Just tagging this as I didn’t see it before. Jay keeps me pretty much in line with all the best and the brightest, but there are some restaurants on this list from you others that I haven’t heard about. The restaurant scene really has exploded here in the last few years. Although too late for your trip Nathan (and (A) glad you had a great time, (B) reach out to us before you come next time and we can get together!), I’ll add for those who may take a look:
Actinolite–I am one who is a big fan, chef Justin is doing some fine work–and continually improving. I like best his genuineness in wanting diner feedback.
Downtown, I have always liked Aroma for Indian–not super-top, but always dependably good–and if you tell them you want real Vindaloo, they will make real Vindaloo for you. Way out in the east end, Lahore Tikka House is a blast decor-wise (riotous colours and plastic tablecloths and such, you need to be in the mood of course), and very flavourful (though they tend to oil somewhat heavy). Pukka’s pretty good too.
Mengra Thai is my fave Thai place in town. Chef Sasi is a genius. I think Jay will back me up on this, but we were just at Lotus of Siam in Vegas a few weeks ago. Mengra is better than that. Allen and Sasi are always very welcoming to us winos.
Jay didn’t mention Giulietta which I’ve/we’ve enjoyed on numerous occasions.
Montecito–our friend Heather is the benevolent dictatress there, food has candidly been up and down (hopefully going back up soon) but she has worked hard to put together a really good compact wine list. It is my pied-a-terre, especially during TIFF.
Asian Legend is a chain—some of them are good, some of them are not. I’ve always liked Spadina Garden for their crispy ginger beef.
The best dim sum places tend to be in “2nd Chinatown” way up in the northeast end of the city. Not easy to get to for the tourist.
For the rest of Jay’s list, I’m ashamed to say I haven’t yet been to Chabrol, Tanto, Edulis or Brothers. I heartily endorse all the rest of the restos on that list.
Le Select Bistro was down for a while, but my last visit there was very good food and service, was glad to see that.
I’ve been to Alo with Jay twice. It has been one of my signature dining experiences. I’ve never been so aware of texture as part of the eating and enjoying experience. It is worth the tariff and the work to get a rezzie.
Jacob is really the top steakhouse for me, but super-pricey for the steaks. Good though. Barberian’s, of course, has the superior wine list.
Haven’t been to Byblos in some time, but their Mediterranean food has been very good in the past.