We all love the subtle creativity of La Carnita, the artery-mauling allure of Burger’s Priest, and the Jordan Belfortian swank of Patria.
But sometimes, 3 bites of a taco just isn’t enough, and a burger is only a hot, chubby sandwich, and frankly, you’d rather eat a pint of hair gel than have to share your food with everyone at the table.
So the next time you’re looking for a ‘classic meal’, here are 11 spots you can’t call trendy or artisanal, but you sure can call awesome.
ND Sushi – Baldwin Street
We know – recommending a Sushi restaurant to a Torontonian is like telling Snooki where to get a pregnancy test. But I’ll bet you didn’t know that on Mondays and Tuesdays this place is bring-your-own-wine with NO corking fee. Speaking of which…
The Rushton – St. Claire & Rushton
This is one of the few well-priced, top-notch “something for everyone” restaurants in the city. From 7 different salads to mussels, poutine and sea bream, to fresh pasta and veggie burgers; this place covers all the bases and by the time you finish running them, we promise you’ll be full.
Sidecar / The Toronto Temperance Society – College & Manning
The menu is straight forward, delicious and very well priced, especially if you do the $25 Sun-Wed prix fixe, which can include their awesome steak frites. The vibe is great downstairs, but for a slightly cooler, more intimate experience ask if you can be seated upstairs at the TTS. Don’t worry if you’re not a member – the only thing cooler than a member is a non-member that gets in anyway.
Suko Thai – Dundas & Parliament
The original Parliament location is just a bit bigger than a paint can and while it might look like the perfect place for a murder, the food is the only thing to die for.
Rosedale Diner – Yonge & Summerhill
While this place is no secret, its conspicuous N.O.B location renders it a bit of a forgotten gem. The menu is eclectic, healthy, and filling and the back patio is a perfect intimate setting. And for Rosedale, the prices are astonishingly reasonable.
Auberge du Pommier – Yonge and York Mills
If you have a pair of fancy pants and you call them, Pantalon, you might want to hit up “the original jewel in the Oliver & Bonacini crown”. Around since 1987, this place is still doing French better than anyone in town. Great for a celebration and if you’re feeling très spendy, the Foie Gras is a no-brainer.
McSorley’s Wonderful Saloon and Grill – Bayview & Millwood
Switching gears…when was the last time you went to a “Saloon”? Wait, you’re not 170? Right – then go to McSorley’s. A little on the ‘family’ side, it still offers a gritty vibe with a huge, pubby menu. It also has an endearingly casual floor full of peanut shells. Bring your Chuck Taylors.
Don Don Izakaya – Yonge & Dundas
Don Don is bomb bomb. Despite its touristy location, this Izakaya is 100% authentic. And the Japanese are pretty much the inventors of “Tapas”, so Izakayas are allowed on this list. They have big-ass beers, 5 pages of Sake, and a comic book menu that covers everything from Ramen to Smoky Hay Sashimi.
La Vecchia Ristorante – Yonge & Broadway
CRAZY NEWS: Terroni isn’t the only awesome Italian restaurant in Toronto. From the caprese to the seafood salad to the several delicious veal plates; this is classic authentic Italian in a beautiful, romantic setting.
Via Allegro Ristorante – The Queensway & West Mall
Staying on the Italian kick (enter boot joke here), we remind you of this celebration destination classic. “Eclectically Italian and continental in spirit”, their food is impeccable and their drink is even better; this is the only restaurant in the world to have received both the Grand Award (wine) from Wine Spectator and the Whiskey Supreme Award (whiskey, duh) from Whiskey Magazine. It’s technically Etobicoke, but it’s worth it.
Live Organic Food Bar – Dupont and Spadina
If you want food that actually improves your health, go Live – this place makes Fresh look like Burger King. Almost half their food is raw, and of that you’ll find organic, gluten, sugar free, and vegan options. They have plenty of fresh juices and elixirs and even make their own kombucha. We don’t even know how they come up with some of this stuff (cashew spinach ricotta??), but it sure is delicious.
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