. Upon entering, we notice that two very different dining rooms occupy the space. One is funky, casual, comes equipped with a bar and is i...

49 Karl Fraser Rd,
(647) 955-4987

I love boutique hotels. I love the small scale and the immediate ease of walking through the front doors and soon after, into their nearest lounge. I love the juxtaposition of Eight Wine Bar at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, just kitty corner to the Meridien King Edward Hotel, and discreetly included on Colborne Street, one of the shortest, packed-with-resto-bar lanes in Toronto. With sky high ceilings,...

8 Colborne St.
(416) 350-8188

I don't usually walk into a burger joint and see exposed brick walls, a wine rack and a fireplace. But that's exactly what I walked into at the Burger Cellar, one of the newest contenders vying for your gourmet burger buck. Located in the Yonge-Lawrence area, Burger Cellar combines a casual bistro feel, creatively developed comfort food and an elevated sense of style with warm ambiance...

3391 Yonge St..
(647) 345-0084

Massimo Capra, celebrated chef, television personality and cookbook author brings his gregarious self to Niagara! The Crowne Plaza Niagara Fallsview, Niagara's first luxury hotel, revives the elegance of fine dining with Capra's Signature Dish series, to complement one of the most spectacular views in the world. Morning, noon or night, there will be delicious dishes to pair with this vie...

5685 Falls Ave.
(289) 272-0210

Dim sum with the glamour effect is a great way to start off the New Year or any day of the week for that matter. At Crown Princess, the food almost stands up to the decor bling factor. Entering the massive doors into the Vegas-meets-Versailles dining room seems a little overwhelming in the light of day. When we're shown to our window side table, I wonder what it would be like on a sunny day....

1030 Bay St.
(416) 923-8159

Wabora is a new, sleek and sexy addition to restaurant row at the base of Toronto's Thompson Hotel. A massive dining room decorated dark black and grey gives it an air of upscale Manhattan steakhouse. The open kitchen, which takes up almost the entire back wall of the restaurant, makes it feel as if the team of chefs working it are sitting at the head of the table, looking out and catering t...

550 Wellington St. W
(647) 724-4280

Luma shines; it's stylish, sophisticated, and not a single server squeeks out a "you guys" in their communications with us. How lovely, professional and simply refreshing, not hearing that ubiquitous phrase which seems to permeate every part of modern culture. The room is open and sleek, yet there's warmth in the choice of materials, the open sunny south facing windows and th...

350 King St. W,
(647) 288-4715

To enter Frank's Kitchen on College Street is to enter centre stage. You're the star of the show. Welcomed, pampered and treated like an A-list celebrity from start to finish. From one of the most personable and attentive wait-staff in recent memory to the incredibly comfortable setting to the delicious meals, Frank's Kitchen is clearly the talk of Little Italy. Even on a cold T...

588 College St.
(416) 516-5861

Already known to be one of the hippest areas in Toronto, Queen Street West witnessed the arrival of Arepa Cafe to the strip last year. Bringing a true Latin flavour and "Venezuelan urbanity" into the mix, Arepa quickly made its presence felt. What exactly is "Venezuelan urbanity"? I'm told by the Manager that Caracas is famous for all night eateries. 'Areperias,...

490 Queen St. W.,
(416) 362-4111

Argyle style flooring and cookbook cover posters decorate the walls; classic French tunes play in the background, while a stainless steel bar and an open kitchen dominate the 50 seat room. Blue Plate is lovely and quaint with several charming French bistro elements and... one, not so much. Blue Plate takes pride in being Roncesvalles' answer to comfort food with a twist. That being said,...

392 Roncesvalles Ave.
(647) 977-6523

The street is quiet, but La Bettola di Terroni is a riot of noise, music and people. Wall-to-wall guests jostle servers between the high top tables, the boxy long bar and regular tables packed so close together they may as well be connected. We sit at the bar, instead of waiting a half hour and set up shop next to the kitchen to see all the action. It's "the show" of a busy restaur...

106 Victoria St.
(416) 504 9998

After months of delays, thanks to lots of bureaucratic bumbling and interference, the little gem called ICI is here. JP Challet's long awaited effort with chef partner Jennifer Decorte opened quietly in October, on Thanksgiving Day, most likely, that date chosen quite deliberately... The side window facing Harbord Street quite clearly shows JP and staff, busy in the kitchen. We walk into a ...

538 Manning Ave.
(416) 536-0079

At the Queen & Beaver, it looks like we're entering an absolutely fabulous old home. It's warm and pulsing with energy the night we arrive. A classy little intimate bar area is in front of the dining room and there is a rollicking, more pub-ish bar on the second floor. English cuisine is a bit of an oxymoron to many. The notion of quality British food has always been tainted by the ...

35 Elm St.
(647) 347-2712

The Theatre District can be a tough sell. Every restaurant is out for your business. But can they deliver? Does quality really count when it comes down to crunch time? Paese may not be inexpensive, but why pretend to be something you're not? With so many options, it's nice to find the place that's not trying to drag you in by the scruff of the neck with some young, come-hither-girl ...

333 King St. W.
(647) 977-2638

Nothing says Italian like a parked Vespa near the entrance of a trattoria. This was my introduction to Piazzetta, one of the go-to's for many years. In fact, since 1993, Piazzetta Trattoria has attracted both locals and celebrities to their uptown digs. With that kind of success, it's only fitting that a second location opened up. In April 2010, that's exactly what happened. Pia...

936 Eglinton Ave. W.
(416) 781-1717

Little Italy has so many restaurants and for some reason, I always tend to gravitate to the north side of the street. I'm glad I got to Grace, a sophisticated, yet comforting dining spot due College Street south. Lots of buzz at first and well founded, too. For reservations, staff actually call back to confirm and, courtesy of courtesies, remind us that there will be drive and park issues b...

503 College St,
(416) 944-8884

All the world's a stage, and we are merely players...but at least we're eating at the perennially chic and always-fabulous-for-people watching Yorkville stage. Off towards Avenue road is the courtyard where Creme Brasserie counts more for food and drink than the eye candy passing by. Classically elegant interior looks more European than Europe, which can't be a bad thing at all. Jus...

162 Cumberland St.
(647) 977-2636

If you're entering a de-tox program intending to rid yourself of high caloric foods, then going out with a bang is essential, so a visit to Harlem Underground is a must! After all, your last meal should be one to last for ages. Funky with positive vibes, Harlem Underground has all the important elements of a quintessential Queen West hotspot that makes for an immediate impact. "I lik...

745 Queen St. W.
(416) 366-4743

Finally, the swing back to classic cocktails and impeccable drink making as a craft is putting Toronto on the map. The latest 'members social club' is the Toronto Temperance Society, just over Sidecar Restaurant on College Street. Head bartender, or bar chef, as they're now called, is the affable, talented Adrian Stein. The rules listed on the bar menu are quaint and becoming here....

577A College St.
416-536-7000

The word beast makes me think of gothic situations, like the Hunchback of Notre Dame or Dracula. While Beast Restaurant isn't exactly a gothic sort of restaurant, it's definitely novel about the meat. The Beast takeover from former Amuse Bouche owners is refreshing. Lighter décor elements open up the room and even though Tecumseh Street looks a little dingy, the te...

96 Tecumseth St.
(647) 352-6000

Velvet drapes frame the entrance, welcoming you in style, while dark hardwood floors contrast the bright floral wall paintings. A variety of sweet aromas fill the room. Chef JC Dupoire can't help but smile as he occasionally glances into the warm, intimate dining room from his open concept kitchen; he knows he's got your French-inspired imagination going wild already. But at Loire, the...

119 Harbord St.
(416) 850-8330

It doesn't look like much from outside and the same could be said about the inside. Atlantic could easily be overlooked and if noticed at all, perceived as another 'hole in the wall', but this Brockton Village restaurant is indeed a jewel and proves that you can't knock it until you try it. A definitive seafood theme dominates the room as tacky photos of fish and boats hang ...

1597 Dundas St. W.,
(416) 219-3819 &

Remember your high school english novel, A Tale of Two Cities? It begins with that classic line. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." Scott Conant, of course, makes me think of the famous Dickensian lines because of the tv show, "The Chopping Block". I was at the New York York Scarpetta awhile back, so naturally, I have to compare them a little. Do my own li...

550 Wellington St. W.
(647) 694-0988

I'm so glad Lee is now a lunch time possibility. It's chic and refreshing any time of the day, but with Susur's eclectic menu, it's a definite mid-day destination! The black- pink theme with exposed wood and pale pink Lucite tables is still appealing. Servers are professional and crisp in matching black. Enter the menu. Singaporean Style Slaw ($12) is a riot of colour, toppe...

601 King St. W.
(416) 504-7867

Chances are you've seen it while driving along Jarvis street, in the city's so-called 'Mansion district'. Honey's Beestro and Bar, aka 'The Grand Hive' is very tough to miss. Built in the 19th century, this gorgeous three-storey building served as the George Horace Gooderham residence and by the looks of it, hasn't lost its charm, sophistication and elegan...

504 Jarvis St.
(416) 695-9178

I've arrived. I made it to the man on the wine barrel on Dundas Street West. Got my racing form envelope; I follow directions to the location for a secretly fabulous dinner date with Charlie's Burger, the 'anti restaurant'. I pass the envelope stuffed with cash to the guy at the door and he says, "giddyup," with a laugh. The next thing you know, I have a cocktail in...

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Lardon implies lots of things. With a name dedicated to fat, I'm expecting plenty of it. The menu is small and so locally sourced that when you flip it over, everything that's on the menu can be traced. Chef Jacky Lo has working relationships with all producers listed. That shows, but still, I'm expecting just a little bit more than this menu delivers. My guest, Niagara winemaker ...

390 Roncesvalles Ave.,
(416) 516-8112

Finally: I wondered how long it would be before a restaurant made a success of the space-that-has-been-many-things. A Neapolitan style pizzeria hits the scene running. The layout is spare and includes modern design elements juxtaposed against that raw, industrial stripped down, loft look. The neighbourhood likes it so far. Queen Margherita sees a steady flow of traffic from opening day and that&...

1402 Queen St. E., Unit 8,
(416) 466-6555

Tucked away in a lazy little part of Cabbagetown, there's a perfect little French restaurant. Originally known by the witty name, Le Canard Enchaine, after a French newspaper, chef-owner Elie Benchitrit specialized in duck. When he changed the name to Provence Delice for ease, thankfully, they still kept duck on the menu! If you're sentimental and romantic, this is the place for you. If ...

12 Amelia St.
(416) 924-9901

It took six months longer to open than anticipated, but the 5,000 foot space that formally housed Autocraft Engine Rebuilder has been transformed into a beautiful and eccentric fine-dining restaurant on Ossington Avenue. It's a success on many levels. Co-Owner and Chef Paul Boehmer creates a unique dining environment. That's no surprise. After all, he's had several years of ...

93 Ossington Ave.,
(416) 531-3800

The sign for Brassaii is very low key. The walk down the lane off King Street West to get inside is lovely. The dramatic height of the entrance door signals more inside, thanks to the Design Agency, led by Anwar Mekhayech, Matt Davis and Allen Chan. From industrial chic to ultra modern, this locale has it all. Massive Egyptian doors, Canadian art and design installations...you name it. The lounge...

461 King St. W.
(647) 955-4872

Liberty Village hipsters don't have to travel far to find quality sushi any longer. Of course, the locals know exactly where to look, but if you're not careful, you may walk right by Raaw Japanese and never realize it. Tucked away in the mini-city that is Liberty Village, Raaw is a new, boutique-style sushi restaurant and a welcome addition to the ever-evolving King West area. ...

171 East Liberty St. #146
(647) 347-8082

Riverside's newest dining destination is courtesy of a food famous TV duo. Chef Lynn Crawford and designer Cherie Stinson, Restaurant Makeover alumni, crafted their own makeover of The Citizen. Along with Stinson's partner-husband, Joey Skeir, they eradicated the utilitarian stainless steel look out front in exchange for more dining space. The open room retains the essential long bar and...

730 Queen St. E.
(416) 465-0100

We've been transported to another world; a little nook off of a Moroccan medina. Down the stairs we descend, into one of the most exotically decorated restaurants in Toronto. Berbers are indigenous people to western North Africa, particularly Morocco. Having traveled there, I appreciate the authenticity of the beautiful decor...all of which is imported directly from source. Sweet, subtle rose...

49 Front St. E.
(647) 977-6458

I like wine. I like cheese. I like charcuterie. All three make for a simple repast, where agonizing over a menu is conveniently removed from the travails of the day. The hallmark of a good wine bar, in my books, is that there are lots of wines to choose from with a half decent cheese and appetizer selection. Swirl, the latest addition to the Leslieville scene, is easy to miss. The sign doesn'...

946 1/2 Queen St. E.,
(647) 351-5453

Look past the cool, black industrial chic, the fluffy, bird like lighting, loft music and find what's important. That's what Origin is all about. I snack on Smoked Cod Croquettes with Saffron Aioli ($5), awaiting the guest. Perfect little puff balls, their salty, smoky tang plays against silky, almost sweet, dusky aioli. It's the first promise of the night; simplicity rules. Guest...

107/109 King St. E.
(416) 603-8009

At their Vancouver locations, they say it's like a "short trip to Tokyo". get drunk and have fun!. Well, why not. Upon entering Guu Izakaya, the first thing we notice in this subterranean looking room is the line up along the wall. Our hostess informs us the wait will be around thirty to forty-five minutes. It is. Upon seating, all the Guu staff cheers "irrashaimase! on cue, to...

398 Church St.
(416) 977-0999

Who is Emmet Ray anyway? Some say he's a figment of jazz history...That thought crosses my mind as we step into the latest little west end spot. The room is speakeasy small and spare, like a little saloon, circa 1920s. A jazz trio is just warming up in the front corner. The drinks list has an eclectic beer selection, wines by the glass. The whiskies are divided up by country and Scottish m...

924 College St.
(647) 346-6183

The wait is over. Liberty Entertainment Group has successfully swept away the ghosts of Movenpick and Flow. Now this prime location is Ciao. Those seeking an alternative to high-cost Yorkville dining will find a warm welcome and cozy seating on leather and tan suede banquettes and chairs. Illuminated by clever polished wood light fixtures, the room seems to be more open and spacious than before. ...

133 Yorkville Ave.
(647) 977-6207

For the purpose of good feng shui, and harmonious fusion, we are told "99" is required in the name. While there is no indication on the door that this is a restaurant, inside we find a surprisingly ornate lounge and dining room of pastel colour and light. The menu lists many appealing items. Reasonable pricing enables a variety of choices. A healthy mound of shredded Chicken Tinga ($9...

810 St. Clair Ave. W.,
(416) 787-7999

Florence is not only magical for its art and architecture, but for its fabulous food. Its robust specialties include wide pappardelle noodles in a rich, meaty sauce, wild boar, rib-sticking ribollita bean soup and a show-stopping steak, Bistecca alla fiorentina. Such hearty fare is perfect for a Canadian winter, but you won't find it at Florentia ristorante on Mount Pleasant. Though the owne...

579 Mount Pleasant Rd.
(416) 545-1220

The backward lettering of District's signage caught my eye. It made me want to go to the District in The Riverside neighbourhood, adjacent to Leslieville. It made me think they'd have something a little more special than the average sushi joints. The decor theme is an elegant room in black, white and red. The moody vibe is supported with amusing silent era flicks playing on a rear wall....

806 Queen St. E.
(647) 347-8744

Amidst Ossington's sea of city favorites and recently opened, Chef Teo Paul opened his Union. The mixed ambiance of faded murals, an open kitchen and a marble topped bar is a part of Paul's life-drawn formula that seeks to establish his experiences as a statement on Toronto's dining scene. This is what happens when plucky French bistro meets Michael Stadtlände...

72 Ossington Ave.
(416) 850-0093

You might not find it from the street. Down a long alley we walk, unsure, until a great glass door reveals a world below. For twenty years this old warehouse boiler room lay empty. As we descend the staircase into Toronto's latest dining hot spot, we feel like we've just been welcomed into a hip new hide out. Buca, means "hole" in Italian. Within sand-blasted brick walls and 3...

604 King St. W.
(416) 865-1600

Midway between Toronto and Hamilton, Ritorno has become the popular meeting place for lovers of good, honest Italian cooking. Opened last year, it is fast becoming Oakville's go to place for classic Italian cuisine. We are told that its name refers to a return to the ideals of preserving and honouring a way of life dedicated to family, food and love. Owner Julia Hanna, has been a successfu...

261 Oak Walk Dr.
(905) 257-5881

Arriba can be defined as an exclamation of approval or elation. Certainly with the unbeatable views from our dinner table that is an appropriate name. Even before entering the space we are immediately struck by its openness; the floor-to-ceiling windows that run the length of the restaurant and provide an awesome view of the stadium; and the iridescent accent of colours from the bar to the sea...

1 Blue Jay Way
(647) 977-4198

Let's start with the good stuff. If you're a beer drinker and like to tilt a fine pint of Belgian wheat, German lager or Irish ale back, Fionn's on Front offers a great place to do just that. The motherland's most famous are front and centre-Guinness, Kilkenny, Harp and Smithwick's-and will set you back just under $8 a pint. Erdinger, a delicious white beer, or what the Ge...

310 Front St. W.
(416) 340-1917

Welcome to The Keating Channel Pub - with the well known vast waterside patio, and that million-dollar view of the city as a backdrop setting, co-owners Shakir Omar and Chef Balan Balavijith have a winning new vision. A fresh outlook and a fantastic new menu successfully establishing themselves as a Premier Steakhouse and Old-Town Toronto Pub. The crowd is largely made up of film crews and oth...

2 Villiers St.
(647) 977-6445

Awards and accolades are nothing new for Dine.TO's "Best of TO" winner, Via Allegro. When proprietor Phillip Sabatino set out to open his restaurant, his goal was to open one as big as his passion for food and drink -- not to mention his personality. In eleven short years, Sabatino's Via Allegro has earned four diamonds from the CAA/AAA, won Whisky Magazine's "Great W...

1750 The Queensway, Suite#443
(647) 977-6473

I walk into the tipsy shaped doorway of Piazzeta Trattoria into the cool, darkish terra cotta hued room. The late sun of the day gives it a photographic feel. All I need is a black dress, let my hair down and, best of all, be the tall elegant twenty-something I once was - just like the woman in that iconic Italian Ruth Orkin photo. The Vespa's are parked in front of Piazzeta, but the only oth...

3441 Yonge St.
(416) 440-1777

Behind the white picket fence, beyond the shell studded walkway, is a pretty white clad cottage with a little red door. Its petite charm belies the rustic warren of nooks, crannies and a long bar inside. I can hear the staccato heels of the Irish step dancing school snuggled behind The Ceili Cottage. Add some sawdust on the floors and take away the flat screen TV from over the bar and this could b...

1301 Queen St. E.
(416) 406-1301

"As soon as you walk through the front doors, we want you to feel as if you've been transported to Italy," says Nino Cioffi, who, along with his wife Dominika, own Sorrento Ristorante. It's true, upon entering the aura of Italian sophistication is apparent. It starts with the décor. An open concept dining area, hardwood flooring, romantic lighting and very...

3265 Yonge St.
(647) 977-6415

It all begins with fresh from the oven baked bread with olive oil and rosemary. There is anticipation when dining at Il Mulino, because we expect the best. "A lot of people still like to have the real thing," co-owner Michael Pagliaro tells me. Indeed from the clean palladium architecture to the impeccable service, we can immediately recognize the difference between where we are now dini...

1060 Eglinton Ave. W.
(416) 780-1173

Anxiety is not something I normally experience before a meal but sitting in the lounge of O.Noir is mildly stressful. The two hours that stretch out before us will mark my first blind dinner and not knowing what to expect makes my palms sweat and my knees jitter. The lounge isn't so scary. It's lit, which helps, but the odd room also distracts from the darkness that waits. It's a m...

620 Church St.
(416) 922-6647

As I walk through the front doors of the Sheraton Four Points on Toronto's Lakeshore Boulevard,the first thing that catches my eye is the open door to CEO Bistro and Martini Lounge. The clink of glasses draws me in and Sandy Pavao, the hotel catering manager, shows me to my table before the room fills up. "We're expecting a group soon," she says smiling. An intimate and elegant...

1926 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
(416) 907-8334

Kensington Market has long been the cultural mosaic that best reflects the heart of Toronto's ethnic diversity. Recently emerging, along Augusta Street, is a collage of cuisines that are kneading this arm of the market into an eclectic dining destination. In keeping with this global village theme, Waterfalls Indian Tapas has an exotic flow of flavours fusing Indian ingredients with Mediterran...

303 Augusta Ave.
(647) 977-6478

The paradox of choice is overwhelming in a city, such as Toronto, where the dining options are as vast as the trends they support. From comfort food to charcuterie, the city embraces it all. However, enter the "locavore" and a dining style dances the fine line between social movement and lifestyle choice. Often farmer's markets are heralded as the driving force behind sustaining ...

77 Adelaide St. W.
(416) 862-7337

Toronto Barbeque has come a long way in the past few years. The city boasts a number of restaurants each competing for the coveted title of "Best Barbeque" - a loosely earned honour that has yet to prove it has any meaning, what-so-ever. It's not that there isn't some great places to get a decent rack of ribs in Hogtown, The Stockyards, Memphis, Highway 61 and even Phil's ...

7-2001 Thickson Road S.
(905) 436-6986

Just like in any family, there is a time for each child to leave the nest and make their mark in the world. Over the years, the Salad King restaurant at 335 Yonge Street has grown into a thriving downtown institution, crammed each night with hungry university students, tourists and shoppers. The restaurant's sleek and minimalist interior paired with a fast and consistent kitchen has produced ...

11 Karl Fraser Rd.
(416) 971-7041

In Toronto's vibrant Greektown where restaurants abound, quality is revered and the dining experience is cherished, stands the longtime favorite, Pan. Vibrant, energetic hosts welcome patrons to scintillating aromas and breathtaking food that, for over 25 years has separated Pan on the Danforth into a class unto itself. Upon entering the restaurant one immediately feels welcomed with open ...

516 Danforth Ave.
(647) 977-6371

With travel budgets squeezed so tightly sometimes a culinary adventure is all a would-be jet-setter can afford. Lucky for Torontonians, Mambo Lounge is a little piece of Havana tucked into the Danforth, just minutes from Broadview station. It's the perfect place to spend a sticky summer night on the recently completed backyard oasis, refreshing mojito in hand and an array of authentic Cuban t...

120 Danforth Ave.
(647) 977-6315

Toronto's love with BBQ goes hand in hand with our perverse obsession with trashing virtually every establishment that claims to have "Southern BBQ" in the city. Heedless of the inevitable complaints, Highway 61 bravely opened it's doors to the public in February 2009. Since then the internet has been littered with comments questioning everything from the accuracy of the restau...

1620 Bayview Ave.
(416) 489-7427

In the heart of Liberty Village, where the young, professional and affluent have made their community, Brad Moore has arrived and opened School. This brash chef has always brandished a style that is always de rigueur in Toronto. No-nonense pairing of comfort foods with fine dining is the style that has crowned him the people's master chef. This School Bakery and Cafe sits in the shadow of Lam...

70 Fraser Ave.
(416) 588-0005

Just passing through the Ossington neighbourhood, feeling like an accidental tourist, I stumbled upon the Lakeview by happy accident. The neon attracted my attention and the big old doors yielded an escape hatch to another world. It was a dark, quiet night then, but a couple of months later, I've made it back to the west side of T.O. When I walked into the room, it was like entering a post-pr...

1132 Dundas St W
(416) 850-8886

"Have you eaten here before? You should get the calamari-it's fabulous." I have just arrived at Insomnia Restaurant Bar Lounge and am led to the bar before being seated. John, a headhunter, is a regular who "comes here every Friday after shiatsu", always gets the calamari and just can't wait to tell me how much he loves it here. "Other bartenders come here ...

563 Bloor St. W.
(647) 977-6271

"Take five" is playing when I walk through the doors of Table 17. Old Dave Brubek is still an arbiter of cool jazz and so suited to the room I find myself in. Fronted by a casual dining space, the bar is beatnik black with an intimate feel and echoes of classic bars. Mediterranean riffs present themselves in the form of a pannini sandwich board, displaying a selection of the daily wares ...

782 Queen St. E.
(647) 977-6425

One day, Zane Caplansky craved a smoked meat sandwich. A friend travelling to Montreal promised he would bring back some of its renowned smoked meat. He didn't. "I kinda got a little bit frustrated," recalls Zane with measured restraint. Aloud he cried the age old question, "why can't I find this food here!" Necessity being the mother of invention, our hero realized t...

356 College St.
(416) 500-3852

York Region may not immediately spring to mind when referencing Ontario's wine country - the vast majority appears to prefer Niagara. However, the quaint Whitchurch-Stouffville winery, Willow Springs, is not only a picturesque destination preparing for a summer of wine tastings, tasting menus and weddings, they are VQA recognized wine producers who defied the odds to grow, harvest and process...

5572 Bethesda Rd.
(905) 642-9463

It was impossible to ignore. The roar of scathing reviews flooded my way. Usually I can keep myself immune from other restaurant reviews, but there was no escaping the frenzy that's surrounded the opening of Le Petit Castor in Rosedale. So I was aware that it was loud and people were really disappointed in the food. But I wanted to check it out for myself and besides, I don't b...

1118 Yonge St.
(416) 968-7366

On an electric Friday night spent surrounded by girlfriends and celebrations, I realize that finding good food is just like dating: you have to get out there, entertain a few hits and even more misses, but hopefully, you end up with what you've always wanted. Of course, on your search for "the one", first-date impressions are always important. Yuzu Sushi and Sake Bar on 236 Adelaide...

236 Adelaide St. W.
(416) 205-9808

I never miss any of the new spots to open up in Leslieville. They lie in wait for me, it seems, until the perfect situation presents itself. The recent cold weather return might keep most people cocooned but when it's time for Pho, count me in. Inside Hanoi 3 Seasons, that is, if you're lucky enough to snag a seat. We open the Asian gates into Hanoi 3 Seasons when I arrive with my fr...

588 Gerrard St. E.
(416) 463-9940

While there is currently a clear awareness of young chefs capturing the attention of both paper and public within the city core, there is one young executive chef who has virtually skipped under the radar. Blacksmith's Bistro, a Unionville staple since 1995, may be considered too "out of the way" to be of note, but the food by Executive Chef Thomas Shanoff, is light, bright and wond...

166 Main St.
(905) 305-0503

Blu, Italian for blue, is the colour of mystery. On the quiet eastern front of Yorkville, set back behind a brick fa&ccedil;ade, Blu is an Italian restaurant based on classic cuisine presents a warm and modern flare. Warmly lit faux stone walls and grand mirrors surround cozy leather seating and dark wood tables. The 135-person room is part upscale bistro, part informal lounge, with a hip,...

17A Yorkville Ave.
(647) 977-4225

Somewhere between the honesty of authentic southern Spanish gastronomy and the hypnotically intricate r&aacute;pido flamenco footwork, is the passion of Embrujo Flamenco. Spanish cuisine is made up of very simple, basic ingredients, and when combined with its complex musical and cultural tradition, creates a memorable dining experience to share. From the wooden entrance to the warm brick in...

97 Danforth Ave.
(647) 261-9573

While, bistros abound in the city, French dining does not. Since opening in 1984, Chef Fabien Siebert's King West Bistro continues to operate as a casually reliable destination for "what the French cook and eat." In 25 years Marcel's has been a staple on the strip, attracting legions of individuals to dine on steak frites, Toulouse sausage, escargots and creamy crÃ&Acir...

315 King St. W.
(647) 977-6318

I used to shop at Pasquale Bros., housed in a classic, one-hundred-year-old brick building on King Street East. It made me feel like I was in a foreign film, shot in black and white. Impossibly high shelves, filled with a multitude of Italian goods, always entertained me and I never left the store unhappy. Fabulously restored, the first floor has appropriately been re-born as The Chefs' House...

215 King St. E.
(416) 415-2260

Amidst a busy service of hungry noon hour diners there is hardly an empty table at Mercatto's Toronto Street location. In this economy, one may assume that serious eaters are grappling with the negative effects thrift spending has to the their noon hour budgets. Clearly, pasta is recession kryptonite, because all I'm seeing is a procession of pizzas, pastas and coffees making their way t...

15 Toronto St.
(416) 366-4567

There seems to be 2 ways to do a steak restaurant these days: 1. Travel back in time to the days of iceberg lettuce with blue cheese dressing, baked potatoes swathed in layers of butter and sour cream and steaks the size of your torso, complete with gristle and a thick band of fat. 2. Go completely modern and have everything come out on white oval or square platters, do onion rings with pan...

12 Brant St.
(416) 366-0200

What used to be a glum furniture store has been completely transformed into The Local Company, a new swishy, spacious 2-story restaurant-lounge that feels way more King West than the Danforth. This is a new direction for the Danforth, as Creative Director Aleksandra Jassem attests to. "[The Local Company] is very lofty and contemporary, a big and open space. It's very different tha...

511 Danforth Ave.
(416) 465-5522

The idea of charcuterie has been floating around Toronto's food periphery for a few years now. Back in the early 2000s, it was heralded as the dominant emerging food trend. Sadly, the movement didn't materialize, regardless of notable chefs, such as Mark Thuet, doing their best to propel the art of cured meats, terrines, pates and sausages into every foodie's vernacular - but it rar...

928 Dundas St. W.
(416) 551-8854

You know the old adage...good things come in small packages. Well that certainly applies to one of central Toronto's hottest new restaurants, The Harbord Room,. Hot pink walls poke fun at the whole designer concept and an elegantly cheeky painting of Sid Vicious swaggeringly winks at me from the wall opposite the bar. Co-owner Dave Mitton (Chehoski fame) mans the bar; Cory Vitiello and Cur...

89 Harbord St.
(416) 962-8989

I walk through the doors at 5pm sharp. I've been warned to get to Pizzeria Libretto early as I'm told they fill up pronto. Lime green walls, dangling lights, rustic banquettes, and a communal dining table make for lots of conviviality. There's a buzz in the air and while I wait to be seated, I lean on the bar to inspect an interesting looking bottle. The bar man tells me it's &...

221 Ossington Ave.
(416) 532-8000

The world has a lot to say about the AGO's new restaurant, FRANK. With a bizarre distaste for Frank Gehry's influence on the restaurant, the space has been likened to a subway, a train station and an airport. However, while a pervasive aura of modernism does exist in the restaurant, it still remains that it isn't always where you sit, but what you eat, that is the focus of the AGO&#...

317 Dundas St. W.
(416) 979-6688

Who is Mildred, and what is the connection between her temple and kitchen? The answer is as individual as our own dining experience. After much anticipation from its devoted patrons the new Mildred re-opened in Liberty village, with a new philosophy: to move away from meat, potatoes and starch towards a healthy, clean living food style. It is green without being scary. Like many interesting s...

85 Hanna Ave., Suite 104
(416) 588-5695

Tucked inside a pretty Yorkville courtyard is a new destination for those who keep tabs on the pulse of the city. An acronym of her two children's names and a passion for cocoa, MoRoCo, Kelly Kimel's new labour of love, is Toronto's new indulgence. Hip and romantic, this former art gallery has never been more artfully tended. Every nuance, every accoutrement of the French inspired d...

99 Yorkville Ave.
(416) 961-2202

In the good ol' days of the American Goldrush, there were bars and there were barkeeps... and then there was the pioneer, "Professor" Jerry Thomas. Not only was he the author of one of the first books on cocktails, The Bon Vivant's Companion, he was also the man responsible for establishing the image of a bartender as a creative professional. Over 100 years later and Toronto...

472 Queen St. W.
(416) 868-4800

When you think of hotel restaurant, you either think: 1. way too uppity and expensive, or 2. there's no way it's nice enough for a night out Well, that's all changed now that Trios Bistro has come to town. Located in the Downtown Toronto Marriott Eaton Centre, it is a stunning dining room and lounge with beautifully sculptured lighting, bright modern art and spacious, cozy s...

525 Bay St.
(416) 204-9018

It's Friday night in Thornhill and this place is hopping. The darkened room is filled with table of friends, families and couples enjoying a romantic meal. A trio plays jazz standards and will soon be followed by a DJ scheduled to entertain the late-night crowd. Laughter peals out and glasses clink as my companion and I sit in a cozy banquette in the front; i.e., the most requested spot in th...

8199 Yonge St.
(647) 955-0826

Picnic. That's a word that evokes a spread of food on a long table in wonderful weather from spring to fall. There are even some hearty souls that would rough it in cold weather as long as the day is sunny. Alternatively, you can just make your way over to PicNic Winebar in the Riverside/Leslieville part of Queen Street East. You'll find yourself in a room that's modern but rustic a...

747 Queen St. E.
(647) 435-5298

To many in the city, the penultimate Italian dining experience is marked by robust plates of spaghetti bolognese that posses little more then rustic charm in a homey atmosphere. At Folco's Ristorante in Markham Village, a chef's inspiration elevates Italian dining to proliferate a subtle fusion of international flavours into weekly features that sing. Opening Folco's in 2002 was a ...

42 Main St. N.
(647) 800-8834

Ali Meghji owned a doughnut shop, a bakery and a variety store before he trained to be a mechanic. But he has found his true calling with his current restaurant, British Style Fish And Chips. Ali, who was born in Tanzania, first bought the restaurant two years ago and, with the help of his family, has turned British Style into one of the best spots in Toronto for authentic fish and chips. Lo...

73 Coxwell Ave.
(416) 698-7778

Miriam Cosalini loves people. It's clearly what she is meant to do-talk with people and make them feel good. Miriam owns La Scala Ristorante along with her restaurateur husband, Hector, and for the last four years, they have been serving a loyal clientele that seem more like extended family members than customers. "Customers are like my guests. We give them the very best," M...

2-2601 Matheson Blvd. E.
(905) 629-8686

Last year I went to Amaya the Indian Room and was stunned by the sheer excellence of the food. So when I heard that Hemant Bhagwani and Derek Valleau opened another location with a twist, Amaya's Bread Bar, I was excited but tentative- could they recapture the same excitement and ingenuity in a location north of Lawrence on Yonge? I am happy to say yes they did. The food remains Indian...

3305 Yonge St.
(647) 724-1795

A restaurant team doesn't get much better than this: Executive Chef David Lee, General Manager Yannick Bigourdan and Franco Prevedello are the proprietors of the new Nota Bene Restaurant located at Queen and University. The idea behind Nota Bene is to bring the quality of food from Splendido - their "sister" restaurant -to those who might not want to pay Splendido prices. That ...

180 Queen St. W.
(416) 977-6400

A fresh white space with room to lounge is a welcome change to the normally cramped, dark venues in what I call the "Barmuda Triangle" or as it's more commonly known-the Entertainment District. At Dazzling Modern Restaurant & Bar, the light, airy, modern feel is a perfect setting for both the office folks of Bay and King Streets, and the tourist, theatre and club crowds. T...

291 King St. W.
(416) 506-8886

Anticipation is a delicious word. It's that current of excitement that courses through the air, making each intake of breath a little richer and a little more palatable. It's what one would imagine Diana Sideris and Rony Goraichy, the wife-and-husband duo, felt as they renovated and reopened their restaurant, Tab&uuml;l&ecirc;, in early October, much to the delight of their loyal...

2009 Yonge St.
(647) 977-6426

Benihana is housed in the elegant grand dame of Toronto hotels, The Fairmont Royal York. As one of the first Japanese restaurants in Toronto to offer the teppanyaki dining experience, Benihana is still pulling in crowds and wowing them. Classic Japanese decor calms at first. The walls wear kimonos as art and both the intimate cocktail bar and the sushi bar beckon me to opt for sushi before hea...

100 Front St. W.
(647) 977-4215

Vesuvio's Pizzeria & Spaghetti House is the first and oldest pizzeria and spaghetti house in Toronto. And Piera Pugliese and her husband Ettore know Italian food. Ettore and his brother Corrado have had the restaurant since 1957 - over 50 years! And Ettore, who just celebrated his 70th birthday, is still making the pizzas! Piera, her beautiful daughter, Paola and Corrado's wi...

3010 Dundas St.W.
(416) 763-4191

For 50 years, Camarra Pizzeria Ristorante, the iconic Italian pizzeria has been offering Toronto a delicious slice of Italy that is envied by many, and matched by none. A family restaurant in the true sense of the term, Camarra is still run by Elisa Camarra Valentini, whose family owned a supermarket and pastry shop in Abruzzo, Italy. In 1958, six months after Elisa and her family moved to Toronto...

2899 Dufferin St.
(647) 977-4240

Don't be afraid to venture outside of the downtown core to find the best Italian in the city. It's been over a month since I found myself sitting at a table at St. Clair West's favorite family-run Italian eatery, La Bruschetta. Since then I've fell asleep dreaming of pillowy soft home-made gnocchi and woke up craving zucchini flower fritters - a shared affliction amongst local...

1317 St. Clair Ave. W.
(647) 977-6293

For many, the perception of what can be considered Canadian cuisine occupies an area including fries, gravy, cheese and occasionally beer. For those seeking something more authentic than the local chip stand's poutine, dining at Le Papillon has always been a reliable choice that exuded rustic charm and traditional Qu&eacute;bec fare. Now, Sandra Kane, one of the restaurant's orig...

69 Front St. E.
(647) 977-6302

It's certainly an interesting concept - every dish made at Four Restaurant is less than 650 calories. Where better to launch, this concept, than in Commerce Court South at the corner of Bay and Wellington. Here in Toronto's downtown financial district, hurried business people strive to grab quick and healthy lunches in between conference calls and urgent emails. And it's clear...

187 Bay St.
(647) 977-6297

Just because there are framed hockey jerseys on the wall and televisions over the bar and throughout the restaurant, do not think for a second that Meating at the Bottom Line Steakhouse Restaurant is a sports bar. Yes, it is owned by an ex-NHL hockey player (Wayne Cowley, who retired from the league in 2001, but still plays 20 games a year), but this is a place to connect with friends and colle...

22 Front St. W.
(416) 362-7585

"Kin khao rue yang?" a greeting common in Bangkok means: "have you eaten?" Sit in Bangkok, Toronto's newest Thai restaurant, poses a contemporary spin to this query. "The old style is not our style," owner and hostess Sutthilak tells me, adding that if we were to travel to Bangkok today this is the kind of restaurant we would see. Although there are no golden Bud...

713 College St. W.
(416) 533-9932

Cowbell Restaurant's Co-Owner and Executive Chef Mark Cutrara is all about going back to the way food and farming used to be. "We are treating all ingredients as precious commodities, as farmers did." And supporting local farmers is what Mark truly believes in. "We're offering different product than most restaurants," he says. For one thing, he's ch...

1564 Queen St. W.
(416) 849-1095

August's gemstone is peridot, so there's no better time than the present to celebrate Peridot Resto Lounge, conveniently located steps from the corner of Yonge and Bloor. Formerly, there hasn't been much in the way of fine dining in the area, but Peridot's changed that with their chic d&eacute;cor, fresh and local cuisine and expansive space suitable for everything from ...

81 Bloor St. E.
(647) 977-6379

It's rare these days that you come across a family-owned restaurant. Here at El Rincon Mexicano Restaurant on St. Clair Avenue West, you get to meet the whole family - Mom, sons, daughter and daughter-in-law! Luis Morgado and his family do everything. "I do the numbers. My sister Cristina takes care of the staff, George the kitchen." And Mom, also named Cristina, works in...

653 St.Clair Ave.W
(647) 977-6220

The walls are made from chunky stone blocks reminiscent of mid 19th century Toronto. Large wooden beams accent the room, and provide contrast to the glitzy chandeliers. The bar-length mirror sweeps broadly across the room. What we have is a spot that can come to the rescue of almost anyone wondering about the wonderfully restored neighborhood known as the Distillery District. I've been to ...

55 Mill St. Bldg. #3
(647) 977-6428

I have no idea if anyone ever went to Versace's Driveway on College, but it's gone now anyway. In its place is Sidecar, a new restaurant owned by Casey Bee and Bill Sweete, who is also Executive Chef. Brick on one side, old tavern on the other, it's an odd space, but surprisingly homey. A curved, open kitchen at the back and curved bar in front keep it interesting as does its size...

577 College St.
(416) 536-7000

Like the characters in Alice Through the Looking Glass, patrons passing through the heavy antique doors of Spice Route enter a space vast enough to be considered another land. Born of the visionary duo that is Charles Khabouth and Nick Di Donato, Spice Route brings together Project Creative Director, Nadia Di Donato, Executive Chef Winlai Wong and artist Douglas MacRae to create an exotic world of...

499 King St. W.
(647) 977-6416

Owner Amir Karmali calls Coquine a "casual upscale restaurant. We consider ourselves as European - the menu just happens to have a lot of French dishes." It's a confusion that has plagued the restaurant since its beginning, but it hasn't stopped the lines outside or the dining room and bar from being packed. "We don't claim to be bistro," Amir tells me. &...

2075 Yonge St.
(416) 322-6767

It's hard to be wowed by seafood in Toronto. It's not like being in Cape Cod or Vancouver, areas situated right on the shore and the fish that is brought in is only hours old. But at Chiado, a Portuguese restaurant on College that is celebrating its seventeenth year in business, the seafood is flown in from Portugal daily, so that you are receiving the freshest fish and oh my, the va...

864 College St.
(416) 538-1910

There aren't too many genuine, family-owned and run businesses these days, but here is one that has been around for over two decades. Manager Randy Mickevicius (formerly of the Beaches Spiggia) is proud of his family's accomplishments. His uncle Allan and his wife, with their son John and nephew Randy run the business now, but "it was originally purchased by Allan's brother...

263 Lakeshore Rd. E.
(289) 813-4273

It's not often that you see Nepalese dishes on the menu. But thanks to Mount Everest Restaurant, just east of Spadina, we can revel in the wondrous and unusual spices and flavours that Nepal has to offer. Owners Niraj Adhikari and Dibesh Regmi have created a unique place that offers both dishes from Nepal, where they are both from, and India. Both owners studied hospitality and decid...

469 Bloor St. W.
(647) 977-6522

Lil' Baci is one of those neighbourhood joints where you can take the whole family, yet get a really good homemade meal for a decent price in a warm, fun atmosphere. Sitting down at one of the tables up at front, I check the chalkboard. It states the Antipasti, which changes daily. Choose 1 for $4, 3 for $10 or 5 for $16. There's balsamic oregano roma tomatoes, roasted red pepper...

892 Queen St. E.
(416) 465-4888

When you walk into a place that you've never been and feel like you're at home, you know they're doing something right. I'm at L'unita Restaurant and it's a Monday night, seemingly an early dinner hour, but the place is busy. The boys behind the counter, David Minicucci and Sam Kalogiros, are the Co-Owners and Partners, yet they're making drinks, taking folks t...

134 Avenue Rd.
(416) 964-8686

309 Dhaba Indian Excellence's Owner and Executive Chef P.K. Ahluwalia is inspired by people on a daily basis. That's why he created the Tasting Menus (including French Rack of Lamb with fresh papaya, Winter Warmth Menu (Mmm - venison!) and comes up with drinks and dishes on the spur of the moment. "All of my food is inspired by people," he says. P.K. decides upon a drink for...

309 King St. W.
(647) 694-0302

When you taste Chef Sasi's style of cooking, you realize her devout dedication to perfection and excellence. Growing up in a small village in Thailand, cooking was what made her heart beat faster. Her love was one thing, but learning to be the best in her country was quite another. Mengrai Gourmet Thai at 82 Ontario St. is brand new. Word has spread, and people are saying it's the ...

82 Ontario St.
(416) 546-0331

Sometimes a chef's popularity can precede their latest establishment. We've seen this happen with Mark McEwan, Jamie Kennedy and Greg Couillard. Well now people will have to forget about Tom Thai's spectacular sushi from his days at Tempo (the first non-Italian restaurant on College) and Youki. Sure he was a master, but he's onto new things now and he is excited about them...

207 Ossington Ave.
(416) 534-8520

The Grille Restaurant & Bar is a casual, yet elegant restaurant that is open 24 hours a day. This is fantastic for the area, being right on the Queensway in "Downtown West", as it's being called, there is steady traffic whether it's 3 pm or 3 am. Which means, you can have an all day breakfast, brunch lunch or large dinner at whatever time of day suits you. This is ...

1596 The Queensway
(647) 977-6443

September is electric with the arrival of the annual Toronto International Film Festival. Party-goers and celebrities know that after the red carpet events they can come to Lolita's Lust & The Chinchilla Lounge where they can have a great time and tuck into a sexy, yet comforting, meal. Owner Sam Scanga likes this time of year and all the events surrounding the festival. "I alwa...

513 Danforth Ave.
(416) 465-1751

Continuing the rigorous precedence established by sibling restaurants On the Curve Hot Stove & Wine Bar as well as Ten Restaurant & Wine Bar, West 50 Pour House & Grille operates on a similar principal; the perfect pairing of drink to meal is synonymous to a fine dining experience. However, at West 50, it is the over 105 varieties of draught beer available to pair with any of chef Ol...

50 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W.
(647) 800-8839

The exotic tastes of India travel well, and they've found a cozy home in the bustling, King Street entertainment district. With owner/chef P.K. at the helm, nothing is lost in translation. Dhaba means a little roadside restaurant in India, and they are a common sight. But what bonds the hungry wayfarer in India with the foodie adventurer in Toronto? It is the search for good Indian food t...

309 King St. W.
(647) 694-0302

People are always telling us about special restaurants. In the last month, five people have told me how much they absolutely loved Politica Restaurant and Bar. Nick Dominelli greeted us. He is the owner, builder and recently ran for City Council. We loved this restaurant so much we stayed there for five hours. The food and ambiance are superb. I have had ribs before. They are okay. The Mang...

127 Strachan Ave.
(416) 366-0990

Never before have I been to a restaurant that has featured as much as Ten Restaurant & Wine Bar. Maybe it's because it's a large space - 195 seats downstairs (including the patio and bar) and 80 seats on the second level - but look at the incredible versatility of the place. General Manager Jody Ashton takes me through the dizzying array of events, specials and features of the r...

139 Lakeshore Rd. E.
(647) 800-8838

Dreams are a way of reaching for the sky and beyond. John and Vivian came from Mexico with love in their hearts to Canada three years ago. Today they run Johny Banana Restaurant at 181 Bathurst St. This is one authentic Mexican restaurant. You must start with the Licuados. This is the Spanish word for shakes. With over thirty to choose from, I think I am a kid again. Not all nachos are created...

181 Bathurst St.
(416) 304-0101

From the outside it looks like a family restaurant chain, but here at St. Clair and O'Connor, this is the one and only location for Jawny Bakers. For the last 15 years, in fact. Brother and sister team Tom and Olga Zoras have owned the restaurant since its opening 15 years ago, and to make it truly a family affair, "Mom helps with the cleaning and Dad shops at the market everyday,&q...

804 O Connor Dr.
(416) 285-1165

WE'RE LOOKING for fun in all the right places-so we head to Danforth. Since the news of the week is so grim we are becoming paranoid, we need an evening of music, dancing, good food and wine to regain our equilibrium. Christina's patio is enclosed by window walls for the winter, and though there are adequate electric heaters, these tables are favored by those who get over heated by t...

492 Danforth Ave.
(647) 977-6205

It's not often that both great French food and affordable land in the same sentence, but Chef and Proprietor Paul Biggs wants to make his food accessible to everyone. "All things considered, it's reasonable," he says. Most entrees are about $20 - $24 and there is a 3-course pre fixe dinner for $29.95. Brunch and lunch options are also affordable. Paul, who grew up in ...

30 Baldwin St.
(647) 977-4226

Single mothers face incredible life challenging decisions daily. Ruth Fertel, a New Orleans divorced mother, faced a dilemma in her life. She could not afford to send her boys to college in her situation. What she did was borrow enough money to open up a small 35-seat restaurant. Today that restaurant is called Ruth's Chris Steak House. Appetizers here are a true testament to good foo...

145 Richmond St. W.
(416) 955-1455

We did our first TV show at Joso's Restaurant. Joso, himself, was our first guest on our radio show. In short, for me, it's a place to treasure. As it is for anyone who dines there. Joso's calamari really is one of the best. Ask Robert De Niro or any of the other Hollywood stars who frequent the restaurant when they're in town. Once you taste Joso's clams or mu...

202 Davenport Rd.
(416) 925-1903

When I step into La Vecchia Ristorante, I feel as though I'm back in Italy. It reminds me of old fashioned Italian restaurants, especially with the movie photos of famous Italian stars hanging throughout the place. It feels warm and full of life and that's another hallmark of the country for someone like me. The menu is old world, with a strong focus on fresh, quality cuisine. There...

2405A Yonge St.
(647) 977-6300

Lights, camera, action. All eyes are on Nipun Sharma, owner of Rasoee -- The Indian Kitchen. He is to give the performance of his life. Great Indian food with prices much below others, cooked with passion and tradition with memorable flavours never overbearing and fiery. Chicken Tandoori is served with rice or homemade naan bread. My goodness Elizabeth, they do make their own bread! My fav...

140 Spadina Ave.
(416) 868-6200

Imagine for a moment you are at a Polish/Jewish wedding. Everyone is there and they are ready to laugh, talk, share stories and eat. Free Times Cafe on College has a Jewish buffet celebration on Sunday. It is called "Bella Did You Eat," and boy do they eat! This place is out of the past with its three small rooms. One room has a stage and it's there Klezmer music is play...

320 College St.
(416) 967-1078

Many immigrants have come to Canada with a dream in their soul and determination in their hearts. Peter Hatzis came from Greece with nothing. He started working in the kitchen as a dishwasher. One day he told everyone he would build a palace. The Palace Restaurant on Pape is made up of dreams and kindness. Appetizers are plentiful and authentic. The Dolmadakia is ground beef and rice, rolled in...

722 Pape Ave.
(647) 977-6369

We're here . The taxi driver stops at a grungy laneway between two downtown warehouses. I know my guest is thinking, "for this I got dressed up?" And while some people might feel intimidated by the burly gatekeeper at the velvet rope, I simply smile and say good evening. secure in the knowledge that we have a reservation at The Fifth, the hottest, rooftop terrace in the GTA. Half...

225 Richmond St. W.
(416) 979-3000

B.Y.O.W. And just for the thrill of trying something that was forbidden by law until recently, we did just that. In fact, my friend Margaret, who does everything the right way, brought three different bottles in a portable wine caddy so that we could choose the appropriate wine with dinner. Toni Bulloni is a sliver of a restaurant. In front, there's a long bar on one wall, then it's ...

156 Cumberland St.
(416) 967-7676

Didier Leroy is a French chef who does not bend to the whim of foodie fashion and taste trends. To simply call Didier a French chef is like saying that a Porsche is just car. Fifteen years ago when he emigrated from France to Toronto for the love of a woman (and how French is that) his first kitchen was Bistro 990, then Auberge Gavroche and on to the city's finest French restaurants. Didie...

1496 Yonge St.
(647) 931-6257

Ole. Ole. Ole. Thursday nights at Casa Barcelona they make the rafters sing with live Spanish music. Chef Eduardo Riviezzi Cohen is proud of his outpost of Iberian cuisine deep in the heart of Bloor West Village, though he insists he's just an employee and that the real boss is his wife Nivia. After tasting one of the "must have" items at the top of the menu, "Our Nivias Sau...

2980 Bloor St. W.
(647) 977-4242

A friend of Caren's called to me from the steps leading to front door of the restaurant, and asked if I wanted to see something very pretty. Intrigued, I followed him into the converted Victorian house, one of the few left standing in the area. We walked through the tiny restaurant, past the stairs leading to the second floor dining room, and out to the rear. To describe this sunken garden...

158 Cumberland St.
(416) 962-5158

His name is on everyone's lips. Mark McEwen, risk-taker, creative entrepreneur and master of gastronomic taste, whose career I have been documenting for about twenty years, has taken a step of enormous magnitude. Once again he is spinning the wheels of fortune and has gone way downtown. Though McEwen dabbled at diversification in the past with Marketta at Ave and Dav, and the extraordinary Te...

66 Wellington St.
(647) 955-4864

Why do people line up to get into Chez Cora for Sunday Brunch? While I'm waiting to find out, retired high school principle and franchisee James Kohles, doles out samples of the days smoothie to keep appetites at bay. He is busier and happier than ever since he bought into the Chez Cora chain that began in Quebec in 1987. Too bad however, about the end of those two-month, school days summer h...

277 Wellington St.
(647) 977-6209

A small crowd has gathered on Front Street, their eyes glued to a trio of television monitors. Hockey game? Nude news? No. It's Takesushi head sushi chef, Susuma Wada, doing a sushi video. Takesushi is now under new management by the owners of Nami and it has a whole new personality. Looking around the dramatic black and blue restaurant, with its latticed privacy walls between tables and a...

22 Front St. W.
(647) 977-6427

The best places to be last Friday afternoon to watch the opening of the Olympics were both called Athens. One, in Greece, the other at the Athens Restaurant on Danforth. Greek culture and traditional food reigned supreme. On Danforth, you could have danced naked in the middle of the empty street, and hardly anyone would have taken their eyes off the television screens this afternoon to pay attent...

707 Danforth Ave.
(416) 465-4441

Canada is a place where you can become anything you want. As a young boy, Peter Mueller delivered newspapers for two dailies. Many years later he became a waiter at Morton's, where today, he is the general manager. In the past, Morton's has been a place for me to celebrate so many things, but my most recent visit was just about three friends celebrating life. Appetizers at Morton&#...

4 Avenue Rd.
(647) 724-1882

Something interesting happens when you walk along Roncesvalles Avenue. It takes you back to another time when Polish and German immigrants made the street a place where they could share their culture with others. Anna Pandor, who is of Polish descent, brought her passion for food and music to her new country, Canada. As a child, Chopin was the music of her life - everything about the great comp...

165 Roncesvalles Ave.
(416) 536-6228

Customs and traditions are the backbone of many cultures and religions. Everyone brings part of their culture to a new country. Romandeep returned home to India to meet his other half. Arranged by others, two people with great gifts of warmth and love were introduced and left to decide about their future together. Today, Pamilla and Romandeep Singh are married and own a delightful little restauran...

3034 Dundas St. W.
(416) 769-5460

It is life's stories that make a place alive and Mama Martino's is energized with real, heartfelt, tender love stories. Sitting across from me was Bruno Martino. His family and his staff shine with a brightness that reaches down to your heart and soul. Never in my life have I heard so many testimonials about what a restaurant has meant to so many people. We were sitting beside an enor...

624B The Queensway
(416) 251-3337

Breakfast is such a great start to the day. When I was a kid, my mom, Chicky, would have a breakfast celebration. Everyone would be at our house eating French toast and eggs. I didn't know half the people. My mom would say that's a new neighbour from two blocks away. Please, mom, I am still in my PJs! The Purple Onion Steakhouse and Grill brings back memories of breakfast at...

2998 Dundas St. W.
(416) 760-8208

Memories of our childhood are like lasting pictures in our minds. As a child, Bruno Colozza was always at his mother's side at her hair salon, washing hair, cleaning up, and doing whatever was needed. Sadly, his mom Pierino passed when he was just 19 and the hair salon, The Maple Leaf Beauty Salon, is a memory. What Bruno has are the images of being with people and making them feel better whe...

111 Queen St. E
(416) 866-2111

High school was the most exciting time of my life and one of my fondest memories is winning the School Spirit Award at Central High School of Commerce. In high school, I acted in my first play, made new friends, and discovered Marty. However, the most important part of school was meeting my best friend Julius Ciss. I had never met anyone like him. He was talented and funny and most of all, he l...

1544 Bayview Ave.
(416) 932-0655

Everyone wants to go home sometime in their lives. Rosa Marinuzzi and her son, Vito, take you home every night to their restaurant 7 Numbers. Rosa is a wonderfully caring, warm, devoted person whose two loves are cooking and people. No one ever leaves her restaurant without an enormous hug and then a kiss. She touches your heart with her warmth and all the homemade food from her kitchen. Sh...

307 Danforth Ave.
(416) 469-5183

One person who sees you as you really are is your brother. He is usually your first friend and someone you can trust. George and Spiro Bozikis know how to work together. They started as young boys working in the kitchen of their father's diner and now they own a thriving business called Baton Rouge. After only a few minutes with the Brothers Bozikis, you know they have spent years toget...

218 Yonge St.
(647) 694-0982

This Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Nathan Phillips Square, the Thai Trade Centre of Toronto presents Tastes of Thailand, a celebration of the Thai people's queen Sirikit's 72nd birthday. This will be a day of Thai cultural dancers, music, performers and chef demonstrations. And, of course, 11 authentic Thai restaurants from around the Toronto area will be there demonstrating and sell...

350 Bloor St.
(416) 924-7444

Mario Cassini grew up in Brazil with seven brothers and sisters. His life was filled with the love of his family and the dedication of two loving parents. Saying goodbye to them to leave for North America was one of the hardest things he ever had to do. Life in Canada was difficult at first, but Mario saved every penny and opened up Caju Restaurant at 922 Queen St. W. Caju serves Brazilian food r...

922 Queen St. W.
(416) 532-2550

Pride is about being comfortable with who you are. Gay Pride week has begun. For many, it is the time to share their lifestyle with those around them. For Billy, one of the waiters at O'Grady's Tap And Grill on Church Street, it is a time to celebrate with his family and friends who know he is gay. Billy takes pride in working at a restaurant that caters to all people. O'Grady...

518 Church St.
(416) 323-2822

College Street is known around the world. It is the street Johnny Lombardi nurtured, and it inspired a love that touched everyone's heart. Immigrants came to Toronto and College Street and became a beacon in the storm. Sometimes when people leave their native land, there is the fear their spirit will be lost. College Street is a neighbourhood where the spirit of the community is a pulsating r...

546 College St.
(416) 923-4138

Massimo Capra is a name that is special to many people who have visited his place, Mistura Restaurant. Massimo is also one of my most treasured friends, not to mention one of the stars of my television show, Beer Buddies, on Global TV Sundays at 3:30 p.m. For Massimo's story you must imagine a boy leaving home at the age of 14 to follow his dream. This boy travelled thousands of miles on a...

265 Davenport Rd.
(647) 977-6335

Neighbourhoods are the backbone of life in Toronto. The neighbourhoods around Dundas and Dovercourt are rich in history and culture. Countless immigrants have come from around the world and made this part of Toronto their home. As is the case in our multi-cultural city many of these people came here in search of something, and all were hoping to start a new life in a new place. Julie Llewellyn ...

202 Dovercourt Rd.
(416) 532-7397

Just a hop, skip and jump from downtown Toronto is a wonderful, warm and inviting Italian restaurant called Aielli ristorante. Aielli is a great combination of both the comfortable neighbourhood eatery perfect for a weekday lunch, and a lovely destination restaurant suited for a romantic dinner or the celebration of a special occasion. This year, Aielli is celebrating its 30th anniversary, a true ...

286 Lakeshore Rd. E.
(905) 278-2183