Toronto Top Ten: Where to Dine

My favourite za at Pizzeria Libretto on the Danforth

There’s no question that Toronto’s multiculturalism makes it an incredible place to dine. I’m always up to venture out to a new restaurant or discover a hidden gem, and I have quite a few favourites in this city, but for the sake of my Toronto Top Ten series, I took on the challenge of paring down my selection of champions. Here it is: my ten favourite places to dine in Toronto … at the moment…

1. Pizzeria Libretto – I can’t lie; I consider pizza one of life’s greatest joys, so it’s no surprise that a pizza place tops this list. But Pizzeria Libretto offers so much more than your average slice. With its high temperature brick oven imported directly from Naples, and its genius selection of high quality toppings, Libretto offers the best pizza I’ve had to date. I know, I know, that’s quite the statement, and if you’re purely devoted to deep-dish pies you may not agree, but the Italian Government and European Union have even given this pizza their stamps of approval, dubbing it “Heritage Grade Pizza Napoletana”. The best part is it’s all served without a side or pretention; the restaurant devotes a quarter of its seats to walk-ins on a nightly basis.

My friend, Kate, digging into a noodle bowl at Momofuku

2. Momofuku - This three-tiered restaurant is an architectural gem in the heart of Toronto’s downtown core. Nestled next to the Shangri-La Hotel on University Avenue, this glass cube known as Momofuku, houses its relaxed Noodle Bar on the ground floor, Milk Bar dessert boutique and Nikai cocktail lounge on the second floor, and two of Toronto’s coolest dining options, Daishõ and Shõtõ, on the third floor. Daishõ’s dinner menu includes an exquisite selection of sharable plates, while Shõtõ is known for its ten-course tasting menu. While I am a huge fan of Diashõ’s salt & pepper lobster, and their many delicious sides, I’d recommend paying a visit to any level of the Momofuku cube for a memorable night out.

The vibrant décor at Playa Cabana Hacienda (14 Dupont Street)

3. Hacienda – Toronto recently underwent a Mexican food craze, and as a long-time taco-lover, I was particularly receptive to this movement. Beyond the trendiness of baja fish tacos, however, I frequently recommend Hacienda to anyone looking for a fun place to grab a delicious dinner. With their gourmet selection of burritos, enchiladas, and tacos, and their perfect guacamole, this restaurant never fails to leave me enamored. Be warned though, their tequila-based cocktails are not for the faint of heart.

4. Tabüle – For authentic Lebanese cuisine, head to Tabüle, one of my all-time favourite Toronto restaurants. With the best hummus and baba ganoush I have ever tasted, fresh grilled vegetables, falafels and tender roasted lamb, Tabüle never disappoints in the food department. Their staff is friendly, and always makes a show of pouring a glass of water. The atmosphere is unpretentious, and the price point irresistibly affordable. If you’re craving good food and a casual night out, Tabüle is your place.

The best birthday dinner a girl could have, at Scaramouche

5. Scaramouche – Scaramouche has been ranked within Toronto’s top five restaurants for 35 years, and while newer, of-the-moment spots do steal the spotlight from time to time, there is truly no finer dining experience in Toronto, than the one offered here. Impeccable service? Check. Perfectly concocted cocktails? Check. Exceptional food and wine list? Check. Panoramic view of the city’s skyline? Unexpected based on its location, but nevertheless, check! It’s not hard to see why reviewers consistently choose Scaramouche as the city’s best, just make sure to do yourself a favour when you go; do not, I repeat, do NOT leave, without ordering their famous coconut cream pie. Too full for dessert? The restaurant offers whole pies to go. Five starts, indeed.

6. Oyster Boy – The name may suggest otherwise, but Oyster Boy offers more than just oysters. I am a sucker for their fresh lobster roll, and their crab and scallop pasta dish is oh so good. With that being said, this place really does know how to make oysters, with four delicious types of baked oysters on offer, including my favourites: the Rustico and Royale. Tucked in next to Trinity Bellwoods park, Oyster Boy is great for mellow evenings where you’re craving coastal cuisine, or for that laid-back third date when you’ve made sure the apple of your eye isn’t allergic to shell fish…

Turn off of King Street West and meander down a cobblestone alley, until you catch a glimpse of this unapologetic sign. Then descend down a contemporary staircase into Buca's chic industrial space.

7. Buca – Buca is certainly buzzed about, and for good reason; its gourmet menu changes daily, offering the freshest seasonal food available, with Italian flavour and a contemporary twist. The first time I visited Buca, I ordered incorrectly. I was trying to be spontaneous and adventurous and all those things we associate with our 20s, and wound up eating flavours I knew for a fact, I didn’t like. Word to the wise: order what you know you’ll enjoy! It doesn’t make you picky; it only makes you shrewd. The second time I had the pleasure of dining at Buca, I had one of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever tasted, because I ordered what I knew I would love, and it has honestly changed my view of ravioli forever. Both times, however, I’ve been impressed with Buca’s wine selection, attentive service, light-as-moose Tiramisu, and chic industrial décor.

8. Guu – Hands down, one of the most fun places to eat in T.O. Whether you venture to Guu SakaBar on Bloor West, or Guu Izakaya on Church Street, the restaurant’s entire staff – chefs included – always greet you with a loud, cheerful Japanese welcome, before escorting you to your table, where you can choose from a broad selection of Saki, and an impressive range of Japanese tapas. I love indulging in their Kimchi Udon and their deep-fried Brie cheese, and my boyfriend cannot go there without ordering the Unagi Doria. Their desserts are also tasty – the almond tofu is my fave. Guu has a new location in North York as well - great news if you live in the city's North end!

Beets & Blue Cheese Salad at Drake One Fifty - love the flavour the blackberries add!

9. Drake One Fifty – While I’ve always been impressed with the Toronto Drake Hotel’s branding and cohesive style, I’ve never been one to rave about its food – until now, that is. Drake One Fifty, located in Toronto’s financial district, gives the suits with a hipster edge exactly what they’re looking for: great cocktails, gourmet fried chicken, and an unparalleled burger. I love One Fifty’s décor, and its days-of-the-week specials add a special charm to its intrinsically Canadian menu.

10. Cluny Bistro – Finally, for genuine French flare, or an undeniably romantic date night, Cluny Bistro is my destination of choice. Located in Toronto’s charming, historic distillery district, this bistro offers scrumptious tartines and one amazing steak frites in a spectacularly beautiful Parisian themed space. You have to try the chocolate fondue for dessert, and come to think of it, the frozen s’more won’t hurt either. Both are divine.

You can catch my post on Toronto's best brunches here, and investigate the city's best ice cream here. Stay tuned for more of my Toronto Top Ten series, including the city's best cold-pressed juice bars, best coffee, and my fave workout spots.