RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

It's reservations only at this "see and be seen" hot spot for power dining or a romantic evening. The ambience is elegant and cozy. Servers are professional, polite and efficient. But the centerpiece is the steak itself, which is always fresh U.S.D.A. Prime corn-fed beef, hand-cut daily. Also known in Toronto for the largest, most succulent lobsters, flown in daily. Well selected 250 bottle list. The outstanding desserts are the perfect accompaniment to a fine Port or Cognac.

145 Richmond St. West      (416) 955-1455

SEGOVIA! RESTAURANT
Spanish

Embraces all the charm of casual Spanish dining and the joys of a truly unique cuisine, with tapas as an integral part of the menu. Main courses are a deliciously eclectic collection from all the regions in Spain. Enticing paellas, veal medallions with cured ham and mushrooms, lamb loins stuffed with almonds, scallops in wine brandy-- all meticulously prepared, and dessert excels with the finale.

5 St. Nicholas Street      (416) 960-1010

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

CENTRO GRILL & WINE BAR
American

Always in the avant garde, Centro continues as a central jewel among restaurants, close to the hearts of their Torontonian and international patrons. It's the busiest deluxe restaurant in Toronto, attracting the celebs, the chic, and the powerful to a setting akin to a modern Venetian palace, with 18-foot ceiling, pillars and mezzanine, resplendent with brilliant colours and refracted light. People return for the innovative cooking and inventive combinations of forceful flavours and finesse, the best the city has to offer. And they return for the best wine list in North America, with over 800 expertly chosen selections.

2472 Yonge Street      (416) 483-2211

EDO
Japanese

EDO, the old name for Tokyo during the days of the Shogun. Besides the stunning sushi, there are many innovative and exquisite dishes. Their classic sauces of teriyaki, saikyo and sesame are matchless, as is the tempura. The reasonably priced list of wines and sakes features some rarely seen in Toronto.

484 Eglinton Avenue West      (416) 322-6011

EDO-ko
Japanese

Traditional sushi and full menu served in a casual atmosphere. Great for dropping in for a quick bite from noon through late night. The sushi bar has become a favourite for women and men to stop by when alone, for a quiet "read", or to converse with the congenial chefs. There are specialties not found elsewhere such as the EDO-ko oysters, Kaki Age (a variation of tempura) and lobster tempura. Ask for the famous "Dynamite Roll", Karashi Sumiso, Nasu Dengaku (eggplant). The wine and sake list allows for small tastings to match each course.

431 Spadina Road      (416) 482-8973

LA BODEGA
French

Two Victorian houses is the perfect airy, romantic setting. Glowing with its high ceiling, Victorian woodwork, bright windows, cosy fireplace and tree-lined summer patio. Intimate and elegant--- so French in decor and with its famous regional dishes--- with the inimitable casual elegance and ambience that can evoke Paris in a plate of cassoulet. The classically hearty dishes, matched by a great wine list with a Bordeaux emphasis, are there, but driven by a light health conscious cooking style that stresses fresh-market cuisine.

30 Baldwin Street      (416) 977-1287

LAKES
Contemporary

Lakes is a place where you take a seat, its warm, comfortable surroundings ease all tensions and prepare you for the gastronomic delights to follow. All the senses are stimulated--- gentle music from a bygone era, savory aomas from the open kitchen, "comfort" food to satisfy any taste, expert presentation and the soft feel of a plush, upholstered banquette. The menu features some of Toronto's tastiest treats--- from warm goats cheese appetizer to the chef's daily fresh fish or meat specials. Their homemade desserts are legendary. An intimate and friendly bar overlooks Yonge Street. The extensive, yet reasonably priced wine list, offers many choices by the glass.
1112 Yonge Street      (416) 966-0185

NORTH 44°
North American

Within the ultra-stylish multi-tiered space, combinations of lights and shadows, food and wine, play in a magical decor of mirrors, mosaics and flowers. Dinner is an event to be celebrated and remembered. Exotic ingredients combine with flavourful herbs and spices, rather than relying on heavy sauces. Pappardelle with sage-braised rabbit in its natural juices and baby spinach with a just a whisper of cream, grilled boneless quail with sesame marmalade, crisp noodle cake, or chili-fried vegetables. Desserts are irresistable. Great wine list.

2537 Yonge Street      (416) 487-4897

SCARAMOUCHE
French Contemporary

Soft, subtle and decidedly romantic. From a wonderful hillside setting overlooking the glitter of downtown, the premises is divided between the formal restaurant and a discreet pasta bar, with its wide array of light dishes and tender pastas. Complex tastes, skillfully understated, seem married by nature. Fish and seafood dishes are of particular note. Desserts are legendary. Presentation is showcase-perfect, and the service by thorough professionals is flawless. The carefully chosen wines represent many nations and include a number of Grand Crus.

One Benvenuto Place      (416) 961-8011