We are flying up to Buffalo, spending 3 days in NOTL, 4 days in Toronto, and 2 days in Niagara Falls. WE are staying at the Intercontinental on Front st.. We are going to see Jersey Girls and are going to see a Blue Jays game. Also doing 2 plays at the Shaw Festival. What restaurants would you recommend pre theater for Jersy girls? Medium priced Italian or seafood for other days. I was thinking of Peller winery for NOTL? Any other suggestions would be appreciated .

Hi Judy,
That sounds like a great visit!

I'm assuming you mean you're going to see Jersey Boys (not Girls), right? The theatre is not downtown but easily accessible by subway. We were just there last week and had a great time. There's a restaurant about a block south called Moxies (about a 5 minute walk, if that, from the theatre). It's a not-bad chain with a big menu which will probably suit everyone. The website is www.moxies.com. When you look in the restaurant locator, look under North York. Make a reservation and let them know you're going to the theatre.

I'm not an expert on restaurants near that theatre, but I was in the neighborhood last week, and noted that there sure is a lo to choose from.

With that in mind, I recommend you get to the neighborhood before eating, so that after dinner you just need to walk a short distance to the theatre.

As for near the hotel; ther are several causual restauant igh cross the steet; in the block immediately east of the hotel there's half a dozen more, including Joe Badali's, which is casual Itian and I think it is very good, at reasonable prices.

Two blocks north of the hotel is King Street West. Half a dozen restaurants right there (in a striaght line up from the hotel) and there's another two dozen or so one block west, starting at John and King Street West and extending all the way to Spadina Avenue.

For Italian, I like Kit Kat at John and King, and Club Lucky / Kit Kat too, on John Street between Adelaide and Richmond. (same owners, genuine Canadian Italian owner, born and raised in Niagara Falls)

For awinery tour, I recommend Strewn in Niagara on the Lake.

DH and I really enjoyed having lunch on the patio at the golf course clubhouse in NOTL. The water views with Fort Niagara in the background are beautiful and peaceful. The food was good but for us it's all about the view. http://www.notlgolf.com/clubhouse.html

Hi GTG. wow ,what is happening to my brain ;-)? Jersey Girls...yikes? Thanks for Moxies, I will look it up! How to dress? Smart casual, yes? BAK, thanks for the info on Badalis and Kit Kat..I love casual Italian. I will look up Strewn too. cd, that view looked FAB. I agree that views are my thing too. Thanks for the link. How is the weather going to be? I looked up the 10 day, and it sounded mild...long pants I guess? We here in ATL are still wearing shorts!

Nice pants and top will be fine. There are people who are OK with wearing jeans to the theatre but I usually don't.

I don't think you'll be needing shorts here. Bring late summer/early fall type clothes but bring a jacket or sweater -- for inside just as often as outdoors. It's freezing in my office today and probably a lot warmer outside!

For NOTL also consider the Irish Harp and Angel Inn Pub for casual pub food, Hildebrand, Strewn,and On the Twenty for great dinners... the Old Winery for pizzas...

Hope you're seeing Inspector Calls at Shaw... I thought it was spooky good...

With regard to Peller Estates Winery Restaurant in NOTL, I have not dined there myself but I hear consistently excellent reviews from those who do. For special occasions, my mom has dined at Peller annually for the past three or four years. She was there as recently as April and continues to recommend it highly.

As for casual Italian in downtown Toronto, I can recommend Meracatto at 330 Bay St. for tasty pasta and good service.

www.mercatto.ca

It sounds like a great trip. Enjoy!

We are heading to NOTL this weekend. I've heard good things about Pellar (I've been to the winery but not the restaurant), The Buttery, and the Epicurean. We've enjoyed the Angel Inn Pub in the past, but maybe will try the Irish Harp this time.

I also really want to try the golf club with the views for dinner one night.

Hi Gary, YES, we are seeing An Inspector Calls! I am so glad it was spooky good! GTG, I am going to bring cool weather clothes . Haven't had them out in a while. Thanks PLJ for Mercatto recs. Yes Amelie, we are going to NOTL next Monday,,,,we will just miss you.

Our favorite high end dinner in Toronto is at North 44... It's not that far from the theatre and it home to Mark McEwen from Food Net and Fine Living.... It's pricey but special!!!

We leave the day you arrive. Have fun!

North 44 is one of my favourites, too, for special occasions (hmmm...I wonder if I can hint for that for my birthday dinner). If you're going to go there, though, plan on taking a cab to the theatre because you won't be close enough to a subway station.

Amelie, you have a good time also! Thanks Gary and gtg, for the recs. I think I want little less dressy place...it's the shoes you know! ;-)