Restaurants in Toronto

Named after Toronto's latitude, North 44's location in Toronto's safe and franchise-ridden uptown has not stopped this internationally acclaimed restaurant from being the city's most posh eating place for over a decade. Cold and steely from the outside but with a sleek, earth-toned interior recently updated by hot Toronto designers Yabu Pushelburg, the restaurant features a menu that changes with the seasons but everything (such as charred tuna sashimi, grilled quail and roasted venison rack) will be prepared to perfection.

The interior is surprisingly plain for such an haute cuisine establishment, but patrons don't come to Perigee for the furniture - they're here to watch the show in the fully open kitchen and to marvel at the inventive combinations dreamed up by chef Christopher Brown. Highlights include game dishes and one of the city's most adventurous vegetarian menus. Many people opt for the omakase (tasting) option, describing their tastes to the waiter and then allowing the kitchen to surprise them with an evening-long, multi-course meal.

The intimate restaurant of the Four Seasons' flagship hotel (see Hotels ) has won the CAA/AAA Five Diamond accolade for 14 years running. Truffles is, as its name suggests, a celebration of the gourmet. Every detail (from the Uffizi boar sculptures to the exotically sculpted starters) has been seen to. Fish, fowl and meat are prepared with equal aplomb, with a fresh, light and aromatic cooking style rooted in authentic French flavours. The long wine list reaches deep into the wallet but includes an impressive selection by the glass.

If there is one truly Canadian restaurant in Toronto, this is it. Canoe takes ingredients typical to Canada and creates contemporary gourmet dishes. Maple sugar, Saskatoon berry compote and partridgeberry jus are accessories to such daring and delicious offerings as venison and caribou. Canoe's warm, woody tones add to the whole experience, although the view of Toronto Harbour tends to capture one's attention more. Prices cater to expense accounts and the wine list leans towards New World selections. Reservations are essential. Closed weekends.

This place can be festive, loud and ebullient, although its tucked-away tables allow for a tête-à-tête as well. Since its inception, it has been a favourite of Toronto's brokers and traders, so it should come as no surprise that Jump serves up meals so delicious they alone might secure any deal. Dishes might include sirloin steak with Yukon-gold potato frites, roast chicken or lemon risotto; many have an Asian flair. Fish dishes and other, lighter choices also grace the menu - but if calories are really a concern, the decadent desserts are best seen and not tasted. Reservations required. Closed Sunday. No lunch Saturday.

In an increasingly franchised part of Greektown, Lolita's Lust remains a funky favourite. Bohemian in atmosphere, this upscale eatery features a delightful range of internationally inspired meat and fish dishes - intriguing combinations include lobster dumplings and mushroom salad with miso chile sauce. Tucked away like a best-kept secret the intimate Lolita's Lust is a dimly lit hotspot frequented by celebrities when they are in town. Reservations are essential.

Rain has established itself as one of the most exciting Asian restaurants in Toronto - with an Italian chef. The restaurant itself is very attractive, with a décor that includes waterfall walls; but it is the intensity and complexity of flavours in the various dishes on offer that are likely to take your breath away. This is exceptional and highly creative cooking. Dinner from Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays.

Unpretentious food served whenever you're hungry - it's a recipe that has made Fran's a Toronto institution since 1940. Don't expect anything gourmet, but this diner offers a slice of old Toronto at a reasonable price. Old favourites like meatloaf and tuna melts share the menu with newer fare like Baja chicken wraps. There's a second Toronto location across from Massey Hall. Both are open 24 hours, every day of the year, and the Big Breakfast - a groaning platter of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, home fries and toast - is served around the clock.

Open 24 hours, this place retains a casual cafe feel over all three floors. Tasty pizzas, delicious sandwiches and fresh salads are all good choices. As well as a decent wine and beer list, teas and speciality coffees are also house favourites. A cosy place to unwind.

Prized by the well-heeled residents of Rosedale, this long-lived neighbourhood bistro might be lacking in culinary adventurousness and is equally unpretentious in décor, but its longevity and continued popularity speak for its quality. Some of the dishes come with a nice Gallic touch, and the meat dishes are deliciously tasty. The pastas and pizzas are lovely.