Toronto Travel Guide

"Hogtown meets the French countryside" at this York Mills charmer, a "perennial favourite" for "romantic" feasts of "superb" Gallic-Med cuisine presented by a "first-class" staff; it's set in a "quaint" stone cottage from 1870 with three fireplaces and a terrace that's "lovely in warm weather", so while pricing is "steep", in all it makes for a "memorable evening."

Like a bistro "right out of Paris", this "neighbourhood" mainstay in the Downtown Core provides "solid", somewhat pricey French-Med fare plus reliable "stargazing", "especially during the film festival"; an "upbeat" vibe and "affable" staffers are additional appeals, although the "tiny", "close"-set tables are a tad too "cosy" for some.

"A haven for business types flashing their platinum cards", this Financial District fallback delivers an "excellent" Continental menu from Mark McEwan starring a "justly famous" (if "ridiculously expensive") burger; "tireless attention to detail" includes "no-attitude" service and an extensive wine list, so in spite of somewhat "gloomy" subterranean digs, most find it "never disappoints."

Surveyors throw "three paddles up" for this Financial District "icon" – Toronto's Most Popular restaurant and rated No. 1 for Decor – that impresses guests with "spectacular views" of the city from its "romantic" 54th-floor perch atop the Toronto Dominion Bank Tower and equally "breathtaking" "classic Canadian" cuisine; add in near-"impeccable" service, and the consensus is "you really can't go wrong" here – just "save your pennies (you'll need lots!)"; N.B. closed Saturdays.

"Outstanding" seafood is the hook at this "charming" Little Italy Portuguese, a "star" on the Toronto dining scene, that offers "perfectly prepared" "modern interpretations of classic dishes" matched with "spectacular" regional vintages; the "understated" setting with wooden floors and white linen gains a lift from colourful artwork and a "knowledgeable" staff that "aims to please"; N.B. Senhor Antonio is the adjacent bar focusing on tapas and wines.

"Prepare to drop big bucks for an extraordinary dining experience" at this destination in the Downtown Core's Queen Richmond Centre presenting "intricate", "inventive" Canadian fusion small plates in an "elegant, but not stuffy" setting with art nouveau touches; a "fantastic" prix fixe tasting menu (available at lunch and dinner), "excellent" service and a "lovely patio" are added enticements.

This "red-meat haven" on the Harbourfront pulls Leafs fans, "bankers and brokers" for "gargantuan" steaks and towering plates of seafood served in "grand" environs that have the feel of dining in "a rich uncle's home"; a "smooth" staff treats you "like a king", though many find it all "a little too over the top", especially the prices.

"Excellent", "reliable" "thin-crust pizza" and other "respectable" eats render this "Everyman's" Italian chain a "family-friendly" "value" that "caters to many dietary needs"; decor varies a bit by location but all are "decent" (if "formulaic"), making them "staples" for those seeking "a fast cheap bite."

"Excellent", "reliable" "thin-crust pizza" and other "respectable" eats render this "Everyman's" Italian chain a "family-friendly" "value" that "caters to many dietary needs"; decor varies a bit by location but all are "decent" (if "formulaic"), making them "staples" for those seeking "a fast cheap bite."

"Excellent", "reliable" "thin-crust pizza" and other "respectable" eats render this "Everyman's" Italian chain a "family-friendly" "value" that "caters to many dietary needs"; decor varies a bit by location but all are "decent" (if "formulaic"), making them "staples" for those seeking "a fast cheap bite."

The city's "premier venue" for sporting and music events is this "modern", "convenient" Entertainment District arena with a capacity of almost 20,000; among its charms are "clear" sight lines "from even the highest level" and an on-site brewery that "adds character", so though ticket prices may be "too much for some country bumpkins", the majority of surveyors agrees there's "no better place to catch a hockey game."

For "a day full of beauty and peace" aesthetes adore this "fabulous" repository in Grange Park, "one of those museums that can make anyone comfortable" as they enjoy the "fine collections", "terrific lectures" and "awesome gift shop"; however, they will have to wait until fall 2008 to experience it again, as it's closed to "re-dress the gallery in a Frank Gehry vision" and install new artwork.

"You can't miss it, literally" – one of the "world's tallest freestanding structures" (553 m/1,815 feet), located in the Entertainment District, is a "must-see" for "unparalleled" vistas from a "terrifying" "glass-floored" observation deck as well as educational exhibits and a "greatly improved" revolving restaurant ("grab a meal and get more value" for your admission fee); expect "long waits" and an "expensive elevator ride" (one of which is now outfitted with glass panels in its base), but if you "go just before sunset", "you'll be stunned."

Built in 1977, this "one-stop shopping" complex in the Downtown Core is a "bustling" place perfect for "people-watching"; the tenants are mostly "typical" "chain stores" – "from budget-conscious to bling" – but the "glass roof", "flying geese display" and sheer size (two city blocks) help to make this a "nice mid-afternoon diversion."

Set in an "imposing old bank building" in the Downtown Core, this "hockey fanatic's dream" offers "comprehensive", "interactive displays" and "video simulators" ("pretend to be Mario, Wayne or Bobby") plus "cool authentic memorabilia" (e.g. Lord Stanley's "original cup", stored in what was once the bank's vault); the only quibble: loyal Canadiens fans grumble this "shrine" "should be in Montréal."

An "all-day experience", this Don Mills science museum (founded in 1969) stimulates "kids, families and the geeks at heart"; most fans feel its time-tested, "imaginative", "hands-on" exhibits and "mind-blowing movie-theatre planetarium" are "well worth the price of admission."

"Huge dinosaur skeletons", an "ancient Chinese tomb" and "unparalleled Egyptian artifacts" are to be found within the "world-class collections" at this Bloor Yorkville "maze" that specializes in international cultures and natural history; architect Daniel Libeskind's crystal-shaped addition proves an "eye-catching" extension.

A "must-see for foodies", this "old-fashioned" culinary bazaar is full of "fantastic" meats, baked goods, fruits and vegetables, "eccentric characters hawking their wares" and "steady crowds" that are "part of the charm"; go on "Saturday early morning" (it opens at 5 AM) to enjoy an "authentic" breakfast – regulars recommend Carousel Bakery's "Canadian bacon on a bun" – and "fun" people-watching.

"Just a short ride from Downtown", this "tranquil" archipelago is an "urban oasis" inviting day-trippers to "bring a picnic", "wander the beaches", "rent boats or bikes" and visit the "small" amusement park for children; while heading back to the "hustle and bustle", take in the ferry's "scenic views" of the cityscape (they're "stunning at dusk") – or extend your "escape" and stay in one of the "lovely" B&B cottages.

"Bring your walking shoes", "pack a lunch" and "plan to spend a whole day" at this mammoth menagerie in Scarborough where a "huge selection of animals" graze, growl and cavort "in natural-type enclosures"; it's a "bit out of the way", but once you get here, you'll find "excellent facilities", including restaurants, camel rides, a virtual-reality habitat and a water park; there's so much to do, veterans urge "take the shuttle" tour first to help you "decide where to spend your time."

"If you enjoy dancing and people-watching", this King West eatery and lounge in a renovated 100-year-old warehouse is a "great place to do both"; the clientele ranges from "geeky" boogie men to "porn stars" and "all the hip cats in between", not to mention hordes of "young Bay Street brokers"; since drinks tend toward the "overpriced", respondents recommend going with friends and "splurging on [a bottle] service" table.

Seasonal switcheroos ("hot patio/pool area" with umbrellas in the summer, "ice bar in the winter") and servers in "sexy uniforms" spice up this Entertainment District showplace where "dolled-up" women "jiggle to Top 40 tunes" on the dance floor, then retire to spacious bathrooms offering massage and makeup application; it has "snooty" doormen and it's "expensive", but the experience is "worth every penny."

"A little off the beaten track" in the Queen West Gallery District, this "trendy" trio in the Drake Hotel draws an "arty, intellectual crowd" that appreciates its "eclectic vibe"; the basement features live music nightly, the street-level section (which got a red-velvet-and-chandelier remodel post-Survey) combines "excellent DJs" and a "cosy", "loungey atmosphere", and the "exceptional" Moroccan-inflected rooftop boasts "couches, a huge movie screen" and, on occasion, "boundary-stretching" performance art.

A "historic hole", this slightly "grungy" yet "bigger-than-life" Queen West "legend" (since 1947) is "a must-visit for music fans", who cherish it as a "great" "place to catch up-and-coming acts" and "intimate concerts" that's still "large enough to be exciting"; "don't bother to dress up" – just "hunker down for some big-time beer swilling."

True to its name, this "romantic", "stylish" Bloor Yorkville bar "perched on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre" provides expansive skyline vistas from the city's highest outdoor patio, plus an interior done up in Bauhaus style; drinks are "pricey" and there is a "$5 cover on weekends", but for an "intimate first date", the "breathtaking ambience" is "worth paying for."

Part of a Queen West restaurant/bar/club complex that "appeals to all different types", this "laid-back" "institution" is a "standard local haunt"; the "great" upstairs pool venue and lounge offers 11 tables plus video games and, on alternate Sundays, karaoke; the decor "leaves much to be desired", but at least you "can order munchies" till midnight.

"The ultimate urban oasis" is this "comfortable, old-school" bar perched on the 18th floor of Bloor Yorkville's Park Hyatt Toronto; it offers "great views" of Downtown and the lake plus "quality service" from "authentic bartenders", so it's "fabulous" for a leisurely drink, whether by the "roaring wood fireplace" that lends the room a "warm" glow or on the "lovely" seasonal terrace; N.B. food served till 1 AM.

"Always good for a laugh", this branch of the "comedy club that launched a million careers" (e.g. Dan Aykroyd, Martin Short, John Candy, Mike Myers) is an Entertainment District "classic"; in fact, you may even find "future Saturday Night Live stars" doing standup, improv or sketches on the venue's small stage.

Decorated with a "gorgeous" "mix of Moroccan" and "Indonesian-type" elements filtered through a "funky" "industrial-lounge" aesthetic, this "sexy, sophisticated spot" in Queen West is "the place to see and be seen" according to a "hip yet mature clientele" that comes for "fine food and wine", then "hangs around to dance" or sip drinks on the "beautiful" rooftop patio; an "obscure" entrance behind a set of doors and down a path "makes it that much more intriguing."

"The place to go" for a "hilarious night out with friends", this Entertainment District outpost of the Canadian "comedy chain" is a "crowded, dark" den where pro comics whip up "interactive" fun with the "packed-in" audience (Tuesday is Amateur Night); "expect typical bar food, premium-priced drinks" and "spotty service", but if the "raunchy jokes" are on target, it's "a hit" nevertheless; N.B. cover charge varies depending on the day.