All Time Favourites

See All Lists
The Near.Afar. approved all time faves in terms of service and quality. Places that get my service time and again.

 1. Holy Chuck

1450 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M4T 1Y7

Category: Burgers

Neighbourhoods: Yonge and St. Clair, Deer Park

5.0 star rating
  Update - 12/19/2011

So this is the second time to Holy Chuck and it does NOT disappoint. My tip: ask what's not on the menu.

Johnny was nice enough to tip me off about the Big Chuck which is their version of a Big Mac. Basically, my cholesterol is going to Hades with no…More »

Was this review …?

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/17/2011

    VIBE
    It's pretty simple. It's a burger place after all. That said, I went at around 1 pm and there… Read more »

 2. The Stockyards

699 St Clair Ave W
Toronto, ON M6C 1B2
(416) 658-9666

Categories: Canadian (Traditional), Barbeque, Southern

Neighbourhood: Wychwood

5.0 star rating
  11/27/2011

VIBE
Easily one of my top favourite places to eat in the city. Yes, it's small, cramped and you may have to wait for a seat; or wait for take-out. But it's worth it.  The staff are efficient and friendly.  Plus, Hello! Wychwood barns is around the…More »

Was this review …?

 3. Chipotle Mexican Grill

2323 Yonge St
Toronto, ON M4P 2C9

Categories: Mexican, Fast Food

Neighbourhoods: Mount Pleasant and Davisville, Yonge and Eglinton

4.0 star rating
  11/12/2011

VIBE
Fast paced but slow moving. It seems like the line lasts forever but the food attendants are quick. The Eglinton location is way more spacious and better designed than the smaller Eaton Centre franchise. Big points for both high and low seating…More »

Was this review …?

 4. La Merceria

506 Adelaide St W
Toronto, ON M5V 1T5
(416) 848-0057

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Cafes

5.0 star rating
  11/8/2011

VIBE
You know how you read design magazines or go onto Design Sponge and think "Yeah, I wish my place looked like that?" And then you think "Well, I'm too lazy to make my couch out of church pews and I can't afford Brian Gluckstein's taste?"  You can…More »

Was this review …?

 5. Porchetta & Co

825 Dundas Street W
Toronto, ON M6J
(647) 352-6611

Category: Sandwiches

Neighbourhood: Trinity Bellwoods

5.0 star rating
  11/6/2011

VIBE
This tiny Italian sandwich spot is one of the best things to happen to the gentrification of Dundas West and for good reason: their sandwiches are delicious! Though many a hipster may pop in, I see a lot of foodies and local restaurant owners…More »

Was this review …?

 6. 416 Snack Bar

181 Bathurst St
Toronto, ON M5T
(416) 364-9320

Categories: Tapas/Small Plates, Bars

Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Queen Street West, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods

4.0 star rating
  Update - 1/8/2012

Still as crowded as ever; still hard to get the attention of the busy bartenders but still just as much fun. It's part of its vibe. But the best part now? They have a secret menu. Genius idea! Not sure if I'm allowed to give it away but gat damn,…More »

Was this review …?

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    11/2/2011

    VIBE
    We came here on Halloween night and it was surprisingly busy for a Monday night. 416 Snack Bar… Read more »

 7. Acadia Restaurant

50C Clinton Ave
Toronto, ON M6G 2Y3
(416) 792-6002

Category: Canadian (New)

Neighbourhoods: Palmerston, Bickford Park

4.0 star rating
  11/1/2011

We went to this restaurant on October 27, 2011

VIBE
For some reason, I thought this restaurant would be way down on Clinton for that "unassuming" vibe.  That said, it's just a wee bit north on Clinton across from Café Diplimatico's patio. Acadia's…More »

Was this review …?

 8. Rooster Coffee House

479 Broadview Ave
Toronto, ON M4K 2N4
(416) 995-1530

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Riverdale

5.0 star rating
  10/23/2011

One of my favourite, if not my favourite, coffee place in the city. The quality is great, the staff friendly and the clientele fun too.

It is as close to a second living room as you will get. The way Shawn and Dave have decorated this place truly…More »

Was this review …?

 9. Khao San Road

326 Adelaide St W
Toronto, ON M5V 1R3
(647) 352-5773

Category: Thai

Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Downtown Core

5.0 star rating
  Update - 2/18/2012

Yes, the line ups are crazy and it's always packed but the staff have a limited kitchen.
But let's talk about the Khao Soi, shall we?
Noodles and a braised beef live in the underworld of a coconut milk curry sauce and fried crispy noodles on top. A…More »

Was this review …?

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/17/2011

    KSR is totally yum-gasm. I've been here about 4 times now and it will satisfy the Thai craving.… Read more »

 10. Tsaa Tea Shop

412 Danforth Avenue
Toronto, ON M4K 1P3
(647) 347-8720

Category: Tea Rooms

Neighbourhoods: The Danforth, Greektown

4.0 star rating
  10/23/2011

I am a bit reluctant to write about Tsaa because I don't want others to find out about it because it's "my" place but it's a really great shop and I want it to stick around.

I've been a regular since it opened and the staff are great. They know you…More »

Was this review …?

 11. Maialino Enoteca Italiana

1688 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M6R 1B3
(416) 551-5251

Category: Italian

Neighbourhoods: Parkdale, Roncesvalles

4.0 star rating
  Update - 4/23/2012

I was invited to a press dinner here and had more of the menu. Again, opinions are always my own and always honest.
From my first visit, the Fettucine Cinggiale, with wild boar ragu and truffle is still 5 star in my mind. Service, of course, was…More »

Was this review …?

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/5/2012

    VIBE
    A good loud and boisterous. It's a simple looking trat with grey barrels. But honestly, it's… Read more »

 12. Cheesewerks

56 Bathurst St
Toronto, ON M5V 2P2
(416) 243-3327

Categories: Cheese Shops, Sandwiches

Neighbourhood: Niagara

4.0 star rating
  Update - 2/19/2012

Nothing beats a drizzly Saturday afternoon than a grilled cheese sammie. I was craving the Los Angeles so I headed down since I hadn't been since its inception two months ago.

It was gooey and ooey and hit every sweet and sour spot. Yumo!
Another…More »

Was this review …?

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/22/2011

    Woot Woot! First to Review.

    VIBE
    I was here for a media event so I got a tasting of the whole menu.… Read more »

 13. 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
  Update - 3/4/2012

4.8 stars
-.2 points for our bartender. She was a bit off.

What I love about this place is that it's a mix of a bar, a restaurant and a casual place to get a snack. It just ...works. The tasting menu is highly underrated.

APPETIZERS
We waited for 40…More »

Was this review …?

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/26/2012

    I like it! Of course, I'm a sucker for word-smithery at the end of a letter (It's not a salutation… Read more »

 14. Playa Cabana

111 Dupont St
Toronto, ON M5R 1V4
(416) 929-3911

Category: Mexican

Neighbourhood: The Annex

4.0 star rating
  5/23/2012

VIBE
This feels more like a Cuban little hideaway off a side road than it does on Dupont and Davenport. Clandestine is putting it mildly. You can almost doubt yourself that you're going the wrong way here. Note: walking from Dupont will be a shorter…More »

Was this review …?


Recently updated lists from Natalie T.

Patio Lanterns (12)

Patio side in the city.

Libations (42)

Where to get a good stiff...drink.

King West and environs (13)

King and Spadina area to Bathurst and Wellington area. Includes Spadina, Adelaide et al.

Hipster Havens (27)

pretty self explanatory. Look for lots of Plaid and disheveled hair but good eats and drinks.

Junction (1)

Use your conjunctions in what is the weirdest-to-get-to neighbourhood I've found in the city. But it's a gem!

Annex (5)

St. George to Bathurst on Bloor and north to Davenport/Dupont.

Last Chance for Romance (22)

From First Date to Save the Date, where to take your sweetie.

Mexicana (12)

Mexican food. I'm a fan.

Dive Bars (8)

Let's jump off that board, shall we?

Queen West (11)

The first part of Queen St. downtown from University to Bathurst.

See all 57 lists »

Review votes:
333 Useful, 205 Funny, and 250 Cool

Location

East York, ON

Yelping Since

September 2011

Things I Love

cheese.

Find Me In

my blog Near.Afar. (@nearafar)or Sympatico's Luxury for Less Travel Column

My Hometown

Toronto, ON

My Blog Or Website

http://www.nearafar.wo...

When I'm Not Yelping...

I am a freelance writer & get paid for this kind of stuff. Huzzah!

Why You Should Read My Reviews

I've done this gig professionally

My Second Favourite Website

http://www.joannagodda...

The Last Great Book I Read

Catcher In The Rye

My Favourite Movie

I'm kind of a fan of Clueless. As IF you aren't too!

My Last Meal On Earth

Mother's lasagne and probably a mix of favourite dishes globally.

Most Recent Discovery

Bellwoods Brewery

Current Crush

Local Kitchen & Winebar . Those chandeliers! Swoon.