I just made this list for some friends that are visiting. Most of the locations are around the core and should be easily accessible by car or even transit.
- banh mi boys - on queen street just west of spadina (awesome fast food viet sandwhiches). Their kim-chi fries and pork belly bao are my fav
- gilead cafe - in corktown on a hidden lane. Fantastic brunch/lunch stuff that's a bit fancy without it being crazy expensive. Chef is Jamie Kennedy, who is a prominent pioneer in Toronto's locavore stuff. His fries are pretty awesome.
- Canteen and Bannock are owned by the same people as own some fancy restaurants like Canoe, Auberge du Pommier and Luma (pricey, but worth it if you can) but their price point is much lower. Bannock has duck poutine pizza that you have to try.
- Stockyard's BBQ - some of the best fried chicken and ribs I've had, on St. Clair near Christie. Double check their website to see which nights they're doing ribs and chicken. They don't always have their smoker running: http://www.thestockyards.ca
- Guu - this is a funky trendy (slightly pricy) Japanese place. The vibe is very awesome. When you walk in, the whole staff yell a welcome at you. You sit "family" style at long tables with other people. Food is really well done, tapas style (smaller portions) good for sharing. Might be worth going in for a quick snack to get the vibe. My wife loves their deep fried chicken skin.
- Beast Restaurant - I've only ever been for their "beast-which" specials on Fridays. They are usually a guest chef that puts together a sandwhich, side and dessert for $10. Starts at noon, and usually sells out pretty quick. It's awesome if you're in the area (bathurst and king). On weekends they do brunch, including some nice looking doughnuts. I haven't been yet for brunch though.
Here's some places I've had recommended, but haven't been... yet:
- The Black Skirt - http://www.blackskirtrestaurant.com/
Here's a few other places on my list to try out:
- Hopgoods foodliner (the Halifax donair was recommended)
- Edulis restaurant
- The Gabardine
- Pomegranate (jeweled rice, lamb shank and yoghourt were recommended)
- Manic Coffee (pistachio gelato)
- Dumpling house (crispy rice Lang)
- Momofuku (This is a big one right now. Probably the #1 in toronto in terms of fancy food. Some stuff that I saw recommended: parsley root, preserved Lemon, compressed/candied cukes, vanilla bean meringue || chic thighs shiitake and sir racha with Bibb lettuce || speckled trout || crispy rice cakes w sesame, melted onions and chili sauce || peameal buns, Dan Dan mien)
- AokFoods - queen west (wings and ramen recommended)
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