Restaurant Recc - central Toronto

[mikefly]

Hey,

A friend of mine is in from Montreal, and looking for a tasty meal.

She's hoping to spend about $50 all-in. Ideally near Spadina between King and St Clair. (give or take)

She has a preference for Lebanese, Italian or Spanish. She does not enjoy spicy food.

Ideally something a little different than she could find in Montreal.

Much appreciated!

Mike

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St Clair Restaurant
69 St Clair St, Chatham, ON N7L3H8, CA

[mikefly]

Ate at Torito. Food was good, experience was absolutely fantastic. Great ambience, wonderful staff. Thanks for the recc!

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Torito
276 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T2L9, CA

[TorontoJo]

A little off of Spadina, but what about Senhor Antonio's for Portuguese tapas? That's one thing I'm pretty sure Montreal doesn't have. I'm not sure we have any Italian restos that would be different from what's in Montreal.

[jlunar]

Maybe Torito? Spanish tapas and all that. I haven't been recently, but there's been good chatter about it on the boards in recent memory. I had a good meal there... in 2007. $50pp could be done. If it were warmer, their back patio is really nice. Plus, she can wander Kensington before eating, which is an interesting area.

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

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Torito
276 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T2L9, CA

[mikefly]

This is a brilliant idea. There's also La Palette (admittedly, not lebanese, italian or spanish).
I suspect she doesn't know this area at all. Hopefully more ideas before 5pm tomorrow!

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La Palette
256 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T2L9, CA

[Rabbit]

Second jlunar's suggestion... Torito came first to mind for me too. And Kensington is really fun and uniquely Toronto.

Maybe Buca for Italian? 93 Harbord is very good for Middle Eastern (in a pretty atmosphere!) and it's just a short jaunt from Harbord and Spadina.

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93 Harbord
93 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S1G4, CA

Torito
276 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T2L9, CA

Harbord
147 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S1H1, CA

Buca
604 King St. West, Toronto, ON M5V 1M6, CA

[torontofoodiegirl]

My first thought was also Torito. But a word of caution -- the bill can add up quickly, depending on how hungry you are and how much you drink.

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Torito
276 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T2L9, CA

[Rabbit]

Very, very true!

[nazzareno]

I highly recommend The Olive Oil Boutique Wine & Grill for those who expects authentic italian food no compromise. The people are great and the new chef is just fantastic. He has over 40 years of experience. They use only gourmet food items to cook. This items are imported from Italy. I went for dinner with my wive and we had branzino + a nice glass of white wine, it was delicious. I was informed that the oil was extra virgin first cold squeeze. The menu is full and the price was very good. I will go back for sure and i will recommend this place to my friends. 416.484.6100

NC

[mikefly]

Link to chowhound posting on this restaurant. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/658061