Need a T.O. restaurant - cool vibe, great food, 4 can eat/drink for $400 or under

[T.O. Diner]

I'm a bit tired of our 'usual haunts', as good as they are - Rosebud, Czehoski, Eight Wine Bar, Colborne Lane (when the budget is less of an issue). I miss the Town Grill! Any help appreciated.

[electra1]

How about Forte at Richmond and University? Went last night was $400 for 4 people and that includes apps/mains/dessert or cheese for everyone, 2 bottles of wine and 4 after dinner drinks. Food was great, service was great, cool space and easy to get to on the subway. Went to Loire the night before, similar price to Forte, food wasn't as good in my opinion (it was still good, but I enjoyed Forte more) and defintiely not a "cool" atmosphere.

[T.O. Diner]

LOL, I probably walked by and saw your table last night on the way back to my office! I don't recall what used to be in that space, but my colleague and I were thinking we'd have to try it, so great to have the recco.

[JennaBean]

I've been to Forte twice since they openned and each time I had a great meal and a great service experience. I can't say enough about the soup dumplings.

[Rabbit]

Nyood might be another good option... especially if you're in the neighbourhood tonight. Short ribs are great, so are the winter vegetables (I know veggies sound blah, but these are not), and the lemon brulee bombe is fab. You might have to be a bit mindful of budget, but it's a great spot.

Would Torito be too casual??

[LemonLauren]

second Harbord Room!!!

or Coquine, but it's a bit...."uptown".

[cheapncheerful]

Pizza Libretto- definitely within your price range, delicious and would be good for sharing.
It was full tonight, but Foxley was empty, so you could try one and if it's full, head to the other.

[T.O. Diner]

Given the overwhelming response on Harbord Room, tried to book but they were full - great for them, not so good for me :-) But we'll definitely try them another night. And we're likely to head to Oddfellows for at least a drink tonight - their website is too intriguing *not* to try them out! Keep the suggestions coming - you're expanding my selection of TO restaurants every day!

[Muffin__Top]

How about Oddfellows?

[ChalkBoy]

Black Hoof, please.

[Sui_Mai]

Second Black Hoof. Effortlessly cool.
Delux
Cowbell (maybe not as cool but totally worth it)
Oddfellows

[peppermint pate]

Harbord Room or Torito. Maybe also L'Unita and Delux.

[jamesm]

Harbord Room or Foxleys seem to be in your wheelhouse.

[satoorisme]

second vote for Foxley!

[linguini]

Heard some good things about Loire Casual Gourmet, on Harbord. Write up in the globe about it. Good prices, great wine list. Want to check it out myself.

-----
Loire
119 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S, CA

[HelloClarice]

I've been to Loire a few times and have really enjoyed myself, but I'm afraid it may not fit the "cool vibe" requirement.

jamesm's suggestions (both excellent picks) might be better.

I have a thing going for Cava right now, so I'll throw that in to the mix.