$$$ = expensive
$$ = moderately priced
$ = inexpensive
Cool
Harbord Room
89 Harbord, at Spadina, 416-962-8989. NOW’s runner-up best new resto of 2008 doubles in size once its secluded backyard grotto gets under way. Watch for a new $35 three-course prix fixe – including a pint or glass of wine! – Sundays and Mondays. $$$
Classic
Madison
14 Madison, at Bloor, 416-927-1722. Taking up two three-storey Victorian houses close to U of T, this student-friendly pub is a maze of red velvet rooms that lead to four separate covered and heated decks facing the evening sunset. $$
Great Food
Live Organic Food Bar
264 Dupont, at Spadina, 416-515-2002. T.O.’s best vegetarian restaurant embraces the great outdoors on its secluded lantern-lit backyard deck. Known for its raw vegan card – love the lasagna! – the lineup now includes gluten-free beer and egg-free Sunday brunch. $$
Also in the area…
Annex Live
296 Brunswick, at Bloor, 416-929-3999. $$$
Future Bakery
483 Bloor W, at Brunswick, 416-922-5875. $
L’Espresso Bar Mercurio
321 Bloor W, at St George, 416-585-2233. $$
Pauper’s
539 Bloor W, at Albany, 416-530-1331. $$
Tati Bistro
124 Harbord, at Major, 416-962-8284. $$$
