Laura's Award of Excellence -Restaurants

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So I decided to allow for restaurants to compete for MY Award of Excellence. Criteria are as follows: at least 4-5stars, amazing food and presentation, excellent service, decor that has character, good value for my money, and most importantly, I would recommend it to all my friends and I would want to go back there myself.

 1. Bistro Seven Seven

77 Victoria Street East
Alliston, ON L9R 1L5
(705) 435-7177

Category: Canadian (New)

5.0 star rating
  11/6/2011 First to Review

I think this was one of the best meals I've had in a while. The prices are good and the portions you get are at least double you'd get in the city. The ingredients are fresh and you can tell.  The menunis traditional yet unique. Oh man, if your in…More »

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 2. Carens Wine & Cheese Bar

158 Cumberland St
Toronto, ON M5R 1A8
(416) 962-5158

Category: Wine Bars

Neighbourhood: Yorkville

5.0 star rating
  4/20/2010

I love this place. It's my first choice when I'm in Yorkville and looking for somewhere to have a nice drink or dessert, or get a meal.

It's reasonably priced (for Yorkville) and it's something different.

I love the patio (but in front and in the…More »

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 3. Sukho Thai

274 Parliament St
Toronto, ON M5A 3A4
(416) 913-8846

Category: Thai

5.0 star rating
  1/12/2011 ROTD 2/5/2011

That's the power of Yelp. 52 reviews, and it brings in more customers than ever, including me, who would have never heard about this amazing little place if it wasn't for Yelp

And I'm sure glad I did.
It's small. But you can make reservations. For…More »

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 4. Seor Ak San

357 Spadina Ave
Toronto, ON M5T
(416) 977-2788

Category: Korean

Neighbourhoods: Chinatown, Kensington Market, Downtown Core

5.0 star rating
  2/24/2011

How do I describe? it's like Owl of Minerva + BCDST + House of Soon Tofu + any chinese owned Korean/Japanese place - Chinese owned and all other non Korean food + ironcast Unagi and Kastus

That probably made no sense. Let me elaborate.

I came here…More »

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 5. Black Hoof

928 Dundas St W
Toronto, ON M6J 1W3
(416) 551-8854

Category: Gastropubs

Neighbourhoods: Little Italy, Trinity Bellwoods

5.0 star rating
  5/1/2010

4.5 star review. Only because it doesn't take reseravations and we waited (a very tolerable) 1 hr across the street at the hoof cafe, and the bathroom smelt funny.

I knew it would be a wait, but we got there at 8pm and we were told there was a 1.5 hr…More »

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 6. Insomnia Cafe

563 Bloor St W
Toronto, ON M5S 1Y6
(416) 588-3907

Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Mediterranean

Neighbourhood: The Annex

5.0 star rating
  Update - 6/1/2011

Must. Support. Favourite. Local. Restaurant.

After my previous review, I got a very kind message from the owner apologizing for the mixup and in return gave me a some gift certificates! I think this is an incredible gesture by the owner and much…More »

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4 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 3.0 star rating
    3/27/2011

    I would have given the place a 4 star but some poor communication, I had to minus 1.

    Brunch today… Read more »

 7. Le Petit Déjeuner

191 King St E
Toronto, ON M5A 1J5
(416) 703-1560

Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Belgian

Neighbourhood: Corktown

4.0 star rating
  5/3/2010

I've never had better waffles before. It was crisp, light and crunchy.

brunch : The wait to get in on a weekend, was maybe about 10 mins. And they have a very quick turn over, food arrives quickly, and it seems they just want you out. But still,…More »

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 8. Lady Marmalade

898 Queen Street E
Toronto, ON M4M 1J3
(647) 351-7645

Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Italian

Neighbourhood: Leslieville

4.0 star rating
  Update - 3/11/2012

Came back for brunch with some food loving friends on a Sunday morning. It was 10:30am and there was already a line up out the door.

it's first come first served, and only sitting your party when everyone is there. We were 6 people, and we had to…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5.0 star rating
    2/28/2012

    This was one of the best eggs benny / brunches I've ever had. Wow.

    Lucky me, I was in the area around… Read more »

 9. Izakaya Sozai

1500 Irving St
San Francisco, CA 94122
USA
(415) 742-5122

Categories: Japanese, Tapas/Small Plates

Neighbourhood: Inner Sunset

5.0 star rating
  5/2/2011

I love yelp. I searched for the top izakaya in SF and this is what came up.

We arrived on a saturday night and prepared for the 20 min wait. They do take reservations, so you should call ahead. However, around 7pm they began to not take anymore…More »

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 10. Anatolia Restaurant

5112 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON M9A 1C2
(416) 207-0596

Category: Turkish

Neighbourhood: Etobicoke

5.0 star rating
  7/21/2010

Oh wow. Turkish Delight is right. Came here because I was searching for something near my friend's work.  Right at the corner of Kipling and Dundas, this hidden gem was a place you have to try.  5 stars all the way, and it lived up to it's Yelp…More »

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 11. Katy's Place

Mission St between 5th and 6th
Carmel, CA 93921
USA
(831) 624-0199
5.0 star rating
  4/27/2011

I wish the service in Toronto could be as good as here.
Not only is food excellent but the service is quick an efficient. I haven't seen a hostess care so much. Our coffee was never empty and hot water was filled without asking. Our bill even came at…More »

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 12. Lit Espresso Bar

221 Roncesvalles Ave
Toronto, ON M6R 2L6
(416) 538-9700

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhoods: High Park, Roncesvalles

5.0 star rating
  3/10/2011

I heart Lit Espresso bar.

I came here to 'work from home' and it's definitely a great place to go to spend the day and get some work done.

The coffee is really good, strong and not watery. I had the Eggplant and Boccacini cheese panini. It was toasted…More »

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 13. Porta Via

5399 Eglinton Avenue W
Etobicoke, ON M9C 5K6
(416) 622-6842

Category: Sandwiches

Neighbourhood: Etobicoke

5.0 star rating
  Update - 11/18/2011

Got take out today and I just have to tell everyone how awesome the Smoked Salmon, with artichoke aioli, grilled zucchini and havarti. Who came up with this? Must be a genius.

Soups today was Spicy Moroccan Butternut Squash with Pineapple, or Vegan…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/15/2011

    For less than $10 you get a nice grilled panini (lots of selection and your choice of bun) with soup… Read more »

 14. Dametra Cafe

SE corner of Ocean & Lincoln
Carmel by the Sea, CA 93921
USA
(831) 622-7766

Category: Mediterranean

5.0 star rating
  4/25/2011

Simply excellent.

Yelp helped is find this place and we were extremely pleased with the food quality, service and atmosphere.

Its a small place with only about 30 seats. Its like you walk into another world with Greek, And Italian influences  i lived…More »

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 15. Pomegranate Restaurant

420 College St
Toronto, ON M5T 1T3
(416) 921-7557

Categories: Middle Eastern, Persian/Iranian

Neighbourhood: Kensington Market

5.0 star rating
  9/16/2010

I have not a bad thing to say about the place! And it all started from the prompt (1 min delay) when they called me back after a left a message for a reservation.

You walk in, and it's like you've entered into another world. It's like the old town in…More »

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 16. Le Sélect Bistro

432 Wellington St W
Toronto, ON M5V 1E3
(416) 596-6405

Category: French

5.0 star rating
  2/23/2011

Wow, I"m surprised I haven't written a review about this yet, but let me preface it by saying that I haven't been since last summer, but it has always been a favourite since I discovered it at least 5 years ago.

It's a real bistro atmosphere, even…More »

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 17. Queen Mother Cafe

206 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M5V 1Z2
(416) 598-4719

Categories: Asian Fusion, Thai

Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Queen Street West, Downtown Core

5.0 star rating
  3/31/2010

When I discovered this place it became my new pre-club, pre-theatre restaurant venue. (the old was was the brasserie which unfortunately closed down and is now a Jack Astors).

I love that the place has character, and this unique feel. Inside, it's…More »

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 18. Fire on the East Side

6 Gloucester St
Toronto, ON M4Y 1L5
(416) 960-3473

Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Canadian (New)

Neighbourhoods: Church-Wellesley Village, Downtown Core

3.0 star rating
  Update - 11/3/2011

I've always been a huge fan of this establishment. The other day, I came here for dinner instead of my usual brunch. The food was good, and more unique than your typical Canadian fare. It was a great place to catch up with an old friend. I have to…More »

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2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/7/2010

    Came back for Brunch this weekend, and I was just as satisfied as the first time. That includes the… Read more »

 19. Ematei Japanese Restaurant

30 St. Patrick St
Toronto, ON M5T 3A3
(416) 340-0472

Category: Japanese

Neighbourhood: Downtown Core

4.0 star rating
  11/28/2010

I thought it was excellent.  Once walking through the doors you feel like you've been transported into a japanese izakaya.

I was excited to bring my parents here to try some more aunthentic japanese food, as opposed to the chinese version we get.

They…More »

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 20. Japango Sushi & Noodle Restaurants

122 Elizabeth St
Toronto, ON M5G 1P5
(416) 599-5557

Category: Sushi Bars

Neighbourhood: Downtown Core

4.0 star rating
  1/19/2011

It's a bit pricey, but it's totally worth it.   Portions are small, but if you're looking for fresh fish, this is the place.  I did not regret spending $40 for my 15 piece sashimi and half a hotate butter, however, I think on my next visit I'll…More »

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 21. Mrs Mitchell's Restaurant

RR4 Hwy 89
Shelburne, ON L0N 1S8
(519) 925-3627
4.0 star rating
  9/27/2010 First to Review

During our tour of the area near Hockley Road, we came across this small restaurant on Violet Hill.

I believe they are co-owed with the small gift shop across from them (Granny Taught Us How).

I love cute, unique places with character, and this is…More »

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 22. Crêpes à GoGo

18 Yorkville Ave
Toronto, ON M4W 3Y8
(416) 922-6765

Categories: Creperies, French, Cafes

Neighbourhood: Yorkville

5.0 star rating
  Update - 3/19/2011

Saturday morning. 11am. Wow this place is incredibly busy. With only a handful of seats here, don't be surprised by a 10 min wait, or you can cozy up to the 4 seats in the bar area.

It's interesting how if you want to add or delete items from their…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5.0 star rating
    3/22/2010

    The best crepes I ever had.

    I've been a few times, twice for take out, and once eating in. There's… Read more »

 23. The Annex HodgePodge

258 Dupont Ave
Toronto, ON M5R
(416) 513-1333

Categories: Vegan, Juice Bars & Smoothies, Delis

Neighbourhood: The Annex

5.0 star rating
  8/4/2011

Fresh. Tasty. Healthy. It's got to be one of the best quick lunches I've had in a while.

Hidden away at Dupont and Spadina, you might miss it as you walk by (as with a lot of the small establishments on the street).  Mostly takeout, there are a few…More »

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Review votes:
1944 Useful, 919 Funny, and 1272 Cool

Location

Toronto, ON

Yelping Since

March 2010

Things I Love

kitty kats, dancing, things that make me laugh, Hong Kong, trying new stuffs

Find Me In

my car, my home, my cubicle, yoga or dancing studio

My Hometown

Toronto, ON

My Blog Or Website

http://pikachiu.poster...

When I'm Not Yelping...

thinking about what I can Yelp about

Why You Should Read My Reviews

i review EVERYTHING

My Second Favourite Website

http://theoatmeal.com

My First Concert

Toronto Symphony Orchestra

My Favourite Movie

Black Swan, Pi, My Fair Lady, Centre Stage

My Last Meal On Earth

Udon Carbonara from Guu Sakabar, Sake Tiramisu, Ume+Sake Macaron

Most Recent Discovery

Rhythms Del Mundo

Current Crush

Katherine Mcphee