360 RESTAURANT

A team of chefs prepare their culinary magic at this "highest restaurant on the planet", 1100 feet above downtown Toronto. 360's philosophy is to use first-choice fresh Ontario produce, with the best ingredients Canada has to offer, and incorporate their own contemporary flair. At the centre of it all, the world's highest award-winning wine cellar, and 500-label wine list.

301 Front Street West       (416) 362-5411

ARIA
Italian

Popular Toronto restaurateurs Elena Morelli and Guido Alberto Saldini were invited to open a second restaurant next to the Air Canada Center. The interior space has floor-to-ceiling windows that stretch almost 30 feet high and include a two-story wine cellar. Aria's food has been winning raves. Highlights include Baby Cuttlefish with citrus, chilies and fresh marjoram, Grilled Octopus and warm panzanella salad, and the roasted Ontario Quails with bone marrow polenta, wild mushrooms and foie gras jus. Select the perfect wine from the large list and perhaps a grappa to end your meal.

25 York Street (south of Front Street)
(416) 363-2742

BARBERIAN'S
Steakhouse

Anyone seeking top quality well-aged beef grilled to perfection needs to head for this Toronto favorite. The charming old building is set on a quiet downtown street; inside courteous, professional staff welcomes diners in the warm, clubby rooms. The well-balanced menu also boasts succulent ribs, exquisite lamb, and all the usual seafood delights. The lusty cuisine is matched beautifully with wine by the glass or bottle, from one of Toronto’s most extensive wine cellar. Desserts also garner rave reviews.

7 Elm St. (just west of Yonge St.) (416) 597-0335

BAR ISABEL
Spanish

Toronto has been waiting for this– a hipster tapas bar as good as any in Madrid, with its curved ceilings and Mexican tiled floors– surprisingly located right in the middle of Little Italy. The lively clientele ranges from families to the bright younger crowd looking to hook up over intricate cocktails at the cherry wood bar. But it's the food that draws, including Devilled Eggs with home made Blood Sausage, heaping plates of Spanish cured meats, smoked Sweetbreads, Salt Cod, Raw Tuna, and perfect meaty grilled Octopus. Complete your meal with the Basque Cake and its creamy interior. Emphasis is on well priced Spanish and Portuguese wines, but the unusual beer choices and extensive cocktail list are definitely worth a look.

797 College Street     (416) 532-2222

BIAGIO
Northern Italian

Classic perfection in the elegant dining room is reflected in Biagio’s Milanese menu. Savour Osso Buco, succulent Grilled Lamb, Seafood, Risottos and homemade Pastas courteously served by their professional staff and matched with an excellent wine cellar. Hot tip: reserve a table in Toronto’s most sought after patios in the city.

155 King St. E. (at Jarvis St.)      (416) 366-4040

BUCA
Italian Enoteca

This trendy, popular restaurant is found tucked down a laneway. Make your way into the spacious dining area with towering brick walls — a reminder of its previous life as a boiler room. Today, however, you’ll admire the hanging cuts of cured meats by the open kitchen. Order a starter which might include the house-cured prosciutto and absolutely addictive baked in house fresh bread. Enjoy authentic combinations of intense rustic flavors matched with Italian wines from their extensive list.

604 King St. W. (just west of Portland St.)
(416) 865-1600

BYMARK
Contemporary

Down in the financial district, Young Turks and their well heeled superiors populate Bymark at lunch and after 5pm for cocktails and dinner; you’ll spot them in the smart, contemporary subterranean dining room or out on the patio. From the moment you enter, the well trained wait staff exudes charm and cossets the visitor, making one feel extra special. Your choices from the large menu will arrive perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. An extensive wine and beverage list compliments this popular, well established restaurant.

66 Wellington St. W. (at Bay St.)
(416) 777-1144

CANOE

Uniquely located on the 54th floor of the Toronto Dominion Bank Tower is one of Canada's finest restaurants. The design is clean, simple and unpretentious, yet absolutely stylish. It's big and bold, with a spectacular bar and absolutely breathtaking view that makes it one of T.O.'s hottest after-work destinations. Canoe brings a passion for food, wine and innovation to the heart of Toronto's business and theatre district. Definitive Canadian cuisine, using many indigenous and local products.

T-D Centre, 54th floor      (416) 364-0054

CHIADO
Portuguese

Named for Lisbon's oldest neighborhood, where great food and wine were enjoyed in wonderful bistrettos. A long dining room, resplendent with paintings, is the setting for thoughtful, attentive service mixing a quiet convivality with romantic tables. The chefs achieve great intensity of flavours in their creations by using only fresh fish, farm-raised capon and free-range chicken. Focusing on a Mediterranean diet that uses herb-infused oils, olive oil, and savory reduction sauces. Chiado has the largest collection of fine Portuguese wines in North America, and superb Vintage Ports.

864 College Street       (416) 538-1910

EDULIS
Contemporary/International

Chef Michael Cabello and his wife Tobey Nemeth roamed Spain, Italy and Panama before returning to Toronto to open this comfortable 33-seat restaurant. The cuisine is built around French and Spanish provincial county food, much of it served family-style in earthenware cazuelas and enameled cast-iron pots. Their menu changes daily and features local ingredients whenever possible. Try the luscious Veal Belly, the perfect Sweetbreads, or order a day ahead for the whole Heritage-Breed Chicken roasted slowly and carved tableside. A well thought out and reasonably priced wine list. Edulis is for gourmets who are willing to be slightly adventurous, and not looking for the same old thing.

169 Niagara Street (south of King Street West)
(416) 703-4222