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

RED TEA BOX
Asian/English

A deceptively small shop fronts onto Queen Street West that lures in hungry shoppers with dozens of varieties of whimsical fondant cakes. These are best eaten in the coach house out back, decorated with mismatched antique furniture and floral prints that would appease the Mad Hatter. Afternoon tea is comprised of a variety of small dishes served in bento boxes, emphasizing the Asian twist on traditional English tea. Traditional cucumber sandwiches have been scrumptiously replaced by hollowed-out Cucumbers filled with Indian-spiced Chicken Salad, and other inventive often-changing fillings. The dessert compartments may include such delectable items as Chocolate Lavender Tarts and Green Tea Cheesecake. All are accompanied by an extensive list of fine estate teas. One thing is for certain– this isn’t your grandmother’s tea party.

696 Queen Street West      (416) 203-8882

ROSEWATER

Minutes from Toronto's Financial and Theatre districts, Rosewater is the perfect venue to enjoy cocktails, an exquisite dinner, or a special event. The menu harmonizes with the beauty and elegance of the heritage building structure-- an eclectic palette of styles and tastes. Each member of the staff adheres to the highest standards of quality and meticulous attention to details.

19 Toronto Street      (416) 214-5888

CAVA
Spanish, Tapas

Cava, Toronto’s original tapas restaurant offers an eclectic range of Italian, Spanish and French small plates, created by chef and proprietor Chris McDonald. Have a seat at the bar and casually nibble at a few of the gastronomic delights, such as their famous Chipotle-Caramel Popcorn, or Salt Cod Cake. If temptation demands, continue on with a multi-course meal rounded out with the Seafood Paella (all accented by local ingredients). Or do as the menu suggests, and let the kitchen choose. A beautiful list of Spanish wines and sherries, and the restaurant prides itself on its wine pairing options, most often available by the glass. Not to be missed is Xococava, the chocolate and gelato shop next door, and an integral part of the Cava family. The same Mediterranean influence inspires the interesting and unusually flavored sweets, and what may be considered as the best Gelato in the city. Venture there after dinner, or have the waiter bring something right to your table.

1560 Yonge Street      (416) 979-9918

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

FOXLEY
Vietnamese/Thai

Having built his reputation at a range of establishments throughout the city, chef Tom Thai decided to open one of the first great restaurants on the stretch of Ossington between Queen and Dundas. A casual environment with an educated staff, refined dining but without the tablecloths, Foxley’s success seems to be built on blending contradictions. Furthering this trend is the tapas-style menu comprised of Asian influenced dishes. There are really only two courses on the menu-- savory dishes and dessert-- select a few plates per person and expect to share everything as it arrives. Be sure not to miss out on the best ceviche in the city, and pair it with any number of reasonably priced wines by the glass or bottle.

207 Ossington Avenue      (416) 534-8520

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

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