5 star reviews: Food and Drink

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 1. The Queen And Beaver Public House

35 Elm St
Toronto, ON M5G 1H1
(647) 347-2712

Categories: Pubs, Sports Bars

Neighbourhood: Downtown Core

5.0 star rating
  12/6/2010 ROTD 7/22/2011

Wow. The food here is amazing. No, it's not cheap. But really, if you want to eat cheaply and don't care if the food is amazing, then cook something for yourself. Amiright?

Went for dinner on Saturday night. Our early evening plans didn't pan out so…More »

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 2. LAB - CLOSED

651 College Street
Toronto, ON M6G 1B7
(416) 551-5025

Categories: Canadian (New), Italian

Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Bickford Park

5.0 star rating
  11/26/2010

If you are in Toronto and hungry, go to LAB!

This place is amazing - and it doesn't matter if you are a vegetarian or a meat-atarian, you'll love it.

Went last night for an anniversary dinner, and weren't we lucky? We had the place to ourselves.…More »

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 3. Salt Wine Bar

225 Ossington Ave
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z8
(416) 533-7258

Categories: Tapas/Small Plates, Wine Bars

Neighbourhoods: Little Portugal, Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village

5.0 star rating
  Update - 11/10/2010

SALT IS BACK!! They have re-opened and the food is still great!!

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2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/1/2010

    Unfortunately, thanks to the ridiculous Ossington restrictions, Salt Wine Bar had to close because… Read more »

 4. Ici Bistro

538 Manning Ave
Toronto, ON M6G 2V9
(416) 536-0079

Category: French

Neighbourhoods: Palmerston, Bickford Park

5.0 star rating
  11/8/2010 First to Review

Go! Seriously! These guys have worked hard for nearly 2 years fighting city hall to get this place open and it is fantastic.

The staff are friendly, obliging, helpful, etc. The chef is also the owner, J.P Challet, and his partner is running the front…More »

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 5. Brockton General

1321 Dundas Street W
Toronto, ON M6J 1Y1
(647) 342-6104

Category: Canadian (New)

Neighbourhoods: Little Portugal, Beaconsfield Village

5.0 star rating
  9/3/2010 First to Review

Tiny place, with really nice staff and delicious fresh food.

They have a snack menu every night, and serve dinner Thursday-Saturday. The dinner menu last night was 2 apps and 2 entrees. Basically, the chef goes to farmers markets that day and gets…More »

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 6. Crafted by Te Aro

135 Ossington Ave
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z6

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhoods: Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods

5.0 star rating
  7/30/2010 First to Review

So far, so great! I could be cheesy here and say "Te Aro has "Crafted" a beautiful new coffee shop in the West End." OK, I did it. Cheese factor overload!

But seriously, I am so happy to have a new coffee place on Ossington, because Ideal was getting…More »

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 7. Ethiopian House Restaurant

4 Irwin Ave
Toronto, ON M4Y 1K9
(416) 923-5438

Category: Ethiopian

Neighbourhood: Downtown Core

5.0 star rating
  Update - 5/28/2010

I went back today and there's a lovely patio out front! As everyone says, the guy who serves you and runs the place is an absolute sweetheart. I went with a friend today who had never had Ethiopian, we split the veggie lunch and the meat lunch…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/5/2010

    This is a great place to try for lunch. I went on a Wednesday at 12:15 and though the place is… Read more »

 8. The Hoof Cafe - CLOSED

923 Dundas St W
Toronto, ON M6J 1W2
(416) 792-7511

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Trinity Bellwoods

5.0 star rating
  Update - 4/25/2010

Why did no one ever think of french toast with foie gras before??!!! Melt in your mouth amazing! And the freaking donuts??!!! I  can't believe they didn't have them the last time I was there. This time they had them with rhubarb! Yes, bone marrow and…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/31/2010

    I had brunch at Hoof Cafe and six hours later I am still full. The thing about Hoof Cafe and it's… Read more »

 9. Dolce Gelato

679 College St
Toronto, ON M6G 1B9
(416) 915-0756

Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Desserts

Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Bickford Park

5.0 star rating
  4/16/2010

mmmmmmm..... so decadent. so delicious. so many flavours to choose from!

They are really generous with the scoops here! Don't be nervous when you see the size of the smallest container - they fill it to overflow. Staff is super nice, and you can do…More »

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 10. The Painted Lady

218 Ossington Ave
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z8

Category: Lounges

Neighbourhoods: Little Portugal, Ossington Strip, Beaconsfield Village

5.0 star rating
  4/10/2010

I always liked The Painted Lady and after spending a few hours eating and drinking there last night, I am a big fan. The owners and staff are so nice and fun and they really believe in making this a place for all kinds of people to have a good time.

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 11. Crooked Star

202 Ossington Ave
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z7
(416) 536-7271

Category: Dive Bars

Neighbourhoods: Little Portugal, Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village

5.0 star rating
  1/16/2010

I am so glad that through the wave of hotness that has struck this street, Crooked Star still remains on Ossington, an island of laid-back normalcy in a sea of overdone hipness.

Rain or shine, summer or winter, this bar delivers. It's just got a cozy…More »

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 12. Hanoi 3 Seasons

1135 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1K9
(416) 469-3010

Category: Vietnamese

Neighbourhood: Leslieville

5.0 star rating
  12/5/2009

Yum yum yum!! So glad Hans and Neil T convinced me to come here! Not that it took much dragging since I was starving and all I'd eaten was one of Kat's lemon bars (which were good!).

The staff here is seriously nice. I think we got special service as…More »

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 13. Senior's Dining Nook

1397 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M4T 1Y4
(416) 924-8366

Categories: Diners, Steakhouses

Neighbourhoods: Yonge and St. Clair, Deer Park

5.0 star rating
  12/3/2009 First to Review

These guys do take-out and it is great!

I walked in unsure if take-out was available, as there is waiter service and quite a few tables. But, yes, right up front you can order from the sweetest old man I have seen in a while. He took good care of me;…More »

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 14. Pizzeria Libretto

221 Ossington Ave
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z8
(416) 532-8000

Categories: Pizza, Italian

Neighbourhoods: Little Portugal, Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village

5.0 star rating
  Update - 11/16/2009

We just went for lunch on Saturday and the special was to die for!

Soup, salad and a half sandwich. YUM! Soup was white bean and green kale made with proscuitto stock. It was perfect. SO rich and delicious! Arugula fall salad with beets and a…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/26/2009

    Everytime I have been to Libretto, I have had a great experience.
    I live around the corner, so it is… Read more »

 15. Communist's Daughter

1149 Dundas St W
Toronto, ON M6J 1X3
(647) 435-0103

Category: Bars

Neighbourhoods: Little Portugal, Ossington Strip, Beaconsfield Village

5.0 star rating
  11/1/2009

Huge fan. The Saturday afternoon "gypsy jazz" show with Michael J is a must see and I try to drop in whenever I can, if I can squeeze through the crowd!
Great draft beer selection including Mill Street. They also serve sandwiches and simple grub…More »

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 16. Rodney's by Bay

56 Temperance St
Toronto, ON M5H 3V5
(416) 703-5111

Category: Seafood

Neighbourhood: Downtown Core

5.0 star rating
  8/21/2009 ROTD 11/17/2009

Awesome, awesome, awesome!
I just came from a delicious lunch at Rodney's By bay and I am so happy! I love the original Rodney's and now I love this place which is more convenient for lunch during the week.
The place is square shaped, with a square…More »

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 17. Clafouti Patisserie & Café

915 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M6J 1G5
(416) 603-1935

Categories: French, Bakeries

Neighbourhoods: Niagara, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods

5.0 star rating
  8/16/2009

Clafouti has the best crossaints in Toronto, bar none. They are so popular, you have to get there early on a weekend if you want a choice, but whatever you choose, know it will be delicious. I have tried the raspberry, butter and fig crossaints and…More »

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 18. Rodney's Oyster House

469 King St W
Toronto, ON M5V 1K4
(416) 363-8105

Category: Seafood

5.0 star rating
  8/9/2009

I love Rodneys. I have been visiting Rodneys since I was a New Yorker visiting Toronto, and I try to go at least 3-4 times a year. A special occasion? Rodneys. Looking for a snack and a drink on King West? Rodneys. In the mood for some late night…More »

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 19. Camros Organic Eatery

25 Hayden St
Toronto, ON M4Y 2P2
(416) 960-0723

Categories: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Persian/Iranian

Neighbourhoods: Church-Wellesley Village, Downtown Core

5.0 star rating
  8/5/2009

I have been here for lunch several times, and there is always a different selection of flavourful healthy organic vegetarian foods. The rice balls are always good, the stews hearty and filling, and the kale salad is delicious. I have also had green…More »

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 20. Reposado Bar & Lounge

136 Ossington Avenue
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z5
(416) 532-6474

Categories: Lounges, Food

Neighbourhoods: Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village

5.0 star rating
  8/5/2009

Excellent selection of hard to find tequilas for Ontario. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. I live nearby, and Reposado has become the go-to spot for a drink for my husband and me. It's great in…More »

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 21. Woodlot Bakery & Restaurant

293 Palmerston Ave
Toronto, ON M6J 2J3
(647) 342-6307

Categories: Canadian (New), Vegetarian

Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Palmerston

5.0 star rating
  12/13/2010 ROTD 2/16/2011

We went on Friday night and everything was perfection. Granted, we were fortunate to be seated at the best table in the house, up on the balcony, with a view of the open kitchen and very cool wood-burning oven.

The service was great. Never needed a…More »

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 22. Oyster Boy

872 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M6J 1G3
(416) 534-3432

Category: Seafood

Neighbourhoods: Niagara, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods

5.0 star rating
  1/13/2011

This place is always good. I have to confess, everytime I come, it's for oysters only. Sometimes I get something else in addition to the oysters, and that's always been good, but it's about the oysters. What else have I had? Salad with smoked fish, I…More »

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 23. Sweaty Betty's

13 Ossington Ave
Toronto, ON M6J 2Y8
(416) 535-6861

Categories: Dive Bars, Champagne Bars

Neighbourhoods: Ossington Strip, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village

5.0 star rating
  4/23/2011

I really only go to Sweaty Betty's when it's patio season and then it is great! it's a small hip bar inside, but the patio is a good size and usually you can squeeze in to a seat.

Decent beer selection at reasonable prices. They have a limited menu of…More »

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 24. Venezia Bakery

114 Ossington Ave
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z4
(416) 537-2914

Categories: Bakeries, Portuguese

Neighbourhoods: Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village

5.0 star rating
  5/11/2011 ROTD 3/15/2012

The closest of three Portuguese bakeries to my home (by a hair), I like Venezia best for breakfast and snacks. I also like it best for the inclusive feel. Venezia is the very epitome of the "mom and pop" shop, although I only seem to see mom when I…More »

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 25. Fishbar

217 Ossington Ave
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z7
(647) 340-0227

Category: Seafood

Neighbourhoods: Little Portugal, Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village

5.0 star rating
  6/12/2011 First to Review

If you like seafood at all, get yourself to Fishbar. They are constantly shucking several different types of oysters, the sashimi is fresh and tender, and the fried calamari is the best you'll ever taste!

We have met the oyster shucker (from Rodney's)…More »

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 26. The Dakota Tavern

249 Ossington Ave
Toronto, ON M6J 3A1
(416) 850-4579

Categories: Music Venues, Breakfast & Brunch, Dive Bars

Neighbourhoods: Dufferin Grove, Little Italy, Little Portugal, Ossington Strip

5.0 star rating
  6/23/2011

One of my favorite places in Toronto.

Great staff
Great music
Great food
Great location
Great decor
Great patrons
Great!

I have been here for countless live shows, bluegrass brunches and at least one dinner. I love this venue for music. Even if I've never…More »

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 27. Bar One Trattoria - CLOSED

924 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M6J 1G6
(416) 535-1655

Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Italian

Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods

5.0 star rating
  7/5/2011

I have to give Bar One a 5 star review, because I've been here a lot and always loved everything about it!

I love sitting on the front patio, the back patio and at the bar. The shared tables aren't my fave, but one time I was only a couple feet away…More »

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 28. Enoteca Sociale

1288 Dundas St W
Toronto, ON M6J 1X7
(416) 534-1200

Category: Italian

Neighbourhoods: Dufferin Grove, Little Portugal, Beaconsfield Village

5.0 star rating
  Update - 8/1/2011

Yum, yum, yum yum. The food here is so fresh and so delicious. We took my mom for dinner on Saturday night. Go early - we went a little before 7, no reservation, and got a table on the patio. As we were leaving at 9, people were being told a minimum…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/8/2011

    I went a few weeks ago with my team from work. There were 7 of us and we all ordered the tasting… Read more »

 29. Gladstone Hotel

1214 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M6J 1J6
(416) 531-4635

Categories: Hotels, Lounges

Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Beaconsfield Village

5.0 star rating
  8/9/2011

I am a huge fan of the Gladstone. The Melody Bar hosts wonderful free concerts in the evening, and the karaoke is a laugh riot! The food in the restaurant is incredible and seasonal. I have been to many shows in the back room - NXNE, comedy, you name…More »

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 30. Frank's Kitchen

588 College Street
Toronto, ON M6G 1B3
(416) 516-5861

Category: Mediterranean

Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Palmerston, Bickford Park

5.0 star rating
  9/16/2011

Frank's is a great place for a special night out. You know you're in for a treat when you could order anything on the menu and be happy. That's how I felt when I saw Frank's menu, and what I ordered made me happy.

The staff is excellent at Frank's.…More »

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 31. Mother India

1456 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M6K 1M2
(416) 588-4634

Category: Indian

Neighbourhood: Parkdale

5.0 star rating
  9/28/2011

Ever since I had a roti here, no other roti has topped it. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on where you live, I don't happen to be in PArkdale very often, so I haven't had one in a while, but I still think about it. Seriously, it's that…More »

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 32. Banjara Indian Cuisine

796 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON M6G 1L7
(416) 963-9360

Category: Indian

Neighbourhoods: Christie Pits, Bickford Park

5.0 star rating
  11/3/2011

WOW! What took me so long to try Banjara's Indian cuisine? Well, they often do have long lines, so I guess that played a role.

I did manage to make it in and try a few different dishes and am happy I did. I will absolutely for sure no doubt about it…More »

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 33. Apiary

60 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10003
USA
(212) 254-0888

Category: American (New)

Neighbourhood: East Village

5.0 star rating
  11/10/2011

Wow.

We visited friends in NYC for my birthday last year and this is the place I chose for our dinner out. The reason I chose it was because Anthony Bourdain talked about the chef Scott Bryan in "Kitchen Confidential."

My friend lived around the…More »

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 34. Union

72A Ossington Avenue
Toronto, ON M6J 2Y7
(416) 850-0093

Categories: French, Wine Bars

Neighbourhoods: Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village

5.0 star rating
  11/21/2011

Food you must try at Union:  EVERYTHING

I honestly can't narrow it down because literally every meal I have eaten at Union has been delectable.

Definitely check out brunch on Sundays. It costs the same as most brunch places but tastes way better, they…More »

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 35. Yours Truly

229 Ossington Ave
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z9
(416) 533-2243

Category: Canadian (New)

Neighbourhoods: Little Portugal, Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village

5.0 star rating
  1/31/2012

One of the best meals ever - and I've eaten here twice!

The best thing about going here with three other people? We ordered everything on the menu! Both the meat and the veg tasting menus, and the snacks! AMAZING!

Service is good, food is even better.…More »

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"Do you guys live in America? Am I the only one who's ever been to a Champs?"

Review votes:
714 Useful, 163 Funny, and 432 Cool

Location

Toronto, ON

Yelping Since

August 2009

Things I Love

new places to eat, new recipes, travel, reality TV, books

Find Me In

Ossington Village

My Blog Or Website

http://www.ossingtonvi...

The Last Great Book I Read

The Boy Who Couldn't Sleep and Never Had to, by D.C. Pierson

My First Concert

Wham at The Beacon Theatre, NYC

My Favourite Movie

The Secret in their Eyes (El Secreto de sus Ojos)

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

I love teen pop culture (books, tv, movies, etc)

Most Recent Discovery

Archer

Current Crush

the cast of Party Down