Advice: Birthday dinner for 2?

[Hondapendragon]

Hello everyone,

My birthday is coming up and I wanted to enjoy a nice dinner with my boyfriend. Last year, he surprised me with a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake and an amazing dinner at Strewn. This year, we need to save some money!

I was hoping that you guys could suggest some places for me. I'm thinking along the lines of a hidden gem. I love being outside, so something with a pretty patio would be perfect. Great food, nice wine list and good value.

By the way, my boyfriend doesn't eat seafood (shellfish). And we're not into Summerlicious (I love the Anti-licious thread!). Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[Snarf]

Lolo on Yonge has a 25$ prix fixe, and is very good. For a true romantic patio, Grano on Yonge has a fantastic one. Also in the area and the price range is Quince.

Could also try 93 Harbord, or Table 17 in Leslieville.

[KayceeK]

I see someone already beat me to the punch in suggesting the Niagara Street Cafe. They have a patio, the quality of the food is outstanding with a changing menu, and the price is most definitely right.

[peppermint pate]

Lots of good rec's already. I would also add Grace Restaurant on College - they have a lovely interior courtyard patio. Plus, if the weather doesn't cooperate (as in almost every day this week!), it's a very pretty room inside. The prices are quite reasonable. If you want a livelier vibe, Torito has a great "hidden" patio out back - very romantic to share tapas and sangria.

[Julie McCoy]

For good food and nice patios, I would offer up Boulevard Cafe on Harbord and Julie's Cuban on Dovercourt.

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Boulevard Cafe
161 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S1H1, CA

Julie's Cuban
202 Dovercourt Rd, Toronto, ON M6J3C8, CA

[Recyclor]

Niagara St Cafe would fit quite well; great food with well selected wines, patio and very well priced...

[Hondapendragon]

All are great suggestions so far... although I think that Provence and Bodega are in the lead with their prix fixe menus.

[Googs]

How about Bodega on Baldwin? It seems to cover all of your bases.
http://www.bodegarestaurant.com/

[OnDaGo]

I always found that little french bistro in yorkville behind the four seasons to be romantic and fairly in expensive. beautiful patio with fountain inside looks like you are dining under teh eiffel tower and the patio is like a sidewalk in Paris.. too bad I forget the name of the place :-)

You can watch all the rich and wannabe famous stroll by...

[Hondapendragon]

HAHAHA!... ya.. that's what I want to do on my birthday... stare enviously at all the rich people.
Although the patio sounds great.

Many many *many* years ago (another boyfriend.. another lifetime ago...) I had dinner at Citron. A lovely little place on Queen near Bathurst (I believe). Beautiful patio. It looked like a dream. I'm trying to find a place like that.

[OnDaGo]

I don't eny the rich people in Yorkville I laugh at them... :-)

How about Provence in Cabbagetown? - "Serves authentic French cuisine, includes a vegetarian entree and prix fixe menus. They also have an extensive wine menu. Provence evokes the south of France with bright yellows, aromatic herbs, lush trees and white paned doors that open out to a steetside patio. "

[EarlyDrive]

We tried out Harbord Room last Friday and reaaally enjoyed it. We shared the rabbit and pork pate for an appetizer. I then had the Ontario pickerel and my date had the steak frites. Very nicely prepared food, seasonal ingredients, reasonably priced. And a lovely patio out back. I would highly recommend it.

[pinkprimp]

I second the Harbord Room. Lovely space and REALLY great cocktails!