reasonable Toronto restaurants

[simmowen]

We will be visiting Toronto, and staying downtown. Would like recommendations for reasonable (entrees under $20) restaurants either downtown or accessible via subway. Any recommendations for Little Italy? Ethnic restaurants preferred.

[AzulH]

Sidecar in little Italy, do a search on this board, many mentions.
We returned to Sage West yesterday and had another ecletic but very worthwhile dinner.
see http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6028... for more views of this new spot.

[num nums]

simmowen, where are you visiting from?

here are some places i've recently enjoyed that may fit your bill:

caplansky's: if you're not from montreal, then this will provide something quite unique. the raison d'etre here is smoked meat sandwiches, but also have great soup and poutine. lot's of recent posts. just note that it is inside a tavern, so it's very casual. definitely not italian, but right in little italy.

tokyo kitchen: if you're from somewhere that doesn't have a huge japanese community, then this will be a treat. they specialize in home-style cooked japanese food, although they do have some sushi items. they recently renovated and the space is very pleasant. it's a short walk from bloor station.

harlem: if you're from a city that doesn't have great soul food, then you must try this place. their entrees hover around $20, but you definitely won't feel short changed with the ample portions of southern comfort food with a slight modern twist.

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Harlem
67 Richmond St E, Toronto, ON M5C1N9, CA

Caplansky's
356 College Street, Toronto, ON M6J, CA

Tokyo Kitchen
20 Charles St E, Toronto, ON M4Y1T1, CA

[WWanderer]

Serra, in the Annex on Bloor St., a few minutes west of Spadina subway station is very nice somewhat upscale bistro Italian.

[AzulH]

Mixed views on Serra
see: - http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/5765...

[T Long]

Bistro Camino - 5-10 minute walk from Main Station - search this site for overwhelmingly positive reviews.

[simmowen]

thanks!

[LemonLauren]

a short list:

Utopia on College - little Italy, but not Italian - yummy burritos and burgers, great sweet potato fries

Kalendar on College - hit and miss, but nice vibe, pizzas and pastas are great

Butler's Pantry on Markham (bathurst subway)- very eclectic menu, very heart fare, very affordable, not super-ambient, but nice student vibe

Insomnia on Bloor (At Bathurst) - great laid back lounge vibe with surprisingly yummy food, bistro ish, some international flavours and the city's best crab cakes IMHO

MEzzetta - not super-accessible - streecar or bus, but the city's sleeper hit for Med/Middle Easter small plates

I am sure there are others, but this is a start.

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Insomnia
563 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S1Y6, CA

Utopia
586 College St, Toronto, ON M6G1B3, CA

Butler's Pantry
591 Markham St, Toronto, ON M6G2L7, CA

Kalendar
546 College St, Toronto, ON M6G1B1, CA

[simmowen]

Thanks! Will check these out.

[morefoodplz]

Kalendar is a definite miss for me: indifferent service, and strange fusion menu. I didn't order the pasta, but my companions didn't indicate that it was much better than anywhere else.