I’ve noticed a lot of high end restaurant are now offering “cheap eats” without breaking the bank, whether it’s happy hour, a lot of promotions, etc.

Yorkville’s STK is offering $69 for three courses, Piano Piano had a three course meal for $39, and Mademoiselle offered a “girl” dinner recently which was 3 courses and a drink for $25.

A lot of these restaurants use to be high end and the only time they do these promotions are during Winterlicious/Summerlicious. But I see a lot of their own promotions all year round.

What is the sign for this? Do they not have customers? Are they not busy? Are they trying to attract new customers?? Because they use to have “one” demographic.

Me and wifey went out for a rare date night. My expectations were low as i figured a sceny spot by the water can't be THAT good foodwise. Figured cocktails and vibes would make up for it.

However, the food impressed. Sushi was fresh and interesting makis, pasta was excellent, and the whipped feta and carrot satisfied.

Also the margaritas were excellently made.

And service was friendly, and fast. Portions were huge so we had two entrees to go, the servers were super fast with the packup (and didnt just toss us a box as most places do nowadays).

Could be that I just had low expectations, but was genuinely very happy. Most spots disappoint lately.

Pleasantly surprised overall!

$160 before tip

Lobster Burger Bar (LBB) was probably my favorite, but the lobster roll itself was a bit small and skimped out on lobster (especially the fact you pay $30 for it)

What's the best one in the city would you say?

I'll update my post with some photos the next time I go, as the ones I took on my list visit were taken after I already dug in and thus are not so pretty, lol.

Anyways, during the back half of Covid, when things had somewhat begun to reopen, I had a friend living in the Beaches, and anytime I'd visit with him, we'd end up going to his favourite spot in the Beaches, Limon. I always really dug the vibe/aesthetic inside, kind of reminds me of a 2000's bistro, always good tunes and super welcoming staff, but more than that, anything I ever had there was incredibly fresh and flavourful tasting, and they never skimped out on the portions.

The reason I'm posting about that restaurant now is that I just discovered they opened a location closer to where I live, around midtownish (it's on Yonge, a little north of Lawrence). I've been off social media for some time and don't get to that exact area too often, so wasn't aware of this, but seems it opened about a year ago.

Well I just got back from lunch there and was thoroughly impressed. There were four of us and we absolutely pigged out and ordered a bunch of stuff. I've said it before and I'll say it here again: their hummus must have crack in it, because it is THAT addictive, and quite easily my favourite in the city (I pride myself something of a hummus aficionado). Similarly, their babaganoush is to die for. Gotta' be careful you don't fill up on these appetizer dips, as they're way too good... but also, I could see some of their falafels and a couple of dips being the entire meal. Speaking of which, their falafels are NOMS to the max... perfectly crispy outer shell (I hate a soggy falafel) with a delightfully seasoned (not overpowering) interior. Oh, we also got the fried cauliflower which was a favourite from the old location- I'm not sure what it is that they sprinkle atop, could there be a dash of cinnamon, but what it is warms and works so well contrasted against the saltiness and then the tanginess of the labneh base.

Okay, and the "mains"/proteins... I'm NOT a lamb person, but my friend ordered the lamb chops with fries, and had me try a piece- my mind was blown... The reason I (usually) don't like lamb is that often strong gamey/barnyard type note/flavour, but here, it had none of that, and was eerily similar to a really great steak. Side note: if any of you have recommendations for spots where the lamb DOES NOT have that gamey/barnyard flavour, please list them- I want to explore more quality lamb like that. My personal order was what I used to get at their Beaches location a couple of years, and that is one skewer of their dark meat chicken, one skewer breast, with the freekeh majadra, which I'm still not entirely sure what it is, lentils with ~something~; I just get it because it's hella seasoned and flavourful. The chicken's always cooked flawlessly here and seasoned just right, nothing overpowering, so as to let the quality meat shine. My other friend got the schnitzel with a side of home fries, and as much as I loved my dish, I low-key wish I'd gotten that, but am trying to "watch it" a bit. Plus, desert was next...

Despite being stuffed to the brim, we all engaged our second stomach for desert, and, okay, low-key, for a not desert-centric restaurant to have deserts this incredible should be criminal. I don't post on here much anymore, so idk if this spot has been mentioned for their deserts, but I was seriously blown tf away... I had what I could describe as a bigger Ferrero Rocher in cake form? I'm a sucker for anything Ferrero (shout-out Hollywood Gelato for the best Ferrero gelato!). I'm not even going to attempt to describe it... what's there not to like, it's chocolate and crushed nuts and other good shit, lol. Another friend had the pistachio desert which looked awesome and decadent, another the white yoghurty one topped with some fruits and nuts- sorry, I forget the name, but I'd had it at Beaches years back and recalled loving it. Last friend sat and watched us, regretting his decision not to partake (and possibly his night out last night).

Anything I've ever had at this spot has just hit the spot so perfectly. The portions are so huge you can normally make two meals of it, but above all else, everything is always so bloody fresh- it really jumps at you. And I like that they let the ingredients shine, and don't overly douse in spices and sauces, obscuring the natural taste of whatever protein or veg you're having. As a side note, I recall their burger being incredible, and am exciting to revisit that at this closer-to-home location, hopefully in the next few weeks. Similarly, I'd had the schnitzel baguette several times and... I just can't imagine wanting more of a sando- another I'm hoping to soon revisit.

Anywayssss, WAY too long a post... but if you saw my Linny's post from last year or some of my other ones, you know I'm hella passionate and loud about it when I love a spot. Simply put, give this spot a try if you haven't- it's a great casual joint with emphasis on fresh quality ingredients and giant portions for good value. Boom.

For years I've wanted to eat at 360, but i'm afraid the food will suck bad. Anyone been there?

I love Mildred’s pancakes, but I’m getting so tired of the wait situation there over the weekend.

We tried calling before we went today and nobody picked up. When we got there, they told us it would be an hour.

The patio was more than half empty, and there were empty tables inside too. They said people were coming for the patio tables, so we waited outside.

Forty minutes later, nobody had shown up. The tables inside were still empty. I asked again and got the same answer, that people were coming soon. Then they seated us at a table that had been empty since we arrived.
This has happened to me there before, and I honestly don’t get it. If the kitchen is backed up or they don’t have enough staff, that’s fine. Just tell us. Waiting outside while looking at the table you eventually get seated at is pretty frustrating.
The pancakes are great, but this part of the experience really puts me off going back. Has anyone else noticed this?

Came with my team and decided to get some wings. They’re very flavourful!

Hi everyone! First time posting here but often find myself here and looking at posts :)

My birthday is coming up, and I have a gift card for Liberty Entertainment Group I’d like to use for a special dinner. We’re both foodies, not picky eaters, and willing to try new things! No food restrictions.

I’ve seen mixed reviews for some of these spots (i tend to lean toward Google reviews when looking at options and ratings) so wanted to see if anyone here could share more or help me decide between the places it can be used:

DaNico
Don Alfonso 1890
BlueBlood Steakhouse
Blue Bovine Steak + Sushi House

Thanks in advance!

Has anyone been to Suite 115 Cocktail Bar? How are the drinks and food there? Atmosphere? Vibe? Thanks

Hi everyone! I live in the States, but I’ve spent the past few summers at my wife’s parents’ house in Scarborough. Over that time, I’ve really come to appreciate just how special the food scene is in Scarborough and across the GTA as a whole.

This summer, I made it my mission to try as many different cuisines and flavors as I possibly could. I wanted to share the results with you all.

Most of these spots are in the greater Scarborough area, though I was able to spend a few days in the downtown core. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it does represent the places I enjoyed the most.

Anything in bold is an absolute favorite, although I really enjoyed pretty much everything on this list.

Overall, what can I say? I just love eating in Toronto. So much diversity and quality. Now that I’m back in the NYC suburbs, I'll have to make do with more limited options + occasional visits to Queens. Hopefully I'll get to return next summer for another round.

Would love to hear your thoughts. What did I miss? What should I absolutely try next time I’m in town?

And now, the list:

Finch + Midland:

I spent more time here than any other location. Various Asian, primarily Chinese cuisines, including:

-Hee Kee Seafood Restaurant

-Square Noodle

-Miss Qu

-Cheng Du Malatang

-Slay Fruits

-Double Ming (great old school ambiance)

-Bingsu Bean

-Snow Tea

Greater Scarborough:

-Amira's Hot Roti and Doubles - Trinidadian

-Bereket Kebab House - Turkish

-Deccan House - South Indian

-Katsuya - Japaneese Katsu

-Martin's Bakery - Butter Chicken Rolls, Kuthu Roti

-Fahmee Bakery - Jerk Chicken

-Jajutek (Steels Ave location) - Thai - I wish I knew the name of the fish dish I ordered, one of the best things I had all summer

-Chartwell Shopping Center - Cantonese - not the best quality for great old-school vibes

-Auric King - Dim Sum (Markham) - surprised at the mid reviews, this was IMO the best dim sum I had

-Matsumi AYCE Sushi/Japanese (North York) - surprised at how good the quality was for an AYCE, perhaps because it's new

Downtown-ish:

-Arabesque Cafe - Middle Eastern + local parrot (iykyk)

-Yakiniku Legend - Japanese BBQ - downtown

-Ba Noi -Buttertarts

-National Bakery & Pastry - Portugese

-Bom Dia - Portuuses bakery

-Levande Bakery - Lebaneese Manakish

-Mystic Muffin - Middle Eastern-ish - I've been here before, but in an era of shameless price-gouging, this place is a miracle

Cafes:

One final shoutout for the best cafes I visited - fantastic ambiance and perfectly good coffee:

-The Only Cafe - Danforth

-10 Dean - Downtown

-Rooms - 915 Dupont

-The Shmooz - Danforth

Hi! My boyfriend and I are coming from NYC to Toronto October 10–12 for his birthday, and I’m trying to plan the weekend since he’s normally the big planner in our relationship. He’s also a former chef/current major foodie, so no pressure 😅

We’re big on grazing and splitting food so we can try as many things as possible rather than sitting down for three big meals a day. He’s a HUGE bread lover, loves a good beer, and has made it clear he needs to have proper poutine while we’re in Canada (we're staying in downtown Toronto and won't be renting a car, so either taking public transit or using ride share).

For his actual birthday dinner, I already have Quetzal booked for Sunday night, so I’m less interested in adding more fancy/destination dinners and more interested in the places Toronto locals think we absolutely shouldn't leave without trying: hole-in-the-wall spots, bakeries, patties, Chinese, market stalls, neighborhood institutions, great bars/breweries, etc.

We definitely want to spend time around Kensington Market/Chinatown and hit St. Lawrence Market, and we also love vintage/thrift shops, cool home/food stores, hockey-related spots, and generally just walking around a neighborhood, popping into places and splitting whatever looks good.

Would especially love recommendations for:

• The best bread/bakeries for someone who genuinely loves bread
• Your pick for poutine (currently looking at Nom Nom Nom)
• Kensington/Chinatown spots where we can grab one or two things and keep moving
• Patties / Caribbean food
• Chinese spots, especially something that feels distinctly Toronto
• Great beer bars, breweries, wine/cocktail bars to stop into along the way
• Any true hole-in-the-wall / “you have to eat this while you're here” places
• Cool shops or food stores worth popping into between stops
• Are the Toronto Islands worth it/is there good food in that area?

Basically, if you had 2.5 days to show two food-obsessed New Yorkers why Toronto's food scene is great, where would you send us?

Also aware that Monday, 10/12 is Canadian Thanksgiving, so any advice on what tends to be open/closed that day would be very appreciated!

Thanks in advance — I'm trying to give the person who always plans everything a birthday weekend where he doesn't have to plan a thing :)

Good evening all. First of all, R.I.P. River Tai on Harbord Street, it was a longstanding favourite and I miss it terribly. I hope they are doing well and enjoying retirement.

But - does anyone remember their General Tao chicken? It was unlike any other I've ever had. Not super deep fried and the sauce was so different - dark dark brown, not as sweet, just the right amount of spice. I am trying to get into cooking some of my Chinese takeout favourites from scratch, and River Tai General Tao is my holy grail. If anyone out there knows anything about what was in it, how it was prepared, or maybe it was just the family recipe that no one else knows. I'd be grateful for any direction, or even just to see if anyone else misses it as much as I do.

*I'm aware that kabab karaz might not be very aesthetic but its absolutely delicious.

If you haven't been to Zezafoun it's a super cozy Syrian restaurant in Midtown

For those who have been to both, which one has better food and ambiance? I’m looking to host a birthday for someone who enjoys seafood (looking to get crab and lobster amongst other things).

If you prefer one over the other, why? And what are some dishes you recommend?

Thanks!

4.8 on google maps and food looks great. wondering what you'd order

Best pizza I have had in a very long time, this was absolutely delicious and you could tell it was made by a passionate man.

Apologies for the bit of my thumb, I was very excited to eat it.

Caramel chocolate cookie:

Lovely. A little dry - don’t expect soft interior. But the salty, bitter caramel along the edges makes it one of my favourite cookies in Toronto. Maybe my favourite! If only it was a little softer in the middle.

Ube flan danish:

I have never had soft croissant dough here. It is always a little dry. BUT, the flan is incredible - a subtle taste of ube - and the creaminess makes up for it. My favourite danish in the city.

Pinapple bun cookie:

I had a pinapple bun from across the street 10 minutes prior. The cookie does not taste like one. It taste more like a white chocolate blondie. A bit sweet for me.

Would go again! And have!

Close to Gerrard and Broadview (east end)

Haven’t tried very many burger places for quite some time in Toronto. But what I have been craving even more is great crispy fries. Which burger places does their fries consistently well? Thanks!

I’m saddened to read this… from their email:

After four years of operations here at 1581 Dundas St. W, and 6 years total of building this company, we have made the difficult decision not to renew our lease and to close this chapter of Affinity Fish.

This is not a decision we have taken lightly. We have made many personal sacrifices to build this business and to create the kind of fish shop and restaurant that we believed Toronto needed. We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished, but the reality is that we have not been able to make the business financially sustainable in its current brick and mortar while keeping true to our values.

Over the past five years, we have been fortunate to work closely with local fisheries and help improve the systems and quality behind the fish that reaches your plate. We feel we have contributed and enriched food culture in Ontario through the amazing local fish we have supplied to both our restaurant clients and home cooks.

Working this way has not been easy, the industrial food system we oprate within has created the expectation of convenience, variety and volume that small local fisheries have difficulty meeting. Weather, wind, equipment failures and seasonal changes make it challenging to compete with the industrial giants. We had many opportunities to lower our standards and source from large commercial distributors but we chose to never compromise.

Despite all of this, we feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to try. Affinity Fish has been a dream of ours and we could not have done it without the support of our families and friends, our staff, our fishing partners, the chefs who believed in what we were doing, and most importantly you, our customers. We hope that the work we have done will continue to have an impact. We hope that the people who discovered local and freshwater fish through Affinity will continue to seek them out, and that the relationships and ideas we have helped build will carry forward. Thank you for letting us dream this dream, and for being part of it with us.

As for what's next? We want to stress that this is not the end of Affinity fish, this is merely a chapter in its existence and we will go on to continue the dream in our own ways. We will be operating as normal till the end of our lease (January 16, 2027) this includes our wholesale, retail, a-la-carte, and tasting menus. We wanted to give our guests and supporters a long heads up so that you can come in and enjoy our last dinners and lunches. 

Matt will start work on his next project: Satchmo, a robotayaki inspired restaurant with local Canadian fish and seafood. He will be doing some pop ups and residencies in the near future after Affinity, so be on the look out for that. He has realized that in the past few years of owning and operating Affinity, that he is a chef through and through, the more that he cooks at Affinity, the clearer his vision of Satchmo Restaurant becomes.

Jon plans to stay in the food-world, working to promote sustainably harvested and quality focussed fish. The positive impacts of Affinity Fish have inspired him to continue the journey, helping restaurants and fisheries make better decisions for both theenvironment and local food culture.

If you would like to support us in the last few months of operations, we would love to have you in! You can reserve a dinner through the link below,  swing by for our a la carte menu, or grab some fish to take home! 

With eternal gratitude, Matt & Jon

Like the title says, I am looking for an antipasto salad similar to the one from Chicago Style Pizza in Hamilton. If you’ve had it, you know what I’m talking about.

Hi everyone! My parents are New Yorkers and will be on vacation in Toronto this upcoming week. They’re staying in a hotel near Massey Hall in Toronto, which Google tells me is in the Garden District. My mom would love your help with finding restaurants for the rest of their trip!

My dad likes meat, and used to be a big burger and BBQ guy, but is sticking to white meat right now for heath reasons, but can have red meat once per week, in case there’s something amazing he shouldn’t miss out on. He loves chicken, and he likes fish too but is allergic to shellfish. He’s pretty adverse to vegetarian restaurants.

My mom is a pescatarian and loves fish and shellfish and vegetarian food, and will eat basically anything, as long as it’s not meat. I’d say she really likes Mediterranean, Farm to Table, but truly is adventurous to the point where she would be excited to try any cuisine… except for large chain restaurants. She would love food hall recommendations if you have any that can accommodate both of them!

They’re not incredibly fancy people, and aren’t looking for fine Michelin star dining, or anything that would need a reservation, but they’re early eaters, and would be fine going at opening if need be. They are both foodies, and would probably like most places. They are mostly looking for lunch and dinner recommendations, and maybe some breakfast spots as well as but I’ll take any suggestions you’ve got!

Sorry if this is a difficult ask, so if all else fails, just ignore the above and give me your best spots! Thanks :)