A casual dinner in Toronto, ON

There are two kinds of wine drinkers: those that taste with their palate, and those that taste with their wallet. For those of us in the latter category, you’ll be pleased to find Toronto’s east-end offers a number of budget-friendly wine nights throughout the week, sure to satisfy your inner wino as well as your inner cheapskate.

Born to the streets of urban Japan, the izakaya is traditionally understood as a place to stay and drink. Whether it’s a divey hole where a stomach is quelled with copious deep-fried edibles, or a refined eatery delivering a superb culinary and social experience, the city is rich with unique takes on Japanese food and atmosphere. Itadakimasu! [Image credit: iStock.com/PamelaJoeMcFarlane]

Prefer to order in rather than go out for authentic Indian cuisine? Having it delivered to your doorstep has never been easier. If you live in the east end, here’s who to call when the craving for savoury samosas or spicy curry hits, and you can’t or don’t want to leave the house.

You don’t have to travel far to try authentic pho – it’s available right here in your backyard. This delicious Vietnamese soup has reached new heights of popularity, and foodies aren’t the only ones taking notice. The dish is affordable and accessible to all tastes. Adventurous diners eager to please their culinary palates can enjoy a taste of Vietnam right here in Toronto.

Whether you’re hosting an intimate birthday bash with close friends, a celebratory dinner party with family, or a large-scale business meeting, TO is well equipped with envy-inspiring private rooms catering to those with a penchant for top grub. These local spots will hook you and your crew up with stress-free atmospheres and prix-fixe or family-style dining options. [Photo by @hypebelly; courtesy of Hopgood's Foodliner]

The classic restaurant date. It’s a safe bet, allowing for optimal conversation, minimal awkwardness, and best of all, a tasty meal. If it's date night and you're finding yourself wanting to avoid the downtown core, try these neighbourhood favourites and off-the-beaten-track gems, instead.

When choosing a restaurant feels more akin to choosing what to watch on Netflix (read: an hour or two of scrolling, scrolling, scrolling), be thankful that maxed-out, relaxed-out dining is something that Toronto does best. With an emphasis on soulful, filling food and chill vibes, surprisingly free of pretense, put on your best fashion sweats and check out some of the city’s best spots for a casual dinner date.

Home to about half a million South Asians, Toronto hosts a scene for Indian cuisine that caters to cravings well beyond a standard butter chicken. Arm yourself with a spoon and get ready to stir the Indian pot and let the aroma of spices flow – these gourmet spots will deliver right to your door.

While Toronto may be home to plenty of Thai and Asian-fusion restaurants, finding an authentic pad Thai with that perfect blend of crunchy, sweet, salty and sour isn't always easy. From the most non-traditional of places to a few downtown hotspots, here’s our top pad Thai picks in the city, west of Bangkok.

Torontonians have long treated their Sunday morning hangovers with an indulgent brunch and a boozy Caesar, thus making the city’s selection decisively competitive. If you’re still reeling on your bar tab from last night, keep calm, because knocking back a glass of the beloved Canadian cocktail doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s are some of our fave spots in Toronto offering unconscionably cheap Caesars.

Restaurants for Change is a charity event that sees some of the country’s best restaurants donate a portion of their earnings to support local food programs. Toronto is getting in on the action this year with more than 30 participating restaurants. We rounded up the best restaurants to check out during Restaurants for Change October 18, 2017. [The O.G. bao at Kanpai. Photo by Caroline Aksich]

Nothing evokes Canadian pride more than a Caesar – the Canucks’ answer to the American Bloody Mary. In Hogtown, we see some of the country’s most elaborate Caesars, some of which are served amongst a whole Peking duck or topped with fried chicken and waffles. Here, we pay tribute to Toronto’s most legendary Caesars.