Our pref places (new and old) to eat right now. (No playing favourites among these favourites; we’ve listed our top picks in alphabetical order.)
Barque Smokehouse: Get your fix (and then some) of smoky protein with helpings of brisket, beef ribs, chicken thighs or baby back ribs. It’s pretty much heaven for meat-a-tarians. 299 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto, 416-532-7700, http://barque.ca
Buca: Every bite is mind-blowing, from the perfectly salted nodini and bursting-with-flavour pasta dishes to the tartufo bianco pizza piled with taleggio, duck-egg yolk and fresh white truffle. 604 King St. W., Toronto, 416-865-1600, http://buca.ca
The Gabardine: The food here is more than on point. The shrimp po’ boy? Loaded with shrimp, butter lettuce, tomato relish and aioli, you might groan with pleasure when eating it—and understandably so. 372 Bay St., Toronto, 647-352-3211, www.thegabardine.com
Grand Electric: Don’t let the lineup deter you. A few bites into the delicate Baja fish and beef-cheek tacos and you’ll be glad you waited (if that’s not enough, reward yourself with a piece of key lime dessert). 1330 Queen St. W., Toronto, 416-627-3459, www.grandelecticbar.com
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka: Our favourite for its creamy broth and noodles with just the right level of chewiness. Comfort food at its best. 91 Dundas St. E., Toronto, 647-748-1717, http://santouka.co.jp
Holy Chuck: The juicy, crumbly beef (ground fresh hourly) makes for a deliciously diet-busting (and slightly greasy) burger. And you’ll definitely want fries with that, hand cut babies and delicately seasoned with fresh thyme. 1450 Yonge St., Toronto, 416-962-4825, http://holychuckburgers.com
Khao San Road: The best Thai food in the T-dot, full stop. Marvel at the depth of flavours contained by the coconut-curry sauce that drenches the khao soi, then lick up every last drop in the bowl. 326 Adelaide St. W., Toronto, 647-352-5773, http://khaosanroad.ca
Nadège: The rainbow of macarons and pastries often steal the show, but the sandwiches at this patisserie are made with its own, dreamy bread (nice and crusty on the outside, soft and chewy inside) and loaded with freshmcheeses, meats and veggies (tip: the daily soup specials are just as swoon-worthy). 780 Queen St. W., Toronto, 416-368-2009, www.nadege-patisserie.com
Patria: Go as a group and order as many sharing plates as possible at this authentic Spanish tapas spot (or just over-order—it’s worth it). The acorn-fed jamon iberico is melt-in-your-mouth delectable, the blistered pimientos de Padron are addictive and (hello!) sangria. 478 King St. W., Toronto, 416-367-0505, http://patriatoronto.com
Saving Grace: Get your standard breakfast elsewhere—it would simply be wrong to pass up the Rajastani eggs (scrambled eggs with spicy red onion and tomato with Masala chickpeas and spicy paratha). 907 Dundas St. W., Toronto, 416-703-7368
Eat it and weep (with joy). —Karen Kwan
share:
Be the first to comment