Suggestions for restaurants around Yonge/Eglinton

[rapsrealm]

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for some restaurants around the Yonge/Eglinton area? I was thinking of Zucca but apparently its closed until September, so what else is good in the area?

[choc chip]

try Balsamico - great food not too expensive & basic wine list. trying hard to get established

[Ediblethoughts]

Any good veggie or seafood pastas? (I'm frustrated that their online menu doesn't reflect their current menu--which I understand does have pastas.)

[lamaranthe]

It all depends on what you have in mind? Romantic? Sports bar?

[Yum2MyTum]

Hi lamaranthe - I actually revived this thread recently asking specifically about brunch locales. It's me and a good friend of mine, and we're looking for good food for good value, a warm/pretty venue, and friendly service.

[Valaekin]

Mandarin is pretty nice... It's a little pricey because it's a buffet and all, but 20$ for everything- if you can cart some home doesn't sound so horrible!

[Boodah]

Positano near Mt. Pleasant/Soudan.

http://www.positanorestaurant.ca

[Yum2MyTum]

Any suggestions for brunch in this area? Thanks in advance!

[auberginegal]

Le Gourmand on Yonge, south of Eglinton has brunch, my friend really likes their ricotta pancakes, i think i had an eggs benny there awhile back and it was fine. service was a tad slow, but friendly.

[Yum2MyTum]

Thanks so much auberginegal. I think this place would actually be perfect for our purposes. Cheers!

[Ediblethoughts]

La Vecchya and Amore both do brunch. And I'm sure it will reflect badly on me to say it, but I love the buckwheat pancakes at Golden Griddle!

[Yum2MyTum]

Ediblethoughts - thanks! Honestly I used to LOVE the Golden Griddle but haven't been back in ages. I'll definitely report back, regardless of where I go.

[Ediblethoughts]

It's not on the menu but I always ask for buckwheat with blueberry. I can't find that kind of pancake anywhere else in in the city!

[Googs]

I haven't had the brunch there yet, but I've enjoyed every dinner at Jaipur Grille including last night's.
http://www.jaipurgrille.com/brunch

I wouldn't eat at La Vecchia again if they comped it and sent a limo for me. Never!

-----
Jaipur Grille
2066 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4S2A3, CA

[lamaranthe]

La Vecchia 2405A Yonge St. Tel: [phone]
Menu and prices : lavecchia.ca

[Snarf]

With the price range you're in, you might enjoy Chimichanga. Nice homemade salsas, very fresh ingredients. Another thought would be Lolo, which I think does a $25 prix fixe.

[Fulloholes]

Also check out Coquine - http://www.coquinerestaurant.com/

We've had a number of good meals there, and the atmosphere and service are top notch.
If you want to go a little bit east, there are some great restaurants on Mt. Pleasant. For dessert, I'd strongly recommend Il Gelaterie at the corner of Mt. Pleasant and Hillsdale Ave.

[rapsrealm]

I wouldn't mind going down to Mt. Pleasant. Coquine looks very interesting as well.

[sloweater]

There are some great options on Mt. Pleasant. Phoebe's for seafood, Mogette and Simple Bistro for casual french, and Celestin for higher end french. You can head over to Il Gelatiere for dessert afterward.

[LemonLauren]

I love Coquine! though i should say it is a bit loud on a busy friday or saturday, never been there on a sunday.

[rapsrealm]

I ended up going to Coquine last night. It was quite busy at about 7ish. I got a lamb chop appetizer, wild-mushroom filled ravioli and the creme brulee. Overall it was a good meal the chop was tender and cooked to perfection, I found the ravioli good as well but felt the butter sauce overpowered the dish and the creme brulee was excellent as well. My GF got the Penne Pomodoro which was honestly quite bland and she said the pasta was a bit undercooked. Overall though the meal was pleasant!

[TorontoJo]

That sounds like my experiences with Coquine. I actually love the atmosphere (and the bartender is good), but the food is generally only ok. Never had a bad meal, but it's never as good as I want/expect it to be (especially for the price point). Glad you had a good time.

[jlunar]

My vote is for 5 Doors North. Though it can be noisy.

[Sannie_2]

I also really enjoy 5 Doors North! I had an amazing grilled salmon last year. It was cooked perfectly! It wasn't overcooked and flaky at all. I do have to agree with jlunar though, it can definitely be noisy.

[torontofoodiegirl]

Not sure sxactly what you have in mind, but Quince is excellent.

[rapsrealm]

Don't have anything too particular in mind. Would like the meal to come in around 50-60 total (usually for two entrees, two desserts). Copacabana is a bit too expensive and my gf won't eat that much meat. We like Italian, Indian, Chinese, maybe some French as well. In terms of dietary restrictions I don't eat beef and she doesn't eat seafood.

[TorontoJo]

Do you mean 50-60 for both of you? If that's the case, then Quince will likely be out of your desired range. Tabule would definitely work, though, if you like Middle Eastern food. I'm pretty sure 5 Doors North would fit the bill, as well.

[rapsrealm]

I checked out Quince it seems reasonably priced, we could get away with 50-60 before taxes/tip since we'll most likely order water and have no appetizers or split dessert depending on how big the entree portions are.

[TorontoJo]

Gotcha -- Quince is a lovely spot for dinner. Enjoy!

[rapsrealm]

Just gave Quince a call unfortunately they are closed on Sunday which is when i'm going to be in that area.

[apple_pie]

I second Tabule! Not too meat heavy, lots of veggie options and the chicken is great as well, so you'll both be able to find something you like.

[Ediblethoughts]

Tabule and 5 Doors are my two Go-To places in that stretch. We go back to one or the other every few weeks. I also agree with the post below re Chimichanga--good Toronto take on Mexican food.

[LemonLauren]

recently have not enjoyed 5 Doors North, they have gone really downhill. very plebian main dishes.

[Ediblethoughts]

I guess it all comes down to what you order. When we were there several weeks ago, we enjoyed our pasta, risotto, salmon (main) and veggie sides greatly. Actually, I think it's one of the only times there where I've enjoyed every dish there.

[jlunar]

Hmn. They've had the same main dishes for years - and I do think they're simple, but tasty. I went last week as well and found it really quite consistent with other visits over the last several (eight?) years. I don't think 5 Doors is worth a detour, but it is certainly one of my go-to places and well worth a visit if you're looking in the area IMO.

---
http://www.foodpr0n.com/ -- food. is. love.

[TOchowgal]

Grazie and Copacabana. Been to both and like both.