JC

Thanks to those who responded to my message. We have decided to stay at the Delta Chelsea. Due to the great advice about the Eaton Center we will definitely plan to shop there! To be more specific in regards to restaurants we would be looking for something in the downtown area (somewhat near the Chelsea). Perhaps something Mediterranean or Italian on the semi-private, moderately priced($60-100Canadian)scale. Thank you in advance for any suggestions you might have!

elizabeth

While it butts right up against the high side of your price range (and perhaps a little beyond - depending upon your choice of wine) I would strongly suggest ORO, 45 Elm Street, 597-0155. It's probably about 100 big paces from the Chelsea. Lovely dining room, great Med/Cal/Ital cuisine, delightful owners (Dominique and Connie). If you want a private table ask for the table by the bar - it's alone is a little alcove - otherwise ask for a table by the fireplace. <BR> <BR>If you enjoy grilled calamari I would suggest it. Also, if you like sweetbreads they always have a special preparation. <BR> <BR>Hope you enjoy your visit!

Brian Kilgore

We had to take a gourmet from new Orleans to dinner in Toronto a couple of weeks ago, and picked Oro. <BR> <BR>He thought it was better than the restaurants he'd eaten in earlier that week in Chicago, New York, New Orleans and San Francisco. <BR> <BR>It will be over your price range, but probably worth it if you like to try new tastes. <BR> <BR>BAK

Jennifer

ORO sounds like it will be well worth the extra $$. We'll definitely try to make it part of our itinerary. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again!

mark

I'd also highly recommend ORO. Another place is Mammina's, 6 Wellesley St W, about 10 minutes walk north. Not as nice/good as ORO but very comfortable. The attraction is their wine pricing...$3-5 corkage over retail; a great deal if you like better wines. Have fun!!

tanya

Hi Jennifer, <BR> <BR>Not sure when you're coming--I hope I haven't missed your trip! I know a <BR>restaurant that sounds like exactly what you're looking for: Parola Ristorante, <BR>at 45 Carlton St (just east of Yonge, on the south side--this is north of <BR>the Delta by no more than 10 minutes' walk). <BR> <BR>The location seems an unlikely spot for fine food (I believe it shares the block <BR>with a doughnut shop, a burger joint, and a submarine sandwich place!) which <BR>probably explains why it's often a little empty. However, DON'T be fooled: I <BR>found that the wine was lovely, the Northern Italian food exquisitely prepared, <BR>and the atmosphere calm and elegant. <BR> <BR>Above all, the service was perhaps the best I've ever seen. A utensil slid <BR>into my pasta and got sauce on the handle (an embarassing faux pas to share <BR>in my first post, but oh well!). At the *precise moment* that I noticed this, <BR>it had already been replaced, and I saw a silent, bow-tied waiter disappearing <BR>in my peripheral vision... Our wine was always topped up, and while we lacked <BR>for nothing, we were never interrupted, either. <BR> <BR>We had dinner for two and a 1/2 litre of wine for just under $100 CDN. You <BR>can search for "Parola" on www.torontolife.com if you want to see a <BR>review (though based on my meal there, their 2 1/2 stars on a scale of 4 is <BR>a little stingy -- I'd say 3). <BR> <BR>Happy trails! <BR> <BR>- Tanya