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 Quintessential cafe |
134 Avenue Road (At Davenport) Toronto, ON M5R 2H6 Canada +1 416 964 8686 http://arlequinrestaurant.com/ |
Situated on the edge of Yorkville, this restaurant could be described as a freshly-baked croissant in the midst of day-old donuts. In keeping with the café setting, the tables are tight and the hall narrow. For lunch, a Warm Bagette with asparagus, brie, tomato and pesto aioli, which comes with an arugula salad, should do nicely. For dinner, there are Grilled Shrimps and Mussels with Linguine, Grilled Fennel with Garlic, Marjoram, Tomatoes and Olive Oil. Aside from sit-down meals, the restaurant offers a gourmet take-out service and catering. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Beaver Fever |
1192 Queen Street West Toronto, ON M6J 1J6 Canada +1 416 537 2768 http://www.thebeavertoronto.com/ |
Often a bar with great ambiance is a let down when the music isn't of one's taste. The tavern-esque setting of the Beaver Café dates you back to the 70s. A perfect place where after a hard day's work all you want is some sods on your arms, mates to chat to and classic rock on the back-ground. Those remain the prime reasons why Beaver attracts a loyal crowd. The food is inexpensive and the bar features only wine and beer. Perfect for a lite lunch and drinks out so that you can go straight to bed once home. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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For the bohemian crowd |
400 Bloor St West (at Brunswick Avenue) Toronto, ON M5S 1X5 Canada +1 416 967 4295 http://www.bythewaycafe.com/ |
In the heart of the Annex neighbourhood, this popular cafe, in existence for over 20 years, caters to the bohemian crowd and anyone else who wants to enjoy themselves in a laidback atmosphere where the service is warm and friendly. Renovated to make it look more like a bistro, the cafe also features an outdoor patio for those warm summer months. Menu items range from falafels to Mediterranean style chicken entrees for about CAD8 a plate, from Middle Eastern combo dishes (up to CAD13.95) to vegetarian burgers (CAD8.50). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Yijun Ge |
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Back to Basics |
850 Dundas Street West Toronto, ON M6J 1V5 Canada +1 416 603 6607 |
Being the largest exporter of coffee in the world, the scarcity of cafés paying homage to Brazil is rather remarkable. It is this enigmatic state of affairs which has probably made Café Brasiliano hold fort since 1966. While the coffee has been changing and reinventing itself over time, the prices haven't suffered much inflation and is reminiscent of an era gone by. If you like your coffee black, you still can't escape the milk completely as it's mozzarella-filled Italian food that dominates the food menu. If budding footballers meet budding mobsters, you'd know where their hang-outs lie. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Zero pretense spot |
594 College Street Toronto, ON M6G 1B3 Canada +1 416 534 4637 http://www.diplomatico.ca/ |
You'd think that a place that has seen the likes of Sophia Loren darken its doorway would be intimidatingly overdone. Not this unpretentious Little Italy hotspot. That lack of pretension is reflected in the crowd it attracts, from gawking tourists to long-time locals. They come for the great atmosphere, the cheap beer, the summertime patio, the perfect cappuccino and the downscale Italian food -Pepperoni Pizza (tomato and cheese), beautifully deep-fried Panzerotti (plus extra toppings), and Homemade Pasta. Astonishingly cheap daily specials include Fettina (grilled marinated veal) with Salad or Pasta on Tuesdays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: lumina93 |
 A great, friendly neighbourhood |
Eglinton Avenue West (Between Bathurst and Old Park Road) Toronto, ON M6C 2C5 Canada +1 416 203 2600 (Tourist Information) |
This eclectic section of Eglinton Avenue is where the Forest Hill residential area merges into the less upscale regions to the west. Bagel aficionados of all stripes have tons of choice, from the traditional Daiter's to the trendier, Montreal-style St Urbain Bagel Shop. Long-time neighbourhood restaurants like Jerusalem can be found here, as well as more upscale spots like Sette Mezzo. Fans of arts and crafts will enjoy visiting A Show of Hands Contemporary Crafts Gallery or the Liss Gallery. Payment method varies from store to store. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: JesseLyn |
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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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Soup and a song |
320 College St (at Major Street) Toronto, ON M5T 1S3 Canada +1 416 967 1078 http://www.freetimescafe.com/ |
Known as one of Toronto's most popular folk clubs, this resto-bar just west of the University of Toronto campus offers live music, poetry readings and dramatic performances to go along with its Israeli/Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine. Try the bowl of matzo ball soup, or a deli salad that combines eggplant, beets, cucumber and couscous. For a full meal, go for the falafel platter. Located on the premises is the non-smoking Bella's Bistro where an award-winning all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch is offered for CAD18.95. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joanna Potratz |
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Restaurant in the museum |
111 Queen's Park Third floor of the Gardiner Museum Toronto, ON M5S 2C7 Canada +1 416 362 1957 http://www.jkkitchens.com/cont... |
After the renovation, the management at Gardiner didn't just add more artistic touches to the place but they added a culinary one too. The recently introduced restaurant Jamie Kennedy which is named after the head chef, holds up to 100 people for cocktails or 200 for seated events. A terrace room is available for open air parties or business gatherings. Dinners made with seasonal ingredients are served only on Fridays , but if you call ahead you can book a lunch here on any day of the week. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Get a Boost |
147 Spadina Avenue Toronto, ON M5V 2A2 Canada +1 416 599 4442 http://www.juiceforlife.com/ |
Located in the hot Queen Street West strip with the Horseshoe Tavern and the Rivoli nearby, this cafe serves as a healthy alternative to the carnivore pub fare offered by most restaurants. Here you'll find revitalizing juices and tasty, strictly vegetarian meals. The decor is bright and airy, with counter-service seating for 30 and a summertime outdoor patio. The menu includes vegetarian dishes ranging from Tofu Burgers and salads to Basmati Rice Balls. Other locations are at 521 Bloor Street West, near Bloor and 894 Queen Street West, near Crawford. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Austrian coffee house feel |
546 College Street Toronto, ON M6G 1B1 Canada +1 416 923 4138 http://www.kalendar.com/ |
With deep red walls and candlelit tables, this coffee house-cum-restaurant is the ultimate in intimate. Or, if dining alone, you can sit near the wall of windows and watch the crowds saunter past through Little Italy. For a light meal, dig into a Scroll Sandwich - a flaky roti wrap stuffed with your choice of spicy meat, chicken or vegetables. If you have heartier fare in mind, savour the Spinach-Stuffed Pasta in Pesto Cream Sauce. Herbal fruit teas, aromatic coffees and a pleasant wine list help top off any meal. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Gelato heaven on the Corso |
1357 St. Clair St W (At Caledonia Park) Toronto, ON M6E 1C5 Canada +1 416 656 2340 http://www.lapaloma.ca/ |
Located in the Corso Italia, a strip along St Clair West that displays the rich presence of the Italian community in Toronto, this gelateria is a must for frozen goodies and the cultural experience. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, with the owner and staff greeting you warmly in Italian. With over 60 different kinds of gelato and ice cream, the place can satisfy any taste. The Italians are arguably the masters of coffee, and the fresh cups offered here back up such a bold claim. All ice cream creations are under CAD7. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sali Tabacchi |
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Lush Green Garden |
102 Lakeshore Ave Ward's Island Toronto, ON M5J 1X9 Canada +1 416 203 2152 http://rectorycafe.com/Home/ta... |
Minutes from Ward's Island ferry dock, nestled in a lagoon and Lake Ontario, Rectory Cafe is a cozy retreat for a memorable dining experience. The menu offers a variety of scrumptious dishes, refreshing beverages, and delicate desserts. If you are looking for a romantic candlelight dinner or to relax with friends, The Rectory is the place to do all that and more. The Rectory Cafe can also cater and holds private parties. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sun Brockie |
 Photo: ryan henderson |
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Sipping in Splendour |
37 King Street E (at Victoria) Toronto, ON M5C 1E9 Canada +1 416 863 4125 http://www.starwoodhotels.com |
Located in Le Royal Meridien King Edward, this restaurant is well known for its power breakfasts, high tea, and pre-theatre meals. Catering to the Bay Street business crowd during the mornings and at lunch, and to the formal crowds of show goers during the evenings, this ritzy spot is popular all day long. There is a prix fixe menu (CAD30) for before theatre dining, a popular choice for those going to see great entertainers such as Aretha Franklin, Sarah McLachlan, and Diana Krall perform at Massey Hall. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Eating wisely |
166 McCaul Street Toronto, ON M5T 1W4 Canada +1 416 340 7345 http://www.sagecafeandcatering... |
Next to the Princess Margaret Hospital in downtown Toronto and close to all the major attractions including Queen's Park, the University of Toronto and Chinatown, this is a small walk-in café that specializes in freshly-made, nutritious lunchtime food. While the menu is primarily noodles, vegetables and homemade finger desserts, it is not strict vegetarian. Included are Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Pesto Mayonnaise or Thai Peanut Sauce and a Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Feta. Review © 2007, Wcities |
