Baldwin Street

[yummyyum]

I happened to go by Baldwin last night and realized that I haven't been in the neighbourhood in years. What are your recommendations for a friend's birthday coming up?

[spigot]

I think Baldwin's overrated - there's such a diversity of restaurants in such a small space, it gives the illusion of endless, excellent choice. But really, most of the food is pretty average.

Having said that, I have a soft spot for the Gaffe.

But really, I'd skip it and walk a few blocks to Bellevue Diner; it beats the pants off Baldwin. Except on weekends, when I believe the Bellevue's main chef works somewhere else.

[Tboy]

I second Caffe Le Gaffe - less stuffy that La Bodega, and great food. Midi is also excellent. Their lamb and mussels are fantastic :)

[Romana]

I also think Midi is a great place with good food, pleasant service and good prices. The quiches, open face sandwiches and salads are all great.

[Zengarden]

Has anyone been to Midi for lunch? Is it worth going to?

[Romana]

IMO Midi is definately worth it. You can get a quiche and salad and frites for about $10. They always have quiche lorraine and a veggie quiche and sometimes a daily special quiche of the day. It is usually filled at lunch time and I have always enjoyed my lunches there. I recommend it....

[Zengarden]

Do they have items other than quiche? Just looked at the menu online and it does not look extensive at lunch time.

[tartetatin]

Around the corner from Baldwin on McCaul is a nice little french bistro called Midi - nice atmosphere and food and very reasonably priced. I don't know how many will be in your party - it is a fairly cozy, romantic place.

[Romana]

I work in the area and frequent Baldwin street often. In my opinion the best restaurants are:

La Bodega
Matahari
Caffe La Gaffe

I also like Fujiyama but I don't think it is a great spot to celebrate a birthday.

Bocca used to be good, especially in the summer with the great corner patio but last time I went everything was awful.....food, service, wait time....

[childofthestorm]

Konnichiwa for excellent ramen and decent sushi would be a good choice, as would Wah Sing for 2-for-1 stir-fried lobster.

[FlavoursGal]

Matahari Grill is a Malaysian restaurant that we've been going to for a number of years. The food is very good, although the prices have risen quite a bit in the past couple of years.

[ascendance]

Crap. And I didn't think Matahari was a good deal 10 years ago. But I guess you're spoiled for Malaysian food when you actually come from Malaysia.