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The selected restaurants have been grouped into five categories: Gourmet, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The restaurants are listed alphabetically within these different categories, which serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments.

In 2001 the city council passed a by-law requiring that all restaurants must be smoke-free. In 2006, provincial legislation extended this requirement to virtually all public places, including bars.

Restaurant prices are subject to a provincial sales tax (PST) of 8% (10% on alcohol) and a federal goods and services tax (GST) of 5%. All taxes are usually added to the bill at the end of the meal. In addition, it is customary to tip at least 15% for good service.

The restaurants below have been divided into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over C$100)
$$$ (C$70 to C$100)
$$ (C$35 to C$70)
$ (up to C$35)
These prices are for an average three-course meal for one person and for a glass of house wine or cheapest equivalent; they do not include service charge, tax or tip.

Gourmet

Chiado
Located smack in the middle of Little Portugal, Chiado is the perfect ambassador for Toronto's sizeable Portuguese community. The simple, elegant décor is accentuated by the paintings that adorn Chiado's walls. Seafood dominates, with fresh fish flown in daily - anything with tentacles finds a worthy end on the grill. Those partial to land-bound critters will find solace in the beef tenderloin, pheasant or lamb.

864 College Street, Little Portugal
Tel: (416) 538 1910.
Website: www.chiadorestaurant.ca
Price: $$$
North 44
Named after Toronto's latitude, North 44's location in Toronto's safe and franchise-ridden uptown has not stopped this internationally acclaimed restaurant from being the city's most posh eating place for over a decade. Cold and steely from the outside but with a sleek, earth-toned interior recently updated by hot Toronto designers Yabu Pushelburg, the restaurant features a menu that changes with the seasons but everything (such as charred tuna sashimi, grilled quail and roasted venison rack) will be prepared to perfection.

2537 Yonge Street, Eglinton
Tel: (416) 487 4897.
Website: www.north44restaurant.com
Price: $$$
Opus
A meal at Opus, in an unassuming townhouse on a quaint, leafy street, is much like dinner at a friend's house - only with waiters and an outstanding chef. Waiters are attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. The menu changes monthly and reflects the seasons - traditional French fare, such as smoked duck and rack of lamb, made with regional ingredients, often makes an appearance. The extensive wine list has more than 2,500 choices.

37 Prince Arthur Avenue, Yorkville/Annex
Tel: (416) 921 3105.
Website: www.opusrestaurant.com
Price: $$$
Perigree
The interior is surprisingly plain for such an haute cuisine establishment, but patrons don't come to Perigee for the furniture - they're here to watch the show in the fully open kitchen and to marvel at the inventive combinations dreamed up by chef Christopher Brown. Highlights include game dishes and one of the city's most adventurous vegetarian menus. Many people opt for the omakase (tasting) option, describing their tastes to the waiter and then allowing the kitchen to surprise them with an evening-long, multi-course meal.

55 Mill Street, Distillery District
Tel: (416) 364 1397.
Website: www.perigeerestaurant.com
Price: $$$$
Splendido Restaurant
Splendido is among the foremost restaurants in Toronto, and it keeps getting better. Chef David Lee works wonders with the best seasonal ingredients he can find, and the result is an exciting and extremely flavorsome kind of eclectic and modern Mediterranean cuisine. Guests can choose between the a la carte menu or the tasting menu. There is a large international wine list with more than 1,000 New and Old World selections.

88 Harbord Street, Annex
Tel: (416) 929 7788.
Website: www.splendido.ca
Price: $$$$
Truffles
The intimate restaurant of the Four Seasons' flagship hotel (see Hotels) has won the CAA/AAA Five Diamond accolade for 14 years running. Truffles is, as its name suggests, a celebration of the gourmet. Every detail (from the Uffizi boar sculptures to the exotically sculpted starters) has been seen to. Fish, fowl and meat are prepared with equal aplomb, with a fresh, light and aromatic cooking style rooted in authentic French flavors. The long wine list reaches deep into the wallet but includes an impressive selection by the glass.

Four Seasons Hotel, 21 Avenue Road, Yorkville
Tel: (416) 964 0411.
Website: www.fourseasons.com/toronto
Price: $$$$

Business

Bar One
The tall ceilings and narrow walls of this young but firmly established eating place, an island of chic in this up-and-coming part of town, matches the converted loft apartments that surround it. The interior is simple and crisp, as is the Italian and international menu, which includes soup (such as spinach and potato), fish and classic pastas like Bolognese, carbonara or marinara.

924 Queen Street West, Queen West
Tel: (416) 535 1655.
Website: www.bar-one.com
Price: $$
Canoe Restaurant and Bar
If there is one truly Canadian restaurant in Toronto, this is it. Canoe takes ingredients typical to Canada and creates contemporary gourmet dishes. Maple sugar, Saskatoon berry compote and partridgeberry jus are accessories to such daring and delicious offerings as venison and caribou. Canoe's warm, woody tones add to the whole experience, although the view of Toronto Harbour tends to capture one's attention more. Prices cater to expense accounts and the wine list leans towards New World selections. Reservations are essential. Closed weekends.

54th Floor, Toronto Dominion Bank Tower, 66 Wellington Street West, Financial District
Tel: (416) 364 0054.
Website: www.canoerestaurant.com
Price: $$$
Indian Rice Factory
The Punjabi-influenced dishes here will appeal to vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Regular selections include pakoras (deep-fried fritters) and dishes such as murgh turri - chicken curry with ginger, tomato and onion. Huge windows and colorful wall tapestries contribute to the fine dining experience. Reservations recommended.

414 Dupont Street, Annex
Tel: (416) 961 3472.
Website: www.indianricefactory.com
Price: $$
Jump Café and Bar
This place can be festive, loud and ebullient, although its tucked-away tables allow for a tête-à-tête as well. Since its inception, it has been a favorite of Toronto's brokers and traders, so it should come as no surprise that Jump serves up meals so delicious they alone might secure any deal. Dishes might include sirloin steak with Yukon-gold potato frites, roast chicken or lemon risotto; many have an Asian flair. Fish dishes and other, lighter choices also grace the menu - but if calories are really a concern, the decadent desserts are best seen and not tasted. Reservations required. Closed Sunday. No lunch Saturday.

18 Wellington Street West, Commerce Court East
Tel: (416) 363 3400.
Website: www.oliverbonacini.com
Price: $$

Trendy

Bar Italia
Beyond the bar, choked with well-dressed, good-looking types downing martinis and pints of beer, there is a warm yet minimalist restaurant that serves superb Italian fare. The salads, panini and daily pasta specials are all excellent. The wine selection is mostly Italian and French with a decent domestic beer menu. In the summer, a patio seat cannot be beaten for watching the world go by. Brunch weekends.

582 College Street, Little Italy
Tel: (416) 535 3621.
Website: www.bar-italia.ca
Price: $$
Lolita's Lust
In an increasingly franchised part of Greektown, Lolita's Lust remains a funky favorite. Bohemian in atmosphere, this upscale eatery features a delightful range of internationally inspired meat and fish dishes - intriguing combinations include lobster dumplings and mushroom salad with miso chile sauce. Tucked away like a best-kept secret the intimate Lolita's Lust is a dimly lit hotspot frequented by celebrities when they are in town. Reservations are essential.

513 Danforth Avenue, Greektown
Tel: (416) 465 1751.
Website: www.lolitaslust.ca
Price: $$
The Paddock Tavern
The sumptuous, wooden 1940s décor of this bar/restaurant tends to get obscured on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights by crowds of youngish drinkers. They congregate at the large L-shaped bar in search of draught beer, a well-shaken Martini or their inner Humphrey Bogart. On other nights of the week, it is a bit quieter. The menu changes seasonally, but highlights might include cassoulet, bison sirloin with garlic mash, or smoked pork tenderloin with baby turnip, rösti potatoes and a maple-preserved apple jus.

178 Bathurst Street, Queen and Bathurst
Tel: (416) 504 9997.
Website: www.thepaddock.ca
Price: $$
Rain Restaurant
Rain has established itself as one of the most exciting Asian restaurants in Toronto - with an Italian chef. The restaurant itself is very attractive, with a décor that includes waterfall walls; but it is the intensity and complexity of flavors in the various dishes on offer that are likely to take your breath away. This is exceptional and highly creative cooking. Dinner from Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays.

19 Mercer Street
Tel: (416) 599 7246/RAIN.
Website: www.rainrestaurant.ca
Price: $$$
Sassafraz Restaurant
This classy, atmospheric restaurant, which is located in the heart of historical and posh Yorkville, serves cuisine du soleil, a flavorsome combination of French, Italian and Californian. With an interior blending the minimalist and the exotic elements in art deco, this is a seriously stylish place - well known also for being a favorite among celebrities visiting Toronto.

100 Cumberland Street, Yorkville
Tel: (416) 964 2222.
Website: www.sassafraz.ca
Price: $$$

Budget

Fran's
Unpretentious food served whenever you're hungry - it's a recipe that has made Fran's a Toronto institution since 1940. Don't expect anything gourmet, but this diner offers a slice of old Toronto at a reasonable price. Old favorites like meatloaf and tuna melts share the menu with newer fare like Baja chicken wraps. There's a second Toronto location across from Massey Hall. Both are open 24 hours, every day of the year, and the Big Breakfast - a groaning platter of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, home fries and toast - is served around the clock.

20 College Street, Midtown
Tel: (416) 923 9867.
Website: www.fransrestaurant.com
Price: $
Fresh on Bloor
Anybody who wants to eat at this packed health-food restaurant must be prepared to queue. Still, the gastronomic experience on offer is definitely worth the wait. With over 40 different juices from the fruity to the bizarre, there is definitely something to tempt everybody's palate without any guilt. Fresh, flavorsome organic food is the point here, and portions are plentiful. Reservations are not accepted. There are two sister restaurants and juice bars: Fresh on Crawford, 894 Queen Street West, and Fresh on Spadina, 147 Spadina Avenue.

326 Bloor Street West, Annex
Tel: (416) 531 2635.
Website: www.juiceforlife.com
Price: $
7 West Café
Open 24 hours, this place retains a casual cafe feel over all three floors. Tasty pizzas, delicious sandwiches and fresh salads are all good choices. As well as a decent wine and beer list, teas and specialty coffees are also house favorites. A cosy place to unwind.

7 Charles Street West, Yonge and Bloor
Tel: (416) 928 9041.
Website: www.7westcafe.com
Price: $
Teatro
Teatro is a lively but intimate (the small bistro tables are very close together) restaurant in Little Italy. It is also as popular as they come, because it offers excellent food. The French/Mediterranean bistro menu includes several delicious pasta dishes as well as classics like wild mushroom risotto and moules marinieres.

505 College Street, Little Italy
Tel: (416) 972 1475.
Price: $$

Personal Recommendations

Brownes Bistro
Prized by the well-heeled residents of Rosedale, this long-lived neighborhood bistro might be lacking in culinary adventurousness and is equally unpretentious in décor, but its longevity and continued popularity speak for its quality. Some of the dishes come with a nice Gallic touch, and the meat dishes are deliciously tasty. The pastas and pizzas are lovely.

4 Woodlawn Avenue East, Summerhill
Tel: (416) 924 8132.
Website: www.brownesbistro.com
Price: $$
Rol San
Rol San is easy to overlook amid the hundred or so Chinese restaurants that line Spadina Avenue between College Street and the Lakeshore, especially as it has the same large round tables, plastic tablecloths and bright cardboard signs announcing specials in Chinese. However, this restaurant serves delicious dim sum (such as deep fried shrimp and chive cake) by day and crave-worthy portions of fried rice, Szechwan shrimp and crispy chicken until the wee hours (0200 Sun to Wed, 0400 Thurs, 0500 Fri to Sat).

323 Spadina Avenue, Chinatown
Tel: (416) 977 1128.
Website: www.rolsan.com
Price: $$
360 The Restaurant at the Tower
Floor-to-ceiling windows, 114 storys above the lakeshore, with a view as good as it gets - blue lake as far as the eye can see to the south and Toronto spreading out in every other direction. And because 360 revolves, none of the view will be missed. The food is not quite as memorable, but it is still pretty good. In recent years, 360 has won awards for its cuisine and wine as well as its ambience. A reservation at this restaurant also includes a post-dinner walk on the glass-floored lookout - for those who can stomach it.

CN Tower, 301 Front Street West, Downtown
Tel: (416) 362 5411.
Website: www.cntower.ca
Price: $$$



Nightlife:

Toronto's nightlife is yet another aspect of urban life that defies the city's staid reputation. Drinking hours run until 0200 and nightclubs and after-hours clubs often stay open until dawn. A few self-consciously trendy nightclubs may have no-jeans, no-trainers policies at the door. Since it is illegal in the Province of Ontario to serve alcohol and not serve food, bars can often be considered places to eat as much as to drink. The legal drinking age in Toronto is 19.

The free, alternative weeklies, eye (website: www.eyeweekly.com) and NOW (website: www.nowtoronto.com), provide the latest information on club nights and gig listings, while Xtra (website: www.xtra.ca) covers the gay scene.

The most common nights for locals to spend on the town are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, although enthusiastic crowds can usually be found on most other nights. The most popular area for bars and clubs is in the heart of the city center, slightly west of the Financial District, around the Theater District on King and Queen Streets. For a more ethnic feel, Little Italy offers Italian-flavored bars and clubs that tend to attract a cooler, more refined crowd in search of pasta, properly mixed drinks and better music. Greektown offers a slew of Greek restaurants and bars that import something of a Mediterranean festive feel even on the darkest of winter nights. Local pubs and bars playing a hockey or baseball game on TV can be found almost anywhere and are great spots for a plate of chicken wings and a beer.

Bars: British visitors will feel at home in the many pubs that dot the city, showing up on street corners and in the more commercial neighborhood high streets. The Madison Avenue Pub, 14 Madison Avenue, is something like a super-pub, taking up four floors within three converted Victorian houses. The Rebel House, 1068 Yonge Street, a neighborhood favorite, serves a range of good beer and uncommonly good pub food. For a taste of the excellent lager and ale at one of the city's best brew pubs, try the Granite Brewery, 245 Eglinton Avenue East. Most afternoons, you can take a brewery tour and get a complimentary sample at the Steam Whistle Brewing Company, 255 Bremner Boulevard, directly south of the CN Tower.

Little Italy's Bar Italia, 582 College Street, is a stylish and trendy cocktail bar with reasonably priced and tasty pasta, which attracts the good-looking weekend crowd. The Rivoli, 332 Queen Street West, draws a slightly more alternative crowd. One side of the bar serves fusion cuisine, the other cocktails, while concerts, club nights and spoken-word events take place in the back and there is a large pool hall upstairs. Sleek sophisticates congregate at the Fifth Social Club, 225 Richmond Street West, a former warehouse where stainless steel bars and bottle service draw visiting celebrities like Matt Damon and Michael Jordan. One of the friendliest gay bars in Toronto is the boisterous Woody's, 465 Church Street. A sense of the country's ice hockey obsession can be experienced at Wayne Gretzky's, 99 Blue Jays Way, owned by one of the game's greatest players ever and a monument to his success on the ice.
 
Clubs: Richmond Street West is home to many of the city's biggest and best-known clubs. Joe, 250 Richmond Street West, is one of the city's longer-standing venues and offers a lounge and rooftop patio for a young crowd. Muzik, 15 Saskatchewan Road, Exhibition Place (website: www.muzikclubs.com), is energetic, stylish and decadent. High energy levels also characterize Lot 332, 332 Richmond Street West (website: www.lot332.com). Chilled-out spots include Fluid Lounge, 217 Richmond Street West (website: www.fluidlounge.ca), while Ciao Edie Roxx, 489 College Street, mixes retro-funk furnishing with a driving rock vibe. On the eastern edge of the city center is The Guvernment, 132 Queen's Quay East (website: www.theguvernment.com), a massive warehouse rigged with an industrial-strength sound system that pumps out progressive house and trance Saturday nights until dawn. DJs and international indie bands keep things going at The Mod Club Theater, 722 College Street (website: http://themodclub.com). Gay clubs are scattered throughout the Church and Wellesley area; one of the biggest is the three-floor complex at 418 Church Street, The Barn and its adjacent Stables (website: www.thebarnnightclub.com).

Comedy: Toronto is home to what is probably North America's most famous comedy club chain, The Second City. The Toronto branch, situated at 51 Mercer Street, at Blue Jays Way, next to Gretzky's (website: www.secondcity.com), however, is of particular pop-cultural significance; it witnessed the beginning of the careers of future Hollywood greats, such as Dan Aykroyd, Mike Myers and Martin Short, in the late 1970s. Toronto's other big venue is Yuk Yuk's Comedy Cabaret, 224 Richmond Street West (website: www.yukyuks.com).

Live Music: The Horseshoe Tavern, 370 Queen Street West (website: www.horseshoetavern.com), a gritty down-home and historical venue and the first on the continent to receive The Police, is a good place to hear local and international acts. The Phoenix, 410 Sherbourne Street (website: www.libertygroup.com/phoenix/phoenix.html), is another nice venue for big and small names. Massey Hall, 178 Victoria Street (website: www.masseyhall.com), hosts everything from jazz, classical, rock and world music to international dance troupes. A more laid-back atmosphere can be found at the Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar, 194 Queen Street West (website: www.therex.ca), and the Montreal Bistro and Jazz Club, 65 Sherbourne Street. For more jazz, check out the Jazz In Toronto website (website: www.jazzintoronto.com).

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