We’ve been keeping it close with our 5 Restaurants series. As in, stretches of this city that are less than a kilometre or two in which we give you a number (5) of fantastic places for you to get your eat on (starting earlier this week on Queen West; see Roncevalles here; Queen East here). These are the kind of restaurants we always want to go back to, the kind of meals that make you happy just thinking about them. And The Danforth definitely isn’t any different from the rest of the neighbourhoods we’ve featured. It’s got a plethora of well-known foodie delights as well as its fair share of hidden gems. Below you’ll find the five restaurants we always count on when we find ourselves stepping out at Broadview Station.
Mezes – 456 Danforth Ave
What kind of idiots would we be if we sent you to The Danforth and didn’t feed you Greek? Big ones, obviously, which is why our pick for the best gyros, souvlaki, salads, cheese, and anything else Greek you want to get your hands on is Mezes. This is simply some of the best Greek food you’re gonna find this side of the Aegean. Of course, the classic Greek taverna style, friendly atmosphere, and expert service all help to keep us coming back for more.
Allen’s – 143 Danforth Ave
Maybe it’s not the best time of year to be promoting one of our favourite patios in the city, but luckily Allen’s has a lot more to offer. An homage to the Irish-American saloons of New York, Allen’s is filled with warm wood finishes and a tin ceiling that combine to remind us of a simpler time. Throw in an extensive wine and beer list, live Irish music, and a local steak done to perfection, and we’d spend a week here every night if we could.
7 Numbers – 307 Danforth Ave
It turns out some of the best Italian food in the city can be found in Greektown. 7 Numbers is the perfect spot for a delicious date. Everyday items like the Roasted Newmarket Sexy Duck Leg, Thinly-Sliced Veal, rolled with baby spinach, hot peppers and Romano cheese, and Pan-Fried Eggplant, cooked in tomato sauce topped with Romano cheese, consistently make our mouths water. Add candle-lit tables, iPad wine menus, and a super-friendly staff, and we’re happy to head here for an intimate night out any day of the week.
Auld Spot – 347 Danforth Ave
One of our favourite go-to pubs in the city, and it would seem others agree – they opened a second location on College a few years back that’s also doing well. Their classic pub fare has never let us down, especially the scotch bonnet wings (if you want to feel your mouth again that night, it’s probably best to leave these babies alone). This is the kind of place you can have a long, fun night with friends or just as easily sidle up to the bar by yourself and engage the welcoming staff. Several beers on tap and an extensive scotch collection will help to keep the evening moving whatever the case may be.
Mocha Mocha – 489 Danforth Ave
This is our freshest pick yet. If we’re ever in the East end and we want to get our eat on without having to spend the rest of the day pulling around a gut full of heavy Greek, Italian, or pub fare, Mocha Mocha is exactly where we want to be. Their upscale cafeteria style is the perfect venue to pick up a grilled sandwich, smoked salmon plate, or salad Niçoise. It’s quick, easy, and fresh food that tastes amazing and also happens to be good for you. If only everything in life was this easy…
Top photo courtesy Mocha Mocha