Inexpensive French restaurants in Toronto?

[Lambchop]

Any suggestions of an inexpensive french restaurant? I've been to Pony but they're out of my way.

When $$ is a non-issue, I like to go to Herbs or Trappers in North York.

[ebina49]

second on Jules. Really simple decor. Pale yellow falls and light wood tables. Semi-open kitchen. Nice service, however, and great (although simple!) food. Crepes, quiches and salads mostly in the 10-12 range - served with salad, soup or fries. Also, desserts/coffee.

[balthazar]

Third on Jules. Wonderful food, excellent prices, and the nicest owner & service. Jules now has a sister bakery, on Mt. Pleasant Road near Davisville, too (croissants, baguettes, pastries, etc. but also with sandwiches, quiches (both eat in & take out)).

[Cereal Killer]

Arlequin is NOT the same, unfortunately. Another great, inexpensive French place that most people walk right by is Jules at Spadina and Queen. It's on the East side of Spadina, South of Queen. They are not open late though.

Jules Restaurant Tarterie
147 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON M5V 2L7
[phone]

[Food Tourist]

Had lunch at Jules last week -- their frites may well be the best in the GTA! Really perfect. They also serve SP Limonata, which is my favourite "pop" so that gets them a bonus point. However, the steak part of the steak frites was disappointing. First time out, the steak was overcooked (I ordered medium-rare to rare but received well done); the second try, it came rare but was unimpressive. For some reason, the server (who is prone to winking a lot) told me that the steak would be "thick" but it was quite thin (as is usual for steak frites). My companions gave their quiche lorraine and club sandwiches good, but not excellent, reviews. Lunch for 3 including pop and coffee came to $50. They were "out" of asparagus crepes that day, unfortunately.

[gourmaniac]

A couple of years ago, we were taken by a French woman to a very nice bistro on Avenue Road called Harlequin IIRC. It was very good and inexpensive.

[peppermint pate]

I think you mean Arlequin on Avenue south of Davenport? I agree that it used to be a classic neighbourhood bistro - solid, reliable, good value - but they changed ownership a couple of years back and I'm not sure if it's been the same since. If I were in that neighbourhood, I'd head over to Le Paradis instead.

[gourmaniac]

Yes, that's it and thanks for the update. I'm an out of towner (Boston) and you've saved me from revisiting it and being disappointed.

[benyyz]

Hands down, the best bang for your buck is at Provence Delices (Parliament and Amelia in Cabbagetown).

They offer a credible steak frites for only $15 - and some fabulous starters (seared tuna on avocado salad or grape tomatoes with julienned celeriac in remoulade...sigh).
We've never spent more than $100 before tax with wine and 3 courses.

Is there better French in the city? Undoubtedly. But I can't think of better value...

[Avid Rita]

Recently had fine bistro fare at Le Select Bistro on Wellington. Link: www.leselect.com. My husband enjoyed his choucroute garnie ($25) and my bouillabaisse was garlicky and briny and seafood not overcooked, yum ($27). Entrees are in the $20 to $30 range. Good wine list, also nice cheese selections after dinner. Service was excellent, and the dining room was lovely-- but we preferred eating outside on the patio.

[artificialard]

Second le Select - mostly excellent service, nice decor, and just very good food. Has the bistro thing down, steak frites, cassoulet, duck confit, etc.

[josamania]

A really good French bistro at an awesome price will have to be Batifole - the best French restaurant in Chinatown!!! They have a prix fix menu with lots of choices. Their bread is exceptional.

http://www.batifole.ca/

[rsvp7777]

Love Batifole too, but it's closed for renovations until Friday Aug. 11 according to a sign on the door.

[Juniper]

You need to clarify your question a bit. You mention restaurants in North York as being favourites, and you say that Pony (on College) is out of your way. So when you say you're looking for inexpensive French restaurants in "Toronto", can I assume that you mean ones that are not in downtown Toronto, but in the Mega-City, preferably in North York?

[Lambchop]

Juniper, I live in North East of the GTA so College & Bathurst is kind of out of my way. Honestly I'm open with any suggestions as long as food is good and not too expensive. I've been to Le Paradis and Pony. In terms of food, I prefer Le Paradis over Pony.

[mtampoya]

There is La Bodega in Baldwin Village which I don't think is too expensive, as well as Midi Bistro on McCaul which is fantastic!
www.mishsplayground.com

[peppermint pate]

Le Paradis or La Palette (though I must say that my most recent meal at La Palette was pretty mediocre and the service was just odd).