624172 Mon Jun 01 09:03:54 -0700 2009 50 23 Ontario (including Toronto) 0 4732333 Just wondering what are your favourite restaurants in the Bloor West/ High Park area? Mon Jun 01 09:03:54 -0700 2009 13222 sway 1 4732653 creme de la creme for brunch. Momiji for sushi Vibo for italian Patisserie st Honores for danishes Mon Jun 01 10:44:03 -0700 2009 4732333 266127 chillihigh 1 4733621 I have been to, and actively disliked, the Firkin (what a surprise) and Dr. Generosity. The Griffin is passable if you want a burger and a beer. Shakey's was fine. Probably loads of fun when it's busy. The only place I can remember really enjoying is the Dark Horse pub. They have a big difference between their A team and their B team. The A team has done brilliant pad thai, and splendid blackened salmon caesar. The B team wasn't a colossal failure, but simply okay with some bungles that should have been caught by the servers. I don't know what the trick is to catch the A team. Their patio in summer is heaven. Mon Jun 01 15:24:46 -0700 2009 4732333 66183 svanegmond 1 4734253 I personally really like Dr. Generosity for brunch. The Yellow Griffin is good for a huge and interesting burger, but definitely a bit of a dive inside and it can take forever to get a burger when it is busy. Momiji in the Kingsway Village is my fave sushi place. It's not exactly BW but it is just a bit further west on Bloor. I also really like Henry VIII Ale House which is also in the Kingsway Village. http://www.henryviiialehouse.com/Home_Page.php http://www.drgenerosity.com/ http://www.yellowgriffinpub.com/ Mon Jun 01 19:09:26 -0700 2009 4732333 292953 Toronto Chower 2 4737654 Agree with all the above. I also dig Hot Oven bakery for bread-y things. Tue Jun 02 20:07:21 -0700 2009 4734253 10681 piccola 3 4739140 Absolutely agree about Hot Oven bakery - we buy all of our bread there. (One caveat, their 'Montreal bagels' are not from Montreal, but are priced as if they are.) We like the whole wheat and the all grain loaves the best. Also the olive bread is amazing - can't recall the name of it at the moment. Sway, thanks for giving me the go ahead to try Pho Huong again. Looking forward to it. LTL Pho Ga Bahn Cuon is a tad too far for us to consider for a walk down the street kind of meal. One day when we feel like biking or driving we'll make it a destination - thanks for the rec. We're also interested in trying the Stockyards BBQ place out that way... Anybody been to Boo Radley's on Dupont? We've been meaning to go there too - love the name. Wed Jun 03 10:41:37 -0700 2009 4737654 70075 tochipotle 1 4734319 My wife and I LOVE the perogies at Amber European (just west of Bloor Jane) Mon Jun 01 19:26:37 -0700 2009 4732333 16797 bogie 1 4735222 I think Dr. Generosity's has consistent pretty good food. It will not blow you away, but it's pretty good. It is very much a family restaurant. Bryden's at Jane is also good for pub food and excellent beer prices - much better than Shakey's IMHO. I would pass on Griffin. Takes forever, it's expensive and really, once you get past the gimmick, it's not all that great. Queen's Pasta can sometimes have some good specials. Unfortunately, I don't find my own neighbourhood to be a dining 'destination'. If I didn't live there, I really don't think I would go out of my way to get there... Tue Jun 02 07:13:24 -0700 2009 4732333 70075 tochipotle 2 4735463 Thanks for your suggestions so far. I've been to Dr. Generosity's for brunch and dinner. I was impressed by brunch, but dinner was pretty mediocre, including very fishy tasting calamari, but decent trout. I moved to the Junction about 8 months ago, and have developed a bad habit of not leaving the block.. It's so easy when you can walk to dinner. We thought we'd try to branch out to Bloor West last Sunday, but Yumi was closed so we (of course) ended up back on Dundas again...desperately trying to break free! Thanks! Tue Jun 02 08:31:04 -0700 2009 4735222 13222 sway 3 4735541 sway - what are you enjoying on Dundas? Tue Jun 02 08:51:39 -0700 2009 4735463 70075 tochipotle 1 4735646 I'm commenting on everywhere I can walk to from my place at High Park and Bloor: There's a new Pho (or rather a revived) place on Pacific and Dundas. They do super flour rolls with grilled pork. Breakfast and meat related dinner dishes - The Purple Onion on Dundas at High Park Sunset Grill is good for early risers. Consistent. Wonderful Colombian "Los Arrieros" 276 Jane Street (Jane & Annette) - for chicken soup (Sundays) or Oxtail Suop(Saturday) and their wonderful empanadas Sharky's is average but has a great patio. Queen's Pasta is one of my favourites - the serve is super friendly and the food is always good. Sushi Villa has good sushi - for good prices. Also offer brown rice (actually red rice). I also really like Henry VIII Ale House which is also in the Kingsway Village. (not really walkable) Tue Jun 02 09:16:12 -0700 2009 4732333 110411 tweeze 2 4735691 Tweeze - I've been to the Pho place before it was 'revived' and found it to be really lacking. I didn't try the flour rolls tho. Do you know if the menu has changed/improved? I'm hesitant to go back if it's the same old food with a paint job, but would love decent Vietnamese in the neighbourhood. Tue Jun 02 09:30:18 -0700 2009 4735646 70075 tochipotle 3 4735912 Have you tried Pho Ga Banh Cuon (just east of St. Clair/Runnymede)? Their pho is mediocre, but the banh cuon is amazing. Tue Jun 02 10:30:43 -0700 2009 4735691 101799 LTL 3 4736105 Tochipotle, you should go back for sure! We are there once or twice a week. It used to be Pho Tri ki mi (sp) now it's Pho Huong. I haven't tried the rolls, but I always get pho #1 (the one that comes with everything) or the pork bone and crab claw noodle soup. It's new owners, new menu and new recipes. We went to the old place 3 times and decided the broth was flavourless and portions stingy. It's much better now. That being said, most of the vietnamese people I've asked say the restaurant at Keele and Wilson in the plaza with the Metro is better, but they also say Pho Huong is the best one in the area. Besides that, we like Curry Twist and North of Bombay for Indian. I love the whole tamerind red snapper at Young Thailand and the noodles and rice dishes at Friendly Thai. Bronosauraus Burgers is good for burgers, but their poutine was a bit disappointing. Espresso Mi Vida has awesome breakfasts and mouthwatering tamales, but they only open until 6pm and they get their empandas from Jumbo Empanadas. The Beet also serves tasty organice food, but they seem to run out of a lot of their items. I've been there about 5 times and each time they didn't have at least one item that we ordered...but what they have is really good! Tue Jun 02 11:23:56 -0700 2009 4735691 13222 sway 4 4738581 I've always meant to try Curry Twist. Any recs on hits/misses? Wed Jun 03 07:52:42 -0700 2009 4736105 101799 LTL 5 4738731 my buddy who eats out a TON says the best indian he's had in TO is at North of Bombay... On the BWV tip though, i'm a fan of Falafel King, heard Amber is excellent, and love Bronto Burger (when i'm into eating that type of thing) For thai BAAN thai on Dundas has been superb, but i've found unfortunately is kinda hit and miss... Wed Jun 03 08:40:32 -0700 2009 4738581 16234 dannyboy 6 4738878 I too prefer North of Bombay to Curry Twist, but my SO disagrees, so we frequent both. At CT, the chicken korma special was decent, but I thought the chicken was a bit dry. The butter chicken is also not bad. I found Baan Thai a bit greasy when I visited, I should give it another try, but love the food at Friendly Thai and the fish at Young Thailand, so haven't been so motivated... We'll definitely give Amber and Vibo a try, can't wait to hit Bloor West this weekend with your recommendations! Wed Jun 03 09:24:30 -0700 2009 4738731 13222 sway 6 4739356 Will have to try North of Bombay then! Thanks for the rec Wed Jun 03 11:35:47 -0700 2009 4738731 101799 LTL 7 4739437 Another plus regarding N. of Bombay was that they delivered, not sure if they still do. Always enjoyed the food. Wed Jun 03 11:53:11 -0700 2009 4739356 20965 damonster 8 4739497 Yep, they deliver. I think we've been there twice when they said they were so rammed with deliveries, they couldn't accomodate us for dine-in. Same with Friendly Thai. Wed Jun 03 12:12:48 -0700 2009 4739437 13222 sway 9 4739550 North of Bombay is one of favourite Indian places. They used to be further east on Dundas and more of a take out and delivery place - the eat in section lacked a lot to be desired. I actually think the food was better when they operated like this but I still rank it top of list for Indian in Toronto. Wed Jun 03 12:23:42 -0700 2009 4739497 231361 ksapd 9 4739748 is Friendly Thai better than Baan Thai? Wed Jun 03 13:24:58 -0700 2009 4739497 16234 dannyboy 5 4977501 I prefer Curry Twist. Their eggplant dish is really good. Tue Aug 25 16:31:07 -0700 2009 4738581 149096 blue bike 2 4736929 I also love Queen's Pasta and Sushi Villa. Tue Jun 02 15:14:38 -0700 2009 4735646 250245 Sarah Cat 2 4740463 Yeah, I second the "Los Arrieros" recommendation - fantastic, hearty, home-cooking!! Good luck trying to leave that place hungry! Wed Jun 03 17:09:15 -0700 2009 4735646 71837 redearth 1 4735749 If you're willing to venture over to Roncesvalles, you'll find some better options. - Thai Chef is stand-out - The Intersteer has moved a couple doors, clearly hired someone smart in the kitchen, and has a very spiffy art-deco coffin interior. - Blue Moon Bay, mauritius cuisine, never tried it - Cafe Polonez is very easy to enjoy Tue Jun 02 09:47:52 -0700 2009 4732333 66183 svanegmond 2 4736110 Thanks Svanegmond... I'm usually very adventurous, but for whenever we go to Roncesvalles, we always go to Chopin for their amazing tripe soup. They have awesome everything, even their cherry struedel is mouthwatering...but in the interest of moving out of our comfort zone, I will drag my SO to new experiences! Tue Jun 02 11:26:20 -0700 2009 4735749 13222 sway 2 4803987 I grew up in the Ronces/High Park neighbourhood. Cafe Polonez was always a fave but last year hubby and I were thinking of somewhere different to go for dinner and Polonez came to mind, had been a few years since we were last there. We were a bit disappointed. It seems as though they're under new management, though I'm not sure. I know they did renovations but a lot is different since the good ol' days of going there. Portions seem smaller. Asked for fried mushrooms on the side and we both thought they were using canned button mushrooms. In the past you'd get a nice plate of perfectly seared, very tasty sliced mushrooms. I had the liver and it was over-cooked and full of grizzle. Hubby had the schnitzel which we always used to get. It was a very small portion compared to what it used to be like. I have heard the stuffed potatoe pancake is yummy so maybe we'll go back and give it another try. Wed Jun 24 21:09:20 -0700 2009 4735749 1086946 angelATheart 1 4739489 been a few years since I have been but the pizza place on Dundas at High Park - Vesuvios. Any one been recently that can confirm that is still good? Wed Jun 03 12:11:10 -0700 2009 4732333 231361 ksapd 2 4739744 My highly scientific evidence *read: walking the dog on recycling day* consistently proves that it is the delivery of choice for our area. We had it delivered once about a year ago, and didn't love it. Wed Jun 03 13:23:51 -0700 2009 4739489 70075 tochipotle 3 4739772 I personally love the pizza at Vesuvio's, but my neighbours have said they didn't think much of it. I LOVE the fried calamari there, surprisingly good! The pasta was pretty good, but I usually get the pizza. The entrees (salmon, chicken, veal) are nothing to write home about though, on the bland side. Service is usually sub-par, once the server was outright rude and mocking. Wed Jun 03 13:31:28 -0700 2009 4739744 13222 sway 4 4740409 I adore Vesuvio's pizza! It's my absolute favourite in the neighbourhood. Wed Jun 03 16:49:57 -0700 2009 4739772 250245 Sarah Cat 5 4740456 I always order from Capi's now - i think it's better than Vesuvio's... Wed Jun 03 17:07:32 -0700 2009 4740409 16234 dannyboy 1 4740767 I love the beet. Their food is delicious. But they are only open for dinner Thursday through Saturday. On Roncesvalles, Brad's is great and Tintos! Wed Jun 03 19:08:27 -0700 2009 4732333 100739 ocean 2 4752276 Roncesvalles has much better options in my opinion. The breakfast at Mitzi's (at Pearson and Sorauren) is the best in the city. And their coffee is so strong and delicious that I often stop there before work in the morning for a cup of java. Cherry Bomb also has good strong coffee and fabulous baked goods. Ice cream at The Film Buff is spectacular. Brad's is great, but a little awkward. Loons has a beautiful back patio and yummy nachos. Tinto has great food. I've heard rave reviews of The Dizzy, Boho and Silver Spoon. Bloor West and High Park have a lot of catching up to do! I lived there for years and was never as excited about chow as I am in Roncy! Mon Jun 08 06:27:24 -0700 2009 4740767 250245 Sarah Cat 3 4752985 Rents have always been an issue in Bloor West Village -- too high. Junction is more modest, and Roncesvalles is in-between. From BWV -- Sushi Villa, Bloom, Falafel World From Junction - Pho Huong, Young Thailand, Curry Twist From Roncesvalles - River (bargain), Brad's, Buddha Dog, Queen of Tarts Mon Jun 08 09:50:09 -0700 2009 4752276 75084 Dean Tudor 4 4764012 Buddha Dog?! You've got to be kidding! I'm absolutely shocked that they're still in business, considering how crappy and overpriced their product is. Thu Jun 11 12:33:17 -0700 2009 4752985 71837 redearth 4 4764324 River has good food but awkward service. I don't think I'd go back. Thu Jun 11 13:58:38 -0700 2009 4752985 250245 Sarah Cat 4 4768533 Bloom is our current favourite in BWV. They are under new ownership (since last winter I think?) and they are trying very hard. The food is great and the service is really good. Fri Jun 12 19:20:48 -0700 2009 4752985 104584 Karieann 5 4805037 Ah, really? May have to give them another go. Previous ownership left lots to be desired. Thu Jun 25 08:22:04 -0700 2009 4768533 53671 Davedigger 6 4983471 I tried Bloom's recently and it was very good. ( Ihadn't been in years and last time didn't impress me)Their cocktails were amazing...the descriptions were quite amusing! I would say Bloom is somewhat upscale for BWV ........in case people are looking for something more casual...this place isn't , IMO . I'd go back. The service was excellent. Thu Aug 27 13:01:13 -0700 2009 4805037 219019 froglegs 5 4975306 Bloom is definately a great addition to BWV. I also like Yumi for Japanese food. The best places for bar-type food are Bryden's and Dark Horse. Sunday brunch: Dr. Generosity There is also a new thai place closer to Jane, which I haven't tried but is on my list. Tue Aug 25 06:32:22 -0700 2009 4768533 27348 Hondapendragon 1 4805077 I've only been to Queen's Pasta but I like it. I don't love it but in my opinion its better than the Rocco's on Islington. I have been to Rocco's more than 5 times over the past few years and I've never liked it that much. I so want to give it a chance as it is in my neighbourhood but I prefer the pastas at Queen's Pasta. Thu Jun 25 08:35:05 -0700 2009 4732333 69499 TOchowgal 2 4805090 I agree that QP is much better than Rocco's. I tend to stick with the specials at QP rather than the regular menu items though. Thu Jun 25 08:38:47 -0700 2009 4805077 53671 Davedigger 3 4983618 QP's black and white pasta is a standard for my wife Thu Aug 27 13:49:14 -0700 2009 4805090 83358 gegtik 1 4974449 Anyone try High Park Kebob House (Bloor & HIgh PArk Av) ? Mon Aug 24 18:52:30 -0700 2009 4732333 84272 5andman 2 4977496 Don't bother. Very slow service although there were only two tables occupied. They only had one pop and one beer from the menu. Food is just OK. Tue Aug 25 16:30:04 -0700 2009 4974449 149096 blue bike 1 4985057 Has anyone been to Bloom recently? How was the food and service? Fri Aug 28 05:33:50 -0700 2009 4732333 69499 TOchowgal 2 4986588 Was there for dinner recently - service was extremely slow and the food was less than desirable. There are so many better options in TO. Fri Aug 28 13:07:59 -0700 2009 4985057 11667 cutehinano 1 4987149 A few places that have been overlooked: - Simply Thai - great veggie rolls and peanut beef curry - The Spicy House - Best Indian in the area. Fantastic Butter chicken - Cool hand of a Girl - The avocado parmesan sandwich is amazing Fri Aug 28 16:27:29 -0700 2009 4732333 1105361 mortsog 2 4988511 Not to nitpick, but isn't Cool Hand technically in the Junction? Sat Aug 29 10:52:49 -0700 2009 4987149 10681 piccola