What’s for Dinner? Almost Anything You Can Imagine!

hxdyl/Shutterstock

Expanding your mind at a conference is certainly worthwhile, but expanding your stomach is far more enjoyable. From gourmet locavore delights to a dizzying array of ethnic eateries, Toronto has many places to explore. The following are but a few recommendations, mainly in the downtown area. Price ranges listed (in Canadian dollars) are for a full dinner for two, including wine/beer, all taxes, and 15 percent tip. Please check with the restaurants for hours and availability.

Near the Toronto Convention Centre

Unfortunately, most options within a 10-minute walk are chains, tourist traps, and unspectacular hotel restaurants. Taverna Mercatto ($80-$100) serves up decent pizzas and pastas. On the waterfront, Amsterdam Brewhouse on the Lake ($100-$150) brews fine beers and rib-sticking comfort food. And Pearl ($100-$150) has prime views of the harbor and pricey dim sum and Cantonese dishes. Honestly, I’d just get a salad somewhere for lunch and save my calorie credits for dinner farther afield.

Newer and Notable

These are some of the tastiest options on the current food scene in Toronto. Most are downtown-ish, although you may need to TTC/Uber/taxi to get to some (worth it, though).

Actinolite ($300-$400) features foraged foods prominently in its clean, almost austere tasting menus. Bar Isabel ($200-$300) is a convivial tapas joint whose signature dish combines tangy whole sea bream ceviche with its own deep-fried bones. Asian-oriented fun food (for example, shrimp covered in popcorn) is a highlight at Chantecler ($200-$250). The menu at Edulis ($250-$300) is a showcase for local and seasonal ingredients.

David Chang’s Toronto Momofuku outpost features three main restaurants. Starting at the bottom, Noodle Bar ($50-$100) has the decadent pork-belly buns but inconsistent noodle dishes. Daisho ($150-$200) has the most beautiful space and a mixture of casual Asian fare (yummy ssäm with pork) and seasonal treats (sugar-snap-pea salad). Shoto ($400-$500) seats you around an open kitchen for a tasting menu that is mainly hits (chanterelle soup with duck tongue) but has occasional misses.

Buca ($300-$400) is the best place for decadent and inventive Italian fare. Byblos ($200-$300) and Fat Pasha ($150-$200) are great options for Ottolenghi-esque Middle Eastern treats. The Chase ($400-$500) is the flashiest downtown seafood place, but its roasted chicken stuffed with foie gras is the true height of decadence.

Old Standbys

These restaurants have been around awhile and are dependable if not cutting edge, particularly if you want a more old-school comfortable experience.

Canoe ($300-$400) has a spectacular 54th-floor view and showcases Canadian ingredients and flavors. George ($400-$500) features clever, seasonally based, and marvelously executed tasting menus, including one of the best vegetarian ones in the downtown. Just a little less expensive than an actual trip to Kyoto, Kaiseki Yu-Zen Hashimoto ($800-$1,000) is a temple for the edible art that is kaiseki cuisine.

Sushi Kaji ($400-$500) is way out in the west end and serves some of the best sushi in T.O. (omakase only). Scaramouche ($350-$400) wins with a hilltop view of the city, assured cooking, and a must-have coconut cream pie. And Splendido ($400-$500) is all luxe and playful tasting menus with impeccable service.

Vegetarian

In addition to George (see above), Woodlot ($150-$200) has a very fine vegetarian menu that is a nice upgrade from tempeh bowls and curries with brown rice.

Halal

If you want lots of halal choices, you have to trek to the burbs or at least to Thorncliffe Park. Fortunately Paramount ($50-$100) is a noisy and bustling downtown option that offers standard kebabs, salads, and dips. A particular treat are the manakeesh flatbreads, topped with various cheeses and meats.

Kosher

Keeping kosher in downtown Toronto can be a bit of a challenge. If you’re going to an event at the Air Canada Centre or Skydome (now called the Rogers Centre), go to Bistro Grande ($150-$200) for respectable pizza and pastas or to Marron Bistro Moderne ($200-$250) for bistro-ish fare done decently enough, particularly the brisket sliders.

Kid Friendly

No need to endure another trip to the golden arches. Le Sȳlect ($150-$250, leselect.com) is the place for the discerning child—the kids’ menu includes duck confit and tarte niçoise. St. Lawrence Market ($20-$40) is Toronto’s premier market and houses many delicious shops and eateries by day. Buster’s Sea Cove offers reliable fish and chips for the kids. Parents may prefer the Portuguese chicken sandwiches at Churrasco’s and the quintessential back-bacon sandwiches at Carousel Bakery. The market is closed Sundays and Mondays. ■