Please Critique My Toronto Must-Try List (Updated and Revised)

[TeacherFoodie]

Here is my newly revised list for places I would like to try. Essentially I am hoping my list reflects Toronto’s “best of” for various price-points. Comments and suggestions are welcome! Let me know if you think I am missing any cateogories. I am happy to remove restaurants if necessary as well.

Aboriginal – Keriwa Cafe

Afghan – Bamiyan Kebab, Pamier Kabab

American/Canadian – Actinolite, Ursa, Harbord Room, Acadia, Black Hoof, Marben, Woodlot, Grand Electric, (have been to Burger’s Priest and Holy Chuck)

Bakeries/Ice Cream/Treats - Patisserie Royale for Middle Eastern (have been to Prairie Girl)

BBQ/Burgers – Barque, Big Smoke Burger, Goody’s Diner, Hadley’s, Paul and Sandy’s, Queen and Beaver (for the burger) and Buster Rhino's in Whitby (have been to Big Bone BBQ in Newmarket, Stack and Stockyards)

Chinese - New Sky, Yuen Tung, Spadina Garden, Congee Queen (Don Mills and Lawrence) and Brilliant Chinese in Markham (have been to Asian Legend at Leslie/7 and Lee Garden)

Dim Sum – Bamboo, Crown Princess, Rol San or Pearl

Dim Sum (Uptown) - Dragon Dynasty - Sheppard & Brimley, Yang's - 9665 Bayview Ave.,,Casa Imperial - Steeles & Warden, Casa Victoria - Warden & Hwy 7, Empire Court - Hilton Suite, Hwy 7, Markham

Ethiopian – Dukem

French - Pastis, Le Select, La Cigogne (tarte flambee on Saturdays) (have been to Didier, Celestin, Coquine and Le Papillon)

Greek – Pantheon, Avli, Pan, Volos

Indian - Copper Chimney or Jaipur Grille, Sher-E-Punjab, Savera and Saravanna Bhavann

Italian – Splendido, Scaramouche, Paese (King location), Tutti Mati, Mistura and Enoteca Sociale (have been to Buca, Campagnolo and Scarpetta)

Japanese - Zen, Guu Izakaya, Koyoi (have been to Qi and Solo Sushi-Ya in Newmarket)

Korean - ?

Lebanese – Paramount?

“Mexican” – Frida, Grand Electric, Agave y Aguacate, Rebozos, La Bella Managua (have been to El Rincon, Milagro and Playa Cabana ).

Pizza - Pizzeria Libretto, Pizza e Pazzi, Queen Margherita (going to Danforth location of Libretto this weekend)

Polish - Cafe Polonez

Portuguese - Bairrada Churrassqueira, Churrasqueira Estrela, Banaboia (have been to Bloor Village Grill and Chiado)

Sandwiches - Porchetta & Co, Cora's Kitchen, Buster’s Sea Cove, Bahn Mi Boys, Hey Meatball, California Sandwiches, Nino D'Aversa Italian Salumi

Seafood – Starfish, Catch, Rodney’s

Thai – Suko Thai (have been to Khao San Road, Linda and Mengrai)

Vietnamese – Pho Phuong, Tien Thanh

[KitchenVoodoo]

Lunch only May - September only, but well worth it for food, price, service and the wonderful historic room - Osgoode Hall, Queen West at University.

[TeacherFoodie]

I have added it to my list. Thank you!

[Cat123]

To clarify, Osgoode Hall resto is open from September to June. It is closed for the summers.
http://www.lsuc.on.ca/menu/

[TeacherFoodie]

Thanks Cat.

[thrillhouse]

I really enjoyed Frank's Kitchen. I believe it was on your last list but it looks like it didn't make the cut this time.

[TeacherFoodie]

The reviews for it look great - it is on my list again!

[damonster]

As you had the Tarte Flambee mentioned I'd throw out Elle m'a Dit in Baldwin Village. Alsatian French so a little different, but have always enjoyed it and the Tarte are on their menu all the time, very tasty light app.

[TeacherFoodie]

Thanks. I've added it.

[TeacherFoodie]

The latest list - thanks everyone for your help so far!

Afghan – Bamiyan Kebab, Pamier Kabab

American/Canadian – Acadia, Actinolite, Bestsellen, Chantecler, Ursa, Harbord Room, Black Hoof, Hoof Raw Bar, Marben, Woodlot, Grand Electric, Richmond Station, Yours Truly (have been to Burger’s Priest and Holy Chuck)

Bakeries/Ice Cream/Treats – Nadege, Greg's, Patisserie Royale for Middle Eastern (have been to Bakerbots and Prairie Girl)

BBQ/Burgers – Barque, Big Smoke Burger, Hadley’s, Lou Dawgs, Parts and Labour (Weds. Burger special), Paul and Sandy’s, Queen and Beaver (for the burger) and Buster Rhino's in Whitby (have been to Big Bone BBQ in Newmarket, Stack and Stockyards)

Brunch – Hoof Café, Stockyards, Marben, Beast, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, White Brick Kitchen, L’Ouvrier, The Saint, Red Fish, L’il Baci (Have been to Lola’s Commissary)

Chinese - Ba Shu Ren Jia, New Sky, Mother’s Dumplings, Yuen Tung, Spadina Garden, Spring Villa, Congee Queen (Don Mills and Lawrence); Yang’s and Emperor in Richmond Hill; and Maple Yip and Honest Kitchen in Scarborough (have been to Asian Legend at Leslie/7 and Lee Garden)

Dim Sum – Bamboo, Crown Princess, Rol San or Pearl

Dim Sum (Uptown) - Dragon Dynasty - Sheppard & Brimley, Yang's - 9665 Bayview Ave.,,Casa Imperial - Steeles & Warden, Casa Victoria - Warden & Hwy 7, Empire Court - Hilton Suite, Hwy 7, Markham

Ethiopian – Dukem, Rendez-vous

French - Pastis, Le Select, La Cigogne (tarte flambee on Saturdays) (have been to Didier, Celestin, Coquine and Le Papillon)

Gastro-Pub/Pub – Auld Spot, The Grove

Greek – Pantheon, Avli, Pan, Volos, Mezes

Indian – Amaya, Copper Chimney or Jaipur Grille, Anjappar Chettinad, Sher-E-Punjab, Savera and Saravanna Bhavann

Italian – F’amelia, L’unita, Paese (King location), Mistura and Enoteca Sociale (have been to Buca, Campagnolo and Scarpetta)

Japanese - Zen, Guu Izakaya, Kingyo, Zakkushi (have been to Qi and Solo Sushi-Ya in Newmarket)

Korean - Mot Na Son, Seoul House, Song Cook’s, Makkal Chon, Sunrise

Lebanese – ?

Malaysian – Gourmet Garden/Restoran Malaysia, One Two Snacks

“Mexican” – Frida, Grand Electric, Rebozos, Dos Amigos, La Bella Managua, La Carnita (have been to El Rincon, Milagro and Playa Cabana ).

Middle Eastern - ? (Have been to Shoom Shoom, Sababa, Tabule, Jerusalem, Me Va Me, Sofra Grill)

Morrocan/Persian - ? (Have been to Sultan’s Tent)

Pizza – Danforth Pizza House, Fabricca, Pizzeria Libretto, Pizza e Pazzi, Queen Margherita (going to Danforth location of Libretto this weekend)

Polish - Cafe Polonez

Portuguese - Bairrada Churrassqueira, Churrasqueira Estrela, Banaboia (have been to Bloor Village Grill and Chiado)

Sandwiches/Lunch – Black Camel, Porchetta & Co, Cora's Kitchen, Buster’s Sea Cove, Bahn Mi Boys, Hey Meatball, California Sandwiches, Nino D'Aversa Italian Salumi, Gallery Grill

Seafood – Starfish, Catch, Rodney’s, Zee Grill, Diana’s

Thai – Suko Thai, Sabai Sabai (have been to Khao San Road, Linda and Mengrai)

Fine Dining/Upscale/Contemporary – Keriwa Café, Scaramouche, Splendido

Vietnamese – Pho Phuong, Tien Thanh, Pho Dau Bo

[bapto]

This is a great list! It serves as a great guide for someone trying to discover Toronto. I see you have Red Fish in the Brunch category but not Seafood as well?...

[TeacherFoodie]

Added to seafood in my word doc. Thanks for noticing!

[janel]

For another bakery, try Bobette & Belle (I love their cupcakes, not really a fan of Prairie Girl).

[kwass]

+1 Bobbette & Belle

[TeacherFoodie]

Thanks! I added B & B!

[justxpete]

Keriwa Cafe is definitely not a "must-visit". It's more like an "avoid at all costs, or it'll cost you".

Lebanese - there's a great place at Dundas square called Milo's Pita. It's cheap and cheerful, and the owner is really nice. They may have the best falafel in the city - and I know that's a big claim, but you really need to try it. It's in the last place you'd expect - a food court on the 2nd floor.

Fine Dining - I'd include Cafe Boulud, Auberge du Pommier, and Shoto.

Gastro Pub - I've heard good things about Queen and Beaver, but have not been as yet.

Chinese - I'd include O'mei just for the sweet and sour pork that we recently had at the Chowmeet.

You're also missing Hakka - Indian/Chinese food, and Lin Gardens is absolutely awesome for it.

Brunch - Frank at the AGO is always solid. County General also makes a mean brunch.

[KitchenVoodoo]

Thanks for the tip about Milo's Pita - can be hard to get to but worth it if it realy has the best falafel!
I must disagree about Frank - took people there for brunch when the Spanish Frida theme menu was on and it was very bad indeed. The classic spanish omlette which should be solid with potatos and garlic and yet silky was a rubbery mess similar to what you'd get in a diner for a tenth the price.

[justxpete]

We've been going there 4-5 times/year for about 3-4 years. Never had an issue with the food. In fact, they served me the best pancakes I've ever had. Almond whipped cream, cherry compote, buttermilk pancakes. I call every once in a while to see if it's back on the menu, but sadly, it's never been.

[jlunar]

Really enjoyed my pancake stack at Frank too. Very noteworthy and sorry it hasn't returned.

[TeacherFoodie]

Thank you justxpete. I have made changes to my list.

[KitchenVoodoo]

+ 1 Scaramouce
+ 1 Chiado
+ 1 California Sandwiches (only the original Claremount Street location http://www.californiasandwiches.ca/claremont.html
)+ 1 queen Margueirta Pizza
+++ 1 Frida - this place delivers seriously great and interesting Mexican food.

-0 Buster's Sea Cove serves heavy greasy food.

*Try Table 17 in Leslieville. Nice room, great service, excellent food, good wine list, and oysters too!
http://www.table17.ca/

[TeacherFoodie]

Thanks Kitchen Voodoo! I have been to Chiado and really enjoyed it. I look forward to returning. Recently I ate at California Sandwiches and Queen Margherita Pizza and enjoyed both of them. I have added Table 17. The menu looks great. Thanks again for your advice!

[szw]

My suggestions: Add Hoof Raw Bar, and Hoof Cafe for brunch!

Add Chantecler, Bestellen, La Carnita, Richmond Station (this satisfies burger category also).

Parts and Labour currently has a nice looking burger special on wed.

Japanese...forget Koyoi. Check out Kingyo, Zakkushi, and there are tons of ramen to check out also if you are intersted.

Korean...Song Cook's at yonge/steeles (it's hard to find, its behind galleria. Makkal Chon on Lawrence East. If must be k-town, go to sunrise.

Thai...sabai sabai on church

I'd add Malaysian at Gourmet Garden/Restoran Malaysia and also One Two Snacks. (both in scarborough)

[TeacherFoodie]

Thank you szw!

[air621]

I would create a pub listing just to have the Auld Spot on it

[TeacherFoodie]

Done!

[afong56]

agave y aguacate is closed

[1sweetpea]

I'd add Pho Dau Bo (Finch and Weston or Dixie and Dundas) for Vietnamese. I'd also suggest Anjappar Chettinad in the Indian Category. Rendez-vous may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the one time I visited, the Ethiopian food was excellent, particularly the dishes we specifically ordered, versus the combo plate standards. It is my second choice for Ethiopian in Toronto, Dukem being my #1 for consistently good food. If you're a fan of Sichuan cuisine, Ba Shu Ren Jia is worth considering.

[TeacherFoodie]

So sad. :(

[tangovoxtrot]

Bakery - Nadege
Ice Cream - Greg's
Chinese - Maple Yip, Spring Villa Chinese Cuisine (haven't been here in a while though)
Italian - F'Amelia, L'unita (not as good as Enoteca Sociale though)
Pizza - Fabricca (crispy Roman-style crust)
Mexican - Dos Amigos (haven't been there lately)
Greek - Mezes
Indian - Amaya (not the Bread Bar)

[TeacherFoodie]

Thanks tango.

[stephen]

Would add Holy Chuck to the burger list...

[afong56]

100% agreed. . .

[millygirl]

OP has been to Holy Chuck. He/she has it listed under Americian :)

[TeacherFoodie]

And I will be back! I have been twice and would go back any day for a milkshake! They are so good! I have had the Nutella Salted Caramel and the Strawberry Cheesecake.

[callitasicit]

I would also recommend the apple pie milkshake, truly tasted like an apple pie without the crust pieces lol.

[TeacherFoodie]

Thanks callitasicit. I'll remember to try it on one of my visits.

[prima]

I'd describe Keriwa as upscale/contemporary/continental with a few traditional First Nations ingredients/elements thrown in the mix rather than Aboriginal.

Mot Na Son and Seoul House for Korean

Black Camel for sandwiches

Not a fan of Tutti Matti. I plan to try the Italian brunch at Lil Baci Taverna on Yonge near Davisville in the near future. I also want to try Black Skirt, for its southern Italian food. http://www.blackskirtrestaurant.com/

[KAYLO]

Yours Truly is original and innovative.., and unique in Toronto. ANd highly polarizing. Several threads here can attest to that! I happen to adore it,but I encourage you to try it at least once.

[TeacherFoodie]

I've added it. Thanks.

[TeacherFoodie]

Thanks prima! I've been to Black Skirt, and did not enjoy, for the simple fact that the spaghetti I had seemed like the type you buy at the grocery store in a box/bag. If I'm going out to eat Italian, I want "home made" pasta.

[prima]

Have you tried Strada 241? That's also on my list.

[TeacherFoodie]

I haven't tried it. The menu looks really reasonably priced, although I do find it ridiculous that they charge $2 for bread and oil when a lot of restaurants bring it for free.

I am looking forward to your report!

[kwass]

Strada 241 is good, but not particularly memorable. It's definitely not a destination place, but someplace you should try If you happen to be in the area.

[Dean Tudor]

Lunch only -- Gallery Grill

Spadina Chinese - Mother's Dumplings

Persian?

BBQ - Lou Dawg's

[TeacherFoodie]

Thanks Dean. What do you like at Lou Dawg's and Gallery Grill?

[Dean Tudor]

Lou Dawg has whole wings (including the tip which i gnaw on) so all three pieces are together,

Gallery Grill's menu changes every 10 days or so. It is only open for lunch and Sun brunch. Soups are great, so are the rabbit variations.

[Charles Yu]

Brilliant in Markham is closed!
For higher end Chinese, head over to Yang's or the Emperor, both in Richmond Hill, instead.
For less formal, try Maple Yip or Honest Kitchen at Sheppard and Midland in Scarborough.

British Gastro-pub: The Grove!!

Middle Eastern/Lebanese - Instead of Paramount, I like Sababa, on Steeles, between Yonge and Bathurst.

Seafood: Instead of Rodney's either Zee Grill or Diana's

BTW, Splendido, despite of the name IS NOT Italian. Its fine dining French/Continental. So is Scaramouche!

[TeacherFoodie]

Thank for the info. Charles. I also like Sababa!

I'm hoping to be able to join you for a Chow meet sometime.

[deabot]

Quite the list!

Agree with Cafe Polonez, Patisserie Royale, Frida.

Did not like Paramount for Lebanese. Not a fan of Barque either.

For Korean can I suggest Mot Na Son? Haven't been yet but it's on my list. For pizza, maybe Danforth Pizza House for some old school pizza?

[TeacherFoodie]

Thanks deabot for the suggestions. I've added/taken away from my list.

What did you try at Barque?

[LexiFirefly]

Goody's is closed :(

[TeacherFoodie]

Okay, thanks!