Toronto is brimming with fabulous places to eat. Here are 10 of my favourites that are not necessarily light on the pocketbook (you're looking at entreés averaging Cdn$20 - $40), but are heavy on atmosphere and image - especially at Toronto International Film Festival time.
Whether you want to star scope or find a good gazpacho, these restaurants will fit the bill. Just because you're visiting doesn't mean you can't be in the know.
Whether you want to star scope or find a good gazpacho, these restaurants will fit the bill. Just because you're visiting doesn't mean you can't be in the know.
1. Bistro & Bakery Thuet
Bistro & Bakery Thuet has adapted the European principle of a menu prix-fixe, featuring the menu dégustation surpris, a blind tasting menu. Guests can also choose from à la carte menu items. Menus change monthly based on the finest seasonal offerings available including foie gras, truffles & caviar. Entreés are $25 - 45Address: 609 King Street West
Phone: 416.603.2777
Hours: Monday - Friday, lunch & dinner; Saturday & Sunday, dinner.
2. Bistro 990
A favorite celebrity hangout, Bistro 990 serves country French cuisine with sophisticated flare and a warm, chic interior to match. Specialties include a roasted 1/2 chicken in herb jus with garlic mashed potatoes known in-house as "Meg Ryan Chicken" because of the actress's fondness for the dish.Address: 990 Bay Street
Phone: (416) 703-8658
Hours: Monday - Friday, lunch & dinner; Saturday & Sunday, dinner.
3. Four Seasons
The Four Seasons Hotel is a hot-spot during the Toronto International Film Festival. Its Avenue bar and lounge overlooks fashionable Yorkville Avenue and Truffles restaurant is five-diamond French cuisine in a spectacular setting.Address: 21 Avenue Road (Just north of Bloor, between Yonge and Spadina. Museum subway stop is a couple of minutes away.)
Phone: (416)964-0411
4. IZAKAYA
What would be standard fare in Japan, IZAKAYA serves up respectfully in a sophisticated, more up-scale way. More than a dozen sakés with helpful descriptions complement the menu. Entreés are $10 - 20 -$45.Address: 69 Front Street East
Phone: (416)703-8658
Hours: IZAKAYA is open from 11:30am to 10:30pm Monday to Thursday, 11:30am to 1130pm, Friday to Saturday and noon to 10:30pm on Sunday.
5. Joso's
Since 1977, Joso's has served exquisite Mediterranean cuisine in fashionable Yorkville. The lush, intimate interior has wall murals celebrating the female form that are sure to incite conversation.Dishes are generally flavored with just olive oil, lemon and salt. Guests inspect and choose fresh seafood brought to their table. Entreés are $20 -$40
Robert DeNiro is one of the more famous Joso fans.
Address: 202 Davenport Rd
Phone: (416) 925-1903
Open: Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat
6. Lobby Lounge
A well-known Toronto hot-spot, the Lobby Lounge attracts local beautiful people as well as celebrities like Woody Harrelson, Scarlett Johannson and Sofia Copolla. Entreés run $22 to $40.Address: 192 Bloor Street West(Just west of Avenue. Museum subway station is about a 5 minute walk.)
Phone: 416 929-7169
Hours: Open for dinner - Tuesday through Saturday. Cocktail Hour from 5 - 7 pm, Tuesday - Friday
7. Monsoon
Contemporary "Asian with a twist" cuisine. Hip, loungey interior.Address: 100 Simcoe Street (Between King and Adelaide. St Andrew subway station is about a 10 minute walk.)
Phone: (416) 979-7172
Hours: Mon - Fri, 11:30 am - 2:30 am; Mon - Sat, 5 pm+
8. Sassafraz
True foodies diss this place as a has-been, but the airy interior of this Yorkville eatery has seen more celebrities than possibly any other Toronto restaurant. Ellen DeGeneres and Bono have chowed down on Sassafraz tuna carpaccio, escargots, and seared foie gras. The Bistro section offers live music Wednesday - Saturday. Entreés run $30 to $40.Address: 100 Cumberland Street (Museum subway station is about a 5 minute walk.)
Phone: 416 964-2222, or reserve online
Hours: Open 7 days a week.
9. Sotto Sotto
Perfect for a romantic evening, this candlelight bathed Italian eatery offers authentic regional cuisine, including choices of antipasti, pasta, fish, meat, risotto, and desserts. Lengthy wine list. Entreés are $20 -$45. May be rushed out due to two seatings per evening.Address: 116A Avenue Road (Yorkville area)
Phone: (416) 962-0011
Hours: Sun - Thurs, 5:30 pm - 11 pm; Sat & Sun, 5 pm - 12 am
