Toronto Dining

Toronto, promoting itself as "The World Within A City" along with more than 7,000 restaurants, truly represents a worldly perspective. First or second generations from literally dozens of ethnic groups influence Toronto's multi-dimensional dining scene. With Yonge Street (pronounced Young) as a main conduit, Toronto boasts Canada's largest Chinese community, North America's largest Portuguese community, and a big fat Greek population. Hungarians, East Indians, West Indians, Italians, Maltese, and Ukrainians -- more than 70 ethnic groups in all, speaking more than 100 languages -- provide a wide platform for expanded entertainment and dining options, featuring authentic dishes from far-flung locales at prices to suit any budget. Neighborhood-hopping -- an essential part of the Toronto dining experience -- provides a testament to the city's amazing ability to adapt and flourish, while remaining "Canadian." Residents and visitors alike flock to Greektown, Little Italy, Chinatown, The Beaches or Harbourfront, the Entertainment District, or St. Lawrence Market.

Some of the best food experiences are to be found in one of the following places:

Pho Hung Vietnamese Restaurant
350 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 2G4
+1 416 593 4274
Traditional Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of Chinatown. Enjoy a big warm bowl of beef pho done the Pho Hung way. This hot spot is Chinatown's most popular Vietnamese restaurant. Translated, the name means Hung's Soup and while lines are long, this is definitely no soup kitchen. Chef Tony Nguyen serves up different soup-based entrées that include one bowl with rice noodles, onion slices and a hot beef broth that cooks the raw sirloin as you enjoy the meal. Another is a variation of fish stew that floats a deep-fried fish ball in a shellfish broth.

Thai Princess
387 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1K1
+1 416 977 8222
Located in the Entertainment District, this jewel is set in an old brick house. The squared away decor with spacious linen-covered tables and uniformed staff is enhanced by knowledgeable and friendly service. In a flurry of coriander, ginger and sweet garlic, chef Meng Heng creates Thai delicacies with crisp vegetables, tender chicken, baby beef and an assortment of ripe fruits. The results vary from Basil Chicken to stir-fry Shark with Eggplant and Peppers. Arrays of exotic appetizers include Fish Cakes, or a Squid Salad in an orange marinade.

360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower
301 Front Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 2T6
+1 416 362 5411
The Restaurant at the CN Tower, one of Toronto's finest, features unforgettable food combined with a magnificent revolving view of Toronto more than 351 meters (1,151 ft) below. 360 offers market-fresh cuisine, featuring regional ingredients to ensure an incomparable culinary experience. 360 also features an award-winning wine selection of over 550 international and Canadian wines from its "cellar in the sky". 360 is the recipient of several awards and wonderful place to celebrate any special occasion.

Barberian's Steak House
7 Elm Street, Toronto, ON M5G 1H1
+1 416 597 0335
Set in an historic 1860 house, you'll find hockey fans seated next to bank presidents. Popular items include the Rib Steak and the Salmon Steak, but take note of the extensive wine cellar. Its selection of 800 wines (15,000 bottles) have gained notice from Wine Spectator magazine. Drop by after a show and check out the special after-theatre menu.

Via Allegro Ristorante
3-1750 The Queensway West, Suite 443, Toronto, ON M9C 5H5
+1 416 622 6677
Via Allegro, located just near North Queen St., is an Italian restaurant with a first-rate selection of wines, the specialty being Amarone from Italy's Veneto region with names such as Tommaso Bussola, Dal Forno and Quintarelli. There's a 20,000-bottle wine showcase in the middle of the dining room. For food, the calamari and the goat cheese appetizers are among some of the recommended dishes.