Let's not kid ourselves here - who doesn't love eating? Well, I'm sure some people don't, but eating ranks up there in my top five human bodily functions of all time. I love all kinds of food. Naturally, spending the bulk of the past 6.5 years in the country's largest and the world's most ethnically diverse city has been nothing short of a dream (when I've had the financial resources, that is). It really is not possible to taste all the culinary fruits this city and the cultures which comprise it have to offer.
So here I present the first in a series of lists about my beloved/loathed Toronto - my top ten places to eat in this urban behemoth. They are places that friends have recommend, newspaper critics have both praised and panned, and other joints that I've delightfully stumbled upon. In the coming weeks, I'll post other Top Ten in Toronto lists - including bars, live venues, and other sundry themes. Some of us are stuck here - we may as well make the most of it! If you get a chance, check these places out. You won't regret it.
Shanghai Cowgirl
538 Queen St. West
A genuine rock n' roll diner set in the coolest part of town. Killer food, righteous tunes, and HOTT service. Some of the best burgers I've ever had - I recommend topping yours off with some Havarti. Fresh-cut sweet potato fries are a side option, which are absolutely delicious with ketchup. Classic sandwiches, solid beers on taps, and the ever-crucial all-day breakfast help round out the stellar menu.
Burrito Boyz
120 Peter St.
A very new joint, but these dudes have definitely made their mark on the downtown chow scene. I'd be willing to bet they serve up the best burrito you'll ever eat in your life. Massive, hot, with a wide array of fresh toppings for you to choose from. I highly recommend the chicken with guacamole. They've tapped into the perfect market - located ideally for the lunch-hour rush from the downtown skyscrapers and the post last-call club-hoppers.
The Salad King
335 Yonge Street
THE grub staple in the Ryerson University 'hood. Widely renowned by students as the best Thai restaurant in the city - the word of mouth has gradually spread over the years, resulting in what I imagine was exponential growth among devotees. The boom in business yielded a recent "extreme makeover" - but don't let the classy new facade fool you. The management has kept prices the same, maintaining the faithful student (and alumni, obviously) base while broadening to Thai fans across Toronto. I recommend the Orange Chicken.
Albert's Real Jamaican Food
542 St. Clair Ave. West & 558 Queen St. West
So good they were able to open a second location a few years ago. If the winter chill is getting you down, the delectable options at Albert's will fly you to Jamaica with your first bite. Not a huge menu, but everything you need - oxtail, roti, patties, jerk chicken (my fave), and many more. A few really great gravy options that are like steroids for your rice.
The Pickle Barrel
312 Yonge St. (and others)
The first "real" chain to make the list. The Pickle Barrel is the ultimate last resort if you're downtown and can't decide on what to eat. The menu seriously has everything - you'll spend half of your visit just trying to decide what to order. And to make it a win-win sitch, the portions are HUGE. Last but not least: good beers on tap for a good price.
George's Deli & BBQ
254 Dundas St. East
For the most part, this joint holds sentimental value for me. It was a frequent stop between my old apartment and class at Ryerson. But at the same time, the best rotisserie chicken that there is. Swiss Chalet can't hold a candle to it. (Looking up this list, I never realized how much of a chicken fan I was) Good fries, friendly and fast service. You won't find yourself in this part of town that often, but if you do, make sure you pick up some George's.
The Drake Hotel
1150 Queen St. West
Honestly, I've only eaten here once. It was hella expensive, and the service was pompous and condescending. But it was stupendously savory. I had roast chicken (surprise, surprise) that was so tender I thought about retiring from eating soon after. Our waiter was an idiot (my friends and I sarcastically referred to him as "Dreamboat"), but he did know what he was talking about in terms of the food. I'll probably eat here again someday, but no time soon. If you can't afford the card, make sure you stop into the Drake sometime for a drink or two. It's a really cool place.
Red Lobster
20 Dundas St. West (and others)
I don't have to explain this one. But let's face it - this is the best seafood you can get in an inland North American city. King Crab is one of the best meals in the history of the universe.
The Golden Griddle
45 Carlton St.
Another locale reminiscent of my University days at nearby Ryerson. Many a hung over Sunday was spent with the partying mass from the night before, filling up on the grease-ridden buffet. Hardly elegant dining, but it was necessary. Also, if you feel like half-decent pancakes or omelettes on a Wednesday night, where else are you gonna go?
Cafe Diplomatico
594 College St.
Straight-up, classic Italian eats served on what's probably the best patio in Toronto. The food - albeit predictable - is scrumptious and plentiful. Pretty much an old faithful if you feel like simple Italian fare. And once you're done eating? Order another round, or get another bottle of wine, and watch the world go by. The perfect way to waste a summer afternoon.