best restaurants in toronto

Best Restaurants in TorontoOur favorites include some of this destination's best restaurants—from fine dining to simple fare.

Downtown Toronto's many neighborhoods and districts offer an array of restaurants that are favorites with locals and undoubtedly memorable for those who are looking for great places to eat on vacation. South of Yorkville on Elm Street, a restaurant row of Toronto, is Barberian's Steak House . Residents never tire of good beef, and Barberian's is always the first choice to slay cravings for juicy steak or prime rib. It's not just the food that attracts the locals, though; the unique and comfortable ambience created in this historical old house, still standing in the city's center, also is a big draw. The menu includes such traditional favorites as French onion soup, escargot and jumbo shrimp cocktail to start, great steaks as main courses and a tangy relish tray accompanying all meals.

In the outskirts of Chinatown you'll find Lai Wah Heen . Like tourists, many locals enjoy walking the streets and sampling food in Toronto's colorful Chinatown, but when they look for outstanding Chinese cuisine, they often select this restaurant in the elegant DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown . This upscale dining room features a contemporary design and an extensive menu ranging from simple to exotic Asian fare. Torontonians know it as one of the best places to eat for families who like full-course meals and as a place to sample such menu items as jellyfish and swallows' eggs. Don't miss the Peking Duck trio, a specialty of the house.

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Toronto's Entertainment District offers nightlife, shopping, sports, theater and restaurants. You'll also find locals catching the sporting networks and munching on tasty wings and finger foods at nearby sports bars. The area is great for families and before or after sporting events.

Toronto's downtown lakefront area is home to the CN Tower , one of the city's many popular attractions. Inside is 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower . It's often the first pick by locals for celebrating special occasions. A meal becomes an event at this landmark as diners enjoy an exciting ride up the glass elevator to the revolving restaurant at the top of the tower. The contemporary design of the restaurant accents the city skyline, and diners can indulge in fine continental fare and a changing menu incorporating fresh local and regional ingredients.

In the nearby financial district is Canoe Restaurant and Bar , which comes through for the local business diners at lunchtime. The office staff of the TD Centre need not look any farther than the 54th floor for a great power lunch and a stunning view of the city. After hours the bar bustles with the martini crowd and then transforms into the perfect spot for a dinner date for professional couples. The upbeat activity suits the rhythm of the city, and the chef's innovative menu changes with the pace of Toronto.

Located in an uptown residential area, the well-established Scaramouche Restaurant is a longtime favorite with Torontonians and their guests. The restaurant's location on a slight hill offers diners a panoramic view of the city skyline. As good as that is, it's not really what draws them here though—it's the food, the consistency and the choice of fine dining in the main room or savoring a more relaxed atmosphere in the pasta bar. The chef is always showcasing a new menu, and the desserts are exceptional, particularly the coconut cream pie, made in-house by the resident pastry chef.

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