Toronto Restaurant Tips by birchy99

Restaurant Name: Bellini's Restorante

Bellini's is located in the fashionable Yorkville area of North Toronto. The interior is wood paneled and with a pleasant dim lighting. Tables are set with white tablecloths and are far enough apart you don't have to share other's conversations.
The menu is extensive and mainline Italian. Lots of pastas, specials, some seafood, beef, lamb and veal.
I had a scallop rissoto. It was done to perfection and had a spicy tang which included onions and wild mushroom medley. It was topped with two giant scallops that were perfectly cooked.
My wife had a pasta dish, but she said the pasta was tough, not cooked enough.
The wine list was extensive and had a wide range of North American and European wines in every price range. We chose a California cabernet-shiraz blend for $29 CD.
Our meals were priced in the upper teens in CD.
The service was prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable. Other than for the pasta dish, I would try it again.

Favorite Dish: See above.

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Theme: Italian
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 416 929 9111
Address: 101 Yorkville Avenue
Directions: On Yorkville just off University. Use the Bloor subway station

Restaurant Name: Pusateri's

Wow!! Talk about an upscale deli!!! Any kind of sandwich, any kind of dessert, any, anything you want. Packages of rolled peanut and butter sandwiches cut like sushi. Yes, even sushi, ready made sandwiches, salads and more salads. Also shelves of dressings, gourmet ingredients of any kind.
A very busy place. It is long and narrow. As you walk in you must navigate a row of small of tables next to the expresso bar. Then go around and you come to the main aisle. On the right you find sandwiches, salads, and the makings for both. Take ready made or order you own.
On the left, a huge display case of desserts. Decadent, decadent desserts! Take your pick.
Further back are the shelves of items you may want for your own gourmet bash.
Pusateri's is located in upscale Yorkville just across from the Manulife Centre.
A great place to meet friends, take a quick or leisurely lunch, or take away. A very attractive setting and convenient checkout with little waiting.

Favorite Dish: Well, I just had a turkey sandwich, but it had a raspberry dressing on wonderful Ace Bakery bread.
Really, everything is top drawer. Just the experience is worth a visit.

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Theme: Deli
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 416 785 9100
Address: 57 Yorkville Avenue
Directions: On Yorkville just east of University St across from the Manulife Centre.
Website: www.pusateris.com

Restaurant Name: High Tea at the Royal York

Now, I'm not a great fan of tea. I'll take my cupa jo anytime over tea. But the better half loves tea and goes to tea here at home all the time with her friends. So, when in Toronto do as the Brits do, go to tea.
The Royal York is an old landmark hotel in downtown Toronto just across Front Street from Union Station. It's easy to find, just hop on the subway and get off where it turns around to go back (Union Station).
The Tea Room is set up just as one would imagine: tables with tablecloths spaced far enough apart for privacy; nicely decorated tabletops; efficient wait persons gliding back and forth seeing to everyone's needs.
Since we hadn't had lunch we ordered "Tea for Two" ( to coin a phrase). It arrived in the traditional three-tierd tower. First off were Scottish scones with butter and jam. Next were four kinds of finger sandwiches filled with: who could tell for sure, but they were delicious. Then, last but not least: the desserts!! Little cookies, a chocolate brownie, and two little creampuff swans. A visual treat to say the least.
From the many, many teas offered my wife chose the Earl Gray, (I'm sure she thought I would be put off by the Creme Caramel decaf tea). Each of us had our own pot of tea that was constantly refreshed by those gliding wait persons.
The total bill was about 25 CD each.
One thing which I felt was a treat was that I was seated so I could see the chefs working behind in the kitchen slicing and dicing and doing their prep work. As an amateur cook I found this interesting to watch.
And, it is probably best to call for reservations.

Favorite Dish: Had to love the dessert tray, however the scones were absolutely heavenly. And of course the little creampuff swans were cute and tasty.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 416 368 2511
Address: 100 Front St West
Directions: Just east of the convention center, opposite Union Station.