Anniversary Dinner

[mamaD]

Looking for a nice restaurant, good food, not a "scene" doesn't have to be hip, just has to be good, honest, fresh yummy food. Something memorable, romantic. Two babies at home, we don't get out much. I'm allergic to fish, so any place too fishy is out. We love different flavours, lamb, poultry, pasta, things that are different, not same old same old. Somewhere in the GTA, nothing too suburban
Help me chowhounds.

Thanks!

[Connoisseur]

Vincent's Spot is in Scarborough. by the lake and the Bluffs Very cozy very romantic a diamond in the rough. Guaranteed to be a fantastic dining experience.
Outstanding! I have visited this restaurant many times. It is my favorite
You will not find a better meal in this city for this price!

[estufarian]

I'll add Linda's to the list.
This is upscale Thai food (e.g. duck breast in red curry sauce; soft-shell crab; even foie gras) all in a Bistro setting. And you choose your own level of spicing. Tablecloths and liveried servers.
Admittedly the entrance (through the Salad King downstairs) is anything but romantic, but upstairs is an oasis.

[jcanncuk]

What about Habitat on Queen W? Intersting food, not too $$, and lovely amosphere. I would also rec. George.

[spigot]

Habitat is more expensive than it used to be and has VERY hit-and-miss service. Also, it's not particularly romantic.

I've never visited Rosebud on Queen; maybe those who have could chime in? Strikes me it might work.

And of course as always I'll proselytize on behalf of Pony on College: cozy, quiet, kind, attentive, and lovely food.

[wilmagrace]

Where exactly is Pony and what kind of food, price range, do you have any favourite dishes...

[estragon]

College and Palmerston: http://www.ponyrestaurant.com/

[spigot]

Duck quesadilla, cod and char are great. I think I've had good lamb there too.

It's a modest neighbourhood place -it's no Scaramouche, and it's not trendy- but I've always left happy :-)

[TorontoJo]

Re: Rosebud. I love it, but I'm not sure it qualifies on the 'memorable, romantic' criteria. It is a wonderful place for dinner, though.

[estragon]

If you're willing to spend the money and want to get a great night view of the city, Canoe is one of the most romantic spots in town, with fantastic views. Auberge du Pommier is also a lovely place in winter, in more or less the same price range.

Less expensive but also great for a date is La Palette in Kensington Market, but since a staffing change in the kitchen a few months back, there have been some negative reviews on Chowhound.

[kasey j miller]

FYI - Canoe is not open on the weekends. Wish it was, I love it there.

[orangewasabi]

Auberge du Pommier is very romantic, good food too. And they'll take care of you if they know it is a special occasion.

Perhaps too suburban, being at York Mills & Yonge? But easy to park at, if you're driving.

[88GK]

Id choose Mistura over Auberge Du Pommier hands down.

[TorontoJo]

And after dinner at Mistura, you can go upstairs to the Sopra Lounge to listen to live jazz and have dessert or an apres dinner drink.

[mamaD]

On some friends suggestions we are considering Lolita's Lust or Mistura. Mistura's site doesn't have any prices listed is it crazy expensive? Any thoughts?

[todc1996]

haven't been to lolita's lust in years (since jonny k sold) so can't comment....it's definitely a very funky space and the food used to be good and fairly priced....haven't heard anything about it for ages....mistura is constistently excellent but the prices are definitely high.

[sherry f]

Mistura is great, but it is definitely a "scene" and is pricey. I am not blown away by Lolita's Lust, nor is it a romantic atmosphere.

[spigot]

Agreed re LL. It's more "edgy" than romantic, and better suited to groups than couples IMO.

I second kasey j miller upthread who recommended Scaramouche, if you feel inclined to splash out a bit. GENIUS service: you will be cossetted and leave happy.

[todc1996]

sounds like amuse bouche (on tecumseh) or corner house (on davenport) would both fit the bill....both romantic with excellent food and not 'sceney'.

[orangewasabi]

I haven't been to the corner house in ages -- what's the food like now? it was pretty banal when I was there, though the setting is romantic.

[estragon]

Corner House food is better than under the previous ownership - honest, properly made, but I can't say it's super-memorable.

[sherry f]

We love Sapori on the north side of Yonge, north of Lawrence. Wonderful Italian food and great wine list. The bread with the roasted garlic is fantastic, lots of non-fish options. Hopefully, Lawrence avenue is not too burby.

Another lovely place is Il Mulino on the north side of Eglinton, about three blocks east of the Allen. Great Italian food, lots of choice, and again a wonderful wine list.

I have not tried Chris Macdonald's new resto, but saw something recently in the Globe (I think). We absolutely adored Avalon, his old haunt on John Street downtown. Any hounds been there?

Happy Anniversary!

[AmandaEd]

Good call on Cava - MacDonald's new place. Really exceptional food and a wide variety of tastes! Not incredibly romantic, though, more of a hip wine bar feel. Still, it would have my vote. That or Batifole. That resto's top of my list!

[kasey j miller]

I second both Saporit and Il Mulion - both are excellecnt choices. Another good choice, but much more expensive, is Scaramouche. Ask for a table with a view. Corner House used to be a favourite of mine but I find their service has gone way downhill, the last 2 times I was there they asked me to leave so they could use the table for another party. I wont be going back any time soon.

[ognir]

I ate at Sapori recently and thought it was mediocre at best.