Looking for a pre-theatre restaurant in Downtown Toronto

[jguest]

I'm looking for an interesting restaurant for dinner before the theatre on a Friday night. Terroni on Adelaide is one idea. Reports of slow and disorganized service worry me, but those comments are over two years old.

Can anyone give me an update, and/or alternatives?

Thanks,

[Googs]

Oh and a little further afield, but well worth the trip is Origin.

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Origin
109 King St E, Toronto, ON M5C, CA

[jguest]

Thank you Rabbit and Jennabean -- Osteria, Harlem and Mercatto all sound interesting. I'm looking forward to checking them out.

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Mercatto
15 Toronto Street, Toronto, ON M5C 2E3, CA

Osteria
106 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5C, CA

[Googs]

I'll happily second Harlem and with slightly less enthusiasm Mercatto. Two thumbs down on Osteria. Slow service, overpriced mediocre food, and a room that despite it's decor still feels cafeteria to me.

Rodney's By Bay has gotten me to the theatre on time and done so with aplomb. Terrific service, lovely food, and extremely reasonable prices for a seafood restaurant.

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

Mercatto
15 Toronto Street, Toronto, ON M5C 2E3, CA

Rodney's By Bay
56 Temperance Street, Toronto, ON M5H 3V5, CA

[Rabbit]

Which theatre? Do you have budget, atmosphere, or kinds of food that you like/dislike?

[jguest]

Sorry, Rabbit -- I didn't want to be too restrictive, and ended up being too vague. It's the Elgin Theatre, so reasonably close to Yonge and Queen would be nice. Because of the theatre, reliable and prompt service is a must, but given that, the quality of the food is most important: my guest and I like just about any kind -- Italian, Japanese, southern States, fusion, etc. -- that is interesting. Ambience is nice to have, but not important. As for price, is $15 - $25 for the main course reasonable?

[Rabbit]

- You're not so far from Harlem (www.harlemrestaurant.com

)

- Osteria Ciceri e Tria (also by the Terroni people) is in the nabe (www.osteriacicerietria.com

)

-

[JennaBean]

I second Harlem and offer up Mercatto on Toronto Street as a fairly close option as well.

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Mercatto
15 Toronto Street, Toronto, ON M5C 2E3, CA

[Rabbit]

Forgot about Mercatto! I've had really good luck at their College Street location (never been to Toronto Street).

Origin is also new and in that neighourhood... but I suspect that the menu would add up pretty quickly. It's also a small plate resto, so it depends whether you find that kind of food satisfying for dinner (same with Osteria).

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Mercatto
15 Toronto Street, Toronto, ON M5C 2E3, CA

Osteria
106 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5C, CA

College Street Bar
574 College St, Toronto, ON M6G1B3, CA

[Aardvark]

I'm confused. You state "forget about Mercatto" and then admit you've never been to the restaurant and had really good luck at their other location.

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Mercatto
15 Toronto Street, Toronto, ON M5C 2E3, CA

[TorontoJo]

She says "forgOt", as in "oh, I can't believe I forgot to mention it". I'm pretty sure she's agreeing that it's a good rec.

[Rabbit]

Yep... I meant that I forgot Mercatto had a location in that neighbourhood.

I really like their food, but I have (as mentioned) only been to their College Street location. As long as the food is reasonably consistent (and given that they share a menu, I assume that it is)... I do think it's a really great rec. We tried their new spring/summer menu... the radicchio with almonds and vincotto is crazy-good and so are the grilled artichokes. Bucatini was tasty too, and I really like their pizza. Interesting wine picks and we always have good service. It can add up, but that is probably because Mr. Rab gets into the vino.

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Mercatto
15 Toronto Street, Toronto, ON M5C 2E3, CA

College Street Bar
574 College St, Toronto, ON M6G1B3, CA