Kim Moon Bakery

Rated this place:

438 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON, M5T1G7

The original in Chinese baked goods: Review

Rol San Restaurant

Rated this place:

323 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T2E9

Dim sum, if you must, downtown: Review

Cheese Boutique

Rated this place:

45 Ripley Ave, Toronto, ON, M6S3P2

Cheeses and charcuterie: If you're looking to impress for your upcoming dinner party or wine and cheese gathering, then head to Cheese Boutique for one of the best selections in the city. Located just off of South Kingsway, it's a bit of a trek but worth every drop of gas. Step through the doors and you're flanked by shelves of vinegars, sauces and spice rubs. Inside fresh fruit and vegetables sold. But step a little farther and you may get lost in the incredible products - imported from around the world and especially Italy - like pastas, olive oil, balsamic vinegars, honey, tea, and the like. At the heart of it all is where the money is made: high-end cheeses, pates, foie gras, sausages, deli meats and charcuterie for gourmands. It's easy to spend $100 here and not notice - but your guests will - and appreciate your every effort!

Lou Dawg's

Rated this place:

589 King St West, Toronto, ON, M5V 1MS

Southern BBQ and great sandwich deals! : Southern-style flavours in the middle of King Street West, Lou Dawg's nicely compliments the variety along the block that also boasts Big Smoke Burgers, the One that Got Away and Lee. Inside, decor is as if you've walked into a saloon with barn wood walls and communal tables. Fave dishes: pulled pork sandwich and fillet of sole sandwich with sides like sweet potato fries (with bbq mayo dip!), bbq beans, jalapeno cheddar corn muffins and good 'ol slaw. Brunches are also served with items like a pulled pork benny. Keep an eye out and follow them on Twitter for daily deals and freebies!

Leslieville Cheese Market West

Rated this place:

541 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M5V 2B6

Cheeses and grilled cheese! : Review

La Carnita

Rated this place:

445 King Street West, Toronto, ON

Tasty pop-up fun: With all things trendy in Toronto like food trucks and cupcakes - there are now pop-up restaurants. La Carnita pop-up taco stand/shop is usually held at 445 King St. West at the offices of OneMethod. The location can change and is announced on the morning of via Twitter (@la_carnita) to keep everyone on their toes and authorities away. For $10, lined up guests purchase limited edition artwork and receive three tacos on the side - a clever way of getting around some of the city's tough/ridiculous food laws. Tacos change each time and guest chefs are welcome. For more, visit: lacarnita.com to sign up for their email newsletter or follow them on Twitter!

Kalendar

Rated this place:

546 College St, Toronto, ON, M6G1B1

Go for the atmosphere, stay for a drink: This mainstay in Little Italy is a favourite among locals: a casual spot for hipsters, couples and families alike to sit for a coffee or drink on the patio by morning, for brunch or late through the night to watch people stroll by in the light summer heat. Brunches offer items like a stuffed French toast or omelets while the lunch and dinner menu offers dishes with some Mediterranean and Indian flavours like hummus, mussels, "nannettes": baked naan bread with toppings or "scrolls": crepe-style roti.

Global Cheese Shoppe Ltd

Rated this place:

76 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON, M5T2K1

Cheeses galore! : Visiting Kensington Market to get the most of this eclectic Toronto neighbourhood is one thing - but stepping into Global Cheese is another. A mecca for all cheese lovers, Global has got one of the largest selection sin the city when it comes to cheeses. If you can't find it here, it's likely you won't be able to find it elsewhere. Traditional cheddars, marbles, and mozzarellas are cheap and high quality but it's their artisanal cheese that are worth trying. Pick an flavour or texture - i.e. nutty, hard, fruity, soft - and their knowledgeable cheese experts will be able to find the right cheese for you or your wine and cheese party. Samples galore and great sales make this the perfect spot for cheese beginners!

Cheese Emporium

Rated this place:

245 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto, ON, M4P 3B7

Cheese consultants! : When I was a beginner or novice cheese lover, I went to cheese emporium, knowing I wanted just one thing: Prima Donna. No luck. The man behind the counter offered me some Emmenthal. No thanks. Then, he turned his head, examined me and then pulled out some Piave; what has become my favourite cheese. The selection at the Cheese Emporium is one thing but it's the service, knowledge and real customer service that sets it apart from many other cheese shops that usher you in and out to get through customers. They'll take the time to make sure you sample as many cheese as you want until you're happy. Also great because it's midtown and you don't have to drive all the way downtown to Kensington Market for some good, quality cheese as well as antipasto items like olives, sundried tomatoes, and etc.

Grace Restaurant

Rated this place:

503 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M6G1A5

Beautiful delicious food: Classic, simple, fresh and good cuisine is what Grace Restaurant has always been about. Here, Chef Dustin Gallagher - recent Top Chef Canada contestant - has been doling out beautiful dishes for the past few years to the many cheers of Little Italy neighbourhood locals who had grown tired of the typical below-par restaurants on the strip. The dining room is bright and inviting while the food is what you'll find on the dinner table for Sunday night dinners: bbq pork chop with cornbread, homemade ricotta gnudi or fresh ceviches. Fresh vegetables, herbs and ingredients are grown on the rooftop garden and Grace Upstairs offers a nice gathering spot for private events or sports games. Great spot for a romantic dinner or intimate evening with friends.

Zaza Espresso Bar

Rated this place:

75 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON

Italian coffee culture in Yorkville: Hidden away in a tiny space along Bellair Ave in Yorkville, Zaza Espresso Bar is often overshadowed by nearby Lettieri coffee shop - for better or for worse. This tiny coffee shop is like a cafe you'd find in Italy, a quick spot to refuel on a (really good) traditional espresso at the bar or at high tables and stools before heading on to your next stop or errand by foot, bike or top-down sports car. Italian / Euro-pop plays and the co-owner is often seen/heard shouting out friendly, boisterous Italian greetings to regulars and visitors. Pastries and cannoli are made fresh daily for the shop by an grandmother-type - worth a bite when you visit.

The Counter

Rated this place:

550 Wellington St, Toronto, ON, M5V 2V4

Comfort fare: fried chicken and mac 'n cheese: With the new Thompson Hotel, Toronto welcomed chic restaurants like Scarpetta and Wabora but you'd be missing out if you ignored The Counter. The 24-hour diner serves up classic diner eats like all day breakfast, fried chicken (some of the best in the city), double mac 'n cheese (made with a hint of truffle oil and a crispy topping) and root beer floats not to mention fun Canadian comfort dishes like poutine, montreal smoked meat and the "all Canadian burger": with cheddar and peameal bacon. Although the food is classic, the space is contemporary-retro with large plush booths and the obvious counter space for solo diners.

The Burger's Priest

Rated this place:

1636 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON, M4L1G3

if you love burgers, you'll love the priest! : I've heard rumours that the Burger's Priest is owned by a former priest - whatever the real story - we should all be happy that he's opened shop. The theme carries through: on the website, learn more about "the priest" or "the gospel." On the menu: "the option," burger with fried cheese-stuffed mushroom; "the priest," cheeseburger with fried cheese-stuffed mushroom; or - not on the menu - "the vatican," a double-patty with cheese and two grilled cheese sandwiches as the bottom and top "bun" of the sandwich. Limited seating, cash only and all the way in the Beaches but it's worth a try as long as you think your arteries can handle it!

Wvrst

Rated this place:

609 King St. W, Toronto, ON

German-style beer hall and sausage fun: The sausage has a new home in Toronto and WVRST, where Thuet's various restaurants one stood, is where it's at. Here, owner Aldo Lanzillotta's passion for encased meats shine with a dozen varieties of homemade sausages like traditional Germany bratwurst or South African Boerewors or the not-so-traditional game sausages like guinea fowl, pheasant, rabbit, wild boar or kangaroo. The restaurant is cafeteria-style service: line-up and make your order at the counter, get a number then sit at one of the long beer garden, wood communal-style tables while you await a server to bring you tray. You can choose your type of bun, style like currywurst or fresh on a roll; sides like duck fat fries; or sauces like tzatziki, maple/rosemary or chipotle. For the complete experience, order one of the dozen specialty draft beers.

Ed's Real Scoop

Rated this place:

2224 Queen St E, Toronto, ON, M4E1E9

legit ice cream!: Review

Dolce Gelato E Cafe

Rated this place:

697 COLLEGE ST., Toronto, ON, M6G1C2

More than just gelato: Dolce Gelato has been around for some time and has carved out a reputation for having some of the best artisanally-made gelato in the city. The first location opened many years ago (2006ish?) in Toronto's Little Italy district at College St. and Beatrice St. While the highlight of Dolce is definitely their gelato (like green tea or mojito as well as low-calorie options), it's just as much a dessert bar. Be sure to stay for their other offerings, including: frozen yogurt with fruit toppings; signature Dufflet cakes; dessert crepes and waffles (toppings incl. berries, strawberries, fruit, and of course, gelato); Italian coffee and affogato (gelato served with espresso); ice cream cakes, sandwiches, and bars; Italian pastries like cannoli; and cocktails. A second location just opened in May 2011 in Greektown at 414 Danforth Ave.

Greg's Ice Cream

Rated this place:

750 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON, M5P2X4

Classic faves + fun unique flavours: For almost 30 years, Greg's Ice Cream has been a landmark in the Annex and on Bloor Street West - for neighbourhood locals, passerbsy, adults, children and students alike. Easily one of the first ice cream institutions in the city and also groundbreaking for its inventive flavours and especially its roasted marshmallow, grape nut, and coffee toffee ice creams. When available, the durian flavour, for its ick factor, probably rates pretty high up there in terms of popularity, when available. Milkshakes, toppings and banana splits are also on the menu. There are just a few tables for seating inside the shop and outside during the summer it's the same story.

Hollywood Gelato

Rated this place:

1640 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON, M4G3B7

Family gelato spot: As one of the first gelato shops to "make it big" in the city, Hollywood Gelato has always been a staple for ice cream, gelato and sorbet lovers in Toronto as well as residents in/around the midtown area. Limited seating in inside and a patio that's the envy of everyone walking or driving by, it's the place to see and be seen on summer evenings. There is always, without a doubt, a lineup on sunny days which makes the place a bit of a frenzy but for classic flavours, it's a sure bet. Coffee, drinks, and other snacks also available.

Il Gelatiere

Rated this place:

647 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Toronto, ON, M4S2N2

really really good gelato. : For some of the best gelato in the city, make your way to Il Gelatiere. Located midtown at Mount Pleasant just south of Eglinton (right by Jules Patisserie and Thorbor's!), it's a favourite neighbourhood spot not to mention worth the drive - no matter where you are in the GTA! Be sure to get a scoop or two of their pistachio and hazelnut flavours - but for one of the most inventive - try the spicy chocolate. They also do coffee, crepes, and containers to go (offers better value than individual scoops). Seating inside at the front and back of the shop as well asa covered patio during the summer.

SOMA Chocolatemaker

Rated this place:

55 Mill St. (Building #47), Toronto, Ontario, M5A3C4

Chocolate heaven: One of the highlights of Toronto's historic Distillery District is SOMA Chocolatemaker. As one of the top specialty chocolatemakers in the city, you can find anything related to artisinal chocolate in the store - chocolate bars at a handful of darkness %, chocolate covered EVERYTHING, as well as beautiful glass cases holding precious truffles, chocolate treats, and, of course, homemade ice creams and gelatos. It can get busy in this small shop but it's all worth the wait. Coffee, teas, juices, water and their infamous Mayan Hot Chocolate are on the drink menu. Inside the shop, there are some tables for sitting, bathrooms and a window where you can watch or salivate at the chocolatemaking process. As an successful, independent shop, they've just opened a new location at King St. W. and Spadina - so spread the chocolatey, ice-creamy love a little more!

The Mad Italian Gelato Bar

Rated this place:

1581 Bayview, Toronto, ON, M4G 3B5

ferrero rocher and green apple: In February 2010, The Mad Italian Gelato Bar opened on the popular Bayview just across the street for Rahier patisserie and surrounded by restaurants. Offering "artigianale" gelato, it is amongst some of the best stuff in the city, not to mention calorie-conscious: a 100g or 3.5oz serving of gelato is 4-8% fat and 140-160 calories; while the same serving for sorbet is 0-1% fat and 120-160 calories.. The family shop produces their own gelato as well as truffles, cakes, pastries, and cannoli. They've also opened up a new location in Little Italy at 589 College St. If you go: the Ferrero Rocher flavour is the overall favourite and a step up from regular hazelnut gelato but their water-based sorbets like green apple are also quite unique and worth at try!

Khao San Road

Rated this place:

326 Adelaide St. W, Toronto, Ontario

Really really good Thai food: For some of the best Thai food in Toronto, Khao San Road is it. On Adelaide Street and Peter in the Entertainment District, it's perfect for before or after a movie, show, or before heading to the clubs on the weekends. To start: the Thai iced tea is spectacular (and addictive) and the shrimp chips (and squash chips for vegetarians) are homemade. They serve a variety of Pad Thai but go for the Sam Ros for more authentic flavour. The beef Khao Soi noodle is a favourite of the staff and owners while the Gaeng Massaman is the best curry on the menu. The most underestimated dish on the menu is the Pad Gra Prao: minced beef on basil with a fried egg. Skip dessert. Enjoy!

Guu Sakabar

Rated this place:

559 Bloor St W Toronto, Toronto, ON

Awesome daily specials: This second Guu location is a refreshing change to the first: it's at the heart of the Annex right on Bloor St. W. with tons of foot traffic and much larger than the first Guu on Church St. just south of College. But fear not, it's equally as loud and boisterous as the first, offering many of the same menu items like miso in black cod, octopus balls, deep fried chicken karaage, brie cheese and etc. New on the menu are items like the rice burger, carbonara udon, and "oden" Japanese style slow cooked hot pot. Some of the best dishes are the daily specials, using fresh seafood and fish to create some really inventive food. And of course, it wouldn't be a "sake bar" without a handful different varieties of sake as well as sake cocktails as well as giant pints of Sapporo beer.

Gelato Simply Italian

Rated this place:

2076 Yonge St., Toronto, ON

lime cilantro sorbet: As one of the newest contenders of Toronto's gelato scene, you'll find Gelato Simply Italian amid midtown Yonge Street's many Italian restaurants. Being on a main strip, it's hard to miss, with its open-window shop and line-ups out the door. Rumoured to have been open by someone who used to work at Il Gelatiere, Gelato Simply Italian has, within just a year, launched itself to the top of the list for gelato shops in Toronto. And it's good. Pastries, marzipan, coffee, as well as cannoli are also for sale but it's the gelato and sorbets that are winners, across the board. Although pistachio and hazelnut are always a standard for me, the lime cilantro is also incredible (if you like cilantro!). Enjoy :)

Woodlot Restaurant & Bakery

Rated this place:

293 Palmerston Avenue, Toronto, ON

Plain good food: Worth the buzz? I'd say so. If you're planning to go, plan early - make reservations a couple of weeks in advance or show up right at opening at 5pm for the limited open spots at the communal table by the kitchen. During the day from 7:30am on weekdays and 8:30pm on weekends, stop in for some baked goods like breads, madeleines and delicious hazelnut/nutella croissants (and a coffee!). For dinner, the restaurant's loft space offers more formal dining upstairs and the name of the game is rustic: butter roasted radishes, crisped gnocchi, homemade pastas and other delicious goods from the wood burning oven. Don't skip dessert, on a last visit, the hazelnut pot to creme was equal to the mains!