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 The Italian crabshack |
294 Adelaide St West (at John Street) Toronto, ON M5V 1P6 Canada +1 416 979 1910 http://www.alicefazoolis.com/ |
Located in a restored turn-of-the-century printing press warehouse, this resto-bar is cavernous and unique, like something out of the Gulf Coast by way of Northern Italy. The food is a combo of Italian and Cajun-flavoured southern U.S. with pizzas, pastas, crab, steak, mussels and Pacific shrimp. An extensive and reasonably-priced wine list and on tap beer from from Belgium, Germany, England, Canada and the U.S. top off the evening. Entrees range in price from: CAD13.97-CAD27.41. There are five other Alice Fazooli's locations in the Greater Toronto area. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jeff Louie |
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Neighborhood bistro |
1154 Queen Street West Toronto, ON M6J 1J5 Canada +1 416 516 2550 http://www.beaconsfield.com |
This casual bistro-like eatery has a charm of its own and is now nestled in a building that was once a bank. The staff is friendly and ensures that your evening goes well. The DJs spin some rocking numbers and the crowds enjoy the music and the dancing. From funk and punk to classic new wave and hip-hop, there's a lot to shake a leg to. The menu boasts of delicious venison, cheese-filled perogies and much more. You must try the cheese delicacies here. Apart from all this, there are nine different kinds of beers on offer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Toronto Realtor |
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Dine with the stars |
990 Bay Street At Staint Joseph, Midtown West Toronto, ON M5S 3A8 Canada +1 416 921 9990 |
Don't look too surprised if you run into a Hollywood celebrity while dining in this charming bistro just off Queen's Park in downtown Toronto. It helps when your restaurant is the designated hot spot for the Toronto International Film Festival. While rubbing elbows with the glitterati, you can dine on classic bistro favorites such as Steak Frites with a Shallot or Roquefort sauce, or a Roasted Half Chicken with a herb juice. The unusually international wine list is one of the city's best, offering 32 wines and three champagnes by the glass. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Best Of Bakery |
609 King Street West Toronto, ON M5V 1M5 Canada +1 416 603 2777 http://www.thuet.ca/home.asp?l... |
World-recognized for his culinary talents, Marc Thuet's Bistro and Bakery is one of the best Bakery to visit in Toronto. The Bakery thrives on using Environment friendly practices for the menu preparation and serves house made specialties which include Artisan breads which is made from organic flours, using the ancestral techniques of bread making. What attracts the people here is the very innovative menu created by the chef himself. You can also be served by the chef's special menu for private parties or corporate meets. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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For the Patio Crowd |
298 Queen Street W Toronto, ON M5V 2A1 Canada +1 416 593 2766 http://www.blackbull.ca/ |
Founded in 1833, this establishment in the trendy Queen Street West area is best known today for its ground-floor tavern and gigantic 180-seat summertime patio. You'll find leather-clad bikers sipping beer next to tourists and the local business crowd taking a lunchtime break. The food, though simple, American-pub style with lots of burgers, chicken wings and steaks, is well-done with large portions and won't empty your wallet. See website for menus and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Yantha |
 Photo: Greg Denton |
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Modern classic French |
30 Baldwin St (At Henry) Toronto, ON M5T 1L3 Canada +1 416 977 1287 http://www.bodegarestaurant.com/ |
Located near the Art Gallery of Ontario, this restaurant has staked its reputation on traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. And it's worked, judging from still-rising popularity more than 20 years after it opened. Ask for a hearty soup and you'll get a straight-from-the-oven French onion, with melted Gruyere cheese dripping over the side of the pot (CAD8.50). Try Chef Kevin Pickard's capon breast stuffed with blue cheese, apple and walnuts (CAD21). If the sun is shining, take a seat under a patio umbrella and sip a glass of Pernod. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Van Gogh's Ear |
133 John Street Toronto, ON M5V 2E4 Canada +1 416 595 8201 http://www.brasseriefrisco.com/ |
This urban joint has a French décor and serves contemporary delicacies. The menu includes everything from sandwiches to pizzas and pastas. The food is affordable and costs around USD60 for two people. Don't leave without trying the signature cocktail, Van Gogh's Ear! A bonus for art lovers, the brasserie also features works of artists like Yarek Waszul, Gary Taxali, Kilar, Sarah Beetson and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rod Brito |
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Lively place for fun |
220 Yonge St (at Dundas Street) Toronto, ON M5B 3H7 Canada +1 416 598 4454 http://www.citygrill.ca/ |
Located in the Toronto Eaton Centre shopping mall and overlooking Trinity Square, this restaurant definitely lives up to its name, offering grilled fish, steaks, chicken and salads. For the shoppers in the crowd, a good place to stop for a bite before resuming the battle. It's a wild and vibrant room, full of high energy and good spirits. The menu is mostly bistro-style with offerings such as City Grill Greek salad (CAD9.95), homestyle meatloaf (CAD10.95), and grilled vegetable pizza (CAD9.95). Unique is their one-price wine list and the strictly Canadian beer policy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Gourmet pizza deluxe |
140 Cumberland Street Toronto, ON M5R 1A8 Canada +1 416 975 1100 http://dimmibar.com/ |
Located in Yorkville and close to the major downtown attractions, this restaurant has gone back to the basics with offerings of pizza and pasta. The mood is casual, and the service friendly. There's bar service to 2a and, although the main kitchen closes at 11p, there's often a chance of getting pizza and pasta until 2a. The thin crust pizza is gourmet all the way with offerings ranging from the traditional Margherita to Marinara with Calamari, Shrimps and Baby Clams. Meat and fish specials are also offered. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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True blue with a twist |
649 Yonge St (At Isabella) Toronto, ON M4Y 1Z9 Canada +1 416 961 9704 http://www.toronto.com/infosit... |
With high backed, plush red couches, burgundy wallpaper, pool tables, dartboards, soccer on the "telly" and 14 types of draft beer, there's no mistaking the authentic British pedigree of this pub at the Yonge-Bloor crosshairs downtown. There is live music every Saturday night and a weekly dart league for those whose aim is true. The traditional British cuisine is augmented with some creative Euro-twists. Tandoori chicken breast, roti mahn and hummus tapas live next to more conventional orders of fish and chips, steak and mushroom pie, and Irish stew. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark O'Sullivan  |
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Touch of the British Isles |
212 King Street West Toronto, ON M5H 1K5 Canada +1 416 598 4455 http://www.elephantcastle.com |
Stepping into this restaurant is like going back to the British Isles, complete with English bric-a-brac, a roaring fireplace during the chilly season, and an open-air patio in the summer. One of the city's tour companies even includes the restaurant in its round of historic sites. During the week, its mostly business people. But look for the occasional pip-pip celeb dropping in on the weekend. Guinness, bangers and mash and an authentic Westminster sticky Toffee Pudding; oh to be in London! Other pub grub dishes include Chicken and Pineapple Curry, Grilled Salmon and Prime Rib. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alex Edelchteine |
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Food for thought |
512 Queen Street West Toronto, ON M5V 2B3 Canada +1 416 504 8942 http://www.theepicure.ca/home.... |
If Toronto's Queen Street West can be compared to Greenwich Village, then this cafe is the local equivalent of the spot where the artists and poets gather to discuss their creative impulses and have a reasonably-priced French meal. In existence since 1981, this cafe has been serving local customers before the area became hip. It also caters to the theatre crowd with both the Factory Theatre and the Theatre Passe Muraille nearby. The upstairs bar is open until 1a Tu-Sa. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Darkthroness |
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Fountains and chandeliers |
700 University Avenue Toronto, ON M5G 1Z5 Canada +1 416 595 0700 http://www.erlsbistro.com/ |
Located in the Hydro Place building just south of College, this resto-bar-bistro offers upscale-casual dining; for a business luncheon, get-together among friends or romantic interlude. The 140-seat dining area features ceramic floors, pillars and chandeliers. Aside from a pool table in the bar area, there's also a private smoking room for a good stogie, brandy and game of darts. The menu is an eclectic mix of Mediterranean, Continental and Italian. Featured are grills, chicken, Pasta, Pizza, Steak and Veal. There's also a good selection of wines. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 An upscale neighbourhood |
439 Spadina Road Toronto, ON M5P 3M6 Canada +1 416 203 2600 (Tourist Information) / +1 800 499 2514 (toll free) |
Strolling amongst the most expensive real estate in the city, you get the sense that you really are in a village. This is where the residents of the area's Edwardian mansions come to shop. It's an interesting mix of high- and low-end establishments, with upscale jewellery and shoe stores next to an old-fashioned barber shop and a video store. You can while away some time over a croissant and coffee at one of a few bakeries, or enjoy fine dining at Primi Ristorante. Payment menthod varies from store to store. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Suzanne Long |
 Photo: Kari Gignac |
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Centrefield seats |
279 Yonge St Toronto, ON M5B 1N8 Canada +1 416 362 3636 http://www.hardrock.com/locati... |
No other franchise can lay claim to overlooking centre-right field at the Rogers Centre (home of the Toronto Blue Jays). A baseball enthusiast's dream, you can eat and watch the game from some of the best seats in the house. They're $30 per, but $23 acts as a credit towards your bill. Inside, legendary blues guitar player Stevie Ray Vaughan's autographed Stratocaster hangs over the pool table—just one of many pieces of rock 'n' roll memorabilia. If you're on Yonge St, there's another Hard Rock across from Eaton Centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: urbanreviewstl.com |
 Photo: Moneira Salic |
 Photo: Sabrina Tang |
 Photo: Gil Benight |
 Photo: Annie Halim |
 Photo: Elisa Applebaum |
 Photo: Deb31 |
 Photo: James Griffiths |
 Photo: Alex Brule |
 Photo: Maria Luz Canon-Morales |
 Photo: Francisco Silva |
 Photo: Eeva Lappalainen |
 Photo: Jerry Arrington |
 Photo: Marco Manna |
 Photo: juxvic |
 Photo: Ester |
 Photo: richieyunozawa |
 Photo: Sofia Dominguez |
 Photo: Lilian P. |
 Photo: Georgia Motoc |
 Photo: Keith Phillips |
 Photo: Laura Gorun |
 Photo: www.OhYummy.com |
 Photo: Carlouccio |
 Photo: Bruna Miranda |
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Friendly neighbourhood spot |
458 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M4Y 1W9 Canada +1 416 929 3324 |
Located around the corner from the now derelict Maple Leaf Gardens, this bar was hit hard when the Maple Leafs moved on down to the Air Canada Centre. But the bar has re-invented itself as a friendly neighbourhood place where you can have a drink and some pub grub without having to put up with the jostling crowds. Aside from the usual bistro-bar grill menu, seafood and Fajitas are also offered. And, of course, there are the 12 different beers on tap. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Surfing and late night dining |
563 Bloor St West (at Bathurst Street) Toronto, ON M5S 1Y6 Canada +1 416 588 3907 http://www.insomniacafe.com |
Located in the Annex area, surrounded by attractions such as Queen's Park and the Royal Ontario Museum, this cafe offers Toronto a bold new concept: four-star dining into the wee hours of the morning combined with internet access, live jazz Wed and Thu, and an assortment of more than 200 lubricants. True to its name, you can order from the complete menu until 2am Sun-Wed and up until 4am Thu-Sat. And there's also a full brunch menu offered between 11am-4pm on weekends and holidays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Varun Madhok |
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Well-kept culinary secret |
126-A Cumberland Street Toronto, ON M5R 1A6 Canada +1 416 961 1893 |
Under a canopy of patriotic blue, this cozy French bistro has been serving the local and tourist communities for the past 20 years. Self-described as one of Toronto's best-kept secrets, it is a small but well-defined mainstay in the midst of the Yorkville shopping district. What started as a strictly gourmet omelette menu (try the Bretonne; lobster, Swiss cheese and herbs), has grown into a complete dining equation. Now, there is also a fine selection of seafood, fish, fowl and homemade pâté. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Chic Italian with nightclub feel |
156 Front Street West (At University) Toronto, ON M5J 2L6 Canada +1 416 977 3064 http://www.joebadalis.com/ |
If this restaurant were in Italy, it would be where all the beautiful people hang out. Located near SkyDome, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Union Station, this restaurant with a nightclub feel is a hot spot for tourist, and some nights, for the post-game professional athlete. Thursday-Saturday nights, there's live jazz, rock and folk. The menu is traditional Italian with pages of Pasta and Pizza Veal, Chicken and Insalata. The Mamma Cucina, a three-tiered presentation of Calamari, Bruschetta and assorted Antipasto is perfect for sharing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ashley Duffus |
 Photo: Graeme MacKay |
 Photo: いちごおじさん |
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Now this is BIG |
2345B Dundas Street West Toronto, ON M6P 1W7 Canada +1 416 535 1324 http://joemercurys.sites.toron... |
Big is definitely the operative word at this west end family-run sports bar and grill. From the huge portions of food to oversized jugs of beer, from the enormous TV to the waitstaff's wide grins, the Big City bar does everything larger than life. For a snack, try the Big City Village Salad and Cousin Giorgio's Hot Feta Cheese Dip served with Garlic Bread. If you're hunkering for a complete feast, there's a Lou-Kaniko: charboiled Greek Sausage, served with Greek Salad, Tzatziki, Rice and Roast Potatoes and Garlic Bread. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Fantasic A La Carte Menu |
55 Hallcrown Place Radisson Hotel Toronto, ON M2J 4R1 Canada +1 416 493 7000 http://www.radisson.com/home.jsp |
Located in the Radisson Hotel, Le Cafe Restaurant offers a splendid a la carte menu as well as a buffet style breakfeast and lunch for all guests. With a friendly staff and speedy service, Le Cafe Restaurant is the perfect dining experience for travelers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bistro cuisine at its best |
315 King Street West Toronto, ON M5V 1J5 Canada +1 416 591 8600 http://www.marcels.com/ |
Above Le Saint Tropez in the downtown area, this restaurant features authentic cuisine in an atmosphere that makes you feel as if Southern France had been brought to Toronto. The ambience is French bistro but the food is much more, making it the perfect place for either a light lunch or a full-course evening. Creations of the house include Omelettes du Jour and Pheasant Terrine. Dinner specialties include a Roast Lamb Tenderloin and Mixed Seafood in Pernod. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Walls of fame |
1544 Bayview Ave (At Belsize) Toronto, ON M4G 3B6 Canada +1 416 932 0655 http://www.mcsorleys.ca/ |
If Elvis were a sports fan, this Leaside area bar would be Graceland. Every inch of wall space is splattered with jerseys, pictures, tributes and caricatures of every athlete who ever laced up a pair. With a theme park like this, there might be a tendency to let the food slide. It's definitely not the case here, with both food and service as good as you'll find in any pub setting. The menu features offerings such as Old Man McSorley's cut prime rib and the Bayview Burger—cooked to order (CAD3.99). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A taste of the Emerald Isle |
124 Church Street (at Richmond Street) Toronto, ON M5C 2G8 Canada +1 416 364 9698 |
In the Yonge and Richmond area for more than 35 years, this is where homesick Irish folk go when they want a taste of the Emerald Isle. Here you're transported to a neighbourhood pub complete with live Irish bands, waitresses with lilting accents and all the Guinness you can drink. Catch frequent performers The Mad Patties playing, and hear traditional Irish tunes. Live music Tue-Sun. And the food is just what you would hope for: stews, meat pies, as well as burgers and fries. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ric Knight |
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The "Eatertainment Centre" |
220 Yonge Street (Eaton Centre) Toronto, ON M5B 2H1 Canada +1 416 979 1212 http://mrgreenjeans.ca/ |
Located in the Eaton Centre, this three-level, 400-capacity "Great Eatertainment Centre" boasts of having served more than 20 million people in its 25-year existence. A specialty of the house is catering to group bus tours and corporate events. The restaurant has a large atrium and indoor garden that overlooks Trinity Square. The menu offers more than 70 choices with special platters for large groups. Dishes include most of the pub grub fare such as BBQ Ribs and Wings, the Old Faithful signature burger with Buffalo Chips, and Chicken Fingers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: onlyhoudi |
 Photo: Clarissa |
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Strip Hip |
417 Danforth Avenue Toronto, ON M4K 1P1 Canada +1 416 461 8383 http://www.myth.to/ |
Known as the hippest bar on the Danforth, this low-key establishment has served as the meeting place for both the hot and the cool for many years. Yet it remains a no-attitude bar with a casual and friendly atmosphere that attracts huge crowds, especially on summer weekends when the front-street patio is in session. The menu combines Greek and Mediterranean influences to offer such goodies as Grilled Lamb Chops with minted Green Beans and Almond Chutney, and Granazioli pizza with Arugula, Mushrooms, Onion and Goat cheese. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: matthew watson |
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Cheap price, good food |
276 King St West (at Duncan Street) Toronto, ON M5V 1J2 Canada +1 416 977 0003 http://www.peelpub.com/ |
Even though it's located in the middle of the ritzy entertainment district and amid upscale restaurants, this slightly-subterranean diner has managed to keep its prices down to earth while providing good solid food. Make sure you get here early. Even though it holds 300, it gets packed quickly, especially on weekends. The food is pub fare and includes standards such as corned beef and cabbage, burgers and fries, and hot roast beef on bread. Dinner package prices range from CAD5-CAD9. Daily specials can be had for CAD5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Great food, casual atmosphere |
1749 Avenue Road (between Lawrence & 401) Toronto, ON M5M 3Y8 Canada +1 416 787 6584 http://www.safaribarandgrill.com |
Located in uptown Toronto south of Hwy 401, this neighbourhood bar and grill is the perfect place for a meal with friends, friendly game of pool, or night out for live music. There's free pool weeknights, jazz on Tuesday evenings, and Sunday brunch from 11a-3p. The menu offers standard pub fare done to perfection. Aside from pizzas and pastas, main dishes include Homemade Venison Sausage, Baked Cashew Vegetable Curry, and Grilled Pork Loin. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Flavours of Provence |
315 King Street West Toronto, ON M5V 1J5 Canada +1 416 591 3600 http://www.lesainttropez.com/ |
Located in the theatre district, this restaurant shares digs with another French establishment, Marcel's. The atmosphere here is light and lively; Marcel's upstairs is more sophisticated. Renowned Chef-owner Fabien Siebert has done a great job of bringing Toronto the flavours of his native Provence. Lunch specials include a Gnocchi Provençal with Rratatouille and Goat Cheese, Gourmet Sausages and a great Steak Frites. For dinner, there's Chicken Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Spinach, Medallions of Pork Tenderloin in a Calvados Sauce and the same Steak-Frites, this time with five Peppercorn Sauce. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stephanie Cloutier |
 Photo: Julie Garren |
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Raising a toast |
1862 Queen St E (at Woodbine Ave) Toronto, ON M4L 1H1 Canada +1 416 686 1998 http://www.sauvignonbistro.ca/ |
Located in the Beaches area, this restaurant cum bakery not only makes its own bread and desserts daily, but the food offered is also fresh and first-class. As one would expect, a touch of sauvignon is the ongoing theme in this kitchen. There's a pleasant pan-Mediterranean flavour to the cuisine. Dishes include linguini in sauvignon blanc sauce, goat cheese with pear poached in sauvignon, and pork loin in balsamic fig sauce. New World wines form the major portion of the selection, with the most expensive Thirty Bench from Niagara. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Arresting good time |
56 The Esplanade (At Scott) Toronto, ON M5E 1A6 Canada +1 416 364 6572 http://scotlandyard.ca/ |
A short walk from Union Station and located near the Sony Centre, the Hockey Hall of Fame and BCE Place, this British type bar/restaurant is a unique blend of Scottish pub and quiet gathering place. The main section is centered on a stately brass railed bar with large TV screens, pool table and two dartboards. The annex is a more refined non-smoking library nook for the quieter patron. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: James Stansfield |
 Photo: James Stansfield |
 Photo: Erin Harvey |
 Photo: niallborwell |
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A literary spot |
328 Queen Street West Toronto, ON M5V 2A2 Canada +1 416 596 6405 http://www.leselect.com/ |
Called Toronto's 'Literary Bistro' for its readings and sponsorship of the Festival literature prize, this bar brings a taste of Paris to downtown Toronto. It also serves as a venue for the annual International Jazz Fest. The culinary side of the equation is not forgotten, however. The bistro features exquisite cuisine and a wine list with more than 550 selections that has won the 'Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence'. Chef Paul Biggs offers classical French cuisine with dishes such as a Tarte Niçoise with Goat Cheese appetizer and a crispy Confit de Canard main course. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eric Verspoor |
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Quaint and warm |
425 Danforth Avenue (At Arundel) Toronto, ON M4K 1P1 Canada +1 416 466 5227 |
For Mediterranean-style cuisine and a warm, friendly atmosphere, this is the place to come on the Danforth. This cafe-bistro is the kind of place that cheers you up the moment you walk in. This is partly due to the decor - lofty ceilings, cream-caramel walls and earthy-coloured chairs - and partly because of the friendly staff. In the summer, the cafe offers an outdoor patio, and Sunday brunches are a long-time tradition. The menu is a mix of Italian and Greek and includes such staples as Grilled Calamari, Veal Sandwich, and Braised Lamb Shank. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Taste of Italy in Yorkville |
116 Avenue Road Toronto, ON M5R 2H4 Canada +1 416 962 1110 http://www.spuntini.ca/ |
Located in Yorkville village and within walking distance of a half-dozen hotels and city attractions, this restaurant features a taste of authentic Italian cuisine—like taking a trip to the fabled peninsula without the cost of purchasing a ticket. It's an ideal place for that weekday business luncheon or that evening romantic rendezvous. House specialties include Homemade Pasta and pizza. Mains include Pollo Cremoso, Vitello Cleopatra (veal with shiitake and Portobello mushrooms and gorgonzola), Grilled Squid and Grilled Rack of Lamb. Review © 2007, Wcities |
