GOLDEN THAI
Thai

Golden Thai has received more acclaim than over 30 other Thai restaurants. And deservingly so with its exotic cuisine known for its sensuality and searing spiciness. More than 60 different catagories are on the menu. Try the prix fixe, with lemon shrimp soup, perked up with coriander and chile, followed by basil beef and curry chicken, with a red curry sauce thick with coconut milk and basil leaves. The Pad Thai will lead you into the great lexicon of flavours of Thai subtlety and drama.

105 Church Street       (416) 868-6668

GILEAD CAFÉ & BISTRO
Canadian

Chef Jamie Kennedy went back to his roots with the opening of Gilead Café and Bistro. Gilead was initially only a café, focusing on breakfast and limited lunch options, but has evolved slowly and steadily into a complete bistro. The coziness factor of the space is upped by its tucked away location down a narrow laneway off of King East, providing diners with an in-the-know sense of satisfaction. During the day, you must first order at the counter– though food is served at your table. In the evening, full-service rules, with a creative selection of artisanally-inspired appetizers, and local, seasonal entrees such as the Mushroom Pate and Muskoka Chicken. Canadian wines are available at lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended, but during the day, feel free to bring a book and stay a while.

4 Gilead Place      (647) 288-0680

HARBOUR SIXTY STEAKHOUSE

Situated in the 1917 landmark, Toronto Harbour Commission building, this splendidly designed restaurant, with its three distinctively-different dining areas, has already gained a reputation for substance and style. The open-kitchen concept conveys subtle, yet rich aromas of USDA Prime steaks, rib roasts, succulent fresh seafood and lobster dishes. Bold yet simple appetizers and salads. Exquisite desserts include Apple Tarte Tatin and Grand Marnier Souffle.

60 Harbour Street      (416) 777-2111

LAI WAH HEEN
Chinese

Meaning: Luxurious meeting place. Harmonizes the aromatic influence of Pacific Rim herbs-n-spice flare with exquisitely refined Cantonese cuisine to present a sumptuous menu rich in the exotic taste of the Far East. Impressive seafood masterpieces, Wok-fried lobster and beef, are among the entrees luring diners to return again and again. The list of both new and old world wines complements any menu item.

108 Chestnut Street      (416) 977-9899

LEE
Asian Fusion

Lee has long been a Toronto institution and an integral part of the ever-growing Susur Lee brand. Constantly filled with a mix of the downtown set and uptowners searching for a great downtown meal with impeccable service. Dishes are best shared so all can experience a wider range of the Asian-influenced meat, fish, and vegetable creations on the extensive menu. The Lee signature dish, Singapore-style slaw, is a visually beautiful and delicious salad that should not be missed. The wine list is extensive and accessible, with glasses priced at under ten dollars.

603 King Street West      (416) 504-7867

NOTA BENE
Seasonal Canadian

A new breed of Toronto restaurant, Nota Bene, has been exposing this city to unstuffy fine dining one dish at a time. Set daily specials and a pre-theatre prixe fixe menu allow for the option of a casual dining experience; but if you have the time, bookend a meal with housemade charcuterie and a cheese plate. Request a corner table to oversee the entire room with its modern art and dark wood furniture, and behold expertly executed service. Chef David Lee of Splendido fame has created a menu that highlights local Canadian products and dishes, such as Nova Scotia Lobster Salad and BC Black Cod. If a superior midweek drink in the downtown core is what you are after, then Nota Bene’s bar area and classic cocktail list will satisfy.

180 Queen Street W.      (416) 977-6400

ORO
Contemporary

Bursting onto Toronto's elite restaurant scene a few years ago, Oro continues to soar beyond the boundaries of the culinary imagination with its neo-Italian array of cuisine, accented by flavourful hints from around the world. Well-heeled literati, glitterati and heads of state flock here for sumptuous dining experiences. Crackling fireplaces set the warm and inviting ambience. Extensive wine list.

45-47 Elm Street      (416) 597-0155

PIZZERIA LIBRETTO
Italian

The authentic nature of this Neapolitan pizzeria extends to the oven the pizzas are baked in-- a Neapolitan craftsman built it and the pizza has the DOP (denominazione di origine controllata) stamp, an Italian law that authenticates its compliance with regional characteristics. This attention to detail exemplifies proprietor Max Rimaldi and chef Rocco Agostino’s obsession over the perfect slice. Crusts are perfectly blistered and are the ideal combination of soft and chewy. They are layered with such items as fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil and Parma ham, or sardines sans cheese. The vanilla afogato dessert affirms the casual, appropriate-any-night-of-the-week vibe. A limited, but well selected mix of Italian and local Ontario wines are reasonably priced, with most available by the quarter litre.

221 Ossington Avenue      (416) 532-8000

PROVENCE
French

Tucked away in a little street in Cabbagetown with its contemporary French cuisine strongly influenced by the Mediterranean, Provence has been dazzling discerning diners since 1979. Serving only the best in food and wine, meticulously prepared in an open kitchen. A fine wine menu features over 150 labels. The runaway favourite is the sought-after fresh duck foie gras terrine.

12 Amelia Street      (416) 924-9901

REDS BISTRO & BAR
Contemporary

In the hub of the city's brisk financial district-- A symphony of cultured stone and rough-hewn pine amidst rolling hills of etched glass, creates ideal surroundings for an excursion to wine country. The Chef proudly demonstrates his culinary acumen with specialties influenced from wine regions around the world. Seventy-seven wines are poured by the glass, or choose a bottle from the striking two-story wall of wine. Seasonally changing menu includes seared sea bass, filet mignon and rack of Australian lamb. Service is impeccable.

77 Adelaide Street West      (416) 862-7337