-
- English
- Français
- Log In
- Sign Up for Yelp
Natalie "@nearafar" T.'s Profile
Last Chance for Romance
See All Lists
1. Estiatorio VOLOS
Toronto, ON M5H 2L3
(416) 861-1211
Categories:
Seafood,
Greek,
Mediterranean
Neighbourhoods: Financial District, Downtown Core
VIBE
Volos is in the heart of downtown at York and Richmond right across from the Sheraton and beside the Hilton so this is definitely a great place for business travelers. But after my visit, I think it will be a hit with locals. As a Danforth…More »
2. Origin
Toronto, ON M5C 1G6
(416) 603-8009
Categories:
Tapas/Small Plates,
Asian Fusion
Neighbourhoods: St. Lawrence, Downtown Core
VIBE
I came back here a year later for a UYE I hosted. It was originally to be somewhere else and due to a misunderstanding, didn't happen. Origin was Plan B and welcomed me with open arms at the last minute (well, they had some space available).…More »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
11/13/2011
VIBE
A lot of couples or business groups come here. But it's also great to go with girlfriends.… Read more »
3. Acadia Restaurant
Toronto, ON M6G 2Y3
(416) 792-6002
Category:
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: Palmerston, Bickford Park
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 »
4. Tati
VIBE
Tati was the perfect antidote to a snowy and slushy January day. I was immediately struck by their signage, which displays a part of its charm. Inside, it's all of the European bistro cliches you can think of: quaint, cozy, and warm. Because…More »
5. Jedd's Frozen Custard
Toronto, ON M4P 2H5
(647) 349-2121
Categories:
Bakeries,
Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt,
Cafes
Neighbourhood: Yonge and Eglinton
VIBE
Ok. Love! What a great alternative to meet someone here than for "coffee" where you end up smelling like a bag of roasted beans. There's cute little chairs you can swing around in and large windows to view passerby. The rest is a typical cafe…More »
6. Nota Bene
Toronto, ON M5V 3X3
(416) 977-6400
Category:
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Queen Street West, Downtown Core
Overview of my UYE Burger Tasting! Review number 3 in less than two months!
BIG Thanks for everyone for coming and to Nota Bene's management and PR team for being so lovely and accommodating. We loved the complimentary charcuterie. Delish, as always…More »
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
1/21/2012
Menu Tasting update with yummy looking photos on my blog:
http://nearafar.wordpr...
I won't re-post… Read more »
7. Scaramouche Restaurant Pasta Bar & Grill
VIBE
Well, what can we say about this institution that has been in the industry for over 30 years that hasn't really already been said? First of all it really is all about its location. Benvenuto Place is the place of mythical Toronto. You don't…More »
8. Bar Salumi
Toronto, ON M6R 1B2
(416) 588-0100
Category:
Pizza
Neighbourhoods: Parkdale, Roncesvalles
What happens when you have an awkward date at a pub and all you've had are wings? You emotionally eat. And Bar Salumi is perfect for that.
VIBE
After being startled by the local homeless/crackhead in the street (it's the area --never a dull moment),…More »
9. Local Kitchen & Winebar
Toronto, ON M6N
(416) 534-6700
Categories:
Canadian (New),
Wine Bars
Neighbourhoods: Parkdale, Roncesvalles
Where do I begin?! This was on my restaurant Resolutions list
http://nearafar.wordpr...
and I'm so glad it was! We were in holdover at Bar Salumi for about 15 minutes. I'd hate to say that the service was off there but Local is a different story. Now…More »
10. Bier Markt
This place is hit and miss.
Not too crowded on a weeknight.
VIBE
Usually crowded. It has a bit of a club vibe with the live music. The live music at the King location is much less cheesy than that of the Esplanade location.
WE ATE/DRANK
The food is…More »
11. Salt Wine Bar
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z8
(416) 533-7258
Categories:
Tapas/Small Plates,
Wine Bars
Neighbourhoods: Little Portugal, Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village
3.5 stars
VIBE
I love the look of this place. The perimeter of the whole bar is surrounded by wine bottles so it feels like you're in a wine cellar on the top floor. Lots of chandeliers and dim lighting are bonus points in my books.
It's a bustling,…More »
12. Yours Truly
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z9
(416) 533-2243
Category:
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: Little Portugal, Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village
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 »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
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 »
13. Ascari Enoteca
Toronto, ON M4M
(416) 792-4157
Categories:
Italian,
Beer, Wine & Spirits
Neighbourhood: Leslieville
200th Review!
I've heard the raves about this place so it was the perfect place on a Saturday night when an old friend was in town. I called and the hostess squeezed us in at the bar. For me it's more 3.5 than 4 but this is the first time. I'll have…More »
14. Church Aperitivo Bar
Toronto, ON M6J 1H7
(416) 537-1090
Category:
Bars
Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Beaconsfield Village
I had no idea this was a church and never noticed it before until it opened. Anyways, I think it will be a hot new spot!
VIBE
As stated, this used to be a slavic church. I love the high ceilings and wooden beams on top. There are beautiful murals of…More »
15. Cocktail Bar
4.5 stars
Easily one of the best cocktail bars in the city and comparable to anything you'd find in New York or San Francisco. A Plus.
VIBE
Cocktail Bar in the former Hoof Cafe grounds feels more like a speakeasy and less like a regular bar. It's dim…More »
16. L'unita
Number 9 of my Restaurant Resolutions completed!
http://nearafar.wordpr...
And I guess I was saving the best for last. Whoo Hoo! Where do I begin? And yes, my meal was compensated (but not for this review specifically). I will be going again and…More »
17. This End Up
Toronto, ON
(647) 347-8700
Category:
Sandwiches
Neighbourhoods: Dufferin Grove, Little Portugal, Beaconsfield Village
3.5 to 4 stars
VIBE
I really like the non-chalant, cool laid back vibe here. I also really like the vintage signs they have in the back. It's really inviting here. The owner, Karen, is also really nice and came over to talk to us and tell us her…More »
18. Midfield Wine Bar & Tavern
Toronto, ON M6J 1Y6
Category:
Wine Bars
Neighbourhoods: Dufferin Grove, Little Portugal, Beaconsfield Village
VIBE
We took a bet to see what the bar was previously: my wine companion won because it used to be a Portuguese sports bar. You can kind of tell because the floors haven't been changed. And yeah, it's a bit dark and dim in here but I kind of like the…More »
19. Maialino Enoteca Italiana
Toronto, ON M6R 1B3
(416) 551-5251
Category:
Italian
Neighbourhoods: Parkdale, Roncesvalles
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 »
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/5/2012
VIBE
A good loud and boisterous. It's a simple looking trat with grey barrels. But honestly, it's… Read more »
20. 7 Pizzeria Enoteca
4.5 Stars
VIBE
I went here for a friend's birthday party and I must say, I wish there was a restaurant like it in Toronto (but know I'd probably never get a seat there. Let's liken this to Enoteca Sociale).
Vivek's review is spot on. It's a signage…More »
21. The Harbord Room
VIBE
It's patio season, which means The Harbord Room's tiny space opens up a bit more in the back. And boy, do they have a lovely patio! There aren't a lot of deuces on the patio, so my seat was in direct vision of the sun but once it went down, it…More »
22. Playa Cabana
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 »
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. |
Mexicana (12)Mexican food. I'm a fan. |
All Time Favourites (14)The Near.Afar. approved all time faves in terms of service and quality. Places that get my service time and again. |
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 »
- 112 Friends
- 295 Reviews
- 22 Review Updates
- 17 Firsts
- 11 Tips
- 14 Fans
- 33 Local Photos
- 2 Events Submitted
- 57 Lists
-
Rating Distribution
Loading...
- View more graphs »
Review votes:
333 Useful, 205 Funny, and 250 Cool
East York, ON
Yelping SinceSeptember 2011
Things I Love Find Me Inmy blog Near.Afar. (@nearafar)or Sympatico's Luxury for Less Travel Column
My HometownToronto, ON
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I am a freelance writer & get paid for this kind of stuff. Huzzah!
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI've done this gig professionally
My Second Favourite Website The Last Great Book I ReadCatcher In The Rye
My Favourite MovieI'm kind of a fan of Clueless. As IF you aren't too!
My Last Meal On EarthMother's lasagne and probably a mix of favourite dishes globally.
Most Recent DiscoveryBellwoods Brewery
Current CrushLocal Kitchen & Winebar . Those chandeliers! Swoon.