No one ever plans on having to hire a personal injury lawyer, but the reality is that many people will have to do this in their lifetime. If such a situation arises, it’s important that you find the right lawyer and legal team for your case. A personal injury lawyer specializes in filing civil claims for clients who have been injured through no fault of their own and seeks compensation for their injuries. Personal injury laws in Canada are complex, so it’s important to find a lawyer who understands your situation.
As Canada’s largest personal injury law firm, Diamond and Diamond has developed a strong and knowledgeable team of personal injury lawyers who can fight for you to get the compensation you deserve. The firm’s Managing Partner, Sandra Zisckind, identifies several important factors that you should consider when choosing your legal representation.
Fee Structure
With personal injury lawyers and law firms, it’s crucial to do your homework to ensure that you’re entrusting your case to the right lawyer and the right team. Higher fees do not always lead to better service, and conversely, more affordable fees do not always mean that your lawyer will not be able to handle your case effectively. “At Diamond and Diamond, our clients don’t pay until the case is settled, ” shares Sandra Zisckind.
Positive Track Record With Cases Similar to Yours
A lawyer and law firm’s track record for success are very important factors to consider when deciding on a lawyer to work with. Ask your prospective lawyer if they have won or secured favourable settlements for their clients with similar situations to you in the past. If the answer is no, then you may want to keep looking for a lawyer with a proven track record for success in similar cases to yours.
The Consultation Process
The consultation process covers the initial meeting(s) and communications between you and a lawyer who you’re considering working with. This is your opportunity to get to know your potential attorney and their opportunity to gain an understanding of the facts of your case. It’s important to evaluate how responsive your lawyer is during this time. Some questions to consider are:
Do they respond within a day, or do they take multiple days to respond?
Are their responses genuine and helpful, or is every conversation transactional?
Are they looking for every opportunity to maximize the compensation that you deserve?
Experience
How long has your lawyer been practicing? Skill in the courtroom and savvy negotiating skills both take time and experience to acquire. While experience is important, it’s not the be-all end-all when choosing a lawyer. As Sandra Zisckind says, “The reality is that not every lawyer will have a substantial amount of experience. Whether they just graduated law school or are transitioning into personal injury from a different practice area, it’s important to find a firm with the knowledge and expertise to support junior lawyers throughout their case.”
Working Style
You don’t need to like your lawyer enough to get together on weekends, but it is important that you get along with and trust them. “Some personal injury cases may be drawn out over days, months, or even years depending on the subject matter of the case, so it’s very important that you can get along with your legal representation,” shares Sandra Zisckind.
If you find yourself looking for a personal injury lawyer, it’s important to trust the name you know. Call Diamond and Diamond anytime at 1-800-567-HURT or schedule a free consultation today.
About Jeremy Diamond
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.
Die-hard west-enders have plenty of options when it comes to dining in the Junction Triangle, the small neighbourhood located east of the Junction and north of Roncesvalles that also features a slew of trendy cafes, galleries and breweries.
From a relaxed neighbourhood bistro to an unpretentious take on classic Italian fare, these five restaurants are the best spots for a delicious meal in the Junction Triangle.
A staple in the neighbourhood since it first opened in 2012, Farmhouse Tavern is a dining gem that’s a little bit country, and a lot of rock & roll. They serve up hearty, gourmet meals made from Ontario-sourced ingredients with a revolving menu that spotlights local farmers, fisherman and harvesters. Aside from a full dinner menu complete with expertly-seasoned steaks and fresh fish, there’s also a fantastic weekend brunch menu featuring classic favourites like eggs Benedict for mornings and afternoons.
If a relaxed neighbourhood spot where pimento cheese dip and Ritz crackers abound sounds like your idea of a good time, Dotty’s on Dupont just might be the place. Offering snacks, sides, main plates and desserts, the sunlit space is the brainchild of Jay Carter and Susan Beckett, the team behind (the now defunct) Dandylion, a critically acclaimed Queen West restaurant with a “less is more” approach. Named for Beckett’s mom, Dotty’s also promises a robust drinks menu including house wines, cocktails, as well as booze-free options.
Lucia is a casual trattoria from the duo behind the now shuttered Local Kitchen & Wine Bar. Here, guests sit down in an intimate 30-person room for a celebration of simple Italian cooking. Expect exquisite hand-made pasta like the gnocchi with rapini puree and sausage, and grilled options aplenty including fresh fish and meat. To satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s hard to go wrong with the Nutella tiramisu or the pistachio and cherry crostata.
The newly opened Spaccio West in the former Drake Commissary space is more than just a production kitchen for Terroni and Sud Forno. While it provides essential commissary to both locations, including pasta, fresh tomato sauce, pastries and gelato, it’s also an artisanal creative hub where guests can get a sense of what goes on behind the scenes. The 8,000-square-foot space also features a café selling freshly made panini, salads and pizza, as well as a restaurant with an à la carte menu featuring traditional Italian options.
At Defina Wood Fired you’ll find locals munching on delectable hand-tossed pizzas in this chic but low-key spot. Although the pizza is the star of the show here – try The Winner, the pie that brought home the gold at the 2013 Pizza Expo – there’s also standout pasta dishes including braised short rib rigatoni, and wild boar meatballs served with sautéed mushrooms and onions.
This fall, high-fashion retailer TNT is stocking up their Eglinton flagship location with clothing and apparel designed for kids. Though the retailer previously ventured into kids’ fashion about eight years ago, this time it’s coming back a little bit different.
“The idea here,” says owner Arie Assaraf, “is to focus on the mother or the father who will buy clothes for the kids, as opposed to focusing on the kids who decide what they want.”
While the former TNT Kids used to market to children of about four to 12 years old, this time the fashion is sized for two age groups: zero to 36 months old and two to eight years old. “Because a 10-year-old already has their own mind made,” says Assaraf. “They’re going online; they’re finding their own thing.”
With about 60 per cent of the shop focusing on babies and 40 per cent on the two- to eight-year-old age groups, the line includes many European kids brands, like the Barcelona-based Petit Indi, French-based Billieblush and English designer Stella McCartney. Other favourites include Levi’s, the Animal Observatory, Chloe and Zimmermann.
“With the kids, as far as colours go,” says Assaraf, “super neutrals. We’re going to have some fun things in there, but that message, that thread, will be very organic looking. And then when it comes to the two- to eight-year-olds, that’s when we go a little bit more fun. West coast, you know, casual west coast feeling.”
Assaraf says that it was important to him to not only have a range of products for children, but to also include a range in price. As TNT heads into its 30th year of business, Assaraf is very mindful of having three generations of shoppers. Seeing his customers growing, becoming grandmothers and mothers, had influenced the decision to bring TNT Kids back. “This is kind of a build — an introduction,” he adds, stating that his plan has always been to watch TNT evolve.
There’s no date set for the opening of TNT Kids, as Assaraf wants it to “organically” open. He does, however, have all the merchandise and is confident the space will be ready within the month.
While Assaraf hopes over time to expand TNT Kids to the Bayview Village and Yorkville locations, it will only be immediately available online and at TNT Eglinton at 392 Eglinton Ave. W.
“We want to make sure that there is one anchor space, and that we have everything in there. We just want to make sure that we’re telling stories of brands as opposed to just little items. And we will evolve with that all the time.”
Brenda landed a spot as a Design Expert on CityLine in 2020. She graced the cover of Living Luxe magazine and was listed as one of Toronto’s influential designers.
Imagine a warm sunny escape with friends or family, where you enjoy relaxing and delicious dinners every night followed by games or dancing under a beautiful private trellis…. That sounds like a luxury vacation somewhere hot and exotic, doesn’t it. But I’m describing a new backyard oasis in Ontario. Many people are opting to invest in improving their homes, indoor and outdoor, instead of travel, perhaps because of the overcrowding we’ve seen in airports and at the borders these days.
One of my clients says, “The travel chaos seen during spring and summer was enough to sway me toward renovating versus travelling. One big pro for doing a backyard renovation was the immediate enjoyment of the new space,” he says. “Within one week, we had an outdoor extension of our home that will continue to be enjoyed by myself and my family for years to come. It also increased the value of our property, which meant that the money spent will come back in the future, which is always a bonus!”
So instead of a vacation, why not invest the money in a home transformation that you can call your own year after year? With design and contractor support, you can create a new space to enjoy nearly year-round.
Like my client and his family, try replacing an out-of-date deck with a multi-zoned deck that is built for different purposes that suit their lifestyle. For my client, we created an area for the barbecue, a lounging area with a pergola (think open space meets privacy) and a dining space, all of which come together as a true extension of the home. The key is to make sure you’re using good material for a long-lasting oasis, such as pressure-treated wood. Not only is it cost effective and rot resistant, it brings a warm feeling to your backyard with its attractive brown tone.
Once you’ve got your deck built and zoned to match your lifestyle, it’s time to elevate your new space even further. The key? Personal touches that complement the wood, like neutral-coloured patio chairs and a mix of fixed and patio seating with a coffee table, which can easily be exchanged for a fire pit when the seasons change. Also, add some greenery and vibrant decor to add a pop of colour.
Adding a mirror in your backyard can be an intentional design decision. You don’t often see mirrors outside, so it’s unexpected but also helps to enhance the space. All in all, between neutral furniture and pops of colour, greenery and unique decor, you’ll create a personalized look and feel that will make your backyard stand out.
Now my client and his family are spending more time outside and look forward to staying at home with friends and family.
“We now have a space that is not only more functional and enjoyable, but also one that is more aesthetically pleasing. It’s the perfect spot to both entertain and relax,” he says.
Not only that, but this outdoor living space is also one that pays dividends.
“You’re making your home a place that you and your friends and family want to go and enjoy themselves for more than just a few days or a week per year,” he says. “A backyard renovation means your home is a travel destination. I like the thought of that.”
The Michelin Guide just unveiled its list of Toronto restaurants worthy of its coveted stars. While the restaurants on the list are impressive, there were a few surprise inclusions as well as a handful of snubs. Here is our list of five restaurants, four of which still garnered a place in the guide as recommendations, that could be starred right now, or soon enough.
Chef and restaurateur Grant van Gameren turned the city’s culinary scene on its collective ear when he opened his ode to Spanish cuisine and food culture Bar Isabel. Since then, it remains one of the best restaurants in the city. Its take on grilled octopus is legendary, and its commitment to quality ingredients and preparation are unwavering. So, when Michelin decided to give GVG a star for his Mexican restaurant Quetzal and not Bar Isabel, we were surely not the only ones with raised eyebrows.
Canoe is ranked eighth on a list of Canada’s top 100 restaurants. This landmark restaurant’s absence from the Michelin guide comes as a shock, to be sure. For more than a quarter-century, Canoe has been at or near the top of every list of the city’s best restaurants. From the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower, Canoe offers an elevated fine dining experience with exceptional service and elegance that few restaurants in the city come anywhere near. Executive Chef Ron McKinlay trained under Michelin-star Chef Tom Kitchin in Scotland. He helped open Chef Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant Maze in Melbourne, Australia. Now, he’s taken the reins at one of the city’s most innovative restaurants.
Back in the day, a seat in Keith Froggett’s dining room at 1 Benvenuto Pl. was the place to be for an elevated fine dining experience. Chef Froggett is an ever-present guiding hand at Scaramouche, and as a result, it has maintained its quality and consistency. It might not be the treat-of-the-week at this point, but Froggett can still turn out dishes with the best of them in Toronto. So his complete absence from the Michelin list is a bit of a surprise. Perhaps Michelin’s move into the city can help light a fire under Scaramouche to recapture its spot as one of our top culinary destinations.
When Yorkville’s Brothers Food & Wine closed up shop during the pandemic, the city lost a gem. But the team behind that impressive restaurant, Chris White and Jonathan Nicolaou, found their footing and bounced back with the intimate and elegant new space Restaurant 20 Victoria. Chef Julie Hyde has also joined the team and since opening last summer Restaurant 20 Victoria has become one of the most coveted tables in town. Recently, the restaurant was nominated as one of Canada’s Best New Restaurants by enRoute. Perhaps it’s a bit too new for Michelin? But its absence from the list comes as a surprise.
One of the big-name chefs pushing to bring Michelin to Toronto has been Daniel Boulud. And he should know. Boulud’s French restaurant Daniel in New York City has two of them. He was also named Best Restaurateur in the World in 2021 by Les Grandes Tables du Monde. Not bad. So, when Michelin made the move to the city, we couldn’t have been the only ones to think Yorkville’s Café Boulud, a beautiful and highly regarded French bistro, would have a good shot at a star. But it was not meant to be.
UPDATE: We spoke with Patrick Kriss the night before the announcement of the Toronto Michelin Guide. It has now been announced that both Alo and Alobar received one Michelin star, making Kriss the only chef to receive a Michelin star for two of his restaurants in Toronto.
“I’m trying not to think about it,” says Patrick Kriss of the Michelin Guide, which is coming to Toronto and being announced on Tuesday.
“How’s that going?” I asked him today at Alo, the restaurant he opened in 2015.
“Not well,” he said with a straight face, and then smiled.
Kriss, whose French restaurant sits just beneath Queen Street on Spadina Avenue, is regarded by many to be Canada’s best chef. “I didn’t want the fame or the glory, I just wanted a good restaurant with good food,” he says.
Alo began their tasting menu when the appetite for such food at such prices seemed to wane, but the chef – originally from Scarborough who learned his ways around the kitchen both at Daniel in New York and his local Scarborough Lick’s – says his obsession with fine food began as a relentless pursuit not to fail.
“When you’re on the third floor at Queen and Spadina, it’s a long fucking drop – you don’t want to hit the ground.”
Kriss says he didn’t create the expectations on him and his staff to either win an award or be blown away, but he also knows what people expect when they walk through his door. Currently, there’s an Alo Bar in Yorkville and Aloette, his cool buzzy bistro, beneath his third floor hotspot, which has nine tables, an open kitchen and makes a new menu every night for their 11-course tasting meals.
Meanwhile, serving such items as Alaskan king crab and Peking duck, Provimi veal and foie gras, Kriss has elevated Toronto’s dining scene. Indeed, Daniel Boulud, his old boss, says Patrick Kriss is the best chef in town, someone who has made chefs from New York to Europe look to Toronto to see new trends.
“Someone told me, ‘Stick to your plan with Alo,’ and I thought, ‘Yeah, we’ll stick to the plan,’ but when you’re losing money the first six months of the first year, it’s a little hard to stick to the plan,” says Kriss, who still plates Alo’s dishes and is in his restaurant nearly every night. “Now, we stick to the plan. Restaurants always need to be nurtured. I don’t cook for myself, I cook for the customer. I’ve been doing this for seven years and I haven’t missed many services.”
The services may or may not bring Patrick Kriss Toronto’s first Michelin star and though he’s trying not to think about it, he admits it is something he wants. Not for the fame or the glory or the additional business — no matter what happens Alo still only has nine tables — but for the possibilities it would open for his staff and the ability it might provide as he seeks to expand into new cities, Miami perhaps.
“We have a lot of great restaurants here, we have a lot of talented chefs and restaurateurs and I think the Michelin star is good for the city,” says Kriss, who mentions Bar Isabel and Terroni as places where he likes to dine.
“If I win the Michelin, I wake up the next morning and start my day again. There’s already a line at Alo. It doesn’t change anything. If anything, it puts more pressure on the team, but the kitchen is excited. It’s important for them on their resume, they helped Alo get their Michelin star,” he says. “But I do think we’re the type of restaurant that should have a Michelin star. We do try to be at that level.”
On Tuesday, the first edition of the Michelin Guide in Toronto was revealed with inspectors honouring 13 restaurants in the city, five of which specialize in Japanese cuisine. Among those honoured, just one received two stars — Sushi Masaki Saito, an Endomae-style sushi restaurant located on Avenue Road.
Here are the five Japanese restaurants that nabbed a star (or two) during Tuesday night’s reveal.
For a one-of-a-kind dining experience, Yorkville’s Sushi Masaki Saito is the place to be. At the helm is chef Saito, who imports all his seafood from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market. The restaurant’s ever-changing menu is composed of Edomae-style sushi that involves aging fresh fish and dates back to the early 19th century. Saito is no stranger to the Michelin Guide — in 2016 his New York City restaurant Sushi Ginza Onodera was awarded one star, and it received a second in 2018
Not far from Yorkville Avenue you’ll find Aburi Hana, where exquisitely plated dishes and omotenashi-style hospitality await. Executive chef Ryusuke Nakagawa studied under two master chefs of Kyoto-style cuisine and presents a menu that’s guided by the Japanese culinary ethos of seasonality.
Under the careful watch of master chef Masaki Hashimoto, Kaiseki Yu-Zen Hashimoto delivers a multicourse, Japanese fine dining experience to guests in an intimate environment with only three tables and a maximum capacity of eight guests.
Opened in 2015 in Toronto’s Bedford Park neighbourhood, Shoushin is an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant that specializes in Edomae-style sushi and resembles the traditional high-end sushi restaurants found in Ginza, Tokyo.
At Yukashi, a fine-dining restaurant in mid-town Toronto, you can choose from either a four or nine-course set menu with sake pairing, and each course is prepared by hand right in front of you.
For a full list of Toronto eateries that made the first edition of the Michelin Guide click here.
The Michelin Guide just released their inaugural Toronto selection of restaurants receiving the coveted honour of a Michelin star (or two), but that’s not all. Included in their selection is a second list known as the Bib Gourmand – a designation that gives recognition to restaurants that offer great food at great value. 17 restaurants in Toronto received a Bib Gourmand designation, which looks for restaurants where a diner can have two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for less than $60.
Looking for a Michelin-worthy restaurant to eat at without spending an arm and a leg? These are the 17 Toronto restaurants that have been given the Bib Gourmand stamp of approval by the Michelin Guide.
This Roncesvalles restaurant housed in a restored 1950s diner serves up incredible brunch menu, with some major highlights including a seasonal french toast with brioche bread, rhubarb and strawberries compote and vanilla bean whipped ricotta and huevos rancheros with braised black beans and smoked cheddar. Their dinner menu changes every Wednesday and Friday, so follow them on Instagram for a menu preview.
Chef-owner Anna Chen previously fine-tuned her skills at Figo, Buca Yorkville and Scaramouche, and brought a mix of Indian, Hakka Chinese, French and Italian influences into Alma. They shine throughout the restaurant’s small menu, with items such as steamed cod with dashi corn and doubanjiang relish and parmesan tapioca fritters.
Grant van Gameren and Robin Goodfellow, of the superb Bar Isabel, opened Raval to mimic the tapas bars of Barcelona. Its look is pure Gaudi, mahogany carved into great swooping curves and cutouts, a triumph of gorgeous whimsy. It’s a bar. You stand. No cutlery save for a tiny fork, mostly finger food — pintxos — small bites either speared on toothpicks or on great bread.
Tortillas are the foundation of a good taco, and when it comes to tacos, Campechano does not mess around. Importing the corn from Mexico, soaking and grinding the masa fresh daily and grilling each tortilla to order, the restaurant is serious about making fresh and delicious (and now Michelin-recognized) tacos. Owners Raena Fisher and Daniel Roe (previously of the Black Hoof and La Carnita) converted what was once Sadie’s Diner’s space into a vibrant and rustic space that puts Mexican street food at the forefront. The menu is concise, featuring one ceviche, guacamole, a handful of tacos, quesadillas and one dessert.
Set in a former bank, this barbecue house offers counter service of pit-smoked meats prepared over live oak fires. You’ll find everything from brisket to smoked chicken to baby back ribs and a mouth-watering list of sides.
On a trip to Nashville, husband and wife Matt and Carolyn fell in love with the city’s crispy, moist chicken and decided to bring it back to Canada. Named after their late yellow lab, Chica’s offers the couple’s own version of Nashville hot chicken, made with grain-fed, 100 per cent Halal chicken from local farmers. Each piece is dry brined in homemade spices and left to sit for two days to ensure the centre bite is just as delicious as the outside. In addition to the fan favourite, The OG Sando Combo, the restaurant’s menu offers boneless chicken bites, wings, and half chicken meals. With six spice levels ranging from Plain to Hot AF, Chica’s lets you decide just how much heat is too much.
Little Portugal stalwart Enoteca Sociale has been a west-end go-to for housemade pastas, quality wines, and cosy vibes for a decade. Rather than resting on its laurels, however, the much-loved Italian restaurant recently underwent a revamp to celebrate its 10th year in business. Fortunately for existing fans of the long-running restaurant, it’s not a massive overhaul. The interior has been gussied up with a few tweaks, but the ambiance is as charming as ever. Led by Chef di Cucina Kyle Rindinella, Enoteca Sociale’s menu has an emphasis on traditional Roman dishes made with seasonal, southern Ontario-sourced ingredients.
Fat Pasha serves Israeli, Ashkenazi and European Jewish flavours; owner Anthony Rose cites chef Yotam Ottolenghi as an inspiration. Rice is fried in butter, then hit with chickpeas, peas, mushrooms and a myriad of spices such as cinnamon, cloves and pepper, then topped with crispy fried onions ($18). Hummus is topped with braised chick peas and chicken shawarma ($28).
After opening Paris Paris, Bar Fancy and Superpoint, owner Jonathan Poon was inspired to open a Thai BBQ spot after his Garden Gardenevent in 2019. The backyard wine party served natural wines and Thai BBQ in a secret courtyard across from Paris Paris on Dundas West. After the success of the event, the conceptualization of Favorites Thai BBQ was born. With Poon behind the restaurant, you can expect big flavours that pack a punch – like a charcoal grilled duck in red curry with Ontario asparagus, lime leaf and coconut.
“Fonda” is a term used in Mexico to describe a family-run restaurant, making it the perfect name for this restaurant concept inspired by a love for travel and the authentic cuisine and culture of Mexico. On the menu, you’ll find all your favourite Mexican comfort foods from guacamole to quesadillas to tacos. Customers can’t get enough of the cheesy quesabirria con consome, a tortilla filled with beef birria, cheese, onion and cilantro. With colourful counter tops and high bar stools, Fonda Balam offers a cozy dining space, decorated with small cactus plants to give it a full Mexican experience.
It goes without saying that Jen Agg is a polarizing figure. Love her (she’s a badass woman in a tough industry) or love to hate her (she’s snark personified), it’s hard not to fall for her restaurants. At Grey Gardens, the seasonal menu can be dubbed new North American, yet refuses to settle on one culinary region. Fancy snacks (for fancy prices) are the name of the game here. Scallops arrive with green strawberries, strawberry vinegar and cucumber for a refreshing end-of-summer small plate.
Said to be a tribute to the coffee houses that used to be found all over India, Indian Street Food Co. offers a massive selection of classic Indian street foods. Crowd favourites include the paneer tikka and the fish thali (a traditional way of eating in India that includes curry, vegetables, dal, raita, padapum, pickles and a salad in a platter).
This plant-based Mexican restaurant will convert even the staunchest of meat lovers. La Bartola makes everything in-house (that means no mock meats), such as the green chorizo and cactus tacos wit sautéed buckwheat, cremini and marinated with mole verde sauce.
Seafood-focused Mexican food is the highlight at Puerto Bravo. Try the pulpo al carbon (grilled octopus tacos with onions, pablanos and two types of salsa) or one of their many tostada varieties (the tropical trout looks especially inviting) for a taste of the sea.
Another outstanding restaurant for the Oliver & Bonacini group, R&D is a perfect representation of high end modern Canadian Chinese cuisine. Esteemed chef and Masterchef Canada judge Alvin Leung, who made a name for himself in Hong Kong at his three-Michelin-star restaurant Bo Innovation, founded this restaurant with mentee Eric Chong at this fine dining establishment. With backgrounds in engineering, both chefs have a unique perspective when it comes to creating dishes. Their Canadian take on traditional Chinese dim sum is accompanied by larger plates that elevate traditional comfort meals, like a Korean-style fried chicken with an umami cheese crust or a whole roasted Peking duck.
When your Montreal smoked meat cravings hit and you need instant gratification – look no further than Sumilicious. Owner Sumith Fernando once worked at the famed Schwartz’s Deli in Montreal for all the skeptics out there. The goods (smoked meat) range from lean to extra fatty. Sandwiches come on rye bread with a healthy dose of yellow mustard. The smoked meat plates make for a great dinner-for-two; essentially a kind of DIY sandwich deal. Those looking for the ultimate dish can dare to take on the smoked meat poutine with Sumi’s special seasoning and cheese curds ladled with gravy.
Two words: Handmade pasta. And that is just the beginning of the mouth-watering options chef and owner Jeff Bovis is cooking up at his Michelin-honoured restaurant, Wynona. Located in the ever-charming Leslieville neighbourhood, enjoy a delicately cooked fish on Wynona’s patio with a bottle of wine from the extensive and totally unique wine list. The restaurant space is organized in a sleek and modern open concept way, which is emphasized by its high ceilings and a huge front window, to give diners an airy and fresh atmosphere to match their food.
The wait is over! On Tuesday, Toronto became the first Canadian city to be featured in the Michelin Guide with 13 Toronto restaurants receiving the prestigious culinary accolade, and one spot even receiving two Michelin stars.
“Toronto shows it’s deserving of being the first Michelin Guide selection ever in the Great White North,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides. “The diversity of selection reflects the cosmopolitan soul of this exciting city.”
The famed French restaurant Guide awards Michelin stars — either one, two, or three — to restaurants with exceptional cuisine and is considered a benchmark in gastronomy.
Without further ado, here are the 13 Toronto eateries that earned top honours from the Michelin Guide that include a smorgasbord of different cuisine types from Italian and Mexican to Japanese Kaiseki.
For a one-of-a-kind dining experience, Yorkville’s Sushi Masaki Saito is the place to be. At the helm is chef Saito, who imports all his seafood from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market. The restaurant’s ever-changing menu is composed of Edomae-style sushi that involves aging fresh fish and dates back to the early 19th century. Saito is no stranger to the Michelin Guide — in 2016 his New York City restaurant Sushi Ginza Onodera was awarded one star, and it received a second in 2018
Michelin’s Take: Only here will you find shirako boldly skewered and grilled over binchotan, and only here will you eat melting slabs of chutoro buried under a blizzard of white truffles. Fish comes exclusively from Japan, and for the nigiri, assistants are quick to bring him his prized rice from Niigata prefecture, warm and tinged with his special blend of vinegars, after every round. Laughter fills the air, thanks to Chef Masaki Saito and his jovial team, and for a few blissful hours, the world outside melts away.
Not far from Yorkville Avenue you’ll find Aburi Hana, where exquisitely plated dishes and omotenashi-style hospitality await. Executive chef Ryusuke Nakagawa studied under two master chefs of Kyoto-style cuisine and presents a menu that’s guided by the Japanese culinary ethos of seasonality.
Michelin’s Take: Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa presents a modern take on the history-steeped Kyō-Kaiseki menu. His cooking is deeply personal and intricate but never overwrought. Each course outdoes the last. The maguro flower, a rose made from pieces of akami and chutoro, is stunning, and kurobuta kakuni, simmered pork belly over foie gras, is dazzling.
One of the hottest names in Toronto’s food scene, it comes as no surprise that Patrick Kriss has not one but two restaurants on this list. Since opening in 2015, the contemporary French restaurant, Alo has been receiving accolades from foodies and critics alike. Located atop a Heritage building at Queen Street and Spadina Avenue, the menu is internationally inspired and celebrates the finest in seasonal ingredients.
Michelin’s Take: Everyone has a good time at Chef Patrick Kriss’s beloved Alo. The talented beverage team offers spot-on suggestions from the well-chosen wine list. The kitchen team seamlessly merges European and Asian sensibilities onto a single tasting menu with dishes like creamy Koshihikari risotto boosted with porcini emulsion or rack of lamb with Thai green curry.
The second eatery on this list from Patrick Kriss, Alobar Yorkville is a cocktail bar and a full-fledged restaurant all rolled up into one. Offering raw items as well as fish and chops right off the grill, along with world-class wines and deliciously indulgent desserts.
Michelin’s Take: Seafood figures prominently, and, as one might expect from Chef Patrick Kriss and Chef de Cuisine Rebekah Bruce, product is first-rate and technique exemplary. From chilled lobster with lime aioli to rack of lamb with niçoise olive, the kitchen delivers a kind of refined approachability that suits all occasions. Desserts like mille-feuille with raspberry chantilly are show-stoppers.
Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto (Italian Cuisine)
Once named the best Italian restaurant in the world outside of Italy, Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto sits atop the Westin Harbour Castle with stunning views of Toronto’s harbour and the city’s skyline. Under the guidance of chef Ernesto Iaccarino, chef Daniele Corona showcases a cuisine that highlights the fresh flavours of the Amalfi coast, characterized by a modern Mediterranean flare and exceptional quality of ingredients.
Michelin’s Take: Chef Daniele Corona’s dishes echo the contemporary sophistication of the dining room. Eel gelato plated with a tangle of wild rose-scented tagliatelle, pulverized egg yolk and sturgeon caviar delivers a wonderful mix of flavors; tender and vibrant agnolotti are stuffed with Ontario lamb for a rich and meaty filling and doused in a decadent cheese sauce that packs a punch.
Enigma Yorkville (Contemporary cuisine)
With a philosophy of keeping flavours pure and clean and letting nature be the artist, chef Quinton Bennett works closely with local farmers and suppliers to source the best products available and serves a seasonal, evolving blind tasting menu at Enigma, an intimate modern-European fine dining restaurant located in Yorkville.
Michelin’s Take: Chef Quinton Bennett’s resume is as varied and glittering as the tile mosaics that stretch across the ceiling of this Yorkville looker. Using molecular techniques, he puts his worldly view on the plate, playing on diverse textures and surprising combinations like brassicas with smoked foie gras and dehydrated parmesan or tuna with sheets of beetroot and fermented daikon.
Featuring a seasonal and ever-changing menu that highlights the ingredients of the moment with a strong focus on seafood, vegetables and wild mushrooms, Edulis is a neighbourhood bistro on Niagara Street that celebrates the craft and tradition of cooking,
Michelin’s Take: The pride and passion of the husband-and-wife owners and their staff are undeniably evident throughout this spot. Settle in for a set, multicourse menu inspired by the Mediterranean. The kitchen eschews fluff, focusing instead on creating harmonious (and delicious) dishes. Freshly carved Spanish ham, cheese and dessert are available add-ons. The menu proudly hews to the season.
At Frilu, chef John-Vincent showcases the simplicity of nature using local seasonal ingredients, combined with intricate flavours that are brought by his Asian influences with dishes that showcase the landscape in Canada.
Michelin’s Take: There is a saying that we should dance like nobody’s watching. This adage feels true of Chef John-Vincent Troiano, who cooks to his own rhythm in Thornhill. Smoke, game and refined sauce-work figure prominently on what might be the only tasting menu for several kilometers. A tiny space packed with talent, the sparsely decorated nook leaves everything on the plate, with high-quality product from their own farm coupled with an intriguing Japanese element that feels natural.
Under the careful watch of master chef Masaki Hashimoto, Kaiseki Yu-Zen Hashimoto delivers a multicourse, Japanese fine dining experience to guests in an intimate environment with only three tables and a maximum capacity of eight guests.
Michelin’s Take: Chef Masaki Hashimoto’s traditional kaiseki eight-course menu showcases the seasons while celebrating Japanese ingredients. It’s all about focus over flash with a refined intricate style and attention to detail that borders on reverence. Shii-zakana is a signature dish composed of fried soba noodle-wrapped shrimp, but it’s the stunning radish crane that you’ll remember.
Osteria Giulia is a dinner spot with a focus on Northern Italian cuisine. The restaurant is also home to over 300 bottles and a robust cocktail menu, while ambitious desserts like the millefoglie al pistachio are a playful delight.
Michelin’s Take: It seems nearly impossible to have a bad time at Chef Rob Rossi’s Italian stunner. Many Italian menus can look the same, Rossi narrows in on the seafood-rich traditions of Liguria. A deep Italian wine list and an especially talented cocktail program round out an experience that is as accomplished as it is hospitable.
Serving upscale Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails in a sleek, modern dining room, all cooked over a 28-foot wood fire, Quetzal is the brainchild of Grant van Gameren one of Canada’s best known chefs and restaurateurs.
Michelin’s Take: Almost everything on this tight menu passes through the kitchen’s 26-foot-long wood-burning grill that actively roars and smokes. At the end of the line is a single chef at the earthenware comal, who prepares tortillas from heirloom corn that is nixtmalized and ground in-house. Lamb barbacoa packed into griddled, blue masa tortillas and charred maitake mushrooms set in a crema poblana highlight the transformative magic of fire, while dry-aged amberjack aguachile flexes the kitchen’s delicate side.
Opened in 2015 in Toronto’s Bedford Park neighbourhood, Shoushin is an authentic Japanese sushi restaurant that specializes in Edomae-style sushi and resembles the traditional high-end sushi restaurants found in Ginza, Tokyo.
Michelin’s Take: Jackie Lin leads the young team with care. The seasonal sushi omakase is especially delightful. Grilled cutlassfish, rarely seen on many menus, is served hot and flaky. Striped jackfish with a kiss of green onion is flavorful; golden eye snapper is nicely aged. From lean bluefin tuna with mountain yam and tart kohada to excellent baby seabream with lime, it’s hit after hit.
At Yukashi, a fine-dining restaurant in mid-town Toronto, you can choose from either a four or nine-course set menu with sake pairing, and each course is prepared by hand right in front of you.
Michelin’s Take: Chef Daisuke Izutsu has cooked for royals, dignitaries, and you, if you’re one of the lucky 15 who has secured a seat at the intimate Yukashi. Firmly rooted in seasonality, this kaiseki-style menu is highly original and personal. The otsukuri, with slices of shima aji with yuzu zest, toro with pickled turnip and hay-smoked hamachi delicately arranged atop a white marble base, is a work of art.
Listed at $2.849 million, 1702-609 Avenue Rd. offers an opulent and modern take on city living amid nearly 1,800 square feet of space. With two bedrooms, three bathrooms and a den, this sun-drenched corner suite also includes two large terraces — each offering fantastic views.
Stylish and refined, Deer Park is a neighbourhood of distinction. Nestled between the excitement of midtown to the north and the luxuries of Yorkville to the south, residents get the best of both worlds while being far enough away to enjoy peace and quiet when it’s wanted most.
Courtesy Michael Peart/The Print MarketCourtesy Michael Peart/The Print MarketCourtesy Michael Peart/The Print Market
The living and dining rooms feature wide-open views from both window-filled walls, white oak chevron flooring throughout, and multiple terrace access points.
Courtesy Michael Peart/The Print MarketCourtesy Michael Peart/The Print Market
Notice how sophisticated and modern the kitchen is. The dark quartzite backsplash and countertops pair perfectly alongside the smokey cabinets and built-in appliances.
Courtesy Michael Peart/The Print MarketCourtesy Michael Peart/The Print Market
The den and second bedroom both open onto the east-facing patio, making it easy to step outside for a breath of fresh air. What’s more, those large windows offer plenty of cheerful light.
Courtesy Michael Peart/The Print MarketCourtesy Michael Peart/The Print Market
The primary bedroom, with walk-out access to the south terrace, features plenty of convenient built-in storage and a generously sized walk-in closet.
Courtesy Michael Peart/The Print Market
The six-piece ensuite bathroom with a deep soaker tub is a true luxury, and, like the other two washrooms, it features elegant white porcelain floors and beautiful finishes throughout.
Courtesy Michael Peart/The Print MarketCourtesy Michael Peart/The Print Market
Two large terraces, one facing east, the other with southern views, offer breathtaking near-panoramic scenery of the entire area. Gaze at the city skyline from above the tree canopy, relax amid a backdrop of spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and relish every moment spent out here.
Courtesy Michael Peart/The Print Market
Sleek, sophisticated and oh-so-contemporary, this beautiful residence not only offers excellent amenities but also has a rooftop terrace perfect for entertaining guests in style.
1702-609 Avenue Rd. is listed with Andre Kutyan of Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage.
Thanks to soaring inflation, it’s becoming more expensive to eat out in the city. But before you dust off that apron, there are plenty of restaurants in Toronto churning out quality food at deliciously affordable prices or offering deals and discounts to make a night out even sweeter.
Here are five budget-friendly options in the city to check out.
Rosewood Asian Cuisine
If you haven’t visited an all-you-can-eat restaurant recently, you’re completely missing out. Not only can you eat to your heart’s content without a care in the world, but in terms of bang for your buck, it really can’t be beat. Rosewood Asian Cuisine offers all-you-can-eat options for dim sum and Cantonese dishes, with choices ranging from dumplings to congee. 463 Dundas St. W.
Oretta Midtown
Just in time to finish the workday, Oretta’s cocktail hour begins at 4 p.m. and wraps up at 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Offering $6, $9 and $11 food and drink specials, you’ll find favourites there like rosso, bianco and prosecco for $6, as well as rosato, Aperol spritz and Peroni for $9. 2131 Yonge St.
Bar Neon
This popular Bloordale spot offers up tasty Mediterranean mezes, wine, cocktails and craft beer with plenty of space to unwind on their sprawling back patio. Toronto’s Bar Neon offers happy hour drinks and food deals from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, where you can grab a few of their fancier cocktails for a steal and pints for an affordable $6.75. 1226 Bloor St. W.
Wish Restaurant
Host your next birthday bash at Wish Restaurant with six or more paying guests and receive a free dinner! It’s time to splurge on that 12 oz. steak! 3 Charles St. E.
Watson’s
This neighbourhood watering hole is the perfect place to “wine down” after a weekend of fun. At Watson’s you can chase off those Sunday scaries with half-price wine and buck-a-shuck oysters every Sunday and Monday. 388 Richmond St. W.
Although her Toronto International Film Festival appearance got off to a shaky start, actor Anna Kendrick was able to make it thanks to the efforts of the Toronto Fire department.
The movie star, best known for her turns in the Pitch Perfect films, got stuck in an elevator on the way to the premiere of her new film Alice, Darling at Roy Thomson Hall yesterday. She documented the incident on her phone, which she later posted to Instagram.
“Ah, the classic “I’m behind schedule at this film festival because I had to be rescued from an elevator” excuse #TIFF22,” she wrote on the post.
The accompanying video shows Kendrick and a group of people in the elevator with her waiting, making jokes, and staying calm considering the situation.
At one point, Kendrick jokingly exclaimed: “This is why I shouldn’t leave the house without at least a little airplane-sized (alcohol) bottle because you never know when you’re going to get stuck in an elevator.”
Eventually, Kendrick and company were rescued when a ladder was lowered through the roof of the car, and everyone was pulled out of harm’s way.
Kendrick took some pics with her firefighter rescuers to commemorate the occasion before heading to her event.
Alice, Darlingstars Kendrick as Alice and is described as capturing “the anxious psychology of a woman in an abusive relationship as her friends try to reconnect with her while on a cottage getaway.”
The movie is showing again today at 2:55 p.m. at Scotiabank Theatre.
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.
