I've figured this would be the proper place to start a new thread in regards to the FS Toronto posts (luxury hotels forum).

For those who commented on in that thread, thank you for your insight. I wanted to get a better feel for the city and it's dining scence. With a slew of high-end properities opening or coming in the new few years, I except the city to get a nice boost in the upscale, higher-end scence.

It seems like Mark McEwan's restaurants have mixed reviews (never have gotten the chance to eat at them). I know ONE doesn't seem to be up to the same level of it's sister restaurants. Is it because it is new and needs to work out it flaws before one can fairly judge it? Does serving three meals per day and room service (as compared to lunch and dinner only) have a role? What is the differenet in food, service, and price in the three restaurants?

This site is quite popular -- search the reviews:

http://www.chowhound.com/boards/23

Cool. Thanks.

If you want a great experience in molecular gastronomy head to Colborne Lane on Colborne Street.

North 44 on Yonge St is good. Lot of Japanese resturant in Toronto as well.

We took my brother to the above for a surprise 40th birthday meal - apart from not knowing he was going there, he did not expect us to have flown in from London (England, not Ontario ) for the event!

Great staff, interesting and varied food, with a great tasting menu - wine accompaniments for each course with the tasting menu are well worth trying for the variety.

Not cheap (well we did get a bit carried away with the champagne, etc), but good value for the quality and quantity of food, especially if you are marginally more sensible than we were !

http://www.georgeonqueen.com/

I always try and get to the Kathmandu Restaurant on Yonge Street when in Toronto. It's not fancy, but the food is very good. Order some of the less touristy foods and the staff will make sure you have a good experience. Try the Sali Boti!

There is also a %off coupon you can print off their website.

http://www.kathmandurestaurant.ca/index.asp

Good morning everyone!, I am going down to Toronto soon and wanted to take my gf out for a nice dinner one night at a really nice/fancy restaurant... I do not know the area near there tho.. I would like something near the Pearson airport.
Thanks alot! hope to get lots of ideas soon.

Al

Well there is the Landing Strip (just kidding) ... seriously I do not know of anything near the airport - but I am sure someone will. Hope you have a good trip!

If you change your mind and want to come downtown Toronto then I have no doubt the suggestions will abound

PS: Welcome to FT

Not much around the airport

Just North of the Airport is a steakhouse called Topiary's, it's a solid old style steakhouse with lots of dark wood and stained glass and tuxedo wearing waiters, it's far from the best steakhouse in the city but it's also far from the worst, any time I've been there it's been for business dinners. A steakhouse, especially a slightly retro one may not be the best choice for a date

There are a couple Italian restos in the area that people seem to like, La Scala on Matheson http://www.dine.to/lascala and Tirreno http://www.dine.to/tirreno but I've never personally been to either personally.

Closer into the city or even in the "downtown" areas of Mississauga or Brampton you'll find much better choices.

In response to the original post in the thread, I would point people in direction of Cava. It's an exceptional Spanish tapas menu located in midtown. A bit pricey, but worth it you want a treat. Easy to get to near the St. Clair subway stop on Yonge line.

There is also a fun sister dessert shop next door - Xococava. Interesting gelato and chocolate flavours.

http://www.cavarestaurant.ca/

Thanks alot everyone! Unfortunatly I did not have a chance to check my post again before I left... I ended up eating at the york dale mall in the pickle barrel which i found was really good and good pricing also. Little loud tho... but next time i go down i will definatly take your considerations for supper! thanks again!

Al

I see that you have come and gone...Topiary's was a good suggestion and Zorro's is another steakhouse nearby along the same lines-great prime rib!

Thanks for the recommendation - I'm writing this down for my next trip.

Since you jumped into this thread and were looking for a fancy restaurant, given your success with the Pickle Barrel, I'd recommend Swiss Chalet next time. It's a bit fancier but the price is affordable if you go easy on the champagne.