|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
Tours in Toronto |
The selected restaurants have been grouped into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The restaurants are listed alphabetically within these different categories, which serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments.
In 2001 the city council passed a by-law requiring that all restaurants must be smoke-free. In 2006, provincial legislation extended this requirement to virtually all public places, including bars.
Restaurant prices are subject to a provincial sales tax (PST) of 8% (10% on alcohol) and a federal goods and services tax (GST) of 5%. All taxes are usually added to the bill at the end of the meal. In addition, it is customary to tip at least 15% for good service.
The restaurants below have been divided into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over C$100)
$$$ (C$70 to C$100)
$$ (C$35 to C$70)
$ (up to C$35)
These prices are for an average three-course meal for one person and for a glass of house wine or cheapest equivalent; they do not include service charge, tax or tip.
In 2001 the city council passed a by-law requiring that all restaurants must be smoke-free. In 2006, provincial legislation extended this requirement to virtually all public places, including bars.
Restaurant prices are subject to a provincial sales tax (PST) of 8% (10% on alcohol) and a federal goods and services tax (GST) of 5%. All taxes are usually added to the bill at the end of the meal. In addition, it is customary to tip at least 15% for good service.
The restaurants below have been divided into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over C$100)
$$$ (C$70 to C$100)
$$ (C$35 to C$70)
$ (up to C$35)
These prices are for an average three-course meal for one person and for a glass of house wine or cheapest equivalent; they do not include service charge, tax or tip.
Gastronomic
Chiado
Located smack in the middle of Little Portugal, Chiado is the perfect ambassador for Toronto's sizeable Portuguese community. The simple, elegant décor is accentuated by the paintings that adorn Chiado's walls. Seafood dominates, with fresh fish flown in daily - anything with tentacles finds a worthy end on the grill. Those partial to land-bound critters will find solace in the beef tenderloin, pheasant or lamb.
864 College Street, Little Portugal
Tel: (416) 538 1910.
Website: www.chiadorestaurant.ca
Price: $$$
Located smack in the middle of Little Portugal, Chiado is the perfect ambassador for Toronto's sizeable Portuguese community. The simple, elegant décor is accentuated by the paintings that adorn Chiado's walls. Seafood dominates, with fresh fish flown in daily - anything with tentacles finds a worthy end on the grill. Those partial to land-bound critters will find solace in the beef tenderloin, pheasant or lamb.
864 College Street, Little Portugal
Tel: (416) 538 1910.
Website: www.chiadorestaurant.ca
Price: $$$
North 44
Named after Toronto's latitude, North 44's location in Toronto's safe and franchise-ridden uptown has not stopped this internationally acclaimed restaurant from being the city's most posh eating place for over a decade. Cold and steely from the outside but with a sleek, earth-toned interior recently updated by hot Toronto designers Yabu Pushelburg, the restaurant features a menu that changes with the seasons but everything (such as charred tuna sashimi, grilled quail and roasted venison rack) will be prepared to perfection.
2537 Yonge Street, Eglinton
Tel: (416) 487 4897.
Website: www.north44restaurant.com
Price: $$$
Named after Toronto's latitude, North 44's location in Toronto's safe and franchise-ridden uptown has not stopped this internationally acclaimed restaurant from being the city's most posh eating place for over a decade. Cold and steely from the outside but with a sleek, earth-toned interior recently updated by hot Toronto designers Yabu Pushelburg, the restaurant features a menu that changes with the seasons but everything (such as charred tuna sashimi, grilled quail and roasted venison rack) will be prepared to perfection.
2537 Yonge Street, Eglinton
Tel: (416) 487 4897.
Website: www.north44restaurant.com
Price: $$$
Opus
A meal at Opus, in an unassuming townhouse on a quaint, leafy street, is much like dinner at a friend's house - only with waiters and an outstanding chef. Waiters are attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. The menu changes monthly and reflects the seasons - traditional French fare, such as smoked duck and rack of lamb, made with regional ingredients, often makes an appearance. The extensive wine list has more than 2,500 choices.
37 Prince Arthur Avenue, Yorkville/Annex
Tel: (416) 921 3105.
Website: www.opusrestaurant.com
Price: $$$
A meal at Opus, in an unassuming townhouse on a quaint, leafy street, is much like dinner at a friend's house - only with waiters and an outstanding chef. Waiters are attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. The menu changes monthly and reflects the seasons - traditional French fare, such as smoked duck and rack of lamb, made with regional ingredients, often makes an appearance. The extensive wine list has more than 2,500 choices.
37 Prince Arthur Avenue, Yorkville/Annex
Tel: (416) 921 3105.
Website: www.opusrestaurant.com
Price: $$$
Perigree
The interior is surprisingly plain for such an haute cuisine establishment, but patrons don't come to Perigee for the furniture - they're here to watch the show in the fully open kitchen and to marvel at the inventive combinations dreamed up by chef Christopher Brown. Highlights include game dishes and one of the city's most adventurous vegetarian menus. Many people opt for the omakase (tasting) option, describing their tastes to the waiter and then allowing the kitchen to surprise them with an evening-long, multi-course meal.
55 Mill Street, Distillery District
Tel: (416) 364 1397.
Website: www.perigeerestaurant.com
Price: $$$$
The interior is surprisingly plain for such an haute cuisine establishment, but patrons don't come to Perigee for the furniture - they're here to watch the show in the fully open kitchen and to marvel at the inventive combinations dreamed up by chef Christopher Brown. Highlights include game dishes and one of the city's most adventurous vegetarian menus. Many people opt for the omakase (tasting) option, describing their tastes to the waiter and then allowing the kitchen to surprise them with an evening-long, multi-course meal.
55 Mill Street, Distillery District
Tel: (416) 364 1397.
Website: www.perigeerestaurant.com
Price: $$$$
Splendido Restaurant
Splendido is among the foremost restaurants in Toronto, and it keeps getting better. Chef David Lee works wonders with the best seasonal ingredients he can find, and the result is an exciting and extremely flavoursome kind of eclectic and modern Mediterranean cuisine. Guests can choose between the a la carte menu or the tasting menu. There is a large international wine list with more than 1,000 New and Old World selections.
88 Harbord Street, Annex
Tel: (416) 929 7788.
Website: www.splendido.ca
Price: $$$$
Splendido is among the foremost restaurants in Toronto, and it keeps getting better. Chef David Lee works wonders with the best seasonal ingredients he can find, and the result is an exciting and extremely flavoursome kind of eclectic and modern Mediterranean cuisine. Guests can choose between the a la carte menu or the tasting menu. There is a large international wine list with more than 1,000 New and Old World selections.
88 Harbord Street, Annex
Tel: (416) 929 7788.
Website: www.splendido.ca
Price: $$$$
Truffles
The intimate restaurant of the Four Seasons' flagship hotel (see Hotels) has won the CAA/AAA Five Diamond accolade for 14 years running. Truffles is, as its name suggests, a celebration of the gourmet. Every detail (from the Uffizi boar sculptures to the exotically sculpted starters) has been seen to. Fish, fowl and meat are prepared with equal aplomb, with a fresh, light and aromatic cooking style rooted in authentic French flavours. The long wine list reaches deep into the wallet but includes an impressive selection by the glass.
Four Seasons Hotel, 21 Avenue Road, Yorkville
Tel: (416) 964 0411.
Website: www.fourseasons.com/toronto
Price: $$$$
The intimate restaurant of the Four Seasons' flagship hotel (see Hotels) has won the CAA/AAA Five Diamond accolade for 14 years running. Truffles is, as its name suggests, a celebration of the gourmet. Every detail (from the Uffizi boar sculptures to the exotically sculpted starters) has been seen to. Fish, fowl and meat are prepared with equal aplomb, with a fresh, light and aromatic cooking style rooted in authentic French flavours. The long wine list reaches deep into the wallet but includes an impressive selection by the glass.
Four Seasons Hotel, 21 Avenue Road, Yorkville
Tel: (416) 964 0411.
Website: www.fourseasons.com/toronto
Price: $$$$
Business
Bar One
The tall ceilings and narrow walls of this young but firmly established eating place, an island of chic in this up-and-coming part of town, matches the converted loft apartments that surround it. The interior is simple and crisp, as is the Italian and international menu, which includes soup (such as spinach and potato), fish and classic pastas like Bolognese, carbonara or marinara.
924 Queen Street West, Queen West
Tel: (416) 535 1655.
Website: www.bar-one.com
Price: $$
The tall ceilings and narrow walls of this young but firmly established eating place, an island of chic in this up-and-coming part of town, matches the converted loft apartments that surround it. The interior is simple and crisp, as is the Italian and international menu, which includes soup (such as spinach and potato), fish and classic pastas like Bolognese, carbonara or marinara.
924 Queen Street West, Queen West
Tel: (416) 535 1655.
Website: www.bar-one.com
Price: $$
Canoe Restaurant and Bar
If there is one truly Canadian restaurant in Toronto, this is it. Canoe takes ingredients typical to Canada and creates contemporary gourmet dishes. Maple sugar, Saskatoon berry compote and partridgeberry jus are accessories to such daring and delicious offerings as venison and caribou. Canoe's warm, woody tones add to the whole experience, although the view of Toronto Harbour tends to capture one's attention more. Prices cater to expense accounts and the wine list leans towards New World selections. Reservations are essential. Closed weekends.
54th Floor, Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, 66 Wellington Street West, Financial District
Tel: (416) 364 0054.
Website: www.canoerestaurant.com
Price: $$$
If there is one truly Canadian restaurant in Toronto, this is it. Canoe takes ingredients typical to Canada and creates contemporary gourmet dishes. Maple sugar, Saskatoon berry compote and partridgeberry jus are accessories to such daring and delicious offerings as venison and caribou. Canoe's warm, woody tones add to the whole experience, although the view of Toronto Harbour tends to capture one's attention more. Prices cater to expense accounts and the wine list leans towards New World selections. Reservations are essential. Closed weekends.
54th Floor, Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, 66 Wellington Street West, Financial District
Tel: (416) 364 0054.
Website: www.canoerestaurant.com
Price: $$$
Indian Rice Factory
The Punjabi-influenced dishes here will appeal to vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Regular selections include pakoras (deep-fried fritters) and dishes such as murgh turri - chicken curry with ginger, tomato and onion. Huge windows and colourful wall tapestries contribute to the fine dining experience. Reservations recommended.
414 Dupont Street, Annex
Tel: (416) 961 3472.
Website: www.indianricefactory.com
Price: $$
The Punjabi-influenced dishes here will appeal to vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Regular selections include pakoras (deep-fried fritters) and dishes such as murgh turri - chicken curry with ginger, tomato and onion. Huge windows and colourful wall tapestries contribute to the fine dining experience. Reservations recommended.
414 Dupont Street, Annex
Tel: (416) 961 3472.
Website: www.indianricefactory.com
Price: $$
Jump Café and Bar
This place can be festive, loud and ebullient, although its tucked-away tables allow for a tête-à-tête as well. Since its inception, it has been a favourite of Toronto's brokers and traders, so it should come as no surprise that Jump serves up meals so delicious they alone might secure any deal. Dishes might include sirloin steak with Yukon-gold potato frites, roast chicken or lemon risotto; many have an Asian flair. Fish dishes and other, lighter choices also grace the menu - but if calories are really a concern, the decadent desserts are best seen and not tasted. Reservations required. Closed Sunday. No lunch Saturday.
18 Wellington Street West, Commerce Court East
Tel: (416) 363 3400.
Website: www.oliverbonacini.com
Price: $$
This place can be festive, loud and ebullient, although its tucked-away tables allow for a tête-à-tête as well. Since its inception, it has been a favourite of Toronto's brokers and traders, so it should come as no surprise that Jump serves up meals so delicious they alone might secure any deal. Dishes might include sirloin steak with Yukon-gold potato frites, roast chicken or lemon risotto; many have an Asian flair. Fish dishes and other, lighter choices also grace the menu - but if calories are really a concern, the decadent desserts are best seen and not tasted. Reservations required. Closed Sunday. No lunch Saturday.
18 Wellington Street West, Commerce Court East
Tel: (416) 363 3400.
Website: www.oliverbonacini.com
Price: $$
Trendy
Bar Italia
Beyond the bar, choked with well-dressed, good-looking types downing martinis and pints of beer, there is a warm yet minimalist restaurant that serves superb Italian fare. The salads, panini and daily pasta specials are all excellent. The wine selection is mostly Italian and French with a decent domestic beer menu. In the summer, a patio seat cannot be beaten for watching the world go by. Brunch weekends.
582 College Street, Little Italy
Tel: (416) 535 3621.
Website: www.bar-italia.ca
Price: $$
Beyond the bar, choked with well-dressed, good-looking types downing martinis and pints of beer, there is a warm yet minimalist restaurant that serves superb Italian fare. The salads, panini and daily pasta specials are all excellent. The wine selection is mostly Italian and French with a decent domestic beer menu. In the summer, a patio seat cannot be beaten for watching the world go by. Brunch weekends.
582 College Street, Little Italy
Tel: (416) 535 3621.
Website: www.bar-italia.ca
Price: $$
Lolita's Lust
In an increasingly franchised part of Greektown, Lolita's Lust remains a funky favourite. Bohemian in atmosphere, this upscale eatery features a delightful range of internationally inspired meat and fish dishes - intriguing combinations include lobster dumplings and mushroom salad with miso chile sauce. Tucked away like a best-kept secret the intimate Lolita's Lust is a dimly lit hotspot frequented by celebrities when they are in town. Reservations are essential.
513 Danforth Avenue, Greektown
Tel: (416) 465 1751.
Website: www.lolitaslust.ca
Price: $$
In an increasingly franchised part of Greektown, Lolita's Lust remains a funky favourite. Bohemian in atmosphere, this upscale eatery features a delightful range of internationally inspired meat and fish dishes - intriguing combinations include lobster dumplings and mushroom salad with miso chile sauce. Tucked away like a best-kept secret the intimate Lolita's Lust is a dimly lit hotspot frequented by celebrities when they are in town. Reservations are essential.
513 Danforth Avenue, Greektown
Tel: (416) 465 1751.
Website: www.lolitaslust.ca
Price: $$
The Paddock Tavern
The sumptuous, wooden 1940s décor of this bar/restaurant tends to get obscured on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights by crowds of youngish drinkers. They congregate at the large L-shaped bar in search of draught beer, a well-shaken Martini or their inner Humphrey Bogart. On other nights of the week, it is a bit quieter. The menu changes seasonally, but highlights might include cassoulet, bison sirloin with garlic mash, or smoked pork tenderloin with baby turnip, rösti potatoes and a maple-preserved apple jus.
178 Bathurst Street, Queen and Bathurst
Tel: (416) 504 9997.
Website: www.thepaddock.ca
Price: $$
The sumptuous, wooden 1940s décor of this bar/restaurant tends to get obscured on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights by crowds of youngish drinkers. They congregate at the large L-shaped bar in search of draught beer, a well-shaken Martini or their inner Humphrey Bogart. On other nights of the week, it is a bit quieter. The menu changes seasonally, but highlights might include cassoulet, bison sirloin with garlic mash, or smoked pork tenderloin with baby turnip, rösti potatoes and a maple-preserved apple jus.
178 Bathurst Street, Queen and Bathurst
Tel: (416) 504 9997.
Website: www.thepaddock.ca
Price: $$
Rain Restaurant
Rain has established itself as one of the most exciting Asian restaurants in Toronto - with an Italian chef. The restaurant itself is very attractive, with a décor that includes waterfall walls; but it is the intensity and complexity of flavours in the various dishes on offer that are likely to take your breath away. This is exceptional and highly creative cooking. Dinner from Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays.
19 Mercer Street
Tel: (416) 599 7246/RAIN.
Website: www.rainrestaurant.ca
Price: $$$
Rain has established itself as one of the most exciting Asian restaurants in Toronto - with an Italian chef. The restaurant itself is very attractive, with a décor that includes waterfall walls; but it is the intensity and complexity of flavours in the various dishes on offer that are likely to take your breath away. This is exceptional and highly creative cooking. Dinner from Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays.
19 Mercer Street
Tel: (416) 599 7246/RAIN.
Website: www.rainrestaurant.ca
Price: $$$
Sassafraz Restaurant
This classy, atmospheric restaurant, which is located in the heart of historical and posh Yorkville, serves cuisine du soleil, a flavoursome combination of French, Italian and Californian. With an interior blending the minimalist and the exotic elements in art deco, this is a seriously stylish place - well known also for being a favourite among celebrities visiting Toronto.
100 Cumberland Street, Yorkville
Tel: (416) 964 2222.
Website: www.sassafraz.ca
Price: $$$
This classy, atmospheric restaurant, which is located in the heart of historical and posh Yorkville, serves cuisine du soleil, a flavoursome combination of French, Italian and Californian. With an interior blending the minimalist and the exotic elements in art deco, this is a seriously stylish place - well known also for being a favourite among celebrities visiting Toronto.
100 Cumberland Street, Yorkville
Tel: (416) 964 2222.
Website: www.sassafraz.ca
Price: $$$
Budget
Fran's
Unpretentious food served whenever you're hungry - it's a recipe that has made Fran's a Toronto institution since 1940. Don't expect anything gourmet, but this diner offers a slice of old Toronto at a reasonable price. Old favourites like meatloaf and tuna melts share the menu with newer fare like Baja chicken wraps. There's a second Toronto location across from Massey Hall. Both are open 24 hours, every day of the year, and the Big Breakfast - a groaning platter of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, home fries and toast - is served around the clock.
20 College Street, Midtown
Tel: (416) 923 9867.
Website: www.fransrestaurant.com
Price: $
Unpretentious food served whenever you're hungry - it's a recipe that has made Fran's a Toronto institution since 1940. Don't expect anything gourmet, but this diner offers a slice of old Toronto at a reasonable price. Old favourites like meatloaf and tuna melts share the menu with newer fare like Baja chicken wraps. There's a second Toronto location across from Massey Hall. Both are open 24 hours, every day of the year, and the Big Breakfast - a groaning platter of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, home fries and toast - is served around the clock.
20 College Street, Midtown
Tel: (416) 923 9867.
Website: www.fransrestaurant.com
Price: $
Fresh on Bloor
Anybody who wants to eat at this packed health-food restaurant must be prepared to queue. Still, the gastronomic experience on offer is definitely worth the wait. With over 40 different juices from the fruity to the bizarre, there is definitely something to tempt everybody's palate without any guilt. Fresh, flavoursome organic food is the point here, and portions are plentiful. Reservations are not accepted. There are two sister restaurants and juice bars: Fresh on Crawford, 894 Queen Street West, and Fresh on Spadina, 147 Spadina Avenue.
326 Bloor Street West, Annex
Tel: (416) 531 2635.
Website: www.juiceforlife.com
Price: $
Anybody who wants to eat at this packed health-food restaurant must be prepared to queue. Still, the gastronomic experience on offer is definitely worth the wait. With over 40 different juices from the fruity to the bizarre, there is definitely something to tempt everybody's palate without any guilt. Fresh, flavoursome organic food is the point here, and portions are plentiful. Reservations are not accepted. There are two sister restaurants and juice bars: Fresh on Crawford, 894 Queen Street West, and Fresh on Spadina, 147 Spadina Avenue.
326 Bloor Street West, Annex
Tel: (416) 531 2635.
Website: www.juiceforlife.com
Price: $
7 West Café
Open 24 hours, this place retains a casual cafe feel over all three floors. Tasty pizzas, delicious sandwiches and fresh salads are all good choices. As well as a decent wine and beer list, teas and speciality coffees are also house favourites. A cosy place to unwind.
7 Charles Street West, Yonge and Bloor
Tel: (416) 928 9041.
Website: www.7westcafe.com
Price: $
Open 24 hours, this place retains a casual cafe feel over all three floors. Tasty pizzas, delicious sandwiches and fresh salads are all good choices. As well as a decent wine and beer list, teas and speciality coffees are also house favourites. A cosy place to unwind.
7 Charles Street West, Yonge and Bloor
Tel: (416) 928 9041.
Website: www.7westcafe.com
Price: $
Teatro
Teatro is a lively but intimate (the small bistro tables are very close together) restaurant in Little Italy. It is also as popular as they come, because it offers excellent food. The French/Mediterranean bistro menu includes several delicious pasta dishes as well as classics like wild mushroom risotto and moules marinieres.
505 College Street, Little Italy
Tel: (416) 972 1475.
Price: $$
Teatro is a lively but intimate (the small bistro tables are very close together) restaurant in Little Italy. It is also as popular as they come, because it offers excellent food. The French/Mediterranean bistro menu includes several delicious pasta dishes as well as classics like wild mushroom risotto and moules marinieres.
505 College Street, Little Italy
Tel: (416) 972 1475.
Price: $$
Personal Recommendations
Brownes Bistro
Prized by the well-heeled residents of Rosedale, this long-lived neighbourhood bistro might be lacking in culinary adventurousness and is equally unpretentious in décor, but its longevity and continued popularity speak for its quality. Some of the dishes come with a nice Gallic touch, and the meat dishes are deliciously tasty. The pastas and pizzas are lovely.
4 Woodlawn Avenue East, Summerhill
Tel: (416) 924 8132.
Website: www.brownesbistro.com
Price: $$
Prized by the well-heeled residents of Rosedale, this long-lived neighbourhood bistro might be lacking in culinary adventurousness and is equally unpretentious in décor, but its longevity and continued popularity speak for its quality. Some of the dishes come with a nice Gallic touch, and the meat dishes are deliciously tasty. The pastas and pizzas are lovely.
4 Woodlawn Avenue East, Summerhill
Tel: (416) 924 8132.
Website: www.brownesbistro.com
Price: $$
Rol San
Rol San is easy to overlook amid the hundred or so Chinese restaurants that line Spadina Avenue between College Street and the Lakeshore, especially as it has the same large round tables, plastic tablecloths and bright cardboard signs announcing specials in Chinese. However, this restaurant serves delicious dim sum (such as deep fried shrimp and chive cake) by day and crave-worthy portions of fried rice, Szechwan shrimp and crispy chicken until the wee hours (0200 Sun to Wed, 0400 Thurs, 0500 Fri to Sat).
323 Spadina Avenue, Chinatown
Tel: (416) 977 1128.
Website: www.rolsan.com
Price: $$
Rol San is easy to overlook amid the hundred or so Chinese restaurants that line Spadina Avenue between College Street and the Lakeshore, especially as it has the same large round tables, plastic tablecloths and bright cardboard signs announcing specials in Chinese. However, this restaurant serves delicious dim sum (such as deep fried shrimp and chive cake) by day and crave-worthy portions of fried rice, Szechwan shrimp and crispy chicken until the wee hours (0200 Sun to Wed, 0400 Thurs, 0500 Fri to Sat).
323 Spadina Avenue, Chinatown
Tel: (416) 977 1128.
Website: www.rolsan.com
Price: $$
360 The Restaurant at the Tower
Floor-to-ceiling windows, 114 storeys above the lakeshore, with a view as good as it gets - blue lake as far as the eye can see to the south and Toronto spreading out in every other direction. And because 360 revolves, none of the view will be missed. The food is not quite as memorable, but it is still pretty good. In recent years, 360 has won awards for its cuisine and wine as well as its ambience. A reservation at this restaurant also includes a post-dinner walk on the glass-floored lookout - for those who can stomach it.
CN Tower, 301 Front Street West, Downtown
Tel: (416) 362 5411.
Website: www.cntower.ca
Price: $$$
Floor-to-ceiling windows, 114 storeys above the lakeshore, with a view as good as it gets - blue lake as far as the eye can see to the south and Toronto spreading out in every other direction. And because 360 revolves, none of the view will be missed. The food is not quite as memorable, but it is still pretty good. In recent years, 360 has won awards for its cuisine and wine as well as its ambience. A reservation at this restaurant also includes a post-dinner walk on the glass-floored lookout - for those who can stomach it.
CN Tower, 301 Front Street West, Downtown
Tel: (416) 362 5411.
Website: www.cntower.ca
Price: $$$
View Our Airport Guides for Toronto:
Toronto Pearson International Airport