Our neighborhood has been a hot dining scene for years now, and, according to restaurant critic Joanne Kates, whose annual list of the top 100 eating establishments in Toronto was released today, Ossington and Dundas is still a destination for food lovers in the city.
Newly opened last fall, Boralia has gotten kudos from us and the press at large since day one. Today is no exception: the Canadiana themed spot at 59 Ossington debuted on Kates’ list at #6.
Enoteca Sociale, the Dundas West spot serving homemade pastas and wine on tap, ranked #32 – up from a year ago – and has become a stalwart of good Toronto dining, often making these lists since opening in 2010.
Another highly regarded local spot, Teo Paul’s Union Restaurant, ranked #34 versus 42 in 2014. Kates loves the room and the consistency of the food, calling Union “one of the anchors of Ossington.”
Yet another local favorite, Foxley actually dropped from #30 to #40 this year, but still makes the grade. The only negative she offers is the lack of reservations.
The Saint made the list again this year at #49, calling it “the hottest eating tavern in the city” and compliments the brunch, dinner, and Jesse Vallins famous sausage.
Hanmoto is another new Dundas West (Lakeview) restaurant to make the list. Ranking at #53, this tiny spot is being called “grunge” with great food.
Another new, almost under-the-radar local restaurant to congratulate is Mr. Flamingo, debuting at #67 in Kates’ rankings this year. It may be a hipster hangout, but she loves the food!
Pizza Libretto Ossington came in at #75. Two of the Pizza Libretto locations are on her list, the best pizzas in the city, according to Kates, but the Ossington original is her favorite.
There are two well-liked pho joints on Ossington, and preferences are fiercely debated. Kates takes a stand on the issue, ranking them neck and neck with Pho Tien Thanh outranking it’s slightly northern competitor, Golden Turtle, #77 to #78.
Next time one of your friends or visitors asks for a local recommendation, there are some great ideas! Haven’t tried all of them? Now is as good a time as any. Congratulations to all the restaurants who were recognized.
