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

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