Winterlicious 2009

Senses

328 Wellington Street West, Toronto, M5V 3T4,

PlanetEye Guide

Sassafraz

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Recently mentioned in Winterlicious 2010

Rosewater Supper Club

19 Toronto Street, Toronto, M5C 2R1,

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Romagna Mia Osteria Pizzeria

106 Front Street East, Toronto, M5A 1E1,

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Reds Bistro & Wine Bar

77 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, M5X 1B1,

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Quince

2110 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M4S 2A5

PlanetEye Guide

Filmed for the television show “Opening Soon”, the restaurant’s beginnings were all caught on film. Open for dinner seven days a week and for lunch, this Mediterranean bistro features food from the grill and wood-burning oven -- items such as roasted quail, baked European sea bass and an extensive appetizer list. Private dining is available for parties of up to 40 people or cocktail receptions/parties for up to 70.

Pure Spirits

55 Mill Street, Toronto, ON, CA

PlanetEye Guide

The resto will be open until 3 a.m. (via Toronto.com)Pure Spirits Oyster House and Grill is in the Historic Distillery district and this beautiful Edwardian Victorian structure turned into a restaurant is an artistic property on the interior as well as the exterior. The restaurant seats about a 100 guests inside and another 120 on the outdoor patio which is adjacent to one of the largest summer beer gardens in Toronto. It specializes in dishes well prepared from fresh seafood. Pure Spirits always serves oysters from both coasts, France and the U.S.A. Our wines and cocktails are well paired with our style of cuisine. Casual dining attire is always required. Service standards are excellent and fast whether one is visiting the spa, the theatre or even the art galleries which are within a five minute walk of the restaurant. This restaurant exudes a great vibe and great energy that is in limbo with the heartbeat of Toronto. This is definitely one of the must visit spots of the city.

Provence Delices

12 Amelia Street, Toronto, ON, M4X1E1

PlanetEye Guide

Nestled in Toronto's charming Cabbagetown, the restaurant evokes the south of France with bright yellows, aromatic herbs, lush trees and white-paned doors that open out to a streetscape patio. An extensive wine list complements an authentic French menu. There's also a vegetarian option and prix-fixe menus. Open for lunch, dinner and brunch on weekends.

Prime Steakhouse

18 St. Thomas St., Toronto, ON

PlanetEye Guide

Located in the Windsor Arms Hotel, in the heart of Yorkville, Prime steakhouse offers steak and wine pairings served in an opulent atmosphere. On the menu is certified, dry-aged Kobe and organic beef and lamb from Colorado Coleman Farms, prepared by chef Stephen Ricci in an 1800 degree infrared steak broiler. The wine cellar houses an array of classic wines from all over the world including a $14,000 bottle of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac 1918. Built in 1927, the Windsor Arms became synonymous with luxury and exquisite service. Closed in 1991, developer George Friedmann bought the property in 1995 and restored the old and elegant Windsor Arms while incorporating new fixtures, modern conveniences and grand condominium residences. Officially designated a historic property, the Neo-Gothic original exterior underwent reconstruction with the original stained glass and entrance way now complemented by pointed arches and a crenellated parapet.

Prego Della Piazza

150 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 2X9

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Positano Restaurante Pizzeria

633 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, M4S2M9

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Hungry pizza pie pursuers in Leslieville often head to Positano for their gourmet pizza fix. The trattoria features a selection of ten pastas, and six different pizzas, with a lengthy list of specials. From the extensive wine list, diners can choose a house wine that ranges from $24 to $170 a bottle. Positano participates in the bring your own wine promotion, with an additional corkage fee from $15 to $20. Dinner for two runs $115 including a bottle of house wine, taxes and tip

Peter Pan Bistro

373 Queen Street West, Toronto, M5V 2A4,

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Pangaea Restaurant

1221 Bay Street, Toronto, Toronto, M5R 3P5,

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Paese Ristorante

3827 Bathurst St., Downsview, ON, M3H3N1, CANADA

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Ouzeri

500A Danforth Avenue, Toronto, M4K 1P6,

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Oliver & Bonacini Cafe & Grill

2901 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON, M2K 1E6, Canada

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North 44?

2537 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M4P2H9, CANADA

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Noce

875 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON, M6J1G5, CANADA

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Myth

417 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4K 1P1

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Monsoon Restaurant & Lounge

100 Simcoe St., Toronto, ON, M5H3G2, CANADA

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Mistura

265 Davenport Road, Toronto, M5R 1J9,

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Millie's Bistro & Gourmet Market

1980 Rd Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5M 4A4

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Mildred's Temple Kitchen

85 Hanna Ave., Toronto, ON, M6K 3S3

PlanetEye Guide

The new Mildred in Liberty Village is the perfect package. It's one of the city's most beautiful restos with a smart menu to boot -- popular faves like chicken biryani and profiteroles are still kicking around as is the brunch menu west-end foodies have come to know and love over the past 17 years. The Temple Kitchen is much bigger (this one seats 110, the old one only 65)and backs onto the railroad tracks where diners can get a full view of the trains going by but can’t hear them. That, coupled with a capable staff, a massive open kitchen, creamy white industrial chic interior and quite possibly the cushiest seats in town make it a top 10 fave of the year. Like the old space, Mildred is pretty hidden so you might want to bring along clear instructions and a map.

Midi Bistro

168 McCaul Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1W4

PlanetEye Guide

The utterly unassuming, 28-seat room is a refreshing change from the de rigueur beige and brown, and stainless styles of today, with enough charm to evoke memories from a visit to France. The bistro, with a capacity for 30, combines a mix of Mediterranean and French bistro cuisine, with chef and owner Pascal Vernhes at the helm creating classic, authentic and homemade meals. There's also a good selection of wines, mainly from the Languedoc and Rhone Valley. The bistro is located on McCaul Street a few steps from the AGO and south of Baldwin Street. Dinner for two runs around $100.

Metropolitan Restaurant Bar

20 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, M5C2N8

PlanetEye Guide

The Met caters to the after-five martini set as well as Bay Street's white-collar workers. Menu items include gourmet salads, pastas, panini, chicken, beef and seafood dishes. Open for lunch and dinner. Available for private functions and reservations are recommended.

Matignon Restaurant Francais

51 Saint Nicholas St, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4Y 1W6

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Maro

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Recently mentioned in Our Lady Peace, Hedley, k-os, and 700 more at CMF 2010

Marcel's Bistro & Lounge

315 King Street West, Toronto, ON, M5V1J5

PlanetEye Guide

Situated above the more casual Saint Tropez, Marcel's serves authentic southern French cooking, not an Americanized version with trendy ingredients. Popular items include pan-fried venison loin with wild cranberries and peppercorn sauce, and bouillabaisse-style fresh fish and seafood stew. Bright, airy, with large mirrors listing daily specials, this restaurant (not strictly speaking a bistro) has lovely grace notes like linen napkins and fresh flowers at each table. Soft classical music wafts overhead, and a huge painting of the French countryside dominates one wall. "Casual chic," is how the maitre d' describes it, which is the perfect setting for expense account lunches or a romantic evening rendez-vous.

Lone Star Texas Grill

200 Front Street West, Toronto, ON, M5V3K2

PlanetEye Guide

Originally established in Ottawa by a homesick Texan, Lone Star Texas Grill promises the freshest of meals and great southern hospitality. Offering a wide variety of meals that would make anyone salivate, patrons can choose from several menu items including steaks, fajitas, and ribs. For the kids, the iconic Bronco Billy is the bovine sheriff at the grill, making sure kids get their fill of Texas as well. There are four Lone Star Grills in the GTA, covering Pickering, Richmond Hill, Etobicoke and downtown Toronto.

Lolita's Lust

513 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, M4K 1P5,

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Little Anthony's Restaurant

121 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5H 2K1

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Le Trou Normand

90 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5R1B9

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Specializing in cuisine from Normandy, Provence, Le Trou Normand has a reputation for quality French cuisine. Regulars from in and out-of-town come back to this Toronto institution to feast on its classic dishes. Apples recur on the menu, reflecting Normandy's plenitude of this biblical fruit. Besides the quaint patio, three small rooms house cozy, candlelit tables where patrons can linger over last drops of red wine.--Laura Kosterski

Lai Toh Heen

692 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, M4S 2N3

PlanetEye Guide

The uptown sister of the successful upscale Chinese dining room Lai Wah Heen in the Metropolitan Hotel, has opened in what used to be Square on the Mount Pleasant strip just south of Eglinton. With a room that harkens back to 1930s Shanghai, it’s a lovely space with exquisite table settings -- heavy, curved silverware, red charger plates swirled with the restaurant’s stylized koi-silhouette logo, art deco-inspired silver chopstick holders, starched white linen and expensive stemless glassware from Riedel’s trendy O collection. The menu is a compact book that showcases executive chef John Kwan’s skills, along with dim sum chef Raymond Fung.

La Maquette

111 King Street East, Toronto, ON, M5C1G6

PlanetEye Guide

This historical landmark overlooks the sculpture garden and is the perfect setting to enjoy, a romantic multi-course meal or an elegantly catered special event.

La Fenice

319 King Street West, Toronto, ON, M5V1J5

PlanetEye Guide

Named for the famous opera house in Venice, this elegant Italian restaurant is something to sing about. Soothing salmon-colored walls are lined with colorful landscapes. Tasteful lighting creates a romantic, calm atmosphere, so you don't look twice as the occasional celebrity slinks by amidst the business types, theatre goers and occasional tourist. The acclaimed cuisine features an authentic Italian menu. Sipping an Italian wine from the extensive list, you can hear soft jazz or classical music in the background, as well as the melodic Italian of the staff, completing the Venetian experience. A private room in the basement provides an intimate and confident space that seats up to 40. Many of these private parties are of a business nature, to celebrate a deal made or healthy year-end results.

La Bruschetta

1317 St Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON, M6E1C2

PlanetEye Guide

Tucked away on bustling St. Clair West, La Bruschetta is a family-run restaurant that has been in business for close to 20 years. Before you're even seated, you're given a complimentary plate of to-die-for bruschetta to tide you over. In this friendly, relaxed atmosphere, start with an appetizer--soup, grilled seafood; move on to one of the homemade pastas, veal dishes, polenta, seafood or one of the daily specials. The staff is so accommodating, the chef will gladly whip up something that's not on the menu. Finish off with a homemade Tiramisu.

Kit Kat Italian Bar & Grill

297 King St W, Toronto, M5V 1J5,

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Jump Café and Bar

18 Wellington Street West, Toronto, M5L 1G4, Canada

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Spectacular downtown drink-then-dine spot in the heart of the city, attracting a dashing office crowd for early evening cocktails. Look up through the atrium and you're surrounded by skyscrapers; look out through the glass wall and there's a flowering courtyard (though it's only open May to September.) For the rest of the year we suggest you warm your hands over whiskeys and manhattans in the mahogany-lined lounge.

Joy Bistro

884 Queen St. E., Toronto, ON, M4M 1J3

PlanetEye Guide

Situated in the southern border of Riverdale and Leslieville, Joy Bistro is a cozy resto overlooking Jimmy Simpson Park. Popular with young urbanites, the bistro is lavish, decorated with crystal chandeliers, a fireplace and velvet settees.

Joey Bravo's Italian Restaurant

4505 Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough, ON, M1S1V3

PlanetEye Guide

Serving up Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, Joey Bravo's is warm and relaxed with an extensive wine list available. Private room available for parties of up to 32 people.

Joe Maggiano's Italian Steakhouse & Bar

2450 Sheppard Avenue East, North York, ON, M2J1X1

PlanetEye Guide

The casual North York restaurant and bar offers an array of sandwiches, steaks, pizzas, seafood dishes and desserts. Exec chef Brad Scully is at the helm of the kitchen. Catering and takeout.

Joe Badali's

156 Front Street West, Toronto, ,

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Jaaadu Restaurant

1415 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M4T 1Y7, CA

PlanetEye Guide

Jaaadu Restaurant has a wide and spacious Dining room with modern, stylish and very sophisticated ambiance. We have a full bar, and a reasonably priced wine list. Our authentic Indian cuisine is beautifully authentic...Your eyes will eat first! Jaaadu is committed to giving you a memorable dining experience every time you visit.

Il Posto Restaurant

148 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5R 1C2

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Horizons Night Club

301 Front St W, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5V 2T6

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Hemispheres Restaurant Bistro

110 Chestnut Street, Toronto, M5G 1R3,

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Grand Chinese Cuisine

655 Dixon Road, toronto, ON, M9W 1J3

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Enjoy traditional Dim Sum without having to leave your hotel. Grand Chinese Cuisine offers a variety of yummy delicacies for lunch or dinner in its elegant dining room, located right inside the Doubletree by Hilton - Toronto Airport.

Gossip Restaurant

50 Prince Edward Island Crescent

PlanetEye Guide

The fine-dining restaurant has a mostly Mediterranean menu with dishes like baby calamari, braised short ribs, mussels arabiatta, and an array of pizzas on the menu. Available for private functions

Globe Bistro

124 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ,

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Fred's Not Here

321 King Street West, Toronto, ,

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Four

199 bay, Toronto, ,

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Flow Restaurant & Lounge

133 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1C4

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Located in the heart of Bloor/Yorkville, close to major hotels and world class shopping. Flow features Continental Cuisine, in a progressive North American style with service that is smart, professional and courteous. Internationally recognized design firm ii by iv has used elements of glass, wood and Italian ceramic tile to produce an ambiance that is both warm and inviting. A two level dining room with floor to ceiling tinted windows accommodates 150 people. Private dining rooms for groups of 10-80. A 60 seat wrap around patio affords the perfect view of Yorkville’s passing parade.

Five Doors North

2088 Yonge St, Toronto, ,

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Fat Cat

376 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5N 1X7

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Offers you an exciting, creative menu, an extensive wine list, and an atmosphere that is subdued and stimulating.

Far Niente

187 Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5L 1G5, Canada

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Era Ora Ristorante

137 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON, M5R2H7

PlanetEye Guide

The classic Italian eatery serves up pasta in a primo neighbourhood. The Tuscan-themed restaurant is decorated in sandy stuccos and accented by rose-coloured curtains. Menu items include antipasti, insalate, zuppa, contorni, pasta, polenta al forno, insalata Era Ora, vitello al Barolo, tagliatelle paglia e fieno, risotto al salmone, and galetto al rosemarino.

Epic at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel

100 Front St. W, Toronto, ON, M5J 1E3, Canada

PlanetEye Guide

The Fairmont Royal York is one of the few hotels in Toronto that competes with the best that North America has to offer. Now, after a $125 million facelift, that's more true than ever before. And although not the first to lead the way, the Fairmont Royal York's Epic is a grand addition. At most places, you're lucky to get the attention of one waiter; here you'd be considered unlucky to have only five catering to your every whim. And while at times you feel somewhat over-serviced, it's comforting to know that at these prices you are being tended to. Chances are, Epic will become a "special occasion" destination for local foodies who can afford it.

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Edward Levesque's Kitchen

1290 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON, M4L1C4

PlanetEye Guide

This trendy diner has taken red booths, checkered tablecloths and a diner-style menu to new heights. At first glance, items such as creamy mac and cheese, spiced apple cider and lamb pie might make you think you're ordering from a greasy spoon. However, take a closer look and you'll see that this home-style cooking is as classy as the grub at a first-class café. Even the New York Times has taken note of their sleek dining room and warm décor. Menu specials change by the day and breakfast is served up all day. A fresh squeezed juice menu has a unique twist, featuring juices from wilder fruits such as guava, mango, blood orange and the healthy pomegranate. The kitchen is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Reservations are recommended for dinner; brunch is first come, first served

Edo Restaurant

359 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5N 1A3

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Drake Hotel Dining Room

1150 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M6J1J3

PlanetEye Guide

Back from eight years in the food meccas of New York and San Francisco, exec chef Anthony Rose brings to the Drake his love of world cuisine and food experimentation. Once a railway hostel on the edge of town, the Drake Hotel has undergone a $6 million facelift to transform it into one of the sleekest joints in town. Located on Queen St. W. amongst an array of trendy shops and hip art galleries, the Drake is home away from home for the creatively inclined. Complete with 19 crash pads, a European-influenced lounge, raw sushi bar, neighbourhood cafe, licensed rooftop patio, restaurant and last, but not least -- The Underground, a lower level entertainment space designed to work with, not against its mix of performing artists, visual artists and live musicians.

Czehoski Restaurant

678 Queen St. W.

PlanetEye Guide

Who'd have thought the site of a former butcher shop could pack enough cool to move the "new" Queen West east, far from the madding crowds of the Drake and Gladstone Hotels? Czehoski's is part homage to a business that started 66 years ago, part balancing act that juggles all the right elements a restaurant must in order to survive, with food that's interesting enough to intrigue with enough classic fare for familiarity.

Crush Wine Bar

455 King St. W., Toronto, ON, M5V1K4, CANADA

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Courtyard Cafe at The Windsor Arms

18 St. Thomas St., Toronto, ON, M5S3E7

PlanetEye Guide

This is a place with a wine list that includes a 1918 Chateau Mouton Rothschild Pauillac priced a dizzying $14,000. Fluted wood columns as wide as sequoias stretch to meet a ceiling that's 75 ft. high if an inch. From a giant steel-tethered chandelier and stunning mural to large, well-appointed semi-circular banquettes, everything about this place reeks of luxury.

College Street Bar

574 College St., Toronto, ,

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Coco Lezzone Grill & Porto Bar

602 College Street, Toronto, M6G 1B4,

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City Grill

220 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5B 2H1

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Circle Fine Thai Cuisine

5 & 6-1521 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M4T1Z2

PlanetEye Guide

Circle Fine Thai Cuisine offers Thai-inspired recipes such as tiger shrimps, black bean and basil mussels, Thai fish cakes and more. Start with spicy lemongrass soups and move on to famous dishes such as Mango Fish, Circle Thai Lobster and Rack of Lamb. Located at Yonge and St. Clair, it's open for lunch and dinner.

Chez Victor

30 Mercer Street, Toronto, ON, M5V 1H3, Canada

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Centro Restaurant & Lounge

2472 Yonge Street, Toronto, M4P 2H5,

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Canyon Creek Chophouse

156 Front Street West, Toronto, ON, M5J2L6

PlanetEye Guide

The word steakhouse does not even begin to describe the atmosphere of Canyon Creek, located in the thick of all the best attractions in downtown Toronto. There are also four other locations across Southern Ontario. Featured on the menu are cuts of pepper-crusted veal chop, sirloin, New York steak, lamb chops, pork chop and prime rib. While dining, listen to the sounds of the classic crooners, big band and classic jazz. Done in the style of a Cordilleran atmosphere, fully equipped with timbers, stone facades and leather interior, patrons will get the feeling they are in the Alpine regions of British Columbia.

Cantine Bistro & Bar

138 Avenue Road, Toronto, ON, M5R2H6

PlanetEye Guide

Located around the flower market strip of Designer's Walk, Cantine focuses on a menu made up of the tried-and-true: salads, pasta, pizza, steak, and chicken. The trick with such a menu is to do the familiar and the simple -- and do it well. Take bread. It's made on the premises. Herb-flecked, salty-crusted focaccia makes for compulsive eating. Save room and exert discipline. It would be a mistake to do otherwise.

Canoe Restaurant + Bar

Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, 66 W. Wellington St., 54th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5K1H6, CANADA

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The Sultan's Tent

49 Front Street East, Toronto, M5E 1B3,

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Caju

922 Queen Street West, Toronto, On M6J1G6

PlanetEye Guide

The "Brazilian" menu could do with more South American authenticity, but Jatoba cherrywood floors from Brazil, tables topped with Indonesian plywood and granite bar countertops make it a hip and happening spot with all the design details demanded by today's A-listees. This Brazilian restaurant's service also gets an A, as a warm, genuine welcome is replicated by servers who are not only good-humoured, but bang-on accommodating.

Cafe California

538 Church St, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4Y 2E1

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Byzantium

499 church street, Toronto, ,

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Bymark

66 Wellington St West, Toronto, ,

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Bravi Ristorante

40 Wellington St E, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5E 1C7

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The Boiler House

55 Mill St., Toronto, ON, M5A 3C4, CA

PlanetEye Guide

The patio is open with last call at 2 a.m. A DJ will be spinning as well. (via Toronto.com)"The Boiler House restaurants offers a succulent Contemporary Canadian menu within a breathtaking industrial chic setting. The restaurant's award winning design includes an incredible 22-foot wine rack, intimate private room and hand crafted heavy timber tables. A noted cultural, entertainment and culinary destination, The Boiler House offers European designed patios in the summer and accommodates parties up to 700 guests."

Boho Bistro

392 Roncesvalles Avenue, Toronto, ON, M6R2M9

PlanetEye Guide

This Roncesvalles eatery is open for brunch and dinner, with a tasty kids menu. Enjoy spicy grilled calamari with a creamy garlic sauce, pan seared rainbow trout, pine nut pork chops, grilled bison top sirloin and vegetarian dishes. On-site cooking classes are available for $100, including your meal.

Bodega Restaurant

30 Baldwin St, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5T 1L3

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Bite Me!

609 King St. W., Toronto, ON

PlanetEye Guide

Chef Marc Thuet along with wife and partner Biana Zorich have turned popular Thuet Restaurant into Bite Me! The newly named resto has a more approachable menu with items available at a lower price scale. All mains are under $30 and all appetizers under $17. There's a four-course tasting menu that changes daily, served on platters. The popular five-course tasting menu is still available by reservation only. Open for lunch and dinner as well as brunch on Sundays. Reservations recommended.

Bistro 990

990 Bay Street, Toronto, M5S 3A8,

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Big Daddy's Crabshack & Oyster Bar

212 King Street West, Toronto, ON, M5H1K5

PlanetEye Guide

Located in the theatre district, Big Daddy's is a perfect place for a casual dinner before seeing a show. This Louisiana style eatery is a great escape from winter's chill with hints of the American south adorning the restaurant. Get ready for spice with the Cajun and Creole menu featuring all types of seafood with lots of heat. Big Daddy's is available for private parties and special events.

Biff's

4 Front St W, Toronto, ON

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Biagio Ristorante

155 King St E, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5C 1G9

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Benihana Japanese Restaurant

100 Front St. West, Toronto, ON, M5J1E3

PlanetEye Guide

Benihana, which, incidentally, means red flower, is situated in the Royal York Hotel, and has been for years. The upscale Japanese steakhouse includes a sushi bar, a robata grill, sake specials, and, of course, teppanyaki tables. It specializes in steak and seafood cooked by a chef at your "cooking-table." Remember how your mother always told you to keep your elbows off the table? Well, you won't need reminding here; the tables get pretty hot. The restaurant serves many tourists and locals for dinner. Check out the lounge while waiting for your table. And, do make reservations in advance.

Bella Vista Trattoria & Wine Bar

660 College Street, Toronto, ON, M6G1B8

PlanetEye Guide

A family-owned and operated restaurant is not a particularly novel business idea. But how about a family-built one, as in with their own hands? Owners of Little Italy's Bella Vista may have had Neue Design consult on their recently opened trattoria, but it was family blood, sweat, and tears that laboured to get the job done. Is it any wonder that it took two years to unveil. Being just an olive's throw away from the main drag of the hood's hipper hub, Bella Vista is right up their on the trendy scale. But while it may have the look to draw in the see-and-be-seen set, there is a stronger sense that this was unintentional. The emphasis here is on traditional Italian dining and the menu drives that point home.

PlanetEye Guide

Bb33 Bistro and Brasserie

3 Gerrard Street West, Toronto, ON, M5G1Z4

PlanetEye Guide

The corporate environment of this recently renovated hotel, the largest one in Canada, is warmed up superb service by waiters who free themselves for and dote on every whim. In the bistro, salt crust bread baskets cradle thick breadsticks, crisp lavash and soft biscuits, all brought in from Shasha. All things Canadian is what this place is about. And this kitchen serves both the bistro and brasserie, the vision is more revealing in items on the elegant bistro menu, divided in four categories: traditional, organic, seasonal and exotic.

Barootes Restaurant & Bar

220 King St W, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5H 1K4

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Bar Italia

582 College Street, Toronto, ON, M6G1B3

PlanetEye Guide

Nestled amongst the jumpin' College Street restaurant drag, Bar Italia, at seven years old, has almost achieved granddaddy status on this tree-lined and festive strip that welcomes families and loungers. Italian cuisine is '90s style with entrees changing all the time. Count on the sandwiches. The second floor rocks with live jazz, and R&B.

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Autogrill

495 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5N 1A7

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Auberge du Pommier

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Recently mentioned in Winterlicious 2010

Atelier Thuet

155-171 East Liberty Street, Ste. 155, Toronto, ON, M6K3P6

PlanetEye Guide

Atelier" means workshop in French -- and with the long list of items available at Atelier Thuet, Alsatian Chef Thuet and his wife, Biana, are keeping a quick pace of preparation at this workshop which offers fine quality meats, sausages, Euro-style charcuterie, traditionally prepared jams, preserves and more. Biodegradable and recyclable packaging and containers will be used to create an environmentally friendly atmosphere.

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Amaya's Bread Bar

3305 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON

PlanetEye Guide

Sister to Amaya the Indian Room on Bayview, the Bread Bar is a more casual and affordable space. Menu items include masala grilled sea scallops, butter chicken, cornish hen korma and beef vindaloo. Reservations recommended.

Amaya The Indian Room

701 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4G 3C1

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Alize Restaurant

2459 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M4P2H6

PlanetEye Guide

Located in the trendy Yonge & Eglinton neighbourhood, in the heart of North Toronto, Alize's menu offers up an eclectic range of Franco-Italian cuisine and other Mediterranean dishes. Enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner in an intimate, environment with warm, friendly service. For those who wish to dine at home, ask for the take-out menu. Prix fixe options are also available

Alice Fazooli's Italian Grill

294 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5V 1P6

PlanetEye Guide

Open Sunday-Wednesday, 11:30am to 1:00am. Thursday-Saturday, 11:30am-2:00am.At Alice Fazooli's we promise... Innovative Inspired Italian Cuisine – The heart of our restaurant is the kitchen. Our team's dedication to great food begins with the commitment of incorporating only the finest ingredients, along with expert preparation for each dish. We strive to create new flavours for classic Italian dishes, while recommending wines that are perfectly matched to your dining experience. Complete Indulgence – We treat you as if you are our only guest. We remember your name, know your favorites, respect your privacy and celebrate your special occasions. Try anything on the menu and if you're not impressed with it, let us know and we'll find something that will satisfy.

Across The Road Restaurant

679 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, M4S2N2

PlanetEye Guide

Across the Road has been serving its market well, catering to the upper middle class meat-and-potatoes set who crave the food they grew up with -- but up a notch. Indeed, by 8 p.m. on a Monday night no less, the place is so packed, regulars are actually sitting at the bar, a rather unadorned nook that looks more like a large server station. Appropriately, service is very attentive.

Acquolina Ristorante

579 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, M4S2M5

PlanetEye Guide

Midtown Toronto is the home of cozy Italian eatery Acquolina. Located in Leaside, the restaurant is a casual spot to dine. The moderately priced locale offers authentic homemade Italian featuring menu items such as beef ravioli, arugula salad, veal scaloppini and lamb chop. The restaurant also features a decent wine list, crème brûlée and tiramisu

Acqua Italian Mediterranean Ristorante

10 Front St. West,Toronto, ON, M5J2T3

PlanetEye Guide

Where the New Age meets nouvelle cuisine, this exceptionally stylish upscale restaurant has a waterfall and a small river running through the dining room. Did anybody say Venice? These liquid details make for a relaxing and luxurious dining experience, particularly when complemented by the visually stunning and scrumptious haute Italian cuisine. The menu changes with every season. Top off your meal with a shot from the stunning collection of grappas, the Italian eau-de-vie. Acqua is minutes from many of Toronto's live theatres and picks up the pre- and apres-theatre crowd. Lunch time packs a business crowd power punch.

93 Harbord

93 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON, M5S1G4

PlanetEye Guide

The reasonably priced Annex restaurant serves Middle Eastern and North African dishes, including vegetarian and halal meals.

7 Numbers Danforth

307 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4K1N7

PlanetEye Guide

Seven Numbers serves Italian meals in the heart of Greektown. Menu items include traditional antipasti, pastas and meat dishes like lamb shank, duck and fresh tuna.

5th Elementt Fine Dining & Lounge

1033 Bay Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3A5

PlanetEye Guide

Official Hospitality Partner of Toronto International Film Festival Group is a single level restaurant and lounge specializing in Fusion food with special emphasis on Italian and Indian cuisines. The restaurant’s trendy menu is the creation of Chef Johnee S. who brings years of experience from New York City’s fine dining scene. 5th Elementt is known to come up with interesting menus.

1055 Plakutta Restaurant

1055 Yonge Street, toronto ontario

PlanetEye Guide

The upscale resto and bar in Rosedale has a continental menu, two private dining rooms and offers off-site catering.