PREGO DELLA PIAZZA
Italian

Toronto's swankiest watering hole of the rich and famous. Expensively renovated with hints of perfection in its detail, matched by the kitchen and almost perfect staff. Great, well-selected wine list. Strikingly beautiful modern dining rooms and ideal Yorkville location where, during warm weather seasons, the patio is the hottest ticket in town.

150 Bloor Street West        (416) 920-9900

SOTTO SOTTO
Italian

Sotto Sotto's den of intimate rooms offers a cozy and romantic atmosphere for that special night out. The kitchen prides itself for using only the freshest ingredients, cooked in a simple manner. Enjoy a comforting plate of your favourite pasta, or select a delectable dish from the generous menu of expertly prepared south-central Italian specialties, made to order. An impressive list of 5,000 bottles betrays a love of the grape, with first-growth Bordeaux and lush Italian reds.

116 A Avenue Road      (416) 962-0011

SPLENDIDO
Californian/Italian

Splendido is sophisticated fun. So fashionable and so pretty, with its painted flowers and sculptured lights, chefs in painter's hats behind a glass wall splashed with electric colours. This award winner attracts an upbeat, star-studded crowd. The Cal/Ital cooking reaches high aesthetics with new-age toppings on crusty pizzas, or wood-roasted chicken on sourdough bread. There's home-made sausages, juicy jumbo quails, melt-in-your-mouth pastas and risottos. Sensuous food menu and sumptuous portions--All complemented with sexy, sweet pastry creations and a wide-ranging wine list.

88 Harbord Street      (416) 929-7788

ZUCCA
Italian

Personal touches soften the elegant space and add to the relaxed atmosphere where uptown and downtown meet, welcoming an ever-expanding group of devout followers. Remarked for fresh, simple, authentic Italian cooking. Here, every dish is given thoughtful, loving attention. Of note is the vegetable carpaccio, the Cornish hen and, of course, the creme caramel. The well-priced wine list favors Italians, with a few North American and European additions.

2150 Yonge Street      (416) 488-5774

LA RESERVE
Contemporary Italian

A striking modern showplace, boasting a fabulous decor of soaring marble walls, a glossy white piano and romantic dining area with heavy linen-laden tables. Catering to both power lunches and romantic evenings. This sought-after diner's haven delights those who enjoy great dining. The health-conscious Mediterranean menu is full of fresh, natural flavours. One of the best wine lists in the G.T.A.

8432 Leslie Street   Thornhill    (905) 881-0477