A Few of my Favorite Restaurants

I can’t believe I didn’t enter even one restaurant this week. My one appointment on Wednesday fizzled out. It gave me a chance to think about some of my favorite restaurants in the city.
Marcello’s Pizzeria 1163 St Clair Ave. W 416.656.6159
This restaurant is always crowded and does not accept reservations. The pizza is the best in town. The salads are fresh and tasty. You are always warmly greeted and feel as if you are a welcome patron. It is so reasonable and there is enough variety to please anyone. It is more than a pizzeria. I have enjoyed fresh fish. Others have had hearty meat selections.
Vittorio’s Ristorante 973 Yonge St 416.482.7441
I feel as if I am in a small Italian town and love the warm feeling. It never fails that Chico, the friendly owner, greets you in Italian and makes you feel so special. The restaurant is more upscale than Marcello’s. You should have a reservation here because it is so busy. It does get a little noisy. The appetizers are outstanding. Sometimes I settle for two appetizers. The pasta is always al dente and served with wonderful sauces. I could eat here every night and be happy.
Toba 243 King St E 416.367.3622
I have only eaten here three or four times but have always come away feeling delightfully full and very content. I am partial to neighborhood restaurants because there is such a nice feeling about them. You can see how this was once a diner but has been renovated to include a more upscale design. The food is wonderful. The prices are fair. I have enjoyed lunch and dinner here and highly recommend my neighborhood restaurant.
Peter Pan 373 Queen St West 416.593.0917
This is my most favorite. I remember when this restaurant was a hippy diner with wild art. The food was always creative and delicious. It still has the diner feeling but the presentation of the food is creative and upscale. The variety is perfect in offering fish, meat. vegetarian and chicken in a variety of ways. The chef has a wonderful touch with the spices. For the quality of the food and the outstanding service I think the prices are more than fair. It is a great place to entertain. The atmosphere is casual and I have never found it to be too noisy.
Picolo 8 Birch St. 416.975.9150
When Avant Gout moved to Yonge St. I went into mourning. I had to see what was moving into my most beloved restaurant. I was happy to find that the seven tables and the red brocade walls had remained. The new chef was right on and the service was more than friendly. The food is varied and delicious. It is nicely plated and the prices are very fair. The atmosphere makes this place a winner. You will feel like you are discovering a hidden gem just doors from busy Yonge St. This place is a must on your list of dining spots in Toronto.