Winterlicious 2017: $23 lunches

Lunch should be more than just a grab-and-go sandwich – at least some of the time. From January 27 to February 9, you have the opportunity to turn your lunch into something special with a Winterlicious 2017 three-course prix-fixe lunch. The restaurants here are all offering to do just that for $23 each. Take a look, make your pick and reserve a spot for Winterlicious, put on by the City of Toronto. Enjoy!

Adega Restaurante

1
33 Elm St, Toronto, ON M5G 1H1

Located on historic Elm Street near Yonge and Dundas, Adega’s main features are fresh fish and seafood. Chef Michael Da Silva prepares a variety of traditional and contemporary dishes with primarily Portuguese and Spanish influences. White tablecloths, rustic bronze walls and cozy booths provide a fine yet casual ambience. Winterlicious menu options offer patrons the opportunity to savour the taste of Adega’s seasonal greens with a Champagne and shallot vinaigrette, charred stuffed squid, linguine with tiger shrimp, a vegetarian mushroom risotto with porcini truffle-butter and parmesan, and crème caramel.

Sportsnet Grill

2
1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON M5V 1J4

Located in the heart of the Entertainment District within the Renaissance Hotel, Arriba delivers a dynamic high-energy atmosphere combined with incredible views into the Rogers Centre. Their Winterlicious menu is inspired by the freshest seasonal ingredients and offers many vegetarian options such as baby kale and spinach salad and herb gnocchi. Meat lovers will also be satisfied by the appetizer-size island style jerk sliders or their Angus beef burger accompanied by Arriba’s handcrafted burger sauce. Finish off this wonderful lunch with a choice three desserts, including bread pudding, Nutella brownie or ice cream.

Barnsteiner's

3
1 Balmoral Ave, Toronto, ON M4V 3B9

Newly renovated, Barnsteiner's is a neighbourhood restaurant with a New-York-meets-California atmosphere where friends and family will find comfort, quality service and style. Watch from the open concept dining area as your meal is prepared from scratch by Chef Herbert Barnsteiner. using only the freshest of ingredients procured from local farmers to create intense and balanced flavours. This Winterlicious, enjoy marinated beets, fresh Atlantic salmon or, if you’re looking for something special, try the chef’s daily omelette with a choice of soup, salad or fries. For dessert, try the dark milk chocolate bread pudding.

Beaumont Kitchen

4
25 The West Mall, Unit #Y101, Toronto, ON M9C 1B8

Beaumont Kitchen is a comfortable all-day dining lounge located inside Saks Fifth Avenue at CF Sherway Gardens. The interior boasts a sleek design with rich textures and whimsical accents. Plush loungers and banquettes, formal dining tables and relaxed bar seating make it ideal for long lunches, midday snacking, casual dinners and special occasions. Beaumont Kitchen's chefs honour the West Coast cooking philosophy by sourcing interesting, quality ingredients from nearby purveyors, allowing the ingredients’ natural flavour and beauty to shine with minimal preparation. The Winterlicious lunch menu offers a vegan arugula and Manadarin orange salad, their traditional Beef Dip sandwich and a delightful lemon tart for dessert.

Bier Markt

5
67 O'Neill Road, Toronto, ON M3C 0H2

Inspired by Belgium’s passion and reputation for the finer things in life, the Bier Markt brings you a memorable dining experience in an atmosphere that balances sociability with sophistication. The menu is Belgian-inspired and boasts over 100 beers from over 24 countries. The Winterlicious lunch menu includes soup, duck wings, an endive salad, the Markt buger, mussels Provençal, bier-glazed quail and maple crème brûlée.

Biff's Bistro

6
4 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1G4

1930’s Paris meets fresh London cool. This modern French bistro offers warm, casual dining where patrons can enjoy their meal alongside traditional French decor. Chef Amanda Ray serves up robust bistro cuisine, with a Winterlicious menu that includes a variety of vegetarian and local cuisine. Think new farm greens, lemon parsley cod cakes, roasted turkey, coddled eggs Florentine and roasted parsnip sabayon (fresh and preserved fruits, almond streusel).

Bloom Restaurant

7
2315 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6S 1P1

Nestled in the heart of Bloor West Village, Bloom delivers a warm, casual and inviting atmosphere. Boasting a Nuevo Latino menu that is also is steeped in the rich traditions of Spain and Latin America, chef Pedro Quintanilla offers a contemporary twist to the dishes he creates. Make this Winterlicious lunch an escape from the ordinary, beginning with ensalada de pulpo (octopus marinated with smoked paprika, oyster croquette served on rocket salad topped with habanero-lime aioli), marinated octopus or braised venison, and guava bread pudding. Bloom offers a culinary experience not to be missed!

Bodega Restaurant Inc

8
30 Baldwin St, Toronto, ON M5T 1L3

Tucked away in the quaint and beautiful Baldwin Street Village near the Art Gallery of Ontario, Bodega offers a blend of casual and upscale French Mediterranean cuisine. The atmosphere is warm and friendly with cozy fireplaces in the winter and a beautiful patio in the summer. Rabbit, escargot and duck confit are just of few of the menu items to be enjoyed during Winterlicious. Not to be missed is the beef bourguignon finished off by a rich crème brûlée.

Boku Sushi

9
42 Gristmill Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4

Located in the historic and romantic Distillery District, Boku provides a wonderful connection between Canada’s industrial history and Asian culture. Expect incredibly fresh and unique Japanese cuisine, paired with an extensive drinks list including contemporary craft cocktails and traditional Japanese sake. Their Winterlicious lunch includes tempura (an assortment of shrimp and vegetables, served with tentsuyu sauce), and traditional dynamite roll and spicy salmon roll. Unique dessert options cater to those seeking adventure in the form of lemon sake ice cream and black sesame sake ice cream.

Capocaccia Trattoria

10
103-1366 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 3A7

With comfort at its heart, Capocaccia offers a lighthearted and fresh take on trendy dining where guests can enjoy the very best of Italian cuisine. Towering ceilings, a multi-storey wine rack and deep-grained wood tables create an intimate bistro-style environment. Their Winterlicious menu features insalata novella (arugula, radicchio, walnuts, pears, pecorino), Margherita pizza, classic bolognese and a choice of three vegetarian desserts: honey panna cotta, flourless chocolate cake and gelato.

Carens Rosedale

11
1118 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2L6

An elegant French Bistro, Caren's Rosedale boasts a relaxed yet formal atmosphere that is as sophisticated as it is welcoming. The chic, contemporary setting is perfect for a romantic evening, dinner with the family or a night of cocktails with friends. The open air frontage provides a patio-like feel in the warmer months while the fireplace inside is wonderful to cozy up to in the winter. For Winterlicious, chef David Nang Nang delivers authentic simple French classics such as chicken liver pâté, coq au vin, and a flourless chocolate tort or classic cheesecake.

Chop Steakhouse & Bar

12
801 Dixon Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 1J5

Chop offers a casual dining experience, with comfort, value, quality spirits and great service. Their menu tantalizes and delights patrons with fine ingredients, choice cuts of beef, fresh seafood and an array of sides and accompaniments that showcase creativity and reverence for quality food. Their Winterlicious menu features artisan greens, The Chop Burger, a steak sandwich, warm apple pie and chocolate soufflé cake.

Cluny Bistro and Boulangerie

13
35 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4

This casual and modern French bistro is nestled in the Distillery District and is unique in both its design and menu. The large space is bright, airy and full of fascinating custom details such as cabinets filled with hand-selected antiques and a hand-painted glass wall atop the raw bar. Cluny's Winterlicious menu offers French classics with a contemporary twist and Asian Moroccan influences, as noted by the salt cod croquettes and chickpea and sweet potato tagine on offer this Winterlicious. Also available and sure to satisfy is the braised pork sandwich, Clubhouse Crepe and grilled trout. Finish lunch with a sesame macaron or bittersweet profiterole.

Coppi Ristorante

14
3363 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4N 2M6

Coppi Ristorante has been serving authentic Italian dishes inspired by the natural and simple cooking methods of Abruzzese cuisine since 1991. Coppi Ristorante paved its way to popularity with this simple formula: never adventurous but simple, never complicated but easy to comprehend, never too many spices (except for one or two per dish. This Winterlicious, experience the simplicity of Italian cuisine with a traditional cavolo nero salad (Tuscan kale salad, prosciutto, goat cheese, pomegranate and lemon vinaigrette), rigatoni al ragu, crespelle alla fiorentima (ricotta and Swiss chard stuffed crepes, San Marzano tomato, béchamel) and tiramisu.

Drake Hotel

15
1150 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J3

Full of personality and buzzing with energy, the Drake Hotel has become a cultural hub in the West Queen West neighbourhood. With a love for all things local, The Drake re-invents comfort classics using fresh and delicious ingredients paired with a variety of original cocktails and a diverse wine list. Meals at the Drake are honest and innovative, offering up familiar flavours. This Winterlicious, try their chopped salad (locally sourced Ontario cellar apples, toasted walnuts, grilled radicchio, dried cranberries, blue cheese, celery and a pumpkin vinaigrette), roast chicken (local), eggplant Parmesan sandwich and apple pie (prepared with locally sourced ingredients).

AGO Bistro

16
317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4

Frank is both casual and chic, with modern Danish furnishings paired with acrylic tabletops in a multitude of vibrant colours. Trendy food and a world exclusive wine list make a perfect match alongside the talented staff of this gem located inside the AGO. On the Winterlicious menu: mushroom or squash salad, the "Not so Philly" cheese steak, vegan smoked eggplant, tomato tagine, caramelized apple cake, vegan coconut-mango mousse and sour cherry chocolate trifle.

Fred's Not Here

17
321 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1J5

Fred may not be there to greet diners, but the friendly staff is there to do the job. Suits, guys 'n' dolls, and camera-carrying tourists receive the same welcome. This casual neighbourhood steakhouse in the heart of the theatre district specializes in wood grilled steaks and seafood. Notable items on the Winterlicious lunch menu: baked lobster and crab soup, baked stuffed mushrooms with escargot and Pino Grigio garlic butter, seafood fettucine (lobster, mussels, clams, bay scallops and calamari with fresh fettuccine in a tomato cream sauce), duck and sausage, and a rich mango and berry cheesecake.

Gallery Grill

18
7 Hart House Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 3H3

Located in Hart House on the University of Toronto's St. George campus, Gallery Grill is one of Toronto's best kept secrets. With a dining room featuring 20th century Canadian portraits, a vaulted ceiling and hand-painted stained glass windows, the atmosphere is second only to the seasonal creations of chef Suzanne Baby. Her Winterlicious menu highlights artisanal and locally sourced ingredients such as rabbit liver mousse, tarte flambé with local smoked trout and a made-in-house pear sorbet. Enjoy a comforting yet cosmopolitan experience while you dine in front of a wood-burning fireplace.

Globe Bistro

19
124 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1N1

Anchoring the entrance to the Danforth, Globe Bistro offers global flavour through fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Featuring a wine bar, a chef's table and new dining room, Globe Bistro is neighbourhood fine dining at its best! For Winterlicious, the menu offers a local and vegetarian cauliflower puree, braised beef tongue, verjus braised rabbit leg and the vegetarian Tahi tofu delight (organic firm tofu, soy chili glaze, red peppers, broccoli, kabocha squash, cashews and basil). Follow up dinner with your choice of dessert, including a blueberry baked Alaska or local and vegetarian squash cake.

Hemispheres Restaurant & Bistro

20
110 Chestnut St, Toronto, ON M5G 1R3

It’s a place where cultures merge, universes collide and happening people gather for fine cuisine from both Earthly hemispheres. A feast for all the senses, Hemisphere’s menu blends an eclectic and innovative selection of dishes made with fresh ingredients available in Toronto. Get into Winterlicious with their extensive menu including root vegetable tart, open face chicken pot pie or riuniti pappardelle, and finish it off with a gingerbread cheesecake or an opera cake with espresso sauce.

BVLGARI

21
50 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M4W 1A1

Holt’s Café, tucked away on the store's second floor, is the go-to lunch spot for nearby professionals and a great spot for relaxing after work or a day of shopping. The menu, which changes seasonally, features simple favourites and new classics based on French cuisine with Asian flavours that pair well with a newly updated wine list. Winterlicious menu options include cured Ontario lake trout, warm and cozy wild mushroom soup, King Cole duck bahn mi and wonderful dessert choices like frozen chocolate soufflé and London fog panna cotta.

Horizons Restaurant

22
301 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2T6

Located on the LookOut observation level of Toronto's iconic CN Tower, Horizons offers upscale bistro fare and extraordinary views of the City from 346 m (1,136 feet) above the ground. Enjoy a fabulous menu selection reflecting chef de cuisine John Morris' focus on regional and seasonal ingredients. Winterlicious patrons will be pleased to learn that the elevation fee normally required to access Horizons Restaurant has been reduced to $10 per person (plus taxes). On the menu for Winterlicious: a local fingerling potato and French bean salad, pan-seared rainbow trout and a vegetarian “PB&J” cheesecake.

Jazz Bistro

23
251 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8

Jazz Bistro, located in the Yonge-Dundas corridor just steps from the Ed Mirvish Theatre, Massey Hall and the Elgin Winter Garden Theatre, is the perfect place to enjoy a pre-theatre meal or dinner, followed by an evening of live music. Jazz takes centre stage at 9 pm but early diners will enjoy music from the great American songbook played by resident pianist Eli Pasic. The seasonal menu composed of fresh, locally sourced ingredients can be enjoyed in the main floor dining room or top floor patio. Winterlicious menu offerings include wild mushroom arancini; chicken cacciatore and blackened trout. For dessert, the buckwheat cashew parfait is sure to please!

Jump Restaurant

24
G120-18 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5L 1G4

Jump combines classic style with sleek modern eclecticism. The sky-high glass atrium, dramatic lighting and signature New York style bar provide the perfect backdrop for their world-inspired cuisine. Featuring over 60 types of whisky, bourbon and scotch, as well as 10 whisky and bourbon-infused cocktails, the Jump bar buzzes with warmth and excitement. Offering food that is robust, honest and full of flavour, Jump is renowned for serving classics and continually creates fresh, innovative dishes incorporating locally sourced beef, handmade pastas and seasonal vegetables. On the Winterlicious menu: local aged cheddar and spinach turnover, traditional and local beef dip sandwich, and peanut butter panna cotta.

King Street Social Kitchen and Bar

25
370 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1J9

Located inside the Hyatt Regency Toronto, King Street Social, an American-style bistro, features creative, healthy versions of traditional French dishes enhanced by the use of fresh, local produce. The casual, contemporary restaurant serves ample portions and a great assortment of wines to accompany any meal. On the Winterlicious menu try the King Street lo mein, a blend of egg noodles, chicken strips, snow peas, lotus root, soft herbs, fungi, mango and jicima relish. Also offered: the lobster and grilled cheese clubhouse sandwich, followed by a traditional New York City style cheesecake.

La Fenice Ristorante

26
319 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1J5

Located in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District, La Fenice offers authentic Italian cuisine in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. An extensive award-winning wine list complements the classic menu. Winterlicious menu options include bocconcini di mozzarella as an appetizer, and pappardelle con anatra (egg noodles with duck confit in a red wine and porcini mushroom sauce with Parmigiano-Reggiano) or melanzane al forno (eggplant parmigiana) as a main course. Dessert options include traditionally Italian tartufo, biscotti and raspberry sorbet.

Little Anthonys

27
121 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2K1

Little Anthony's is a casual, energetic and affordable downtown Toronto osteria serving soul-satisfying Italian cooking. The food is complemented by a comprehensive wine and beer selection that highlights local, Italian and international selections. The bright, sophisticated room and warm, friendly service round out a dining experience for all to enjoy. For Winterlicious try the winter crostini or the pear and arugula salad. For the main course, butternut squash or the fregola and clams is sure to win you over. For dessert, indulge in the classic tiramisu or the Nutella parfait.

Luckee Restaurant

28
328 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3T4

Praised as one of the “Ten Chefs of the Millennium” in 2000 by Food & Wine magazine, Susur Lee is still at the top of his game. Between helming three restaurants in Toronto (Lee, Bent and Luckee) and overseeing his prestigious TungLok Heen in Singapore, chef Lee balances the epicurean traditions of China with the classical techniques of French cuisines. Luckee’s Nouvelle Chinoise cuisine features classic dishes and dim sum from the culinary traditions of Guangzhou, Hunan, Shanghai and Szechuan regions, updated and enhanced by chef Lee’s delectable signature. On the Winterlicious menu: Szechuan vegetarian hot and sour soup, a “mouthwatering” chicken salad, curry shrimp spring rolls, General Tso beef (crispy vermicelli, wokked green beans, braised tea egg) and a sesame rice doughnut.

Luma

29
350 King St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5

Luma is situated on the second floor of one of Toronto’s hottest entertainment destinations, the TIFF Bell Lightbox, located at the corner of King and John Streets. Paying homage to Toronto’s rich cultural landscape, Luma’s menu showcases global and Canadian artisanal cuisine featuring the finest local and regional ingredients. Chef Michael Wilson’s original, imaginative cooking is the perfect complement to Luma’s warm and inviting dining room, designed with rich woods, leather and stone, and outstanding floor to ceiling views of King Street West. For Winterlicious, try the butternut squash soup, roasted parsnip salad, local steak sandwich, apple cranberry crumble and le cendrillion (ripened goat cheese, fig, mustard seed, pretzel toast).

Merlot Restaurant

30
2994 Bloor St W, Etobicoke, ON M8X 1C2

Merlot offers traditional French bistro cuisine with a menu that stretches from dishes typical of south-western France – such as duck confit or cassoulet – to those of Northern France. On the Winterlicious menu: salad, penne arabiata, Paillard of Turkey “Dijonnaise” (grilled turkey breast with a Dijon mustard cream sauce served with frites) and crème Normande (Fresh apple compote filling served hot with whipped cream and strawberries).

Montecito

31
299 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1P7

Montecito is a modern restaurant collaboration between Hollywood director Ivan Reitman and Toronto based Innov8 Hospitality. With executive chef Matt Robertson at the helm, the restaurant’s farm-to-table inspired California cuisine menu changes daily and highlights the very best in Canadian produce, meats and seafood from local purveyors. Located conveniently behind TIFF Bell Lightbox, the restaurant offers a dining space spread over two floors, a lounge and a downstairs bar with an outdoor patio. Their Winterlicious menu includes beet and burata salad, a vegetarian and local fried stuffed poblano pepper served with mole, tagliolini with Fogo Island shrimp and a lemon and herb sauce, and port wine poached pear.

NAMI Japanese Restaurant

32
55 Adelaide St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1K6

Located in the downtown core for more than 30 years, Nami continues to serve traditional Japanese cuisine in a simple, modern setting. Kimono-clad servers attend to patrons in the main dining room, private booths and the Tatami room with rice-paper screened doors. The Robata Bar serving made-to-order grilled meat, vegetables and fresh seafood and the Sushi Bar round out a traditional yet unique dining experience. On the menu for Winterlicious: sashimi, sushi, tempura, chicken or salmon teriyaki, and maccha ice cream with azuki.

Old Mill Toronto

33
21 Old Mill Rd, Etobicoke, ON M8X 1G5

Original flagstone floors, beamed ceilings and glowing fireplaces create a warm and relaxed atmosphere at the Old Mill. Focusing on Old English world charm, this restored and rebuilt mill is now a boutique inn featuring many antiques and artifacts. The Old Mill Dining Room’s historical setting is where delicious food overlaps a variety of musical entertainment experiences. On the Winterlicious menu: watercress and frisee salad, steamed mussels, red beet risotto, pan-seared European pickerel and pink grapefruit coconut milk panna cotta.

Olio: A Mediterranean Grille

34
801 Dixon Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 1J5

Olio Mediterranean Grille offers an exciting culinary journey around the Mediterranean featuring cuisine created with seasonal, local and organic ingredients. This Winterlicious diners can experience a variety of tastes from the kale salad or Ontario beet and citrus salad to mushroom ravioli or sea salt and malt vinegar chip crusted haddock. For dessert indulge in the lemon curd tart, tiramisu or warm raisin bread pudding.

Paese Ristorante

35
3827 Bathurst St, North York, ON M3H 3N1

Paese pa’eze means “town or village,” a.k.a. neighbourhood. For over 20 years, Paese has stayed true to a handcrafted and house-made approach to an Italian-inspired menu, with a distinctive and original made-in-Canada twist. The multi-region wine list is not only a wine lover’s dream but is also reasonably priced for all to appreciate. On the menu for Winterlicious: radicchio, orange and fennel salad, casareccia veal sausage, a vegan bowl featuring quinoa, roasted beets, kale, figs, Tuscan beans, hazelnuts and spicy carrot dressing, and caramel apple cider cheesecake or homemade cookies.

Peter Pan Bistro

36
373 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A4

Expect fine dining, authentic ’30s decor and prices that won’t break the bank. Come and experience time-honoured traditions in French and British cuisine at “the Pan,” a neighbourhood staple since the late 1920s located at the corner of Queen and Peter. Try Winterlicious offerings such as a local Brussel sprouts Caesar salad, fish and chips, an avocado sandwich and sticky toffee pudding.

Quinn's Steak House

37
96 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2A3

Chef Paul Pisa and his culinary team create fresh dishes with local ingredients, homemade breads and desserts, and in-house smoking and fresh AAA Alberta beef aged a minimum of 28 days. Conveniently located in the Sheraton Centre in the heart of Toronto’s Financial District, Quinn’s boasts a warm and friendly dining atmosphere, complete with comfortable booths and room for parties of all sizes. Convenient, affordable parking is available across the street below City Hall. For Winterlicious, experience duck liver pâté, steak frites, coconut chicken curry, butternut squash ravioli and Irish whiskey spice cake. Everything will be sure to please the palette!

Schnitzel Hub European Bistro

38
1415 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1Y7

Schnitzel Hub is a cozy restaurant and artisan vodka bar located in midtown Toronto. The casual environment, warm and friendly service and wide selection of beverages make you feel at home. When dining, expect authentic Eastern and Central European food made from scratch daily. For Winterlicious, try the Borscht, beet hub salad, or potato cheddar periogies; lunch-time options include: Jaeger schnitzel, beef stroganoff, bratwurst sausage; for dessert, try the traditional apple strudel and yummy cherry perogies.

Smith Restaurant

39
553 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2E2

Smith provides a cozy, casually elegant and intimate dining experience for those seeking high quality food in a comfortable and approachable environment. A fusion of southern comfort food and French countryside cooking results in a menu well equipped to satisfy. Winterlicious lunch menu options include paella, a Buffalo chicken sandwich, loaded burger, lemon curd (Swiss meringue and shortbread crumble) broken chocolate mousse cake and a crème caramel minted fruit salad.

SOCO Kitchen + Bar

40
75 Lower Simcoe Street, Toronto, ON M5J 3A6

Located in the southern downtown core, SOCO Kitchen & Bar offers the perfect combination of awesome food and a great vibe. The menu is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine: simple and flavourful foods showcasing only the best ingredients, and prepared with thought and care by a culinary team of experts. For Winterlicious they serve suppli (San Marzano, smoked cheddar, prosciutto, serrano pepper emulsion), smoked chicken Ballantine, carne di maiale pizza (smoked pulled pork, straciatella, braised vidalia onions, vine tomato and arugula), chocolate Black Forest cake and warm cherry pie.

Tapas At Embrujo

41
97 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1N2

Tapas at Embrujo offers authentic Spanish dishes served in the form of tapas (small dishes ideal for sharing) and complemented by an extensive wine selection. For Winterlicious, try the croquetas de langosta (lobster croquettes), datiles con beicon (bacon wrapped dates drizzled with honey) or pulpo a la Gallega con crema de patata (Galician style octopus with cream of potato). For lunch, there’s paella Valenciana or the costillas de cordero con espinacas (rack of lamb with garlic spinach and a pedro jimenez reduction). And, finally, dessert: indulge in the simple and traditional Spanish almond cake.

The Chase Fish & Oyster

42
10 Temperance St, Toronto, ON M5H 1Y4

The Chase Fish & Oyster represents the pursuit for the finest quality seafood with a strong focus and philosophy on sustainability and seasonal ingredients. Driven by creative presentations, the innovative menu of hot and cold dishes will always heighten the natural taste of seafood. Their Winterlicious menu includes specialties such as a vegan Boston bibb salad (grapefruit, avocado, crispy shallots, sherry vinaigrette); littleneck clam linguini (parsley, crispy squid, espelette pepper), a vegan navy bean stew and, for dessert, Boston cream pie, a vegan root beer float or blueberry crumble.

The Rosedale Diner

43
1164 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2L9

Famous for its Bohemian style and Israeli flair, The Rosedale Diner has been a family-run Toronto staple on Yonge Street for more than 30 years. Owners Esti and Dubi, along with chef Chris Grainger, provide an eclectic menu. The Rosedale Diner serves “real food to real people” in a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. On the Winterlicious menu: vegan wild mushroom truffle soup or the vegetarian and local brie a la shum (roasted garlic, earl grey vanilla rhubarb preserve and grilled pita). For the main course, there’s a local duck poutine, local shakshuka (three poached eggs baked in a spicy red pepper and tomato sauce with challah toast) or the vegan Esti’s bowl (hummus, Israeli salad, falafel balls and grilled pita).

Toulà Restaurant & Bar

44
1 Harbour Sq, Toronto, ON M5J 1A6

Toula Restaurant & Bar offers an authentic Italian fine dining experience in the Financial District, along with a breathtaking view of downtown Toronto and scenic Lake Ontario. Enjoy the scenery while savouring dishes prepared with only the finest ingredients. Their Winterlicious menu features calamari, mussels and cod in light tomato soup, the chef’s signature Parmigiano Reggiano handmade noodles served in a butternut squash veloute, red beet and amarone della valpolicella wine carnaroli risotto, and almond and carrot Italian cake.

Trios Bistro

45
525 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5G 2L2

Trios Bistro features contemporary Canadian cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce. Experience professional, attentive service in the bright, relaxing and open concept dining room overlooking the historic Church of the Holy Trinity in downtown Toronto. Trios Bistro is proud to be Ocean Wise certified, offering environmentally friendly seafood choices. For Winterlicious, menu options include curried butternut squash and apple soup, beet gnocchi, cedar plank roasted rainbow trout, vegetarian mushroom and quinoa tourtiere, white chocolate chai cake or a vegetarian pumpkin cheesecake jar.

Tutti Matti Restaurant

46
364 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1R7

Open since 2002, chef/owner Alida Solomon serves traditional, authentic Tuscan cuisine, prepared using only fresh ingredients from local farmers. Everything on the seasonal menu is made in house, including all pastas and desserts. Tutti Matti was ranked the 11th best restaurant in Joanne Kates' top 100 Toronto Restaurants in 2014. During Winterlicious, try the Toscano (salami, Italian chesses, olives, marinated vegetables, pâté), fettucine (parmigiano fonduta, squash, hazelnut), maremma (roast suckling pig, tuna mayo, arugula, deep-fried shallots, toasted country bread), pasta al forno (baked pasta, ragu, béchamel) and traditional Italian panna cotta.

Via Norte Restaurant

47
938 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A4

Via Norte chef Jose Alves captures elegance and bold flavours to showcase traditional Portuguese cuisine with a modern Mediterranean twist. Their inviting dining room is located on College Street in the heart of Toronto and is known for its variety of fresh fish and wide selection of fine Portuguese wines. On the menu for Winterlicious: grilled fillet sardines, pork back ribs, pan-seared skate (raia) and vegetable linguini. For dessert try the molotof (egg white meringue drizzled with caramel), fresh pineapple and ruby port, or chocolate and raspberry tartufo ice cream.

ViBo Restaurant

48
2995 Bloor St W, Etobicoke, ON M8X 1C1

ViBo Restaurant, located in Etobicoke's Kingsway area for more than 30 years, is a friendly neighbourhood restaurant with a casual, warm and inviting dining room. ViBo's menu changes regularly to highlight what is fresh and in season, serving contemporary cuisine featuring authentic Italian flavours. Enjoy live piano music with dinner Tuesday to Saturday. Winterlicious menu options include a vegetarian and local heirloom beer and goat cheese salad, a local pork tenderloin with a maple pecan crunch, old school meat cannelloni, a chocolate brownie with café latte gelato and locally sourced blood orange sorbetto.

On a cold, snowy Edmonton night, nothing says lovin’ like a cup of hot chocolate. It’s no surprise this drink was originally dubbed the “elixir of the gods.” Regardless of the variety you select, or whether you opt for the simplest hot chocolate on the menu, all I can say is ... don’t forget the marshmallows.
You don’t have to travel to Paris to have a true fine-dining experience; you can enjoy an upscale dinner, complete with a five-course meal and fine wine, right here at home. Victoria is a fine-dining destination with an excellent reputation – where talented chefs enjoy crafting delicious gourmet dishes from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Craving a sweet treat? You could attempt to wait it out, but why would you, when there are so many bakeries offering buttery, flaky, sweet goodness in Montreal? Treat yourself to something special at one of these excellent Montreal bakeries.
Close menu