The International Tastes of Toronto

With 49 percent of its population born outside of Canada, Toronto is considered to be one of the world's most multicultural cities. Over 100 major languages are spoken here, and approximately one-third of Toronto's 2.5 million people speak a language other than English at home. Toronto's restaurants reflect this diversity, allowing you to taste the best of the world without having to venture far. Owing to Toronto's long winters, people flock to the patios as soon as the warm weather hits. So, if it's a nice day and you're looking to enjoy a meal al fresco, get there early!

Most of the restaurants listed in this article are within a short walk of the conference center. Others can be reached either by subway or bus (www.city.toronto.on.ca/ttc/index.htm). Cabs are plentiful, especially along Front Street, as are rickshaws.

In addition to the restaurants listed here, the ubiquitous "apostrophe" style restaurant chains (Kelsey's, Casey's, Montana's, Outback's, East Side Mario's, etc.) can be found throughout the city. They offer predictable but nonetheless enjoyable North American fare—hamburgers, steaks, pasta dishes, etc.

In general, make reservations in advance, and sort out any questions you may have about particular credit cards, smoking designations, etc. The area code for all the restaurants is 416. Cost estimates are based on the average price of an appetizer, entrée, drink, tax, and tip of 15 percent. For locations, see the map on p. 72.

Areas: Near the Conference Center; A bit further out...but worth it; Chinatown; The Danforth; Stargazing; Yorkville

Near the Conference Center

Acqua 10 Front St. W., 368-7171. Mon.–Fri. 11:30 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sat. 5 p.m.–1 a.m. $$$
Acqua is a popular business lunch and after-work get-together restaurant that also caters to the theater crowd. The restaurant's décor certainly lives up to its name, complete with an indoor waterfall and a river running through the dining room. Not surprisingly, its strength is seafood. Acqua's seasonally changing menu offers generous portions. The wine list boasts over 200 bottles.

Alice Fazooli's! Italian Crabshack 294 Adelaide St. W., 979-1910. Mon.–Wed. 11:30 a.m.–1 a.m.; Thurs.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m.; Sun. 11:30 a.m.–1 a.m. $$–$$$
Near both the Skydome and the theater district, Alice Fazooli's is a popular spot for athletes and performers to visit after a game or performance. The current location used to be an old printing plant but has since been remodeled as a turn-of-the-century saloon. As the name suggests, Alice's specializes in Italian seafood but with some Creole influence in some dishes. There is an extensive selection of wines as well.

Amato on Queen & John 534 Queen St. W., 703-8989. Sun.–Thurs. 10 a.m.–2 a.m.; Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–4 a.m. $
Amato's gets our vote for the best pizza in the city. There are over ten gourmet pizzas to choose from, including a personal favorite, the Polo Basilico. Amato's also specializes in pasta dishes and focaccia sandwiches. Amato's location and late hours make it a popular spot for weekend after-club going.

C'est What? 67 Front St. E., 867-9499. Mon.–Sun. 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m. $$
There are two doors to this popular spot with the theater crowd—the Front Street entrance leads to the restaurant and pub; the Church Street door leads to the band room, a venue for jazz, R&B, classical music, and poetry readings. The restaurant and pub have a warm, casual feel, with low lighting and comfortable chairs. The menu does feature traditional pub-style food but with diverse features to round it out and 29 different styles of beer on tap.

Esplanade Bier Markt 58 The Esplanade, 862-7575. Mon.–Tues. 11 a.m.–1 a.m.; Wed.–Sat. 11 a.m.–2 a.m.; Sun. 2 p.m.–2 a.m. $$–$$$
In the style of a Belgian brasserie, the Markt offers 150 different types of beer from 25 different countries, primarily Belgium. The minimal menu features a few outstanding selections, including flatbreads, mussels, and steak frites, with beer recommendations for each dish. A great patio and live entertainment Thursdays through Saturday evenings round out the experience. Call first, as the Markt often hosts special events, sometimes with cover charges.

Far Niente 187 Bay St., 214-9922. Mon.– Fri. 11:30 a.m.–midnight; Sat.–Sun. 5 p.m.–midnight. $$
Located in the heart of the financial district, Far Niente (named for the Italian "to do nothing") is a business-friendly, California-style restaurant, so casual dress is welcome. Greenery, cedar planks, and North American artwork complement the seasonally changing menu of New Zealand lamb chops, pacific salmon, and a great wine list. Most dishes are offered in both small and whole portions. We recommend the chocolate soufflé for dessert! Downstairs, Soul of the Vine offers a similar menu at a lower cost. Reservations are recommended for both.

Fionn MacCool's 70 The Esplanade, 362-2495. Mon., Tues., & Sun. 11 a.m.–1 a.m.; Wed.–Sat. 11 a.m.–2 a.m. $–$$
Toronto's best Irish-style pub. June conferencegoers won't get to see Fionn's on St. Patrick's day, when the line extends around the block, but they'll be there for prime patio season. Fionn's offers Irish and North American–style food, traditional pub fare, and some seafood dishes in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy fun live Celtic and East Coast Canadian music Wednesday through Saturday evenings.

The Flatiron & Firkin 49 Wellington E., 362-3444. Daily 11 a.m.–2 a.m. $
One of several "firkin" pubs found throughout southern Ontario, the Flatiron & Firkin is located in Toronto's historic Flatiron Building, built in 1892 and originally home to the offices of the Gooderham & Worts Distillery. As with the many firkin pubs all over the city, you can expect traditional English-style pub décor and food as well as a fine selection of beers on tap.

Fred's Not Here Smokehouse and Grill 321 King St. W., 971-9155. Mon.– Fri. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 a.m.; Mon.–Thu. 5–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 5–11 p.m., Sun. 4–10 p.m. $$
Located in the entertainment district, Fred's Not Here offers fine dining in an intimate, bistro-style restaurant with friendly, helpful service. The restaurant's style is a fusion of different ethnicities, specializing in the hot and spicy. The décor itself is quite a fusion of cultures.

Hernando's Hideaway 52 Wellington St. E., 366-6394. Mon.–Fri. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sat. 2 p.m.–midnight; Sun. 3 p.m.–12 midnight. $
Hernando's has two locations in Toronto (the original spot is at 545 Yonge St.). Both are great places to enjoy Tex-Mex fare in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Hernando's has great chimichangas and margaritas. Also try the nachos con polo for an appetizer or as a full meal.

Hiro Sushi 171 King E., 304-0550. Mon.–Fri. noon–2:30 p.m.; Mon.–Sat. 5:30–10:30 p.m. $$$–$$$$
This small restaurant is often described as the place to go for sushi in Toronto. Highly recommended is the striped salmon sashimi nigirizushi. Fine dishes such as duck and snapper are also available. Diners can choose to order from the menu or omakase style—leaving the choice of dishes up to the chef. All dishes are made with the freshest ingredients (even the soy sauce is made from scratch).

Hot House Café 35 Church St., 366-7800. Mon.–Tues. 11 a.m.–11:30 p.m.; Wed.–Thu. 11 a.m.–midnight; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–11 p.m. $
A great place to enjoy Sunday brunch with live jazz performances, this mostly carries Italian-influenced dishes, such as fantastic pasta dishes and thin-crust pizza, but it also offers Cajun chicken, steaks, burgers, and sandwiches. Enjoy a large selection of vegetarian choices, decadent desserts, the spacious rooms, and reasonable prices.

Il Fornello 214 King St. W., 977-2855. Mon.–Thu. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. $$
Thank goodness for places that remind us that pizza can be gourmet food, too. Il Fornello means "the stove" in Italian—appropriate for a restaurant that specializes in pizza cooked in wood-burning stoves. There even are pizzas with rice-based crusts for those with wheat allergies and a variety of pasta and Italian dishes for the pizza intolerant. Il Fornello is a popular spot for theatergoers, so try to avoid those crowds.

Joe Badali's Italian Restaurant Bar 156 Front St. W., 977-3064. Mon.–Fri. 11:30 a.m.–midnight.; Sat–Sun. noon–midnight. $$–$$$
You'll love Joe Badali's for its atmosphere: it is housed in a 100-year-old 17,000 square foot brick and stone building, complete with two-story ceilings, multiple rooms, fireplaces, and huge windows. The food is Italian country cuisine—don't miss the tiramisu, or the live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Wonderful service rounds out the experience.

Lone Star Texas Grill 200 Front St. W., 408-4064. Mon. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Tues. 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m.; Wed. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.; Thurs. 11:30 a.m.–midnight; Fri. 11:30 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sat. noon–1 a.m.; Sun. noon–10 p.m. $$
The Lone Star is considered Toronto's best Tex-Mex restaurant. Close to both the Air Canada Centre and the Skydome, it is a popular pre- or postgame location for sports fans. Enjoy the mesquite grilled chicken, Louisiana catfish, or even Big Bubba's center cut 15 oz. New Yorker steak and wash it down with a fine margarita.

Mövenpick Marché 42 Yonge St., 366-8986. Daily 9 a.m.–2 a.m. $$
While the other Mövenpick's are sit-down, the Marché at BCE place is much more fun—a bustling marketplace where you can pick and choose from a variety of vendors and watch your meal prepared on the spot. Be sure to give the bami goreng and rosti potatoes a try.

Natcho's Thai Thai 92 King St. E., 364-8424. Mon.–Thurs. 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri. 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sat. 4:30–11 p.m. $–$$
At Natcho's, Tex-Mex meets Thai, although its strength is in its Thai dishes. The Pad Thai and mango salad are particularly recommended. The jerk chicken wraps are also done well. Natcho's offers reasonable prices for the quality, an exceptionally friendly staff, and a nice patio.

The Old Spaghetti Factory 54 The Esplanade, 864-9761. Mon.–Thurs. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–midnight; Sun. 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. $
This fun family-friendly restaurant was remodeled from a turn-of-the-century blacksmith shop into a spacious 600-seat restaurant, decorated with stained glass windows, carousel horses, an assortment of antiques, and even a full-size streetcar. As the name suggests, pasta dishes are the specialty. Great prices, too.

Le Papillon 16 Church St., 416 363-0838. Tues.–Fri. noon–2:30 p.m.; Tues.–Wed. 5–10 p.m.; Thurs. 5–11 p.m.; Fri. 5 p.m.–midnight; Sat. 11 a.m.–midnight; Sun. 11 a.m.–10 p.m. $$–$$$
Reminiscent of the French countryside, Le Papillon offers an extensive variety of authentic French Canadian crêpes (for brunch), as well as other traditional French Canadian dishes such as tourtière, escargots in garlic butter, and pork tenderloin. Le Papillon's interior is always enjoyable—during the day, it is lit by natural light through its skylights; during the evening, candlelit tables set the mood.

Peel Pub 276 King St.W., 977-0003. Daily 6:30 a.m.–2 a.m. $
OK, the Peel Pub may not be gourmet, but it does offer traditional pub fare at great prices, as well as some other simple favorites such as spaghetti and hamburgers. Huge TV screens line the walls of the spacious main area (a dance floor later), while the bar area is smaller.

Penelope 6 Front St. E., 947-1159. Mon.–Thurs. noon–10 p.m.; Fri. noon– 11 p.m.; Sat. 5–11 p.m. $–$$
Penelope was the wife of Odysseus in Greek mythology, a good hint to the type of food you will find at this namesake restaurant. Seafood and meat share the menu with whole sea bass and red snapper grilled to order. Reasonable prices and a wine list that favors Greek selections make it easy to find a choice that will complement your meal.

Pink Pearl Restaurant 207 Queens Quay W., 203-1233. Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; daily 5–11 p.m. $$–$$$
Enjoy the beautiful water view from the Pink Pearl's harborfront location. Pink Pearl does Chinese very well, specializing in Cantonese and Szechuan dishes. Enjoy dim sum style for lunch.

The Real Jerk 709 Queen St. E., 463-6055. Mon.–Thurs. 11:30 a.m.–midnight; Fri. 11:30 a.m.–1 a.m.; Sat. 2 p.m.–1 a.m.; Sun. 3–11 p.m. $
With Bob Marley posters, hand-painted murals, and red, yellow, and green décor, you'll get a taste of the Caribbean. Try the spicy jerk meats, fish, curried goat, or one of eight different kinds of roti. Top it off with Jamaica's Red Stripe beer in a "stubbie" bottle. Then sit back and enjoy the Caribbean pace.

Rivoli 332 Queen St. W., 597-0794. Mon.–Sat. noon–4 p.m.; Mon.–Sat. 6 p.m.–1 a.m. $$-$$$
The Riv, as it is known by regulars, is a nightclub and restaurant. The menu is as diverse as the staff and clientele. The seasonal menu offers an eclectic mix of French, Italian, and Thai influences.

Romagna Mia Osteria Pizzeria 106 Front St. E., 363-8370. Mon.–Fri. noon–2:30 p.m.; Mon.–Sat. 5–11 p.m. $$$
Specializing in northern Italian–style dishes using parm, prosciutto, and basil, Romagna Mia is a refreshing change from the city's mostly southern Italian–style eateries. Excellent pizzas and flatbreads are cooked in a wood-burning oven. Try the award-winning risottos, fantastic desserts, and something from the mostly Italian wine list.

Rosewater Supper Club 19 Toronto St., 214-5888. Mon.–Fri. 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.; Mon.–Sat. 5:30–10 p.m. $$$–$$$$
This is sheer elegance at its best, featuring soft-shell crab when in season and attentive service. The wines tend to be pricey, and side dishes are not always a necessity. With three levels and two private dining rooms, this is a great place to host private parties.

Le Sélect Bistro 328 Queen St. W., 596-6405. Mon.–Thurs. 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–midnight; Sun. 11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. $$$–$$$$
Those familiar with Canadian author Margaret Atwood's works might recognize Le Sélect's hanging breadbaskets. If not, look up to find your bread. One of Queen Street's classiest bistros, this spot offers French cuisine with international flavor, plus one of the most impressive wine lists in the city (over 800 wines).

Spring Rolls by St. Lawrence Market 85 Front St. E., 365-3648. Daily noon–11 p.m. $
As with the original location of Spring Rolls (693 Yonge St.), the new place is popular with the business crowd. There is a lot of seating, including a party room for 70, so don't worry about a long wait. Chinese stir-fry, over 15 varieties of Vietnamese Pho, and, as the name suggests, a variety of spring rolls are all excellent at the reasonable prices charged. Take out is also available.

Sushi Bistro 204 Queen St. W., 971-5315. Mon.–Thurs. noon–2:45 p.m., 5–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. noon–midnight. $$
Another great location for Japanese cuisine in general and sushi in particular, Sushi Bistro offers sushi made with the freshest ingredients for reasonable prices. Those who like to mix it up should try the dinner combos named after Toronto streets.

360 301 Front St. W. (in the CN Tower), 362-5411. Daily 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; daily 4:30–10:30 p.m. $$$$
The rotating restaurant at the top of the CN Tower, perched 1150 feet up in this spire, offers a spectacular view of the city and Lake Ontario. A complete revolution takes 72 minutes, so you should definitely linger over your meal. The globally diverse menu, especially in the appetizer category, is augmented by an exhaustive, award-winning wine list. Certainly the ultimate in 360° dining.

Toulà 1 Harbour Sq. (Westin Harbour Castle Hotel), 777-2002. Daily noon–2:30 p.m., 5:30–10 p.m. $$$–$$$$
Located on the 38th floor of the Westin Harbour Castle with a view of Toronto and Lake Ontario, this formal revolving restaurant's dishes display the flavors of northern Italy, while the mostly Italian wine list is supplemented with Canadian and California selections. Ideal for business, or to catch up with an old conference friend. Be sure to stay for dessert, too.

Tundra 145 Richmond St. W., 860-6800. Mon.–Fri. 6:30–10 a.m.; Sat.–Sun. 6:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Mon.–Fri. 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.; daily 5:30–11 p.m. $$$
Tundra serves all things Canadian, featuring the finest ingredients, from arctic char with Manitoba wild rice cake to dill-cured B.C. salmon to Alberta lamb shanks. Try the pan-seared venison loin or the crispy Cornish game hen. Tundra had a recent facelift to look like a "Canadian theatrical experience."

Young Thailand Restaurant 165 John St., 593-9291. Mon.–Fri. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; daily 5–11 p.m. $–$$
Simply one of the best Thai restaurants in the city. Enjoy flavor-filled dishes in a pleasant, relaxing decor. Try the Pad Thai or the ginger chicken or one of the many vegetarian dishes. Portions are quite generous. The other downtown locations are 81 Church St. (368-1368) and 110 Queen St. E. (981-1399).

BB33 Bistro and Brasserie 33 Gerrard St. W., 585-4319. Daily 7 a.m.–10:30 p.m. $$–$$$
Located in the Delta Chelsea Hotel, this is both a casual brasserie and a more stylish bistro. The new menu features the best of Canadian cuisine—Alberta beef, lobster, Quebec cheese, arctic char. A ten-page wine list covers Canadian wines and features wines from all over the world. A buffet is available in the brasserie. Friendly service makes for an enjoyable experience.

Canoe 66 Wellington St. W. (Toronto-Dominion Tower), 364-0054. Mon.–Fri. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.; Mon.–Fri. 5–10:30 p.m. $$$$
This highly rated restaurant offers a spectacular view of the city from the 54th floor of the Toronto-Dominion Tower. And what is more Canadian than a canoe? Chef Anthony Walsh highlights many Canadian delicacies in his menus, and local wines are featured in the wine list. Of the incredible restaurants to choose from in Toronto, Canoe is one of 15 ranked as "Best for private parties."

Gypsy Co-op 815 Queen St. W., 703-5069. Mon. 6 p.m.–2 a.m.; Tues.–Sat. noon–2 a.m. $–$$
The Gypsy Co-op is a place where you can start, end, or spend your evening. A combination bar, restaurant, lounge, and candy store (!), the never-dull Co-op bustles with energy. The restaurant in front serves a mix of cuisines. Those with a sweet tooth can try the desserts or the many candies on display at the checkout counter. In back, a comfortable lounge has live bands on Friday. The kitchen closes early on occasion, so it is wise to call ahead or have a backup plan.

Mildred Pierce 99 Sudbury St., 588-5695. Mon.–Fri. noon–2 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. daily. $$$
Even if you had lost your sense of taste, a visit to Mildred Pierce would be enjoyable for the décor alone. Stage props and murals extend to its high ceiling. If you come for the food, however, you will be more than impressed with delightful Mediterranean and Italian dishes and fabulous desserts. Give the green eggs and ham brunch special a try.

Verveine 1097 Queen St. E., 405-9906. Wed.–Fri. 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.; Tues.–Sat. 6–10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $$$
A cozy bistro with soft candlelight and shelves of books, Verveine serves European classic cuisine with a modern twist. The seafood dishes are highly recommended. Try the char with green beans or the pan-seared halibut. There also are some delicious vegetarian dishes. Verveine is one of the best spots in the city for brunch

The area around Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street (take a westbound streetcar from St. Patrick subway station) has historically been a starting point for new immigrants establishing themselves in Canada. Years ago the area was popular among Finnish and later Italian immigrants. More recently, it has become North America's second largest Chinatown after San Francisco. Toronto has several other Chinatowns out in the suburbs. The downtown Chinatown is also home to other South Asian cultures, reflected in the area's variety of authentic restaurants.

Lotus Garden 393 Dundas W., 598-1883. Daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m. $
This Buddhist vegetarian restaurant turns tofu and wheat gluten bi-products into faux duck, chicken, and beef. If the "mock meat" dishes are not for you, however, the soups will delight. Also try some of the organic shakes, including mango or avocado. Enjoy great vegetarian dining at very reasonable prices.

Pho Hung 350 Spadina Ave., 593-4274. Daily 9:30 a.m.–11 p.m. $
Both the Spadina Ave. location and the Bloor St. locations of Pho Hung are popular among University of Toronto students owing to their proximity and reasonable prices. Choose from a wide selection of tasty soups (Pho Hung translates as "Hung's Soup") and spring rolls, or try the vermicelli dishes with grilled chicken or beef.

Sang Ho 536 Dundas W., 596-1685. Daily noon–midnight. $$
A classic Cantonese-style seafood restaurant where you can have your dinner straight out of the tank. Expect a wait for dinner, but there are usually fewer people there during lunchtime. Try the shrimp with spring onions or steamed red snapper.

One of the blockbuster movies of last summer was My Big Fat Greek Wedding , filmed in Toronto's neighborhood the Danforth, otherwise known as Greektown. This section of Toronto not only deserves its own web site, www.greektowntoronto.com, but boasts some of the finest Greek experiences outside of Greece itself. Visit Toula's wedding reception hall, Aphrodite's Palace (really Ellas Restaurant and Banquet Hall). In the summer, late hours and live music rule in the area, so be prepared to go late and stay later. To get there, take the subway to Chester and follow the music.

Christina's 492 Danforth Ave., 463-4418. Sun.–Thurs. 10 a.m.–2 a.m.; Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–4 a.m. $$–$$$
The first thing that will strike you is the Wall of Fame: framed photos of Christina's most famous customers, from Alanis Morissette to Tom Hanks. The menu features Greek fish, lamb, and steak as well as fish roe, known in Greek as taramasalata. When calling for reservations, don't forget to ask if there will be any belly dancing performances.

Ellas Restaurant and Banquet Hall 702 Pape Ave., 463-0334. Mon.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.; Fri.–Sun. 11 a.m.–11:30 p.m. $$
Unless you're Greek or speak the language, you'll not know that Ellas is Greek for Greece. And if you're a true vegetarian, stay away! The specialty of the house is lamb, stuffed with cheese and herbs, with a starter of fasolada (white kidney bean soup).

The Friendly Greek 551 Danforth Ave., 469-8422. Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–1 a.m.; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–4 am. $
The Friendly Greek certainly lives up to its name through its beautiful Mediterranean decor. The friendly service and fabulous Greek and Cypriot food have kept us coming back to the area time and again, if only for the tzatziki and souvlaki. As one of the restaurants featured by Toronto Life magazine as part of the $25 Gourmet, it is definitely worth the trip.

Pappa's Grill 440 Danforth Ave., 469-9595. Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–midnight; Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–1 a.m. $–$$
Enjoy the food prepared by Stefnose Goitom, an Ethiopian chef who lived and cooked in Greece for six years. The more adventurous (read: spicy!) can try the tirokafteri, a dip made with hot banana peppers and feta cheese. Or, for less spice but just as much drama, try the saganaki, kefalotiri cheese flambéed with the Greek aperitif Ouzo. Opa!

For those interested in catching glimpses of television and movie personalities in town filming in what is nicknamed Hollywood North, there are a few likely spots to bump into one or two stars. Be forewarned that these restaurants are probably not for those dining on a budget, but, hey, that's the price for eating with the rich and famous!

Avalon 270 Adelaide St. W., 979-9918. Wed.–Thurs. noon–2:30 p.m.; Mon.–Thurs. 5:30–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 5:30–11 p.m. $$$$
Considered by many to be Toronto's best restaurant, Avalon is popular among celebrities. The frequently changing menu is filled with never-mundane creations based on what is seasonal in southern Ontario. Save room for some of the best desserts in Toronto.

Bistro 990 Restaurant 990 Bay St., 921-9990. Mon.–Fri. noon–3 p.m.; Mon.–Sat. 5:30–11 p.m. $$$–$$$$
Add a touch of Bay Street to a classic French cottage, and you've got a warm, upscale Bistro that happens to be another popular celebrity hangout. Start out with pâté, escargots, fricassee de champignons, or deep-fried calamari with a spicy yogurt sauce. For main courses, the bistro's beef dishes are among the best as is the rack of lamb. Choose from over 150 wines.

Sassafraz 100 Cumberland St., 964-2222. Daily 10 a.m.–2 a.m. $$$–$$$$
Sassafraz claims to be the place "where the stars dine." With a mix of California, French, and Italian styles, there is something here for everyone. Seafood is popular, including mussels, breaded tiger shrimp, and the purple-crusted salmon with lemon couscous and beurre blanc. The vegetarian risotto is also recommended.

The Bloor/Yorkville area of Toronto (take the subway to Bay Station) is a fabulous place for shopping, dining, or just taking a stroll. If you are in the area, finish off your dinner with a trip to Greg's Ice Cream (200 Bloor St. W. at Bedford) for the city's best scoop.

Café Nervosa 75 Yorkville Ave., 961 4642. Daily 8:30 a.m.–11 p.m. $–$$
Inside this yellow two-story Victorian you will find friendly servers who are the bearers of good Italian food, including thin-crust pizza topped with salami, artichokes, and spinach, or gilled salmon and lemon. An alternate choice is the health-conscious pasta. The desserts are a must, paired with one of the many caffeinated delights that are in keeping with the name of the place.

La Pêcherie 133 Yorkville Ave., 926-9545. Daily 9 a.m.–2 a.m. $$–$$$
If you're a seafood fan, then La Pêcherie will not disappoint. Part of the Mövenpick family, La Pêcherie is known for its blue tuna, mahi mahi, and mackerel roasted with ginger. As with many of its sister restaurants, one must test the wide range of ice cream selections before heading back to the hotel for the evening.

Le Trou Normand 90 Yorkville Ave., 967-5956. Mon.–Sat. noon–3 p.m.; Mon.–Thurs. 6–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat. 6–11 p.m. $$–$$$
Featuring a Gallic menu and romantic décor suitable for intimate dining and conversation, this lovely restaurant offers a variety of traditional specialties, including foie gras, garlic-infused escargots, and tempting veal medallions. Wine selections are plentiful, with a number of French reds. The pièces de résistance are the desserts, including a wonderful tarte aux pommes (apple pie).