Toronto Free Press Restaurant Guide

Donatello Restaurant

A cut above the crowd

Nestled in the heart of downtown Toronto, Donatello is the perfect place for a business lunch, a party, or a romantic dinner for two. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with fresh flowers on every table, gentle music playing in the background, and a friendly, knowledgeable staff. The elegant décor is highlighted by the lovely furnishings and stunning marbleized walls.

Owned and operated by  head chef Giacomo Rauti and his wife Filomena, Donatello has been  a fixture  on Elm St. since 1993. Conveniently located just steps away from The Delta Chelsea Hotel, and a short walk from either College or Dundas subway stations, their Northern Italian cuisine is conveniently located for all to enjoy.

For the first course, my guest ordered the Grilled Calamari and I chose the Shrimps With Perno Sauce. The calamari was served on a bed of salad with an extra virgin olive oil and garlic sauce, and it was accompanied by the most scrumptious roasted peppers I have ever tasted.  The calamari was grilled to perfection, tender  and delicious.

MoDo Resturant

Feel like royalty at this warm Yorkville destination

Warm greetings, ambient jazz and exposed brick illuminated by black and white films and candlelight welcome you out of the cold and into the warm and style that is MODO.

Located at 122 Avenue Rd., MODO sets the standard of what a Yorkville dining experience should be like.

With valet parking at the door and a friendly hostess to check your coat upon arrival, you know right away youre in good hands. MODOs old meets new theme means rich hardwood floors, imported furniture and modern accents that take you through the restaurant.  The main bar is flanked with the buildings original large wooden beams. The upstairs dining area has open space that features intimate individual seating or can be combined to accommodate large parties. The restaurant itself is esthetically impressive. Warm drapes, candles everywhere and red accents make you look and feel like royalty.

Balkan Bistro:

Home of Turkish cuisine

When crocuses and snowdrops cropped up this Spring, they paved the way for the opening of Torontos new Balkan Bistro.

Located at 126E McCaul Street, Balkan Bistro is right across the street from the famous St. Patricks Cathedral.

With windows overlooking busy McCaul Street, the Balkan Bistro is a treasure of a little restaurant and one of the few places where you can find Turkish coffee just the way it should be served, strong, sweet and served up in demi tasse.

The smell of home baked cookies waft from the bistro beckoning tourists and locals alike.

The Balkan Bistro is one of those little cafes whose dedicated chef takes pride in unusual entrees that include Kadinbudu Kofte, a traditional Turkish meal, made up of lightly fried ground beef and rice meatball in a soft shell of beaten eggs.

The Homemade Chicken Parmesan, fresh chicken breast cooked in the chefs special Parmesan sauce, topped with mushrooms and freshly grated Parmesan packs them in at lunchtime.

C-Food

C-Food gets an A

In the heart of the city, uptown Toronto has opened up a 'gem' with a unique spin on what they refer to as "A Modern Seafood Experience." The Cooks were treated to an unbelievable meal--one sure to be repeated soon.

We were met by a vibrant and attentive staff, knowledgeable of their product which made our evening all the more enjoyable.

We had the pleasure of being served by Marianna, a true asset to the operation.

Coco Lezzone

Mediterranean Magic in the Heart of Little Italy

Pure joy is the only way to describe Coco Lezzone in the heart of Little Italy, a totally terrific eatery that harmonizes prima cuisine, served with a backdrop of rich natural earth tones that sets the stage for an evening of culinary memories! Under the guidance of ex-Montrealer, European-born host, Steven Salari, this 30-something restauranteur is a rare breed of ambitious integrity, who also lays claims to two other successful hotspots in the area. But it was Coco Lezzone where we spent several hours of raptured dining while enjoying marvellous company enhanced by the slick unobtrusive music in the background. Along the way I realized why Steven is such a perfectionist for he will not, I repeat, will not settle for second best; nor will any of his staff as they all insist on a hands-on approach.