MIDEASTRO YORKVILLE
Mediterranean

Raves greeted this new addition to haute cuisine headed by talented chef Benny Cohen; diners declare Mideastro “the best price/quality ration in Toronto”. Start with smoky mashed eggplant, or their fantastic fried eggplant, silky beef carpaccio stuffed with truffled arugula or the freshest ceviche followed by sweet-spicy ground lamb on homemade flatbread or shrimp ravioli in a crab bisque. Leave room for their inventive desserts.

27 Yorkville Ave.       (416) 477-2427

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

BODEGA
French/Mediterranean

Two Victorian houses is the perfect airy, romantic setting. Glowing with its high ceiling, woodwork, bright windows, cozy 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. Begin the meal with tapas or appetizers such as grilled Quail with figs, Gravlax, Sweet Potato Blinis with tarragon cream, or their house specialty Foie Gras terrine. Be sure to leave room for the homemade desserts, especially the warm Banana Cake topped with toffee sauce and cinnamon ice cream.

30 Baldwin Street      (416) 977-1287