xiaoEats | Toronto Food Blog » list http://xiaoeats.com Toronto-based food blog featuring restaurant reviews, food events, food-centric travels, and cooking at home Thu, 20 Jan 2022 23:15:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 BEST EATS 2016 http://xiaoeats.com/2017/02/best-eats-2016/ http://xiaoeats.com/2017/02/best-eats-2016/#comments Fri, 17 Feb 2017 20:12:43 +0000 http://xiaoeats.com/?p=3844 In 2016, The Hubs and I continued travelling the world together from a two week vacation through Europe to weekend trips across the border. I’ve been terrible about blogging about my travel posts (in fact…none are up just yet) but I’ll be sharing them soon! Meanwhile in Toronto, it feels like more and more restaurants are hosting media events for Influencers. While, I always enjoy trying out newly opened restaurants and new menus, it was a a bit of a balancing act between attending events and visiting restaurants on my own. I still managed to find some new neighbourhood gems, restaurants I’ve already revisited and ones I hope to soon.

My hope for 2017, visit more restaurants on my ever growing wishlist (Canis, Doma, Le Banane) and get up early for brunch (The Commodore, Tabule Souk, White Lily Diner).

1. Shoushin


Rating/Price: 5.0 $$$$
Why? Indulgent, splurge worthy, high quality ingredients
Must Order: Omakase at the sushi bar
Good For? Special occasions, couples
 

2. Canoe


Rating/Price: 4.5 $$$$
Why? Classic Toronto restaurant, stunning view, beautiful plates
Must Order: Anything on special
Good For? Date night, special occasions, couples or small groups
 

3. Kookminhakgyo


Rating/Price: 4.5 $$
Why? Fun, unique decor, delicious authentic Korean BBQ
Must Order: Pork belly with skin
Good For? Small groups, carnivores
 

4. Branca


Rating/Price: 5.0 $$$
Why? Great service, fire roasted meats, the fries
Must Order: Short rib, ocotpus, fries
Good For? Groups, celebrations, birthday dinners
 

5. Aoyama


Rating/Price: 4.5 $$$
Why? High quality sushi at great value
Must Order: Omakase sushi set
Good For? Special occasions, sushi lovers, families, date night
 

6. Tendou Matcha & Dessert


Rating/Price: 4.5 $
Why? High quality matcha drinks and delicious desserts
Must Order: Cream puffs, houjicha latte
Good For? Dessert, small groups, takeout
 

7. Fishman Lobster Clubhouse


Rating/Price: 4.5 $$$
Why? Extravagant, interactive, high quality seafood
Must Order: Lobster tower
Good For? Big groups, family events, celebrations
 

Honorable Mentions:
Shinobu – 4.5 $$$
Kub Khao Thai Eatery – 4.5 $$
Mymy Chicken – 4.5 $
Pomegranate – 4.5 $$
Qin Tang Taste – 4.5 $
Szechuan Legend – 4.5 $$
Le Baratin – 4.5 $$

Did I miss your favourite restaurant? Let me know in the comments.

Last Updated: 02/17/2017

]]> http://xiaoeats.com/2017/02/best-eats-2016/feed/ 0 Best Ramen http://xiaoeats.com/2016/08/best-ramen/ http://xiaoeats.com/2016/08/best-ramen/#comments Fri, 05 Aug 2016 01:47:21 +0000 http://xiaoeats.com/?p=3475 Best Ramen

Back in 2014, I wrote about my favourite ramen shops in Toronto. Since then, I’ve managed to cross a few more restaurants off my bucket list and more new names have popped up in the city. It’s about time to refresh my list. My rating criteria has remained the same and I’ve only included restaurants that serve only ramen, not including Izakayas who have ramen on the menu or any Chinese noodle shops. I’ve also listed the restaurant’s previous ranking next to their new ranking. In general, many of the new entries rank high and Kinton has improved several spots. This was mainly due to how accessible they are and with the new North York location, The Hubby and I are there often. 

Best Ramen

What I look for in a bowl of ramen are three things:

  1. The noodles – are they chewy? has a good texture? not doughy and not over done?
  2. The broth – is it rich? how much fat is there? is it bland? and even for me, is it too salty?
  3. The toppings – what’s included? is there an egg? how’s the meat cooked? garlic paste? bamboo? seaweed? is there a good portion and balance?

Based on these criteria, here’s my ranking of Toronto Ramen shops (as of Aug. 2016)

Rank Restaurant
1 (1) Sansotei – 5.0 $ @ 179 Dundas St W
2 (-) Ramen Isshin – 4.5 $ @ 421 College St
3 (5) Kinton Ramen – 4.5 $ @ 5165 Yonge St
4 (-) Ryu’s Noodle Bar – 4.0 $ @ 33 Baldwin St
5 (-) Momofuku Noodle Bar – 4.0 $$ @ 190 University Ave
6 (2) Santouka – 4.5 $ @ 91 Dundas St E
7 (3) Niwatei Ramen – 4.5 $ @ 3160 Steeles Ave E
8 (-) Hakata Shoryuken Ramen – 3.5 5321 Yonge St
9 (5) Ramen Raijin – 3.5 $ @ 3 Gerrard St E
10 (6) Touhenboku Ramen – 3.5 $ @ 261 Queen St W
11 (7) Ryoji Ramen – 3.5 $$ @ 690 College St
12 (8) Kenzo – 3.5 $ @ 4860 Yonge St

Still TBE (To Be Eaten)

  • Jinya Toronto
  • Ramen Kyouka

Did I miss your favourite restaurant? Let me know in the comments. Last Updated: 08/04/2016

]]> http://xiaoeats.com/2016/08/best-ramen/feed/ 0 Winterlicious 2016 http://xiaoeats.com/2016/01/winterlicious-2016/ http://xiaoeats.com/2016/01/winterlicious-2016/#comments Thu, 14 Jan 2016 17:27:08 +0000 http://xiaoeats.com/?p=2844 Winterlicious reservations opened this morning and by now, I think everyone’s familiar with the drill. If not, check out my previous guides/picks for Winterlicious 2015 and Summerlicious 2014. This year’s event runs from January 29th to February 11th. Lunch prices are $18, $23, $28 and dinner prices are $25, $35, $45, same as last year. So far, I have two dinners booked, a fancy date night with The Hubby and a weekday night out with girlfriends.

Where I’ll Be:

  1. Cafe Boulud – $45 Dinner / French / The “fancy” dinner
  2. Colette Grand Cafe – $45 Dinner / French / The “girls night” dinner

Recommendations:

  • Lunch – I’m looking for tantalizing menus that are similar or even more appealing relative to the dinner menu
    1. Thoroughbred Food and Drink (Past Review) – $23 Lunch / Canadian / I would order Kung Pao Cauliflower, Trout and Apple Crisp
    2. Canoe – $28 Lunch / Canadian / I would order Pickled Atlantic Mackerel, Braised Lamb Shoulder and Caramel Pumpkin Cake
    3. Bar Buca – $18 Lunch / Italian / I would order Testa and Nodini, Verdure Schiacciata and Biscotti Di Mosai and Cannoli Siciliani
Winterlicious 2016
  • Dinner – I’m looking for great atmosphere, interesting menu items and best value
    1. Auberge du Pommier (Past Review) – $45 Dinner / French / I would order Pate de Campagne, Bouef Bourguignon and Gâteaux aux Amandes
    2. Lee – $45 Dinner / Asian / I would order Spicy General Tao Popcorn Chicken, Slow Braised Beef and Dessert Trio
    3. Archeo – $25 Dinner / Italian / I would order Fall Caprese, Hot Smoked Ocean Trout and White Chocolate Ricotta Cheesecake
Winterlicious 2016
  • Good for Groups – I’m looking for a variety of choices, easy parking/access and a spacious dining area
    1. The Carbon Bar – $35 Dinner only / Canadian / I would order Hamachi Poke, Fried Chicken and Pork Ribs and Dulce de Leche Ice Cream
    2. Cluny (Past Review) – $35 Dinner / French / For dinner I would order the Lentil Soup, Grilled Albacore Tuna and Milk Chocolate Mousse
    3. Quince (Past Review) – $23 Lunch / Mediterranean / I would order Baby Kale Salad, Potato Gnocchi and Milk Chocolate Pannacotta
Winterlicious 2016

Check out all of my past Licious event reviews for more ideas and recommendations.  

]]> http://xiaoeats.com/2016/01/winterlicious-2016/feed/ 1 Best Date Night http://xiaoeats.com/2015/10/best-date-night/ http://xiaoeats.com/2015/10/best-date-night/#comments Sun, 04 Oct 2015 11:11:48 +0000 http://xiaoeats.com/?p=2554 For me, the equation for a perfect date includes good food, good drinks and good conversation. A date is about spending time with another person, be it getting to know each other for the first time, getting a break from the kids or re-connecting after a busy week at work. To facilitate this, my pick for the Best Date Night restaurants in Toronto offer great food, an air of privacy and no ear-drum breaking music. I’m old, I don’t love yelling across the table all night.

1. Kwan Dim Sum


Rating/Price: 5.0 $$
Why? Elevated dim sum, lovely service, elegant interior, dishes perfect for sharing
Must Order: Shrimp Dumplings, Rice Roll
Good For? First dates, midtown location, refined Chinese food
 

2. La Carnita


Rating/Price: 4.5 $$
Why? Well priced, delicious tacos, cozy seating
Must Order: In Cod We Trust, Dessert
Good For? Casual date, dinner before another activity
 

3. The Good Son


Rating/Price: 5.0 $$$
Why? Intimate dining area, great tasting menu, good cocktails
Must Order: Charcuterie and Cheese Board, Seasonal Cocktails
Good For? Special occasions, trying to impress, foodies
 

4. Koyoi


Rating/Price: 4.5 $$
Why? Good food, located downtown, hidden gem
Must Order: Sashimi Salad, Beef Tataki
Good For? Casual date, pitchers of beer
 

5. Oyster Boy


Rating/Price: 4.5 $$$
Why? Fresh oysters, intimate seating, amazing pasta
Must Order: Oysters, Papperdelle Pasta
Good For? Seafood lovers, special occasions
 

6. Pizzeria Libretto


Rating/Price: 4.5 $$
Why? Delicious pizzas, also available for take away
Must Order: Duck Confit Pizza, Calamari
Good For? Casual date, pizza lovers
 

7. Sake Bar Kushi


Rating/Price: 4.5 $$$
Why? Intimate booths, traditional izakaya decor, many menu choices, perfect for sharing
Must Order: Ebi Mayo, Yakitori
Good For? Izakaya experience without the yelling, midtown location
 

8. Pai Northern Kitchen


Rating/Price: 4.0 $$
Why? Takes reservations, best Thai food in the city
Must Order: Squash Fritters, Papaya Salad
Good For? Casual date, dinner before going out
 

9. Bestellen


Rating/Price: 4.5 $$$
Why? Intimate seating, good wine list, wonderful service, great steak without breaking the bank
Must Order: Dry Aged Steak
Good For? Foodies, special occasions
 

Honourable Mentions:

Still TBE (To be Eaten):

Did I miss your favourite restaurant? Let me know in the comments. Last Updated: 10/02/2015  

]]> http://xiaoeats.com/2015/10/best-date-night/feed/ 0 Best for Large Groups http://xiaoeats.com/2015/06/best-for-large-groups/ http://xiaoeats.com/2015/06/best-for-large-groups/#comments Sat, 13 Jun 2015 08:39:52 +0000 http://xiaoeats.com/?p=2140 Somehow, whenever I plan a meal out with friends, our head count always spirals up and up until we’re in the double digits. I always find it challenging to find a restaurant in Toronto that can seat more than 8 people, takes reservations and doesn’t force a set menu on us. With a large group, in addition to being comfortably seated, budget and service is key. Sometimes bills need to be split, food is shared, there’s couples, everyone arrives at a different time and everyone has a different budget. The restaurants listed below have all been great at handling a large table of hungry, fussy diners at a reasonable price point.

1. Zakkushi


Rating/Price: 5.0 / $$$
Why? Tapas style menu, great for sharing, loud, boisterous atmosphere
Must Order: P-toro & kawa skewers
Good For? Beer drinkers, carnivores, large, loud groups
 

2. Patria


Rating/Price: 4.0 / $$$
Why? Downtown location, beautiful sophisticated space, authentic Spanish cuisine
Must Order: Jambon Serrano, Paella
Good For? Special events, celebrations, excuse to dress up
 

3. DaiLo


Rating/Price: 4.0 / $$$
Why? Sick Asian food, great decor, upstairs bar LoPan
Must Order: Big Mac Bao, Fried Giggi Trout
Good For? Celebrations, late night cocktails, foodies
 

4. Song Cook's Authentic Korean Restaurant


Rating/Price: 5.0 / $
Why? Authentic Korean cuisine, low price, plenty of seating
Must Order: JaJangMyun, Jokbal, TangSuYuk
Good For? Casual gathering, 905'ers, groups of >8, budget friendly
 

5. Thoroughbred


Rating/Price: 4.0 / $$$
Why? Menu that's great for sharing, downtown location, great wine selection
Must Order: Kung Pao Cauliflower, Chicken Liver Mousse
Good For? Foodies, celebrations, group of 8-10, cocktails
 

6. Han Ba Tang


Rating/Price: 4.5 $$
Why? Infused soju, great menu for sharing, attentive service
Must Order: Soju flight, Kimchi Fries, Spicy Seafood Stew
Good For? Soju, avoiding downtown, fusion cuisine
 

7. Bent Restaurant


Rating/Price: 4.5 / $$$
Why? Large space, great outdoor patio, upbeat atmosphere
Must Order: Singaporean Style Slaw, Tong Yuen
Good For? Groups of 8-12, cocktails, boisturous crowd, birthdays
 

8. El Catrin Destileria


Rating/Price: 4.0 $$$
Why? Giant outdoor patio, multiple private dining areas, plenty of tequila
Must Order: Tuna Ceviche, Bucket of Shrimp
Good For? Large groups, private events, celebrations, special occasion
 

Honourable Mentions:

Still TBE (To be Eaten):

  • Kingyo Izakaya
  • Carbon Bar
  • Copacabana
  • Colette Grand Cafe

Did I miss your favourite restaurant? Let me know in the comments.

Last Updated: 04/28/2015

]]> http://xiaoeats.com/2015/06/best-for-large-groups/feed/ 0 Winterlicious 2015 http://xiaoeats.com/2015/01/winterlicious-2015/ http://xiaoeats.com/2015/01/winterlicious-2015/#comments Mon, 26 Jan 2015 16:17:03 +0000 http://xiaoeats.com/?p=1925 Love it or love to avoid it, Winterlicious is upon Toronto again. This year’s event runs from Jan 30th to Feb 12th (just shy of Valentine’s day). Participating restaurants will be offering set lunch ($18, $23 or $28) and dinner ($25, $35, $45) menus. Reservations have been open for a over a week and weekend spots are becoming hard to find, especially for groups bigger than 4. This year, the set price for lunch has gone up by $3.

Every year, I aim to eat at one “fancy” restaurant to add to my list of restaurants for special occasions, one casual “dinner” for a night out with friends and one restaurant that caters to large groups. So far this year, I have 2 dinners and 1 lunch planned.

Where I’ll Be:

  1. Auberge Du Pommier; – $45 Dinner / French / The “fancy” dinner
  2. Cluny – $35 Dinner / French / The “casual” dinner
  3. Marben – $23 Lunch / Spanish / The “group” dinner

Recommendations:

  • Lunch – I’m looking for tantalizing menus that are similar or even more appealing relative to the dinner menu
    1. La Societe – $23 Lunch / French / I would order 3 Oysters, Oven Roasted Salmon and Grand Marnier Creme Brulee
    2. Tabule (Past Review) – $18 Lunch / Mediterranean / I would order Lentil Soup, Kefta Kebab and Gelato
    3. Canoe – $28 Lunch / Canadian / I would order Smoked + Potted Salmon, Alberta Beef Brisket and Osprey Bluffs Honey Panna Cotta
Winterlicious 2015
  • Dinner – I’m looking for great atmosphere, interesting menu items and best value
    1. Los Colibris – $35 Dinner / Mexican / I would order Empanadas de Tinga, Ropa Vieja and Helados y Nieves
    2. Cafe Boulud (Past Review) – $45 Dinner / French / I would order Digby Scallops, Cumbrae Beef “Pot au Feu” and Pear Chocolate Gateau
    3. Luma (Past Review) – $35 Dinner / Canadian / I would order Cauliflower Salad, Lamb Ragu Cavatelli and Lemon Posset
Winterlicious 2015
  • Good for Groups – I’m looking for a variety of choices, easy parking/access and a spacious dining area
    1. Marben – $23 Lunch $35 Dinner / Spanish / I would order the Steamed PEI Mussels, John’s Burger and Nutella Creme Brulee
    2. Habit Gastropub (Past Review) – $25 Dinner only / Canadian / I would order Beef Carpaccio, Habits Burger and Cheesecake
    3. Ganzi Osteria (Past Review) – $25 Dinner only / Italian / I would order the Winter Caprese, Homemade Fettuccine and Tiramisu
Winterlicious 2015

Check out all of my past Licious event reviews for more ideas and recommendations.

 

]]> http://xiaoeats.com/2015/01/winterlicious-2015/feed/ 2 BEST EATS 2014 http://xiaoeats.com/2014/12/best-eats-2014/ http://xiaoeats.com/2014/12/best-eats-2014/#comments Wed, 31 Dec 2014 16:01:24 +0000 http://xiaoeats.com/?p=1879 2014 was a great year for my belly. Looking back through this year’s archive, it was tough to narrow down just 8 amazing meals. Between trying some great new restaurants and discovering established classics, 2014 was a delicious hurdle to my wedding diet (worth it). In no particular order, here are my favourite eats of the past year.

01. Fresh Burger


Rating/Price: 4.5 $
Why? Great burger, loose patty, good poutine
Must Order: Prime Fresh Burger
Good For? Burgers, quick meal
 

02. The Fry


Rating/Price: 4.5 $$
Why? Crispy, juicy, well spiced Korean Fried Chicken
Must Order: Half/Half KFC Combo
Good For? Big groups, beer and fried chicken
 

03. DaiLo


Rating/Price: 4.0 $$$
Why? Innovative menu, authentic Asian flavours, sickasianfood
Must Order: Big Mac Baos, Whole Fried Trout
Good For? Big groups, dates, late night bar, snacks and cocktails
 

04. Bar Isabel


Rating/Price: 5.0 $$$
Why? I wanted seconds of everything on the menu
Must Order: Roast Bone Marrow, Whole Sea Bream Ceviche
Good For? Dates, small groups, cocktails, late night meal
 

05. Yasu


Rating/Price: 4.0 $$$$
Why? Unique dining experience, refined atmosphere and hard to find sashimi
Must Order: Omakase
Good For? Couples, small groups, special occasions, sashimi enthusiasts
 

06. Gourmet Malaysia


Rating/Price: 4.5 $
Why? Rich authentic flavours, buttery roti
Must Order: Crispy Butter Prawns, Curry and Roti
Good For? Big groups, family dinners, casual meal
 

07. The Stockyards Smokehouse and larder


Rating/Price: 5.0 $
Why? Darn good fried chicken
Must Order: Fried Chicken Dinner Platter
Good For? Takeout, small groups, quick meal, comfort food
 

08. Emma's Country Kitchen


Rating/Price: 5.0 $
Why? One of the best buttermilk biscuits ever
Must Order: Buttermilk Biscuit, Pancakes
Good For? Small groups, brunch, breakfast
 

Honorable Mentions:

Did I miss your favourite restaurant? Let me know in the comments.

Last Updated: 12/30/2014

]]> http://xiaoeats.com/2014/12/best-eats-2014/feed/ 1 Best Xiao Long Bao in the GTA http://xiaoeats.com/2014/10/best-xiao-long-bao-in-the-gta/ http://xiaoeats.com/2014/10/best-xiao-long-bao-in-the-gta/#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2014 23:17:43 +0000 http://xiaoeats.com/?p=1698 Technically, none of these restaurants are in “Toronto” but if you’re looking for authentic xiao long bao, north is the way to go. Xiao long bao, or soup dumplings is a native street food from Shanghai and one of my favourite foods in the world. I binge eat trays of the steamed baos filled with savoury soup whenever I’m in China. In Toronto, while more and more restaurants are offering the dish, some do use pre-made, cooked from frozen baos. To get the handmade, fresh baos head to any one of these restaurants.

1. Yu Garden


Rating/Price: 4.0 / $
Why? Amazing xiao long baos, thin, chewy texture, plenty of soup
Must Order: Shrimp and minced pork xiao long bao
Good For? Families, lunch, quick meals
 

2. Shanghai Dim Sum


Rating/Price: 4.5 / $$
Why? Thin wrappers, juicy filling and perfectly steamed
Must Order: Xiao Long Bao original filling and with crab
Good For? Families, lunch, quick meals, big groups
 

3. Ding Tai Fung


Rating/Price: 3.5 / $
Why? Central Markham location, fresh made baos, great filling
Must Order: Xiao Long Bao, Egg white with seafood
Good For? Families, dinner, dim sum
 

4. Xiao Long Bao


Rating/Price: 4.0 / $$
Why? New restaurant, less busy than Ding Tai Fung with great XLB
Must Order: Xiao long bao with crab, Beef brisket noodle
Good For? Dim sum, families, quick meals, large groups
 

Honorable Mentions:

  • N/A

Still TBE (To be Eaten):

  • Mother’s Dumplings
  • Chinese Traditional Buns
  • Asian Legend
  • A La Kitchen
  • 369 Shanghai Dim Sum
  • Dumpling House
  • Lee Chen

Did I miss your favourite restaurant? Let me know in the comments.

Last Updated: 01/06/2016

]]> http://xiaoeats.com/2014/10/best-xiao-long-bao-in-the-gta/feed/ 1 Best Splurge (Expensive) Dinner in Toronto http://xiaoeats.com/2014/10/best-splurge-dinner/ http://xiaoeats.com/2014/10/best-splurge-dinner/#comments Wed, 01 Oct 2014 18:49:29 +0000 http://xiaoeats.com/?p=1600 My favourite gift to receive is a splurge meal. Be it a birthday, anniversary or any celebration, a good meal with wine, shared with family and friends is how I love to spend my evening. These Toronto restaurants are currently my favourite spots for a special meal.

1. Jacobs & Co Steakhouse


Rating/Price: 4.0 / $$$$
Why? Intimate, impeccable service, beautiful aged steaks and a wide selection of wine
Must Order: Jacobs Caesar Salad made table side
Good For? Romantic dates, couples, anniversaries
 

2. JaBistro


Rating/Price: 5.0 / $$$$
Why? Best sashimi in the city, hidden entrance, great patio
Must Order: Fresh Sashimi Platter, Aburicious
Good For? Small groups, couples, birthdays
 

3. Bar Isabel


Rating/Price: 5.0 / $$$
Why? Delicious food, complicated cocktails and perfect for sharing
Must Order: Whole Sea Bream Ceviche, Bone Marrow
Good For? Small groups, couples, special dates
 

4. Yasu


Rating/Price: 4.0 / $$$$
Why? Fantastic sushi, intimate atmosphere, unique dining experience
Must Order: Omakase
Good For? Adventurous date, special event, small groups
 
Honourable Mentions:

Still TBE (To be Eaten):

  • Le Cafe Michi
  • Lai Wah Heen
  • Hiro Sushi
  • Los Colibris
  • The Carbon Bar

Did I miss your favourite restaurant? Let me know in the comments. Last Updated: 04/28/2015  

]]> http://xiaoeats.com/2014/10/best-splurge-dinner/feed/ 1