Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Casual Restaurants in Toronto

So, I am well over a year late in writing this response.

Throughout my stay in Toronto, I found myself with plenty of things to do and see. I watched quite of few of the FIFA World Cup matches and there were countless places to choose from. I actually may even go back to Toronto for part of the next World Cup because we don't get anything quite like that in San Francisco.

Quick recap of the food places I tried:

The Pho place across from the ROM was quite good. I felt a little silly as I had no idea I was supposed to just write down my order on the order sheet. I just sat there and the worker gave me a funny look and then had to explain it to me. LOL I liked the place enough that at some point during my stay, I went to another Pho place somewhere along Spadina that I think had the same cow logo, but had a slightly different name. I have no idea if they were related, but that place was good too.

The Hoof Cafe was closed, but the one across the street...Black Hoof (?) was open so I went there. I had the beef tongue grilled cheese. Very good, but incredibly rich.

St Lawrence Market - Ate the veal sandwich one day and another day had some peroshkis and a cabbage roll. I thought it was better during my previous trip to Toronto or I don't have a good memory. It wasn't bad, but probably not something I'd have again if I return to Toronto one day. I liked my little lunch of the peroshkis and cabbage roll. Was quite cheap too. Wish I could have brought home some of the homemade frozen ones he had in the freezer.

Country Style - I liked it. People were nice there and I don't really get food like that in my area. I would probably go there again. Sidenote: I did a walkthrough in Honest Ed's before picking up dinner and actually did get lost. Had a hard time finding my way out of the store and found myself going around in circles.

Greek food along Danforth - Someone mentioned Pantheon and I did walk in there, but the place was packed and the prices were a little out of my reach (I spent quite a bit of money on this trip and the exchange rate hurt a bit too). I walked along the street for another place (I was amazed at all the choices I had) and came across one not far from Pantheon on the same side of the street. I can't remember the name of it, but I had one of the best gyros and Greek fries I've ever had. there. I ended up going twice during my stay.

Crepes - I didn't end up going to Le Papillon as I really didn't want to pay that much for a crepe. I found a small little place around Yonge and Bloor. I think it was Yonge and Bloor...across the street was a store that only sold cookbooks. Not bad and they had this lemonade mint drink that was good.

Kensington - There's this Empanada place that I was very impressed with. cheap and tasty. I came here twice. Once to try a couple empanadas and the second time to try out the corn pie. Both were very very good.

Queen West - Found a place called Nadege on one of the days I strolled along Queen West. Very good sandwiches and pastries. A bit pricey, but definitely good.

I tried a couple places along College St and they weren't bad, but not really memorable either. Actually now that I think about it, I did like Gato Nero. But there was some other pasta place that was just ok.

In case you are wondering, yes I did gain some weight during my trip, but I don't regret it. I worked it off eventually. I still have a list of places I'd want to try if I go back, but I would probably return to some of my favourites too.

There is one thing that puzzled me during the trip. I really liked Toronto and I would definitely return if given the chance. But when I had brief conversations with strangers that actually live in Toronto, they were puzzled as to why I'd choose their city to visit. The blank look on their faces along with the words, "You chose to come here? For vacation? Why?" I'm baffled. Sure it isn't some grand place like Paris or Rome, but I really do think Toronto is a great city. Great public transportation, nice people, and there's definitely a lot to do.