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Restaurants -
Where to Eat
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By: Denise Balkissoon
College Street from Bathurst to Ossington is one of Toronto's most lively food and drink destinations, owing much to the convivial nature of the Italian immigrants who settled here decades ago. Even if most of them have moved on, their love of street life remains, as seen in the hustle and bustle of beautiful people who congregate here just about every day of the week.
Bar Italia
582 College Street
(416) 535-3621
Cuisine Type: Italian
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 11:00am - 1:00am
Friday: 11:00am - 2:00am
Saturday: 10:00am - 2:00am
Sunday: 10:00am - 1:00am
http://www.bar-italia.ca
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Perenially popular, this Little Italy old-timer has a straightforward card that's sure to please just about everyone. Dishes are fresh and plentiful, from the popular insalata di funghi, arugula topped cremini mushrooms and shaved parmesan, to hearty lunch fare like the pork and avocado Cubano sandwich, to dinnertime pastas, which rotate daily. The streetside patio is a summertime institution; upstairs, a cocktail lounge plays host to DJs and bands come weekends.
Chiado
864 College Street
(416) 538-1910
Cuisine Type: Portuguese
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm
Sunday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
http://www.chiadorestaurant.ca
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On College Street's western edge, Little Italy becomes Little Portugal, and this gorgeous high-end dining room is the best of the Portuguese bunch. Absolutely fresh fish is a specialty: diners choose their dinner from a plate of the day’s offerings, most of which are then perfectly grilled with the right herbs and a touch of Atlantic sea salts. A sommelier guides diners through the best of the old countries wine offerings, matched to each dish. For dessert, heady traditional offerings or the best of Portuguese cheeses.
Mini-Market
596 College Street
(416) 531-2822
Cuisine Type: Casual Dining
Hours: Sunday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 11:00pm
Friday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 12:00am
http://www.tempotoronto.com
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Nobody seems to want a full entrée these days: it's all about the small plates. Here, the idea is Japanese tapas, known as izakaya, given a multicultural spin. Chili-dusted edamame soybeans are a good start to a parade of strong flavours, most done well. Standouts include spicy wok-fried Chinese long beans and grilled Argentinian steak with tangy chimichurri sauce. Skip the boring Laotian spring rolls. A good bet for a crowd, as the mix-and-match style of dining makes for lively conversation.
Utopia
586 College Street
(416) 534-7751
Cuisine Type: Tex-Mex and California Cuisine
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 11:30am - 12:00am
Friday: 11:30am - 2:00am
Saturday: 12:00pm - 2:00am
Sunday: 12:001pm - 12:00am
http://www.utopiacafe.ca
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This small dining room is always jam-packed with neighbourhood types wanting an affordable, satisfying dinner in non-fluorescent environs. Quesadillas and burritos offer plenty of choice for vegetarians, like the white bean and tofu combination folded into a flour tortilla along with cheese and salsa. That said, the big juicy beef burger accompanied by nice shoestring fries remains a stalwart favourite.
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