Favourite restaurants

[Focker Singh]

Anyone try a new restaurant or been anywhere interesting and worth going to try out? Let everyone know about it. Good or bad.

Went to the Mizzen with Em's for her bday. Friendly staff but the ambiance wasn't the greatest. I didn't get a nice cozy feeling in there. Food was good though. Had a mushroom soup but was a bit too earthy in taste for me. My main course was a red snapper. Was very good and juicy. Not overdone which is common with fish. Dessert was a lemon cake soaked in a fruit sauce. Overall, good restaurant and the prices are not that expensive. Entree's were ranging from $13-25.

[Ems]

Segovia located at Yonge and Wellesley, tucked in a small side street (Nicholas St?) on the North West corner.

Excellent and authentic. Colourful decor and 12 tapas to choose from, all cooked perfectly. My favs are (names are descriptive only):
- snail and mushroom gravy
- monk fish
- crab croquettes
- calamari
- tortillas (classic)

The paellas weren't bad either. I think the atmosphere and tapas definitely make this place a must-try (even though management openly told off their waitress). 14 people, the bill came to $35 each including two jugs of Sangria, which were also excellent! They didn't skimp on the alcoholic portion ;) . This includes the 15% tip on top of the bill for a large group... oh, and the birthday girl was treated by the group. Not a bad price for dinner in Spain.

[Ego Woods]

All kidding aside...a restaurant that I went to recently during the recent summerlicious in Toronto event was Filet of Sole! Food there was well worth every penny, and they didn't try and gouge you like some other restaurants. The special I had came with baked lobster soup (this is super-duper good!), 8 oz. steak and ice cream-apple pie all for 20 bucks! Without the special, it was only a few dollars more. You should try it out!

[RidetoGolf]

There is a place called New City at New Mok Kwok (Hwy 7 and Kennedy). Good chicken wings and legs.

Another one at McNicol and Midland has the best HK Style Tea.

[Ego Woods]

There is a place called New City at New Mok Kwok (Hwy 7 and Kennedy). Good chicken wings and legs.

Another one at McNicol and Midland has the best HK Style Tea.
As for chinese restaurants, some of my favourites include Magic Wok on Kenneday & 14th Ave, Ding Tai Fung @ First Markham Place and Big Mouth Kee on Leslie and Hwy 7....

For North American restaurants Baton Rouge, Jack Astor's.....higher priced restaurants include Canoe and The School....:p

[Ems]

For North American restaurants Baton Rouge, Jack Astor's.....higher priced restaurants include Canoe and The School....:p
I never tried The School, but have heard about it for over a decade. Always thought I'd go but then there seems to be so many more top notch places around Toronto... Would you say I should definitely try this one? Is it better or comparable to places like North 44 or Canoe? What's the food like? Atmosphere?

[Mok]

I never tried The School, but have heard about it for over a decade. Always thought I'd go but then there seems to be so many more top notch places around Toronto... Would you say I should definitely try this one? Is it better or comparable to places like North 44 or Canoe? What's the food like? Atmosphere?

I never tried The School and the time I wanted to go it was closed (they are closed Sunday)

but I have been to North 44, and the food was pretty good. I'm not a big fan of dim lighting so atmosphere was decent, but if you're into the dim lighting then you'll enjoy the ambience. The food was good and service good also.

[Ego Woods]

I never tried The School, but have heard about it for over a decade. Always thought I'd go but then there seems to be so many more top notch places around Toronto... Would you say I should definitely try this one? Is it better or comparable to places like North 44 or Canoe? What's the food like? Atmosphere?
ambience at the school is classic.....probably cuz the School use to be a SCHOOL back in the 18 or 1900's....I love going to the restaurant tho cuz of their food....huge portions and cooked to perfection!.......North 44 or Canoe, you really are paying for their service and ambience.....portions are so small there, that I'm still starving.....you won't get that at the School....

[Mok]

ambience at the school is classic.....probably cuz the School use to be a SCHOOL back in the 18 or 1900's....I love going to the restaurant tho cuz of their food....huge portions and cooked to perfection!.......North 44 or Canoe, you really are paying for their service and ambience.....portions are so small there, that I'm still starving.....you won't get that at the School....
I like big portions! I will go try The School this week based on your recommendation!

[Ems]

Kagoshima at Hwy 7 and Kennedy. On Kennedy, south of Hwy 7. Same plaza as Spicy Mama.

It's pricier than most Japanese restaurants, but quality never disappoints, good portions and fresh food. I asked to subsitute my clams for butter fish on my sashimi combo. They replaced the three clam pieces with two butter fish pieces... at no cost. Actually quite surprised they were willing to do that at no costs, most restaurant either refuses or charges.

[Ems]

Don't you guys know of a good quality Buffet at the Sheraton? Anyone want to introduce the place?

[Mok]

Kagoshima at Hwy 7 and Kennedy. On Kennedy, south of Hwy 7. Same plaza as Spicy Mama.

It's pricier than most Japanese restaurants, but quality never disappoints, good portions and fresh food. I asked to subsitute my clams for butter fish on my sashimi combo. They replaced the three clam pieces with two butter fish pieces... at no cost. Actually quite surprised they were willing to do that at no costs, most restaurant either refuses or charges.
there are many good japanese places i know, but it's definitely pricier, it'd take a while to list all of them...

Don't you guys know of a good quality Buffet at the Sheraton? Anyone want to introduce the place?

yah, Parkway sheraton has all you can lobster & prime rib, lobster are 1 pounders, it's around $40...it's not worth it imo...it used to be only $20, then it's worth it.

[Ems]

yah, Parkway sheraton has all you can lobster & prime rib, lobster are 1 pounders, it's around $40...it's not worth it imo...it used to be only $20, then it's worth it.
I dunno... I rather spend $40 on an amazing buffet, then to spend $20 on a crappy one... i.e., Bamburgh Circle or Sushi Hut...

[Mok]

I dunno... I rather spend $40 on an amazing buffet, then to spend $20 on a crappy one... i.e., Bamburgh Circle or Sushi Hut...
i agree wtih that, i'd rather pay $40 for an amazing buffet, but i don't find the lobster & prime rib buffet at Parkway Sheraton worth the $40, it was worth it at $20... one US$40 buffet i went to was Fogo De Chão (http://www.fogodechao.com) (fo-go dèe shown) and it's one of the best buffets i've ever been to, that was in houston though....

and on the topic of buffets, i can't forget to mention "THE" buffet at Bellagio in Vegas...my all time favourite! worth the US$27

[Ems]

Down at Bay and Dundas, North East Corner 2nd Floor.

Beautifully decorated with one brick wall on one side, there's also a private room that's just tucked away hidden behind curtains, great for surprise parties (which is why I went).

HOWEVER, service in terms of timing of food was outrageous. 2 hours for our food to come, they were serving dishes one at a time so that our party (4 tables) got our food at different times. The waiters/waitresses didn't even apologize as they were serving other people in our party their dessert while serving us the entrees. People in our party were leaving while we just started.

I think if they had apologized and explained the delay, it would have been more acceptable instead of pretending nothing was wrong. A table that came in after us got served their entrees before us!

Can't say it would always be like that but be warned if you want to try it out!

[Mok]

Down at Bay and Dundas, North East Corner 2nd Floor.

Beautifully decorated with one brick wall on one side, there's also a private room that's just tucked away hidden behind curtains, great for surprise parties (which is why I went).

HOWEVER, service in terms of timing of food was outrageous. 2 hours for our food to come, they were serving dishes one at a time so that our party (4 tables) got our food at different times. The waiters/waitresses didn't even apologize as they were serving other people in our party their dessert while serving us the entrees. People in our party were leaving while we just started.

I think if they had apologized and explained the delay, it would have been more acceptable instead of pretending nothing was wrong. A table that came in after us got served their entrees before us!

Can't say it would always be like that but be warned if you want to try it out!
they shoulda explained to your party that large parties (4 tables) would be slower...very hard to co-ordinate getting 4 table's worth of entree out at the same time...i'm not sure if you had worked in the back of a restaurant but you would know what i'm talking about if you have...

BUT nonetheless, they are still responsible to satisfy the customers...they shoulda gave you guys some free stuff or discount or just simply inform you of the situation....

[Ems]

they shoulda explained to your party that large parties (4 tables) would be slower...very hard to co-ordinate getting 4 table's worth of entree out at the same time...i'm not sure if you had worked in the back of a restaurant but you would know what i'm talking about if you have...

BUT nonetheless, they are still responsible to satisfy the customers...they shoulda gave you guys some free stuff or discount or just simply inform you of the situation....
We also made reservations weeks in advance. That should have given them time to prepare too.

[Focker Singh]

I found out that the lobster buffet is ONLY available on Saturday Nights. Its $39.99. Like previous threads described it, its really good, but only if you eat lobster and prime rib. Everything else is good but why waste the room in your stomach? haha...
Sheraton Hotel at Hwy 7 and Leslie.

[Mok]

We also made reservations weeks in advance. That should have given them time to prepare too.
how would they prepared? by having more kitchen staff on hand? there is only x amount of space in the oven, y amount of stove tops...so they should buy more stoves and ovens? honestly from my previous bias experience, i would say it's the servers/host's fault for that situation...they need to keep guests satisfied in one way or another...

[Ems]

Down at Bay and Dundas, North East Corner 2nd Floor.

Beautifully decorated with one brick wall on one side, there's also a private room that's just tucked away hidden behind curtains, great for surprise parties (which is why I went).

HOWEVER, service in terms of timing of food was outrageous. 2 hours for our food to come, they were serving dishes one at a time so that our party (4 tables) got our food at different times. The waiters/waitresses didn't even apologize as they were serving other people in our party their dessert while serving us the entrees. People in our party were leaving while we just started.

I think if they had apologized and explained the delay, it would have been more acceptable instead of pretending nothing was wrong. A table that came in after us got served their entrees before us!

Can't say it would always be like that but be warned if you want to try it out!
Ok, I'm giving this place another try tonight for two birthday surprise parties. Hope it's better this time!

[eddar]

If you like steak, Barbarians Steak House in Toronto on Elm St. just west of Yonge, makes a great steak. I have not been to any other steak houses, but this place makes the best steak I have ever had. It is a little pricey though. I think it is $32.00 for a 16 oz. Rib steak and that comes with either baked potato or fries. They also bring you a basket of bread and pickled cauliflower, carrots and pickles. I understand that a lot of steak houses charge you extra for every little thing, other than the steak. So the fries or potato, bread and pickles at no extra charge is welcomed.

I went to the Imperial Buffet in Scarborough tonight for my birthday and I enjoyed it. We have been there before, but tonight the crab legs were perfect. You crack the claws and the meat came out in one piece. I love that. I hate it when you crack the claw and the meat does not come out in one piece and you have to pick it out of the shell. Has anybody else been here and do you have any comments?

I am very interested in Chinese Buffets, because they are reasonably priced and for the most part, the food is good. Although all the talk about Japanese Buffets in another thread, has got me thinking about trying one. I have never been to a Japanese Buffet, but if I do try one, it will be at Sushi on 7 as per the good reviews. The price of $18.99 isn't bad either.

I do have one question though, is it raw fish at the Japanese Buffets?

[Queen of the Beach]

ambience at the school is classic.....probably cuz the School use to be a SCHOOL back in the 18 or 1900's....I love going to the restaurant tho cuz of their food....huge portions and cooked to perfection!.......North 44 or Canoe, you really are paying for their service and ambience.....portions are so small there, that I'm still starving.....you won't get that at the School....
I agree that The School is a great restaurant. Very classy and great service. I would definitely go again. Every bit is worth the money you spend here. When I went I tried their 'School Seafood platter.' Each tender mouthful was succulent and the King Crab and Lobster were cooked to perfection! Let's just say it's a good thing that I have an insatiable appetite. :D

[Mok]

I agree that The School is a great restaurant. Very classy and great service. I would definitely go again. Every bit is worth the money you spend here. When I went I tried their 'School Seafood platter.' Each tender mouthful was succulent and the King Crab and Lobster were cooked to perfection! Let's just say it's a good thing that I have an insatiable appetite. :D
I went to The School also, very nice place...here's their website: The School Fine Dining (http://www.theschoolfinedining.com)

[bogey]

Auberge Du Pommier - very nice decor, good French cuisine, excellent service

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse - overpriced, but good steak

The Strip House (11 Duncan St.) - cozy atmosphere, excellent NewYork Strip Steak

The Senator (a.k.a Top O' The Senator) - good food, wine is overpriced, stay for the jazz

[Mok]

If anyone likes Malaysian/Thai/Singapore food, there is a great restaurant at Bayview and Major Mackenzie, it's called Restauran Malay. They only use halal meat.

[Focker Singh]

If you like steak, Barbarians Steak House in Toronto on Elm St. just west of Yonge, makes a great steak. I have not been to any other steak houses, but this place makes the best steak I have ever had. It is a little pricey though. I think it is $32.00 for a 16 oz. Rib steak and that comes with either baked potato or fries. They also bring you a basket of bread and pickled cauliflower, carrots and pickles. I understand that a lot of steak houses charge you extra for every little thing, other than the steak. So the fries or potato, bread and pickles at no extra charge is welcomed.

I went to the Imperial Buffet in Scarborough tonight for my birthday and I enjoyed it. We have been there before, but tonight the crab legs were perfect. You crack the claws and the meat came out in one piece. I love that. I hate it when you crack the claw and the meat does not come out in one piece and you have to pick it out of the shell. Has anybody else been here and do you have any comments?

I am very interested in Chinese Buffets, because they are reasonably priced and for the most part, the food is good. Although all the talk about Japanese Buffets in another thread, has got me thinking about trying one. I have never been to a Japanese Buffet, but if I do try one, it will be at Sushi on 7 as per the good reviews. The price of $18.99 isn't bad either.

I do have one question though, is it raw fish at the Japanese Buffets?
Star Wok buffet at Midland and Steeles is a popular one and has Chinese, Jap, Korean food. Pretty fresh stuff, better than most Chinese buffets I've been to. China Buffet King on Warden and 401, inside the Holiday Inn is pretty good too, lots of selection. Careful, not every China Buffet King is the same.

Buffet City on Steeles and Woodbine sucks. Food is not fresh and not a lot of selection.

To answer your question, YES, there is raw fish at pretty mush ALL Jap buffets. Whether or not its authentic or passes the health by laws is another question. Effective Sept 01/04, all raw fish for Jap restaurants must have been frozon to -40C for 5 hrs before serving. But I can tell you, lots still don't follow this law. So becareful!

[Mok]

Star Wok buffet at Midland and Steeles is a popular one and has Chinese, Jap, Korean food. Pretty fresh stuff, better than most Chinese buffets I've been to. China Buffet King on Warden and 401, inside the Holiday Inn is pretty good too, lots of selection. Careful, not every China Buffet King is the same. Buffet City on Steeles and Woodbine sucks. Food is not fresh and not a lot of selection.
i have to agree with the statement above...

:thumbs_do - Buffet City
:thumbs_up - Buffet King (Warden & 401), Star Wok

To answer your question, YES, there is raw fish at pretty mush ALL Jap buffets. Whether or not its authentic or passes the health by laws is another question. Effective Sept 01/04, all raw fish for Jap restaurants must have been frozon to -40C for 5 hrs before serving. But I can tell you, lots still don't follow this law. So becareful!
I just want to make sure to let eddar know that there is cooked stuff besides the raw fish at Japanese buffets. They have fried dumplings, teriyaki sirloin steak, terikyaki salmon, fried tempura shrimps, fried noodles, fried rice and a lot of other stuff.

[Ems]

If anyone works at Yonge and Eglinton, there's a sandwich shop on the south / east corner. Excellent food, I especially love their salads, so fresh and healthy. Narcisse salad and their coleslaw with chicken slices, yum. I crave to go there all the time!

[Ems]

By far my favourite restaurant, for the quality of food it's a really good value I think. Still about $60 for lunch for two ppl and $100 for dinner including drinks.

They also own Canoe, Auberge du Pommier and Jump. Canoe, I don't find as worth it though. Always wanted to try Auberge.

[Jaydog]

If anyone likes Malaysian/Thai/Singapore food, there is a great restaurant at Bayview and Major Mackenzie, it's called Restauran Malay. They only use halal meat.

yup....very good. starting to get really busy now.

[Mok]

yup....very good. starting to get really busy now.
yah make sure you get reservations, this restaurant is pretty busy!

[Jaydog]

always a great meal at OB. we even had a free meal since they didn't have what one of my party members ordered. now that's service. i know a lot of places do this but more and more...i find that they don't.

[Jaydog]

I agree that The School is a great restaurant. Very classy and great service. I would definitely go again. Every bit is worth the money you spend here. When I went I tried their 'School Seafood platter.' Each tender mouthful was succulent and the King Crab and Lobster were cooked to perfection! Let's just say it's a good thing that I have an insatiable appetite. :D

i gotta disagree with you. didn't really like the food at the school but the ambience was nice. i'd rather go to peter's fine dining on highway 7 west of markham road or devonsleigh place on steeles at warden. but that's just me.

[Mok]

devonsleigh place on steeles at warden. but that's just me.
sorry to burst your bubble, but devonsleigh place is gone, there is a new steak house there, i forgot the name atm

[AnnikaFan]

I like the mongolian grill near pacific mall..........soo goooddd..
lots of selections, and its fun watching the chefs...

and the dessert...shaved ice + toppings!! i miss those :(

[Golf 4 Fun]

I went to The School also, very nice place...here's their website: The School Fine Dining (http://www.theschoolfinedining.com/)
Jumping in for my first post in this forum:

With regards to The School, I have an opposite viewpoint from the other posters in this thread. I used to go to The School for lunch every 2-3 months. This year, the quality level, while ok, seems to be lower than before. However, the snob or haughtiness level has not dropped one bit. Rather, it may have racheted up a notch. Case in point: A few months ago, a colleague of mine went there for a business lunch. They were directed to a table near a large group of diners. Wanting less distraction, they requested another table. Keep in mind, they and that large group were the only customers in the restaurant. Guess what - they were refused! The reason? "That section is closed". Now, if you have been to The School, it is basically one big room, and it is not subdivided with partitions or rooms. The worst part is that they were given the "take it or leave it" attitude. Needless to say, they left.

Perhaps we should start a list of restaurants that serves food with a sidedish of major ATTITUDE:

:( The School ...
:( Devonsleigh Place ... (maybe this is why it is now called Prime Steakhouse)

[Ems]

Jumping in for my first post in this forum:

With regards to The School, I have an opposite viewpoint from the other posters in this thread. I used to go to The School for lunch every 2-3 months. This year, the quality level, while ok, seems to be lower than before. However, the snob or haughtiness level has not dropped one bit. Rather, it may have racheted up a notch. Case in point: A few months ago, a colleague of mine went there for a business lunch. They were directed to a table near a large group of diners. Wanting less distraction, they requested another table. Keep in mind, they and that large group were the only customers in the restaurant. Guess what - they were refused! The reason? "That section is closed". Now, if you have been to The School, it is basically one big room, and it is not subdivided with partitions or rooms. The worst part is that they were given the "take it or leave it" attitude. Needless to say, they left.

Perhaps we should start a list of restaurants that serves food with a sidedish of major ATTITUDE:

:( The School ...
:( Devonsleigh Place ... (maybe this is why it is now called Prime Steakhouse)
Let's start a new thread on that.

[Mok]

Jumping in for my first post in this forum:

With regards to The School, I have an opposite viewpoint from the other posters in this thread. I used to go to The School for lunch every 2-3 months. This year, the quality level, while ok, seems to be lower than before. However, the snob or haughtiness level has not dropped one bit. Rather, it may have racheted up a notch. Case in point: A few months ago, a colleague of mine went there for a business lunch. They were directed to a table near a large group of diners. Wanting less distraction, they requested another table. Keep in mind, they and that large group were the only customers in the restaurant. Guess what - they were refused! The reason? "That section is closed". Now, if you have been to The School, it is basically one big room, and it is not subdivided with partitions or rooms. The worst part is that they were given the "take it or leave it" attitude. Needless to say, they left.

Perhaps we should start a list of restaurants that serves food with a sidedish of major ATTITUDE:

:( The School ...
:( Devonsleigh Place ... (maybe this is why it is now called Prime Steakhouse)


welcome to the forum Golf 4 Fun,
regarding The School, the day I went there was a group of 6 adults sitting in the middle of the dining room (at the rasied area) they were quite loud and we commented this to the waiter but they didn't do anything about the situation.
food was still good, they coulda done something about the loud table though instead of shrugged it off.

[Jaydog]

( Devonsleigh Place ... (maybe this is why it is now called Prime Steakhouse)

welcome golf 4 fun. i used to go the devonsleigh a lot and never had a complaint.

have you been to the new place yet?

[EDSGolf]

Any chip wagon is fine dining for me :)

[Golf 4 Fun]

welcome golf 4 fun. i used to go the devonsleigh a lot and never had a complaint.

have you been to the new place yet?
Thanks for the welcome, guys.

No, I have not been to Prime Steakhouse (formerly Devonsleigh Place) yet.

While I has only been to the DP twice this year, both times I felt that the service staff was aloof. The food was good, but I felt that if I am spending good money on a place, I want both good food and good service to go together. My expectations would be different if I were having a casual meal vs. fine dining.

If you are looking for good steaks in the Markham area, you should try Braised Bull on Markham Road, south of 14th Avenue. It's not pretentious, yet feels upscale casual. Staff is friendly. Using Angus beef, their 14 oz Ribeye goes for $34 as the high end. For midrange, they have 12oz prime rib steak in the low $20s. Both are extremely juicy and flavorful.

[Jaydog]

thanks for the tip g4f. looking forward to trying it soon.

[Ems]

Here's another place that has reeeally good Prime Rib. It reminds me of Devonsleigh, dinner served in an old mansion with fireplace and lots of wood. I think the price was pretty decent, for a regular cut of Prime Rib, only $26 and it comes with soup or salad, the entree also comes with baked or roasted patato with some vegetables. To me, that's about the same as Baton Rouge but the quality of the Prime Rib was a lot better.

I only tried the Prime Rib tonight, but I saw a good selection of fish and pasta. Dessert is rolled out in a 2-3 story cart, and the wine was pretty good. I can't remember the winery it was from, we just ordered by the glass, I tried the Merlot and the Shiraz, both were good to me.

I think this would be a good place for a Christmas dinner with friends or co-workers, or even for a date.

It's near Scarborough Town.
520 Progress 416.296.2222

[Ems]

My only comment for this place, if you go, you should definitely try their grilled calamari. Grilled, not breaded or fried!

It's located near Yonge and Eglinton, a couple of small blocks north of Eglinton, on the East side of Yonge.

[mikejb]

Vittorio's at Yonge and Davisville, the Capraci (sp?) salad is outstanding.
My wife and I go there every once and a while. One App, two mains and a bottle of red will run you about $100-$115. Service is great and friendly and the food is great authentic italian. Like I would know, I am not italian.

Also nice in the area is Five doors north, which is right across from Sport Swap on Yonge.

For Sushi I like Yumi Sushi on Queen in the beaches and Sushi Supreme at Yonge and Davisville.

[Ems]

At BCE next to Marche. Good service and good food. They have a special deal for $33 including appetizer, entree and dessert. Plus parking is free if you have dinner past 5 pm.

We tried Oysters for appetizers (not part of the deal tho), beef striploin pasta with spinach (really good) for my entree. Their creme brulee was very tasty :p

[Special_K]

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

[mikejb]

At BCE next to Marche. Good service and good food.
Do you mean you were eating at Jump?

[Ems]

Do you mean you were eating at Jump?
Nope, Acqua, but I spelt the name wrong. Here's their site if you're curious. http://www.acqua.ca/

my bf didn't seem to like it too much, he said the atmosphere was to 'corporate'. but I figure if you're there just for the food and the alone time with your significant other, I thought it was pretty nice.

[mikejb]

Oh yeah, Acqua, that is it.

It used to be great. I can understand why your bf would think it is to corporate, the building it is in helps that.

[Mok]

Nope, Acqua, but I spelt the name wrong. Here's their site if you're curious. http://www.acqua.ca/

my bf didn't seem to like it too much, he said the atmosphere was to 'corporate'. but I figure if you're there just for the food and the alone time with your significant other, I thought it was pretty nice.

do you notice menupalace.com has a monopoly on all the nice toronto restaurant's websites? wow...

[Ems]

Dim sum restaurant at North West corner of Yonge and Eglinton, north on Yonge a bit more. My co-workers like to come here for lunch all the time. It does taste good, a very esthetically pleasing restaurant, LOVE their place settings and teapot, but tres expensive considering I know where to find cheap dim sum (Chinatown! On Dundas and Spadina)

$8.95 buys you a dim sum lunch which includes springrolls, 3 dumplings, noodles and something else.

Also, because most ppl in the neighborourhood can't eat pork, almost all of their dishes are made from chicken.

[Dormie]

900 don mills road north of eglinton at barber greene
416-449-3773

sushi bar, japanese cooking tables and regular tables
and takeout
all chinese staff

[mulliganpro]

Two restaurants I enjoy are Octagon for steak and Lobster Royale for lobster.

I've been to Ruth Chris and Barbarian's. Ruth Chris was excellent but trimmings are extra and Barbarians was crappy (maybe the cook was pissed that day). At Octagon, thier steak and prime rib were excellent, service was excellent. Located Yonge, N of Steeles.

At Lobster Royale (Lobster Trap same great taste, I think they are owned by the same person), they have a dinner platter that includes lobster bisque or clam chowder, salad, dinner rolls, lobster and a drink for about $30. Also, their food and service was excellent.

http://www.lobsterroyale.com/

If you decide to go, I recomend reservations.

[Queen of the Beach]

At BCE next to Marche. Good service and good food. They have a special deal for $33 including appetizer, entree and dessert. Plus parking is free if you have dinner past 5 pm.

We tried Oysters for appetizers (not part of the deal tho), beef striploin pasta with spinach (really good) for my entree. Their creme brulee was very tasty :p
I went here for a formal guest speaker dinner once. It was pricey and though the food was good the portions were very small. The service was expected in a fine dining restaurant. Very formal. I liked the ambience but I sat in the section where you can see Marche across from it. I don't like how it is an open concept for passersby to see you.

I love creme brulee! The best creme brulee I've had is a toss up between Senses and Herbs.

[Queen of the Beach]

Two restaurants I enjoy are Octagon for steak and Lobster Royale for lobster.
I enjoyed my steak at Octagon. I think the price was decent too. But I remember they were very busy that night I was there. My only complaint is that even with our reservations they mixed up our time and date and they sat me and my date at a table right near the front of the restaurant. It was snowing that day and the cold air blew right in. I was uncomfortable all night.

I've been to Ruth Chris and Barbarian's.
I can't comment on Ruth Chris or Barbarian's since I've never been to either. But for Juicy Steak I think my friend told me that Harbour Sixty is really good. I got to try that one day. I also went to Canyon Creek Steakhouse last Sunday and the prime rib I ordered was made the way I like it. The waiter was also very friendly to me and my friends. We had a good time there and will go back despite it costing $40 pp for our entire meal.

[Jaydog]

i like canyon creek also. funny thing is, i love the honey butter spread and have to be careful not to eat too much filler. else no room for yummy steak. ;)

[Ems]

Two restaurants I enjoy are Octagon for steak and Lobster Royale for lobster.

I've been to Ruth Chris and Barbarian's. Ruth Chris was excellent but trimmings are extra and Barbarians was crappy (maybe the cook was pissed that day). At Octagon, thier steak and prime rib were excellent, service was excellent. Located Yonge, N of Steeles.

At Lobster Royale (Lobster Trap same great taste, I think they are owned by the same person), they have a dinner platter that includes lobster bisque or clam chowder, salad, dinner rolls, lobster and a drink for about $30. Also, their food and service was excellent.

http://www.lobsterroyale.com/

If you decide to go, I recomend reservations.I just recently tried lobster royale over the holidays and it was goooood. My friend ordered the Thermadore which is about 1.5 - 2 pound lobster drizzled in some cheese medley. It was awesome but very rich, so too much of it isn't good either.

I ordered 1.5 pounds broiled and that was too much for me. It may be because I had the lobster bisque (which was excellent, lots of lobster meat with each spoon) and shared escargot and calamari.

The place is a bit pricey though but it is lobster..., $45 for the Thermadore dinner, $35 a la carte for the 1.5 pound lobster. Both dinner and a la carte comes with side dishes which is good.

[Ems]

I went here for a formal guest speaker dinner once. It was pricey and though the food was good the portions were very small. The service was expected in a fine dining restaurant. Very formal. I liked the ambience but I sat in the section where you can see Marche across from it. I don't like how it is an open concept for passersby to see you.

I love creme brulee! The best creme brulee I've had is a toss up between Senses and Herbs.
Interesting, I liked the Open Concept, high ceilings and BCE's atrium is beautiful. I also wouldn't mind the people watching, except I was facing in that time.

[Ego Woods]

The place is a bit pricey though but it is lobster..., $45 for the Thermadore dinner, $35 a la carte for the 1.5 pound lobster. Both dinner and a la carte comes with side dishes which is good.
45 bucks for a 2 lb lobster with all the trimmings is not bad for a higher-end restaurant.

[Mok]

45 bucks for a 2 lb lobster with all the trimmings is not bad for a higher-end restaurant.
definitely good price for 2 lb lobster. but i find that lobster would be the last thing i try at a seafood restaurant...i can make my own! heh...

[Ems]

45 bucks for a 2 lb lobster with all the trimmings is not bad for a higher-end restaurant.
I'd describe it as family style. but for lobster it is a good price.

[openflows]

My current favourite restaurant is PiriPiri (http://www.piripiri.com)!

It's a Portuguese Churrasqueira Grillhouse with amazing steak, incredible chicken, and tons of fish, seafood, and other dishes. You can check out their menu (http://www.piripiri.com/menus.html), and I think their prices are quite reasonable, given the high quality of the food.

Located on Dupont St, just east of Symington Ave, with plenty of parking. They also have take out, as well as some wicked deserts.

Yay PiriPiri! ;)

[Ems]

I can't remember the name of this place, but it's Russian and located at 338 Steeles West on the North side. I think the name has Kabob in it and it's near the north east corner of the plaza.

They have huge kabobs of chicken, pork and lamb. They were delicious and not dry at all (usually why I don't like kabobs). Most of their dishes were made with Lamb, which I don't really like, but if you don't mind that gamey taste, this is a good restaurant to try. It's a good restaurant to try even if you want something different one night.

They also have huge beef/lamb dumplings (reminds me of chinese soup dumplings). Very reasonably priced, family style, cozy restaurant.

[Ems]

Every month or so, I have to eat from this Restaurant (I like the one at Metro Square in particular - Warden/Steeles). I would order the Beef Brisket noodle soup, Soup Dumpings (mmm... they have soup in their meat dumpling, don't bite into it straight out of the kitchen or you'd burn your tongue!). Also love their beef pancake rolls.

Try this if you haven't before, there's so many different regions and specialties for Chinese food. This is more northern fare (though not as far north as Beijing where the staple is buns rather than rice).

[Dormie]

My current favourite restaurant is PiriPiri (http://www.piripiri.com/)!

It's a Portuguese Churrasqueira Grillhouse with amazing steak, incredible chicken, and tons of fish, seafood, and other dishes. You can check out their menu (http://www.piripiri.com/menus.html), and I think their prices are quite reasonable, given the high quality of the food.

Located on Dupont St, just east of Symington Ave, with plenty of parking. They also have take out, as well as some wicked deserts.

Yay PiriPiri! ;)
adega restaurante
33 elm street
toronto
www.adegarestaurante.ca (http://www.adegarestaurante.ca)

[LongestDrive]

sorry to burst your bubble, but devonsleigh place is gone, there is a new steak house there, i forgot the name atm
It's now called the Prime Steak House.

Food is a bit better than Devonsleigh's. Put's the School to shame.
Nice ambience. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for.

Unlike Baton Rouge, they provide you with a wide selection of bread, some olives and peppers, and cheese before your food arrives.

Nice juicy steak done to perfection with a huge lobster tail , mash potatoes with shrimp cocktail appetizer and a glass of coke will run you around $80 including tip. Without the shrimp $60.

Tonnes of wine available if you're into that.

I would suggest ordering the shrimp cocktail as an appetizer or the lobster bisque(very good stuff).

I've never seem shrimp so big (I had to use a knife and fork to eat the shrimp.).

You gotta try this place at least once. Service was good. I was stuffed.

[Ems]

Speaking of Steaks, check this out. Zorro's in Mississauga near the airport, that huge steak is $36 dollars and you get appetizers like pickles, olives, bread, etc. It's the best deal I've seen!

[Mok]

It's now called the Prime Steak House.

Food is a bit better than Devonsleigh's. Put's the School to shame.
Nice ambience. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for.

Unlike Baton Rouge, they provide you with a wide selection of bread, some olives and peppers, and cheese before your food arrives.

Nice juicy steak done to perfection with a huge lobster tail , mash potatoes with shrimp cocktail appetizer and a glass of coke will run you around $80 including tip. Without the shrimp $60.

Tonnes of wine available if you're into that.

I would suggest ordering the shrimp cocktail as an appetizer or the lobster bisque(very good stuff).

I've never seem shrimp so big (I had to use a knife and fork to eat the shrimp.).

You gotta try this place at least once. Service was good. I was stuffed.
does Prime Steak House have a website? I want to check menu out before going. I want to see how big their steaks are first!

Here's a short of a 32 oz porterhouse I had while in Houston this past X'mas...it was at Taste Of Texas (http://www.tasteoftexas.com)...mMMmm....

[Shankmeister]

I know I have a bad habit of bringing back old posts...but I gotta say

the best steak house in TO is barberian's....hands down..no competition.

[962B]

There was a place in Newmarket called Tang and Nephew that was well worth the drive but it's gone now,...not sure what happened. They made a mean chicken ball and the staff was damn sexy.

[Big Shooter]

...one US$40 buffet i went to was Fogo De Chão (http://www.fogodechao.com/) (fo-go dèe shown) and it's one of the best buffets i've ever been to, that was in houston though....
I was in Chicago in August and my friend took me there....it could possibly be ONE OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS I'VE EVER EATEN IN!!! :)

I went to The School also, very nice place...here's their website: The School Fine Dining (http://www.theschoolfinedining.com/)Wow, never knew about this thread, and have heard commercials on the radio for years about "The School" (in fact, I heard Gord Stellick doing a commercial for them last night!)
...with all of the FAVOURABLE and FLAVOURFUL reviews I've READ on this THREAD (enuff puns?!), and having just looked at their menu on-line, I guess we'll be going VERY SOON...maybe tonite!?

Thanks for the tip!;)

...well, well, well, as I continued to read the thread, maybe we won't be going all that quickly, eh?!!:rolleyes:

Oliver & Bonacinni...by far my favourite restaurant, for the quality of food it's a really good value I think. Still about $60 for lunch for two ppl and $100 for dinner including drinks..Yes, I've always like this spot...and it's such a nice mall too!

[iyell4]

i like Salad King, 335 Yonge Street, Toronto, 416.971.7041
http://www.saladking.com

holy smokes EMS, looking back thru these posts, you've got over two dozen 'favorite' restaurants! ... i'm guessing, one for every payday for a year?:)

[Mikey816]

Bayview and Major Mac, this place is excellent.. best burgers you will ever have, you can eat in but I'd rather take out... prices are pretty affordable if you're on a tight budget. I wouldn't recommend eating it everyday but once in a while is good! LOL...!! :D

P.S. I think there was a documentary movie made on this restaurant! ;)

[iyell4]

Bayview and Major Mac, this place is excellent.. best burgers you will ever have, you can eat in but I'd rather take out... prices are pretty affordable if you're on a tight budget. I wouldn't recommend eating it everyday but once in a while is good! LOL...!! :D

P.S. I think there was a documentary movie made on this restaurant! ;)
... and the name of this fine dining establishment is _____________?:)

[TehFlakes]

Terroni's. Italian Food. Queen and Victoria.
Spring Roll, One on Front, One on Yonge.
Theirs a few on the danforth, but i sure as hell cant spell them

[focal]

Every month or so, I have to eat from this Restaurant (I like the one at Metro Square in particular - Warden/Steeles). I would order the Beef Brisket noodle soup, Soup Dumpings (mmm... they have soup in their meat dumpling, don't bite into it straight out of the kitchen or you'd burn your tongue!). Also love their beef pancake rolls.

Try this if you haven't before, there's so many different regions and specialties for Chinese food. This is more northern fare (though not as far north as Beijing where the staple is buns rather than rice).


place is called Legends...there's one in Chinatown downtown also...good shanghainese food

another one at Hwy 7 and Leslie

[iyell4]

ok, boyz n' girlz ... the summary thus far:

Mizzen (Focker Singh)
Segovia (Ems)
Filet of Sole (Ego Woods)
New City at New Mok Kwok (RidetoGolf)
Magic Wok (Ego Woods)
Ding Tai Fung (Ego Woods)
Big Mouth Kee (Ego Woods)
Baton Rouge (Ego Woods)
Jack Astor's (Ego Woods)
Canoe (Ego Woods)
The School (Ego Woods)
North44 (Mok)
Kagoshima (Ems)
Mok (Sheraton Pkwy Hotel)
Barbarians Steak House (eddar)
Imperial Buffet (eddar)
Auberge Du Pommier (bogey)
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (bogey)
The Strip House (bogey)
The Senator (a.k.a Top O' The Senator) (bogey)
Restauran Malay (Mok)
Star Walk Buffet (Focker Singh)
China Buffet King (Focker Singh)
Hannah's Kitchen (Ems)
Oliver & Bonacini at Bayview Village (Ems "By far my favourite restaurant")
peter's fine dining (Jaydog)
devonsleigh place* (Jaydog) *no longer there according to Mok "Prime Steakhouse"
mongolian grill (AnnikaFan)
any chip wagon (EDS Golf)
Braised Bull (Golf 4 Fun)
The Old Scott House (Ems)
Redwood Grill (Ems)
Vittorio's (mikejb)
the Capraci (mikejb)
Five doors north (mikejb)
Yumi Sushi on Queen (mikejb)
Sushi Supreme (mikejb)
Acqua (Ems)
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (Special K)
Cha Liu (Ems)
memories of japan (Dormie)
Octagon (mulliganpro)
Lobster Royale (mulliganpro)
Canyon Creek (Jaydog)
PiriPir Portuguese Churrasqueira Grillhouse (openflows)
Asian Legend (sp? "Legends"?) - Shanghai Fare (Ems)
adega restaurante (Dormie)
Zorro's (Ems)
Tang and Nephew (962B)
Salad King (iyell4)
Terroni's (TheFLakes)
Spring Roll (TheFlakes)

good suggestions all. thanx. :)

[Mok]

I was in Chicago in August and my friend took me there....it could possibly be ONE OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS I'VE EVER EATEN IN!!! :)

There is something similar in Montreal I heard, but I don't know the name. Also there is one in Toronto, but my friend says it's not as good, it's called Red Violin (http://redviolin.sites.toronto.com/)

Big Shooter: Fogo De Chão (http://www.fogodechao.com/) is my favourite restaurant in the world! hehe..

[racmbs]

There is something similar in Montreal I heard, but I don't know the name. Also there is one in Toronto, but my friend says it's not as good, it's called Red Violin (http://redviolin.sites.toronto.com/)

Big Shooter: Fogo De Chão (http://www.fogodechao.com/) is my favourite restaurant in the world! hehe..


Which restaurant you looking for in Montreal? Born and raised baby, some of the BEST places to eat in Canada are in Montreal :D

[Mikey816]

ok, boyz n' girlz ... the summary thus far:

Mizzen (Focker Singh)
Segovia (Ems)
Filet of Sole (Ego Woods)
New City at New Mok Kwok (RidetoGolf)
Magic Wok (Ego Woods)
Ding Tai Fung (Ego Woods)
Big Mouth Kee (Ego Woods)
Baton Rouge (Ego Woods)
Jack Astor's (Ego Woods)
Canoe (Ego Woods)
The School (Ego Woods)
North44 (Mok)
Kagoshima (Ems)
Mok (Sheraton Pkwy Hotel)
Barbarians Steak House (eddar)
Imperial Buffet (eddar)
Auberge Du Pommier (bogey)
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (bogey)
The Strip House (bogey)
The Senator (a.k.a Top O' The Senator) (bogey)
Restauran Malay (Mok)
Star Walk Buffet (Focker Singh)
China Buffet King (Focker Singh)
Hannah's Kitchen (Ems)
Oliver & Bonacini at Bayview Village (Ems "By far my favourite restaurant")
peter's fine dining (Jaydog)
devonsleigh place* (Jaydog) *no longer there according to Mok "Prime Steakhouse"
mongolian grill (AnnikaFan)
any chip wagon (EDS Golf)
Braised Bull (Golf 4 Fun)
The Old Scott House (Ems)
Redwood Grill (Ems)
Vittorio's (mikejb)
the Capraci (mikejb)
Five doors north (mikejb)
Yumi Sushi on Queen (mikejb)
Sushi Supreme (mikejb)
Acqua (Ems)
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (Special K)
Cha Liu (Ems)
memories of japan (Dormie)
Octagon (mulliganpro)
Lobster Royale (mulliganpro)
Canyon Creek (Jaydog)
PiriPir Portuguese Churrasqueira Grillhouse (openflows)
Asian Legend (sp? "Legends"?) - Shanghai Fare (Ems)
adega restaurante (Dormie)
Zorro's (Ems)
Tang and Nephew (962B)
Salad King (iyell4)
Terroni's (TheFLakes)
Spring Roll (TheFlakes)

good suggestions all. thanx. :)
You should add this one to your list too, they have great Lamb! Place is called Mildred Pierce, the decor is really nice too. Floor to ceiling murals which is pretty neat!

[iyell4]

Which restaurant you looking for in Montreal? Born and raised baby, some of the BEST places to eat in Canada are in Montreal :D
mtl is a kewl city. beautiful in the fall. some nice eating establishments in outremont. spent a weekend their last fall and had non-stop stuff to see/do: old montreal (nice restaurants), port, climbing that hill to that huge cross (kinda disappointing for the effort), cathedrals in town, rue st. cat's, mcgill, latin quartier (had thai food there ... yum!), the village ... not sure if there is any good golf around there though.:)

[Mikey816]

... and the name of this fine dining establishment is _____________?:)
Hmm... I'm not too sure, I think it starts with an M... lol...!! ;)

[Ems]

Which restaurant you looking for in Montreal? Born and raised baby, some of the BEST places to eat in Canada are in Montreal :DHey, I work in Montreal now. Any suggestions?

I've been to Buona Notte, the Italian menu at first seemed typical and small, but the quality of food was spectacular. I loved it, but a bit pricey.

I was told by three different sources over the past 2 years that Pied de cochon is really good. Have been trying to schedule a night out but people's schedules keep changing.
PIED DE COCHON
536 AVENUE DULUTH EST
(514) 281-1114

I also heard Casa Tapas is good, have not tried it yet though.

Food in Montreal does seem cheaper, but wine is more expensive.

[racmbs]

Hey, I work in Montreal now. Any suggestions?

I've been to Buona Notte, the Italian menu at first seemed typical and small, but the quality of food was spectacular. I loved it, but a bit pricey.

I was told by three different sources over the past 2 years that Pied de cochon is really good. Have been trying to schedule a night out but people's schedules keep changing.
PIED DE COCHON
536 AVENUE DULUTH EST
(514) 281-1114

I also heard Casa Tapas is good, have not tried it yet though.

Food in Montreal does seem cheaper, but wine is more expensive.


Where abouts in Montreal you living/working? I'd be happy to give you a list of some GREAT restaurants out there. That was the one thing I loved doing in Montreal.....going out for great food and great wine :D

[Big Shooter]

Hey, I work in Montreal now. Any suggestions?

I've been to Buona Notte, the Italian menu at first seemed typical and small, but the quality of food was spectacular. I loved it, but a bit pricey.

I was told by three different sources over the past 2 years that Pied de cochon is really good. Have been trying to schedule a night out but people's schedules keep changing.
PIED DE COCHON
536 AVENUE DULUTH EST
(514) 281-1114

I also heard Casa Tapas is good, have not tried it yet though.

Food in Montreal does seem cheaper, but wine is more expensive.
Uh-oh, she's gonna find some MORE FAVOURITES!
...look out Calgary, Vancouver, etc.??!:D

[pudubny]

EMS et. al.
Love Shanghai style food and some of the Bejing dishes as well. The Bejing style fried bread is one of my favourites.
As for Catonese food, specifically Hong Kong style, not so much. It seems to me that the British must have introduced bland food to the south of China. - That's a joke!
Love the Thai food as well. Try My Thai Kitchen at Bloor and Royal York, authentic family style Thai resturant. Really reasonable.
Cheers.
Pud.

[Ems]

Where abouts in Montreal you living/working? I'd be happy to give you a list of some GREAT restaurants out there. That was the one thing I loved doing in Montreal.....going out for great food and great wine :D
Hey racmbs, I'm staying at Le Centre Sheraton on Rene Levesque and Stanley. I work at Place Bonaventure.

Uh-oh, she's gonna find some MORE FAVOURITES!
...look out Calgary, Vancouver, etc.??!:D
what can I say, I love food! I have never been to Calgary or Vancouver, BUT now that you mention it, I'm going to Vancouver at the end of November for a wedding. I heard I must try their sushi (some Japanese people tell me it's fresher than in Japan?!? :eek: ) If you guys know of any more recommendations, I'll do my best to try them all! ... within monetary limitations :D

[Shankmeister]

It's now called the Prime Steak House.

Food is a bit better than Devonsleigh's. Put's the School to shame.
Nice ambience. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for.

Unlike Baton Rouge, they provide you with a wide selection of bread, some olives and peppers, and cheese before your food arrives.

Nice juicy steak done to perfection with a huge lobster tail , mash potatoes with shrimp cocktail appetizer and a glass of coke will run you around $80 including tip. Without the shrimp $60.

Tonnes of wine available if you're into that.

I would suggest ordering the shrimp cocktail as an appetizer or the lobster bisque(very good stuff).

I've never seem shrimp so big (I had to use a knife and fork to eat the shrimp.).

You gotta try this place at least once. Service was good. I was stuffed.
This place unfortunately went out of business

[iyell4]

Hey racmbs, I'm staying at Le Centre Sheraton on Rene Levesque and Stanley. I work at Place Bonaventure.


what can I say, I love food! I have never been to Calgary or Vancouver, BUT now that you mention it, I'm going to Vancouver at the end of November for a wedding. I heard I must try their sushi (some Japanese people tell me it's fresher than in Japan?!? :eek: ) If you guys know of any more recommendations, I'll do my best to try them all! ... within monetary limitations :Dwhilst youre in mtl,
this might not be as sophisticated as Auberge du Pommier to which you are accustomed and entitled to, but i would recommmend:
Bar B Barn. "The World's Best Spareribs & Chicken"
Guy b/w SteCat's and RLB 983-3811

http://www.barbbarn.ca (http://www.barbbarn.ca/)

i suggest you try the Whole Hawg.

enjoy!:)

[snafu]

Let me add this suggestion to the list, Carman's in downtown Toronto that has had a who's who of celebrities eat there over the years and whose food is always fantastic.

Carmans Steakhouse

Carman's Dining Club http://images.toronto.com/website_ic.gif (http://www.toronto.com/infosite/145917/) http://images.toronto.com/ptopl.gifhttp://images.toronto.com/ptopr.gifhttp://images.toronto.com/t.gif26 Alexander St.
Toronto, ON M4Y1B4
http://images.toronto.com/t.gifPhone: (416) 924-8558http://images.toronto.com/t.gifFax: (416) 924-7638

Link (http://www.toronto.com/profile/145917/?cr_index=1)

[framer]

fedricks at bellamy and ellesmere has a fantastic chilli chicken. haka style chineese food restaurant.

[Ems]

fedricks at bellamy and ellesmere has a fantastic chilli chicken. haka style chineese food restaurant.
I know ppl from Montreal who would drive all the way down to Toronto just to eat here.

[Mok]

Which restaurant you looking for in Montreal? Born and raised baby, some of the BEST places to eat in Canada are in Montreal :D actually i don't know the name, but i heard it's the same type of food as Fogo de Chao or Red Violin

[polarbear]

Can I add some more to the list?

My favourite is Sushi Kaji on The Queensway + Kipling. Owned by a Japanese,
authentic sushi and Kaiseki. Very pricy, though... $120 omakase only. The
owner imports fish from Japan, he makes his own soy sauce.... it's like you
are eating in Japan!

Another good one is Thuet Cuisine (French) on King + Bathurst. Excellent
food, wine and service.

PB

[leftintherough]

Barbarian's for steak, Astoria for Greek.

[Ems]

I'm sure some of you have your december calendar packed with festivities! I just want to revise one of my favourite threads in time to hear of everybody's experiences and recommendations!
Just a few that I've tried in the past few months:

Vancouver:
Happa Izakaya - Japanese Tapas place in downtown Vancouver on Robson Street
Great pre-night club atmosphere, excellent food, many small portions for sharing, friendly owner, lively japanese staff (reminds me a lot of Tokyo restaurants)

Toronto:
Lee - Next door to Susur, the 'cheaper' alternative, dark lively spot, fusion tapas with interesting mix of ingredients, really, really, really yummy food. Two people, 6 tapas dishes, two glasses of wine including tip and tax is $100. Need to make reservations even on weekdays unless you eat at the bar (personally I prefered the bar than the cramped tables). I recommended this to co-workers and they all loved it. (King and Bathurst)

Oyster Boy - Small and cozy, really good and fresh oysters, I think it's a bit pricier than Rodney's. they offer oyster shucking classes if anyone is interested! (Queen and Bathurst)

Chicago:
Blue Water Grill - Good oysters again (Oyster Boy had slightly more variety), unique maki rolls with ingredients like mango, thai curry, shizo, buttery sea bass, and also tried the huge sundae with carmelized banana shared with 3 other people

[MP33]

I'm sure some of you have your december calendar packed with festivities! I just want to revise one of my favourite threads in time to hear of everybody's experiences and recommendations!
Just a few that I've tried in the past few months:

Vancouver:
Happa Izakaya - Japanese Tapas place in downtown Vancouver on Robson Street
Great pre-night club atmosphere, excellent food, many small portions for sharing, friendly owner, lively japanese staff (reminds me a lot of Tokyo restaurants)

Toronto:
Lee - Next door to Susur, the 'cheaper' alternative, dark lively spot, fusion tapas with interesting mix of ingredients, really, really, really yummy food. Two people, 6 tapas dishes, two glasses of wine including tip and tax is $100. Need to make reservations even on weekdays unless you eat at the bar (personally I prefered the bar than the cramped tables). I recommended this to co-workers and they all loved it. (King and Bathurst)

Oyster Boy - Small and cozy, really good and fresh oysters, I think it's a bit pricier than Rodney's. they offer oyster shucking classes if anyone is interested! (Queen and Bathurst)

Chicago:
Blue Water Grill - Good oysters again (Oyster Boy had slightly more variety), unique maki rolls with ingredients like mango, thai curry, shizo, buttery sea bass, and also tried the huge sundae with carmelized banana shared with 3 other people
Ems,

Do you know of any good Izakya places in Toronto? I really enjoy Izakayas and when I am in Japan (at least 4 times a year) for business, I always make a point of going to one at least once or twice after a long day in the office. I don't know why this concept has not caught on more in North America as it's a great way to socialize amongst friends.

[Ems]

Ems,

Do you know of any good Izakya places in Toronto? I really enjoy Izakayas and when I am in Japan (at least 4 times a year) for business, I always make a point of going to one at least once or twice after a long day in the office. I don't know why this concept has not caught on more in North America as it's a great way to socialize amongst friends.
MP33, do you know HOW MUCH I WANT AN IZAKAYA IN TORONTO??!? I even considered opening one up with friends except I have no capital and ... it's just not practical at this stage in my life.

There is a place called Izakaya on Front Street, but when I looked at their menu it sounded more like a ramen restaurant, just noodles.

If you're talking about the rowdy izakayas with a ton of selection of really cheap "dishes" with pictures and a hundred different types of alcohol to drink with, then no, unfortunately there isn't one in Toronto. And even Happa in Vancouver I would consider that a little on the upscale side. The izakayas that I'm use to are cheaper with a lot more food to choose from.

If you ever go to NYC, there's a street called St. Marks, between 1st and 2nd Avenue that is like a mini Tokyo strip. I know it's not in Toronto, but it's the closest thing I've found near here! :confused:

[MP33]

MP33, do you know HOW MUCH I WANT AN IZAKAYA IN TORONTO??!? I even considered opening one up with friends except I have no capital and ... it's just not practical at this stage in my life.

There is a place called Izakaya on Front Street, but when I looked at their menu it sounded more like a ramen restaurant, just noodles.

If you're talking about the rowdy izakayas with a ton of selection of really cheap "dishes" with pictures and a hundred different types of alcohol to drink with, then no, unfortunately there isn't one in Toronto. And even Happa in Vancouver I would consider that a little on the upscale side. The izakayas that I'm use to are cheaper with a lot more food to choose from.

If you ever go to NYC, there's a street called St. Marks, between 1st and 2nd Avenue that is like a mini Tokyo strip. I know it's not in Toronto, but it's the closest thing I've found near here! :confused:
Ems,

Thanks for the NYC tip. I would love a good Izakaya place in TO. Maybe one day??? I'll have to stick to the authentic Tokyo Izakayas when I am on biz for now.

[Ems]

Blowfish, located in an old BMO or CIBC bank at King and Bathurst.

Asian fusion, the dishes are really unique. I liked the crepe handroll with shrimp, tobiko (fish eggs), tempura flakes, raw green leafs, and some yummy mayo type sauce.

Also liked the foie gras with octopus spread on mini "bird's nests" (crunchy noodles shaped like mini nests).

I really liked the hamachi (yellow tail) sashimi with ginger, soya and green onion (tasted like Chinese steam fish with ginger, green onion and soya sauce, which is one of my favourite chinese dishes). Reminded me of ceviche because it's marinated sashimi. I would have preferred the sashimi to be cold but I think the sauce warmed it up.

We also tried the tiger shrimps that cooked in front of you on a bed of hot stones, they remove the cover just in time for you to eat it fresh and crisp. They had cod and big enoki beef rolls as one of the main dishes. It was good, but not 'unique' like some of the other dishes.

Ambiance was really nice, you'll have to make reservations early though.

http://www.dine.to/page.php?PageID=157&establishmentid=2653

[beeker]

Let me add this suggestion to the list, Carman's in downtown Toronto that has had a who's who of celebrities eat there over the years and whose food is always fantastic.

Carmans Steakhouse

Carman's Dining Club http://images.toronto.com/website_ic.gif (http://www.toronto.com/infosite/145917/) http://images.toronto.com/ptopl.gifhttp://images.toronto.com/ptopr.gifhttp://images.toronto.com/t.gif26 Alexander St.
Toronto, ON M4Y1B4
http://images.toronto.com/t.gifPhone: (416) 924-8558http://images.toronto.com/t.gifFax: (416) 924-7638

Link (http://www.toronto.com/profile/145917/?cr_index=1)

Would definitely agree with Carman's being on the list....great steak and very reasonably priced......

[Mok]

This thread is great!

Anyways, has anyone tried the Sunday buffet brunch at The Restaurant at King Edward? Read in the metro (http://www.metronews.ca/lifestyle/food/details.asp?id=14787) that it's the best brunch in the city! One of my friends has been there and said it's good, said there are oysters, beef wellington, leg of lamb and Lindt milk chocolate fountain, mmMMMmmm, but it's $60 a pop! dang!

http://www.metronews.ca/uploadedImages/king_0317_article.jpg (http://www.metronews.ca/lifestyle/food/details.asp?id=14787)

btw, my favourite is still fogo de chao, will be visiting it on Labour Day Weekend in Washington DC.

[mikejb]

I had never been until a couple weeks ago, but Scaramouch. Best in the city hands down.

[ondadl]

If there was a TORONTOFOODNUTS site, I think I'd be there almost as much. Wow, my two obsessions on the same web-forum. I have many many favourites in Toronto. I'll try not to mention anything mentioned above.

Here we go:

Cheapies
Congee Wong - open til' 4am, great noodle dishes, try the fried turnip - Finch/Leslie
Salad King - very authentic thai served in a new york style cafeteria - Yonge/Gould
Sushi On Bloor - quality is getting better and better, cheap combos - bathurst/bloor
Pho Mi Saigon - my favourite winter-time filler-upper, delicious noodle soups - Cawthra/Dundas
Soo Foon Tai - Cheapest authentic DIM SUM, good vegetable options - Gerrard/Broadview
Cafe Michi - hidden gem of all sushibars, run by renoun Kaji most lunches, same fish as Kaji, top quality - Pharmacy/Sheppard

Expensive
Splendido - best traditional tasting menu going these days, best service - Harbord/Spadina
Perigee - most original tasting menus, vary by day - Distillery District
Omi - most chilled and relaxing Omakase in Toronto, untraditional japanese flare - Church/Wellesley
Barclays - oldschool steakhouse, cheaper than others mentioned, fantastic bacon-wrapped fillets - Victoria Park/Lawrence
Lai Wah Heen - hands down best dim sum in North America, pieces are works of art - Metropolitan Hotel

[Big Shooter]

This thread is great!





btw, my favourite is still fogo de chao, will be visiting it on Labour Day Weekend in Washington DC.

We've discussed this before, and we are in TOTAL AGREEMENT....
Fogo de Chao is my favourite too...hope to go to the one in Atlanta in April!

Here's their site: www.fogodechao.com (http://www.fogodechao.com)


p.s., I didn't know they opened one in DC!? Yum!:p

[Mok]

I had never been until a couple weeks ago, but Scaramouch. Best in the city hands down.
this place is absolutely amazing! food is great (only drawback is that the portions are not enough for me) the view is spectacular, you can see the toronto skyline from this place... here is their website: Scaramouche Restaurant (http://www.scaramoucherestaurant.com/)


Congee Wong - open til' 4am, great noodle dishes, try the fried turnip - Finch/Leslie
go to this place like once every 2 weeks heh...not till 4am, 3am i believe :p but yes the singapore fried turnips is good...i always order that, the rice noodle wrapped around fried donut stick is good also, yummmm


Lai Wah Heen - hands down best dim sum in North America, pieces are works of art - Metropolitan Hotel
this place is crazy, instead of ha gau (shrimp ball), they have lobster ball!

[slicendice]

Just thought I'd throw this one in: we live in Pickering, so therefore to find anything even approaching fine dining requires a quick trip into the city. However, we've had a new place just open up called Burbs.

It's in a strip mall (but in the suburbs, what isn't?) but the ambiance is really nice, the food is head and shoulders above anything else not located downtown. Being a bit of a food snob myself I was prepared for nothing special, but it was a very pleasant surprise. Intriguing dishes prepared with care. If you live in the east end or are visiting and looking for somewhere nice (that isn't a pub) please look these guys up.

Oh, and the wine list, whilst not expansive, is very well priced - you can get several decent bottles for 30 bucks or less - with markup on wine these days approaching the 90 percent and higher mark - this was great.

2 thumbs up!
http://www.burbsbistro.com/

[fresh]

Carmen's is one of my alltime fav restaurants. Only steak I've had better is in Montreal at Queue de Cheval.

Blowfish was really fun and a great place to go, but I found it a little over priced and definitly loud. Not great for business meals or for a first date. Unless you're trying to impress...lol

One of my fav sushi places is Sushi Supreme Yonge south of Eglington. Great price and great quality. Always very nice there!

As for pizza - terroni!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mikejb]

One of my fav sushi places is Sushi Supreme Yonge south of Eglington. Great price and great quality. Always very nice there!

Yonge and Davisville, you are close. Great stuf none the less.

[fresh]

isnt davisville south of eglington? LOL


Yonge and Davisville, you are close. Great stuf none the less.

[mikejb]

isnt davisville south of eglington? LOL

Yep, I just wanted to point it out for others if they are in the area and looking for it. I live at Yonge and Davisville, Not Yonge and Eglington. :)

I also posted the restraunt on page 2, post number 45 that I liked it and 2 other restraunts in the neighbourbood.

[fresh]

hehe..i dont know street names that well...

but for those that go -try the spicy salmon..m.mm

and if u like sashimi - they give HUUUUUUUUUUGE chunks!
Yep, I just wanted to point it out for others if they are in the area and looking for it. I live at Yonge and Davisville, Not Yonge and Eglington. :)

[Golftool]

BEST PIZZA BY FAR IS DANTE'S in Thornhill just off Yonge st. Near Royal Orchard.
They load it with gobs of toppings and its mmmmm, mmmmm good!

[slicendice]

Carmen's is one of my alltime fav restaurants. Only steak I've had better is in Montreal at Queue de Cheval.

Blowfish was really fun and a great place to go, but I found it a little over priced and definitly loud. Not great for business meals or for a first date. Unless you're trying to impress...lol

One of my fav sushi places is Sushi Supreme Yonge south of Eglington. Great price and great quality. Always very nice there!

As for pizza - terroni!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gotta agree with Terroni - best thin crust on the planet - including Italy!

[Big Shooter]

BEST PIZZA BY FAR IS DANTE'S in Thornhill just off Yonge st. Near Royal Orchard.
They load it with gobs of toppings and its mmmmm, mmmmm good!

Absolutely, have been going there no matter where I've lived in-and- around Toronto for the last 20 years-or-so....
but haven't been there since....last night!!!!:D

hehe..i dont know street names that well...


Heads-up on street names, it's EGLINTON, not EGLINGTON!!;)

p.s., mikejb, perhaps you live at Yonge & Chaplin Cres. as well!!??;) :)
..............Bow & Arrow have great Fish & Chips!!!

[iyell4]

BEST PIZZA BY FAR IS DANTE'S in Thornhill just off Yonge st. Near Royal Orchard.
They load it with gobs of toppings and its mmmmm, mmmmm good!


Ferget da 'zzas ...
They also serve up some mean sandwiches! Yummmy!!!!
http://www.dantesitalian.ca/

I'm also a big fan of Salad King ... don't let the name fool you .. it is NOT a vegetarian sanctuary (my initial reaction.)
:)

[simar]

for anyone that likes indian, The host (toronto, avenue and bloor) ranks up there in my list.

[Big Shooter]

Ferget da 'zzas ...
They also serve up some mean sandwiches! Yummmy!!!!
http://www.dantesitalian.ca/
:)


Excellent VEAL sandwich!!!:p

[mikejb]

Absolutely, have been going there no matter where I've lived in-and- around Toronto for the last 20 years-or-so....
but haven't been there since....last night!!!!:D




Heads-up on street names, it's EGLINTON, not EGLINGTON!!;)

p.s., mikejb, perhaps you live at Yonge & Chaplin Cres. as well!!??;) :)
..............Bow & Arrow have great Fish & Chips!!!

To be exact - Yep! I am at Yonge and Millwood - Which is exactly where those awesome fish and chips are. Which is also close to the great food from the Longest Yard on Mount Pleasant and Belsize.

[Crzy_Canuck]

La Castille in Mississauga (427/Dundas)
Food was well prepared, good wine list and the ambiance is truly excellent!
2 entrees, 2 apps & a bottle of Mondavi runs about $225.00
Definitely ask to be seated upstairs as the large oak timbered cathedral ceiling really does make you feel like you’re in a castle setting.
The piano/wine bar is excellent for waiting for your seating or as an after dinner spot to relax and digest.

[focal]

little gem of a sushi/sashimi place I go to is INAHO on East Beaver Creek (Hwy 7 and Hwy 404 area)

a little mom/pop place run by a Japanese golfing nut (good conversations at the sushi bar). Quality and portions are top notch and prices are decent. You'd NEVER go to this place if you weren't referred, and from the clientel it's all referrals.

[Mok]

little gem of a sushi/sashimi place I go to is INAHO on East Beaver Creek (Hwy 7 and Hwy 404 area)

a little mom/pop place run by a Japanese golfing nut (good conversations at the sushi bar). Quality and portions are top notch and prices are decent. You'd NEVER go to this place if you weren't referred, and from the clientel it's all referrals.
is this all you can eat? :D or just a la carte?

[Section ThirtyOne]

For those that enjoy Fogo de Chao:

Come on down to Kitchener, where a rodizio grill (which is what FdC is) opened a few months back. I've been there on a couple of occasions, and the food is fantastic.

http://www.therecord.com/entertainment/dining/dining_322.html

If you do decide to come down, shoot me a PM as i'd love to join you. The food is THAT good. :eek:

[focal]

is this all you can eat? :D or just a la carte?


a la carte...not quantity...quality first..

[snafu]

Just thought I'd throw this one in: we live in Pickering, so therefore to find anything even approaching fine dining requires a quick trip into the city. However, we've had a new place just open up called Burbs.

It's in a strip mall (but in the suburbs, what isn't?) but the ambiance is really nice, the food is head and shoulders above anything else not located downtown. Being a bit of a food snob myself I was prepared for nothing special, but it was a very pleasant surprise. Intriguing dishes prepared with care. If you live in the east end or are visiting and looking for somewhere nice (that isn't a pub) please look these guys up.

Oh, and the wine list, whilst not expansive, is very well priced - you can get several decent bottles for 30 bucks or less - with markup on wine these days approaching the 90 percent and higher mark - this was great.

2 thumbs up!
http://www.burbsbistro.com/:eek: Neighbour?

I'll have to give it a try. The previous establishment (pub) that occupied that space in the Independent (Loebs) plaza didn't seem to draw much.

[Big Shooter]

For those that enjoy Fogo de Chao:

Believe me, here in Toronto (with our HUGE Portuguese/Brazilian population), there are a number of "FdC"-type restaurants, none of which compare!!!:$

eg. The Red Violin

[Section ThirtyOne]

Believe me, here in Toronto (with our HUGE Portuguese/Brazilian population), there are a number of "FdC"-type restaurants, none of which compare!!!:$

eg. The Red Violin
Seriously, don't knock it til you've tried it.

If you're ever in town, give them a shot. The restaurant is downtown, and not hard to find. :)

[slicendice]

:eek: Neighbour?

I'll have to give it a try. The previous establishment (pub) that occupied that space in the Independent (Loebs) plaza didn't seem to draw much.

Yeah, other than their 3.50 drafts on Tuesday night, it wasn't much to talk about.

But give this place a try. We went on a sunday night at 6:00 and it was totally dead - that scares me a little - the food is too good for this place to go under. But apparently you can't even get in on a Fri/Sat without a res.

Go Burbs! Go Pickering!

[golferboy]

Nachos.......Armadillo or Hernando's

Wings....Sloppy Joes....in Etobicoke on the lakeshore...they're huge!

Indian...Babur on Queen

Thai...Funky Thai on dundas at Hwy 25.....Oakville.

Thats my diet......

[Ems]

Has anyone been to Supermarket in Kensington Market? I've always heard about it but didn't go until my farewell gathering a couple weeks back with some co-workers. It's really funky with good food, all small plates, like tapas but not Spanish tapas.

It actually reminds me of an Izakaya except it doesn't have nearly as enough selections as a real Izakaya and it's not really Japanese small plates either. But I still really liked it for the food and atmosphere, definitely recommend it!

http://www.supermarkettoronto.com/

[ondadl]

Has anyone been to Supermarket in Kensington Market? I've always heard about it but didn't go until my farewell gathering a couple weeks back with some co-workers. It's really funky with good food, all small plates, like tapas but not Spanish tapas.

It actually reminds me of an Izakaya except it doesn't have nearly as enough selections as a real Izakaya and it's not really Japanese small plates either. But I still really liked it for the food and atmosphere, definitely recommend it!

http://www.supermarkettoronto.com/

Supermarket is decent for fake tapas, but Torito, three doors north, is where it's at for the real deal. Everything is super fresh, and the wine selection changes each week.

[Ems]

Supermarket is decent for fake tapas, but Torito, three doors north, is where it's at for the real deal. Everything is super fresh, and the wine selection changes each week.

I'm talking about Japanese tapas, it's different from Spanish tapas except that they're small dishes. You need to visit an Izakaya in Japan to know what I'm talking about. An Izakaya restaurant is long overdue for Toronto! :confused:

[racmbs]

I'm talking about Japanese tapas, it's different from Spanish tapas except that they're small dishes. You need to visit an Izakaya in Japan to know what I'm talking about. An Izakaya restaurant is long overdue for Toronto! :confused:

You mean like this one Ems?

http://www.izakaya.ca/

[ondadl]

Japanese tapas AKA KAISEKI has been in Toronto for quite a while now. Izakaya is a great affordable place on Front Street. Pretty hip too. For true KAISEKI, there is none better than HASHIMOTO on Dixie in Mississauga. But for the same price, I'd prefer to play Bigwin Island.

BTW...Don't go to any of these places expecting sushi!

Sushi Favs:
Sushi Kaji
Omi
Cafe Michi
Japango

[wayland]

My favourite for sushi is Koganei at Weston/Hwy 7. No it's not all you can eat.

[fresh]

Supermarket is decent for fake tapas, but Torito, three doors north, is where it's at for the real deal. Everything is super fresh, and the wine selection changes each week.

i had my birthday dinner/party at Supermarket last year. It was sweet! Excellent food and a great time. Although I was a little to drunk to remember what I ate or not...but the pictures show that I had a good time :)

[Ems]

Japanese tapas AKA KAISEKI has been in Toronto for quite a while now. Izakaya is a great affordable place on Front Street. Pretty hip too. For true KAISEKI, there is none better than HASHIMOTO on Dixie in Mississauga. But for the same price, I'd prefer to play Bigwin Island.

The name of the restaurant on Front is called Izakaya, but when I checked out their menu, it was all ramen dishes. Their name's misleading.

What I like most about Izakayas besides all the small plates you can eat in one night is the atmosphere; most are hip, funky, usually bustling japanese drinking holes. The only place that comes close in terms of atmosphere is Supermarket. If they had a wider variety of small plates with more Asian influence in their dishes, then that would be the closest restaurant to an izakaya in Toronto that I've seen so far. I heard there's one on Danforth, but haven't had a chance to go there yet.

If Kaiseki is what I think it is, then it's the more formal way of dining in Japan, and really different from Izakayas again. The small plates in Izakayas are shared with a big group of people, with Kaiseki, you get your own personal set of small plates.

I heard Kaji Sushi is the best and most expensive Japanese food in Toronto.

[wiredbeans]

Japanese tapas AKA KAISEKI has been in Toronto for quite a while now. Izakaya is a great affordable place on Front Street. Pretty hip too. For true KAISEKI, there is none better than HASHIMOTO on Dixie in Mississauga. But for the same price, I'd prefer to play Bigwin Island.

BTW...Don't go to any of these places expecting sushi!

Sushi Favs:
Sushi Kaji
Omi
Cafe Michi
Japango

Cafe Michi gets my vote !! Superb

[ondadl]

If Kaiseki is what I think it is, then it's the more formal way of dining in Japan, and really different from Izakayas again. The small plates in Izakayas are shared with a big group of people, with Kaiseki, you get your own personal set of small plates.

You're right. Not really for sharing, and more like omakase. If you like Supermarket, the closest thing to it, and even more authentic, are the appetizers at Akane-ya in the beaches.

I heard Kaji Sushi is the best and most expensive Japanese food in Toronto.

The food here is great, but it is only omakase, meaning you eat what the chef prepares for you. Chef Kaji also runs Cafe Michi at Sheppard and Pharmacy during lunch hours, and has his apprentice take over during the evenings. Quality is incredible there, and the price is much less than $150pp at Kaji. Just know that this is a traditional sushi bar, and look to OMI if you're expecting more of the trendier fusion style sushi.

[Toughpar3]

My all time favorite sushi restaurant is Prince Japanese Steakhouse! Close to Centennial Park in Etobicoke. Their spicy tuna is to die for! :D Check out the menu...you won't be dissappointed.

http://princesteakhouse.com/index.php

5555 Eglinton Avenue West, Etobicoke ON, M9C 5M1 (416) 695-2828

[Ems]

You're right. Not really for sharing, and more like omakase. If you like Supermarket, the closest thing to it, and even more authentic, are the appetizers at Akane-ya in the beaches.



The food here is great, but it is only omakase, meaning you eat what the chef prepares for you. Chef Kaji also runs Cafe Michi at Sheppard and Pharmacy during lunch hours, and has his apprentice take over during the evenings. Quality is incredible there, and the price is much less than $150pp at Kaji. Just know that this is a traditional sushi bar, and look to OMI if you're expecting more of the trendier fusion style sushi.

Omakase, that's the one I was thinking of instead of Kaiseki, still not sure what kaiseki is but it sounds so familiar...

Thanks for all the tips!! I'll be sure to find this thread when I come back to Toronto!! I'm going to recommend Akane-ya to a couple of my friends who lived in Japan with me and are also dying to find a real izakaya in TO!

[wayland]

*bump*

Hrmmm...what to eat tonight. Actually felt like going back to Piri Piri (isn't there one on College out past Bathurst? Anyways, not gonna fight through rush hour traffic at this hour to get downtown.

What to eat..what to eat.


Updates::

BTW, Prime Steak House is also out of business. It has turned into a high-end chinese restaurant that also serves dim sum at lunch. Went for lunch once, it wasn't bad.

For steak and wine, check out Tuscany Cafe on Baldwin/Beverly. One of the best wine cellars in Toronto and the food is *very* reasonably priced. I think a 16oz Angus beef striploin was $20something (their beef is supplied by same source that supplies Harbour 60). This guy has alot of fine wines that you cannot get through LCBO.

Also went to Lai Toh Heen at Mt Pleasant, south of Eglinton for a birthday dinner. Had been looking forward to this as friends have highly recommended it for a long time. This evening was nothing to remember as the food was bland and unseasoned. Even my friends who are regulars were aghast at the food that evening. I spoke to the waiter who in turn brought over the manager. I told him of the problem and he apologized and offered to inform the Chef. After a bit of staring at each other with no more words exchanged. I realized he wasn't going to do anything else so I shrugged and left it at that. I am going to have to attribute it to an off night and try this place out again as the reviews from friends are simply outstanding. Excellent service by the wait staff and good decor.


Ughhh..I'm lazy and it's on the way home. Asian Legend it is tonight!!

[racmbs]

*bump*

Hrmmm...what to eat tonight. Actually felt like going back to Piri Piri (isn't there one on College out past Bathurst? Anyways, not gonna fight through rush hour traffic at this hour to get downtown.

What to eat..what to eat.


Updates::

BTW, Prime Steak House is also out of business. It has turned into a high-end chinese restaurant that also serves dim sum at lunch. Went for lunch once, it wasn't bad.

For steak and wine, check out Tuscany Cafe on Baldwin/Beverly. One of the best wine cellars in Toronto and the food is *very* reasonably priced. I think a 16oz Angus beef striploin was $20something (their beef is supplied by same source that supplies Harbour 60). This guy has alot of fine wines that you cannot get through LCBO.

Went to Lai Toh Heen at Mt Pleasant, south of Eglinton for a birthday dinner. Had been looking forward to this as friends have highly recommended it for a long time. This evening was nothing to remember as the food was bland and unseasoned. Even my friends who are regulars were aghast at the food that evening. I spoke to the waiter who in turn brought over the manager. I told him of the problem and he apologized and offered to inform the Chef. After a bit of staring at each other with no more words exchanged. I realized he wasn't going to do anything else so I shrugged and left it at that. I am going to have to attribute it to an off night and try this place out again as the reviews from friends are simply outstanding. Excellent service by the wait staff and good decor.


Sweet...after this review, you aren't picking the restaurant we are having dinner at next Thursday night bro. :rofl:

[rotator]

I went to the Imperial Buffet in Scarborough tonight for my birthday and I enjoyed it. We have been there before, but tonight the crab legs were perfect. You crack the claws and the meat came out in one piece. I love that. I hate it when you crack the claw and the meat does not come out in one piece and you have to pick it out of the shell. Has anybody else been here and do you have any comments?



I've been there a few times, and been to many other Chinese buffets, including Mandarin (many branches). It's not as fancy as some of the others, but a lot of room. so you do not feel squeezed in. The selection is good. Yah, the crab legs are great. I did not work it right, but my BIL had the cracking in one piece done perfect. Only 19.99 on weekday's dinner. Sushi also. The roast beef I swear is prime rib, not the hip or other usual cuts at buffets, very tender.

[nearace]

went to a chinese buffet on victoria north of finch ontop of an arena it was great dont know the name sorry .:) mother tuckers on eglinton ave was the same old thing inthe usa hometown buffet the best.

[Big Shooter]

Pizza: Dante's ('nuff said!):cool: ;)

[ondadl]

First, I'll say that there really isn't a good quality food buffet to be had in the city. I've tried most of the higher end buffets now, and have been dissapointed for the most part. There are times though that I can be satisfied just filling my face. My latest fill your face place is SushiHome, on Steeles, on the southeast corner of Midland. Decent sushi, sashimi, crabs legs, hotpots, hot dishes, and inclusive drinks. I would strongly recommend staying away from the Uni starter that they bring you. This delicacy does not belong at an AYCE joint, and this one in particular is revolting.

[mike_titleist]

The Bistro is located (I think) on Avenue near Lawrence. Possibly the best wings I have ever eaten. There is also a replica of the restaurant called St. Louis Bar and Grill. Go to the Bistro for the best wings in town

[TehFlakes]

Wings....Sloppy Joes....in Etobicoke on the lakeshore...they're huge!



Sloppys? Talk about a lakeshore watering joint, place is trash! well so is lakeshore..

[wayland]

Update on Asian Legend @ Metro Square (Warden/Steeles)

Quality of food at this chain seems to be going downhill. I wasn't impressed when I ate at the Commerce Gate (WBC/Hwy7) location a few months ago and pretty much got the same at this location.

Soup filled pork dumplings barely had any soup (pork fat drippings actually).
Pan fried dumpling wasn't anything spectacular and the shanghai noodles were ok. Service wasn't great as we got our noodles first, then steamed dumplings and THEN the soup. Basically reverse of how they should serve it.

Scotty, you're welcome to choose. I eat out so often, I dread picking places to go.

[ondadl]

The Bistro is located (I think) on Avenue near Lawrence. Possibly the best wings I have ever eaten. There is also a replica of the restaurant called St. Louis Bar and Grill. Go to the Bistro for the best wings in town

These wings tasted a lot better when they were half price on Tuesdays. It's been a few years now that the deal is only good at St Louis. I personally always found their wings to be overcooked. I'd suggest Duffs on Bayview, or All-Star Wings in Richmond Hill.

[Big Shooter]

These wings tasted a lot better when they were half price on Tuesdays. It's been a few years now that the deal is only good at St Louis. I personally always found their wings to be overcooked. I'd suggest Duffs on Bayview, or All-Star Wings in Richmond Hill.

Wings: Buffalo...the Anchor Bar (nothing in Toronto comes close!):cool:

[Ems]

Just ate at Izakaya on Front and Church. Love the decor and the ambience, they even serve Chu-hi's! (A japanese fruity liquor that goes down like pop)

Anywayz, their ramen was really bland, not even ok. I wonder if it was a one-off situation though because their Chilli ribs were excellent! We also tried the pork dumplings (thumbs up) and duck gyozas...not sure what to make of those. Their chicken skewers were ok, my bf didn't like it much but I didn't think they were bad, just not memorable. Prices are moderate if you want to try this place.

[Big Shooter]

Ems is back!!! :D

[wayland]

Forgot the name but it's easy to find.

Intersection of Hwy 7 and Valleymede, new plaza across from the Shell gas station and Mcdonald's plaza...the one with the Tim Horton's.

Thai fusion restaurant. This place has excellent food. The satay skewers were fantastic. I hate most thai skewers as they are overcooked and dry but these were very tasty and juicy. Rack of lamb was pretty good, not very hard to screw up on that. Lemon grass sea bass was ok but I didn't care for the sauce, it was a mixture of lemon grass and wasabi but tasted like those wasabi peas. Pad thai was standard fare. I hear the pineapple fried rice isn't that great so don't bother.

For desert we had a mango on sticky rice drenched in coconut milk. Now I was hesitant to even try this as I don't like sticky rice (I had the real deal in Bangkok, Thailand and just picked off the fresh mango and threw away the rice) but this dish is very very good. Very aromatic and it's a warm desert so it really hits the spot after a good meal.

I will say that this place really suprised me as I heard many bad reviews of it when it opened up last fall. I would guess that they weren't properly organized in the kitchen as they do have a rather large menu. But the place is humming now and definitely a place to try out.

I have yet to find a Thai place in Toronto that satisfies me and this is the first.

[MP33]

Had dim sum at the Golden Court restaurant on Hwy 7 this Sunday and I was surprised how the quality has improved over a few months. Not sure what has happened but you could tell that all the dishes were freshly prepared. The Shui Mai was excellent. Definately worth a try but get there before 10 am on Sunday or you are waiting for at least 30 min for a table.

As an aside, has anyone tried the Brazilian steak place on on Beaver Creek Rd. (I think it's called Carnival). I had this style of food in Puerto Rico on biz and really enjoyed it. Is it worth trying here?

[iyell4]

As an aside, has anyone tried the Brazilian steak place on on Beaver Creek Rd. (I think it's called Carnival). I had this style of food in Puerto Rico on biz and really enjoyed it. Is it worth trying here?
Had lunch there. Food was OK. I think peeps go more for the concept than the food .... ie. they're really "sellin' the sizzle not the steak".
for quick lunch in the 'hood, i prefer Wasabi a couple km west on Hwy 7.
Wasabi All-You-Can-Eat Japanese Feast, 270 West Beaver Creek Rd:)

[slicendice]

Just ate at Izakaya on Front and Church. Love the decor and the ambience, they even serve Chu-hi's! (A japanese fruity liquor that goes down like pop)

Anywayz, their ramen was really bland, not even ok. I wonder if it was a one-off situation though because their Chilli ribs were excellent! We also tried the pork dumplings (thumbs up) and duck gyozas...not sure what to make of those. Their chicken skewers were ok, my bf didn't like it much but I didn't think they were bad, just not memorable. Prices are moderate if you want to try this place.

we generally like the food here - pretty good value. I love the duck gyozas!

I think where Izakaya shines is their noodle bowls - really nice stuff and cheap - my wife and can eat there and be stuffed for less than 60 bucks for dinner.

[MP33]

we generally like the food here - pretty good value. I love the duck gyozas!

I think where Izakaya shines is their noodle bowls - really nice stuff and cheap - my wife and can eat there and be stuffed for less than 60 bucks for dinner.

Never been to Izakayas but my understanding is that it is not an "Izakaya" style restaurant. My understanding is that there are no authentic Izakaya style restaurants in the city. Is that an accurate statement?? If so, I would really be interested in feedback as I really enjoyed them in Japan.

[Bellyhungry]

Got treated to Thuet for my b-day a few months ago...They had the best rib eye I've ever had in a few years (including Peter Luger in NYC). (could be the best I have ever had, but anything before a few years back, I don't remember).

Supposedly Thuet aged the steak 6 weeks rather than the normal 3-4 weeks in normal high-end steak houses.

[GK88]

^^ you want an expereince along those lines, go to Thuet for weekend brunch. It's one of the best in the city. Thuet quickly realised soon after opening that this city didnt need another high priced French restaurant, so he quickly re made it into a more mid priced French bistro and the results have been quite good.

With regards to other great restaurants.

Dante's Pizza in Thornhill (one of the best pies in the city)
Avli on the danforht (best greek in the city and new york times highly rated)
Torito's in Kensington Market ( one of the best and reasonably priced Tapas)
Mistura on Davenport and Ave ( one of the best italian in the city)
House of Chan ( Bathurst and Eg ( one of the best steaks in the city-trust me!)
High Street -Frank McNies DVP and Lawrence ( one of the best fish and chips)

[Big Shooter]

^^ Hey, you're in Lawrence Park, ever eat at Roberto's (Yonge & Craighurst)?

[slicendice]

Never been to Izakayas but my understanding is that it is not an "Izakaya" style restaurant. My understanding is that there are no authentic Izakaya style restaurants in the city. Is that an accurate statement?? If so, I would really be interested in feedback as I really enjoyed them in Japan.

not sure if it is or not. I'm not usually overly concerned about things like this - all I know is that my mouth was happy, my belly was happy and my wallet was happier!

[MP33]

not sure if it is or not. I'm not usually overly concerned about things like this - all I know is that my mouth was happy, my belly was happy and my wallet was happier!

Agreed on the "mouth happy" part.
I only ask because the Izakaya experience is unique in that you sit around with friends and snack on very small portions of various dishes which continue to come for hours. Izakayas also have an extensive list of beverages (mainly of the alcoholic variety in Japan) to accompany the food. The concept is very much like "dim sum" in the evening with lots of booze.
You can easily spend hours in an Izakaya much like drinking at the Madison or Brunswick house. Would hate to invite friends to "Izakayas" for an evening of eating, gabbing and drinking and find that they only serve large portions of food (example - Teriyaki beef bento dinner with accompanying green tea ice cream type of thing) like most typical Japanese restaurants.

[GK88]

^^ Hey, you're in Lawrence Park, ever eat at Roberto's (Yonge & Craighurst)?

Yeah, I have eaten there. I ate there approx 2 years ago. It was uneventful if memory serves me correctly. Lots of dining options in that range.

[Faemow]

Being lazy, and not wanting to read all 7 or so pages on this thread. I'm looking for the best damn RIBS in Toronto. Any suggestions? OH, and it has to be more family orientated. Dont' think the grandparents likes the bar style scene.

[GK88]

Being lazy, and not wanting to read all 7 or so pages on this thread. I'm looking for the best damn RIBS in Toronto. Any suggestions? OH, and it has to be more family orientated. Dont' think the grandparents likes the bar style scene.

TO doesnt do RIBs all that well. The hands down best ribs in southern Ontario is at Camp 31 in Paris, Ontario. http://www.camp31.com. In the city itself, there is Phil's bbq at 838 college st, which is quite popluar (though I dont find them anything special) and the ever popular Baton Rouge chain.

[ondadl]

TO doesnt do RIBs all that well. The hands down best ribs in southern Ontario is at Camp 31 in Paris, Ontario. http://www.camp31.com. In the city itself, there is Phil's bbq at 838 college st, which is quite popluar (though I dont find them anything special) and the ever popular Baton Rouge chain.

mmm.... Camp 31! Worth the drive, and you can play Copetown while you're there. I've also heard of a new rib place at Yonge/Sheppard?

Special Dinner:

GEORGE (http://www.georgeonqueen.com/flash.html) !!!

I only ever get the tasting menu, but even the 5 course option is devine. The best part is th