Cumbrae Butchers

Rated this place:

481 Church St, Toronto, ON, M4Y2C6

Everything a butcher should be: I can't remember the last time I was actually at Cumbrae's, but I eat something from there almost every day, because they're the butcher for our store. Owner Stephen Alexander is a third-generation butcher and an outstanding guy. His whole organization is awesome - attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. Especially recommended: hanger steak, lamb, duck breasts.

Trimurti Indian Cuisine

Rated this place:

265 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON, M5V1Z4

Beautiful food, and they deliver!: When you're craving Indian and don't feel like going out, Trimurti's got your back. Amazing food - especially the Lamb Rogan Josh and any of the biryani.Note that their food is spicy by default - not at all over-spicy, but there's heat there amongst the complexity of the seasoning. So if you've got older folks, kids, or anyone else that doesn't like some fire, ask them to tone it down.Phenomenal food - I worried for them being so close to Babur, but the strong survive!

Rahier Patissiere

Rated this place:

1586 Bayview Ave., East York, ON, M4G3C1

Great croissant: I have a few faves for croissant in Toronto, and they're all a bit different. But Rahier is damn good, no question. I just wish I lived closer.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• croissant

Cumbrae's

Rated this place:

481 Church Street, Toronto, ON, M4Y2C6

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Butcher
• service
• Meat

The Black Hoof

Rated this place:

928 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON, M6J 1W3

Charcuterie: Jen (ex of Cobalt) serves up the great wine and cocktails and Grant (ex of Amuse Bouche, Canoe and Lucien) serves up the great cured meats, cheeses and other tasty stuff. Hit the Hoof next time you want to share a nice light meal, a few drinks and some lively conversation. This place is sure to do well, it hits all the right notes.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• charcuterie

The Spice Trader

Rated this place:

805 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M6J 1G1

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• ambiance
• selection
• Knowledgeable Staff

Chiado Restaurant

Rated this place:

864 College St, Toronto, ON, M6H1A3

Restaurant: Outrageously good food (try the açorda if you're adventurous and very hungry), impeccable service, and a superb wine list. Year after year, Chiado delivers the goods!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Restaurant

Magic Oven

Rated this place:

788 Broadview Ave., Toronto, ON, M4K2P8

Pizza: It just rocks.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Pizza

Craft Burger

Rated this place:

573 King St. West, Toronto, ON, M5V1M1

Burger: They're super-tasty, no-nonsense burgers with just the right amount of fat. Great rings, too!

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Burger

La Fromagerie

Rated this place:

868 College, Toronto, ON, M6H1A3

Riopelle cheese: It's creamy, it's delicious, and it's from Quebec! If you like brie, you'll love Riopelle. This is a rustic preparation with a very refined taste. I have yet to serve it and not have it all go. La Fromagerie was the first place I tasted it, so go there and ask Robert for a sample.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Riopelle cheese

Rua Vang Golden Turtle Restaurant

Rated this place:

125 Ossington Avenue, Toronto, ON, M6J2Z2

Pho: The broth is crazy delicious, they're fast and friendly. Best Pho in the city, at least in my opinion.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Pho

Sweaty Betty's

Rated this place:

13 Ossington Ave., Toronto, ON, M6J 2Y8

Back patio: It's quiet, it's sunny, it's comfy, and there is often a smell of frying bacon wafting from one of the greasy spoons nearby. That sounds like a bad thing, but it's a good thing. Inside is one of the best jukeboxes in town.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• back patio

The Ossington

Rated this place:

61 Ossington Avenue, Toronto, ON, M6J 2Y9

Cozy/cool bar: The newest addition to the Ossington strip between Queen and Dundas, this place is the kind of place you'd see in New York and think "Damn, how come Toronto doesn't have any cool bars like this?" They've done a really nice job with the joint, it should do well despite all the local competition. I don't even have the address, but it's on the East side, across from Baby Huey's.

• favourite thing(s) at this place:
• Cozy/cool bar