Essential Toronto Magazine 2017 | Page 38

Food & d rink
Enjoy the seven-course chef ’ s menu of local dishes at Actinolite

Best Restaurants toronto ’ s dining scene is worth exploring By CRAIG MOy

Actinolite Actinolite is possibly Toronto ’ s most truly local restaurant : everything on chef Justin Cournoyer ’ s two daily tasting menus is either grown in the backyard garden or sourced from nearby area purveyors . Even the restaurant ’ s wine program exclusively highlights organic and biodynamic vintages . An exemplary seasonal stunner ? White asparagus with hay-infused butter and “ charred leaves .” 971 Ossington Ave ., actinoliterestaurant . com
Bosk The muted decor at the Shangri-La hotel ’ s resto belies its bold , cosmopolitan menu — available à la carte or in various multi-course configurations . Go early ( or stay late ) for a cocktail at the bar , visit for brunch and choose from 10 indulgent takes on eggs Benedict , or make a reservation
for the lobby lounge ’ s highly refined afternoon tea service . 188 University Ave ., shangri-la . com
Buca Osteria & Bar Buca Yorkville , as it ’ s often called , is a seafood-focused affair in Toronto ’ s toniest hood , and one of three Bucabranded restaurants overseen by acclaimed chef Rob Gentile . Peripatetic pescatarians are well served : get the salumi di mare ( cured fish ), gran fritto misto (“ crisp ” fish ) or crudo misto ( raw bar selections ) to sample the best of the briny deep . 53 Scollard St ., buca . ca
Bar Isabel Hip restaurateur Grant van Gameren ’ s initial foray into regional Spanish cuisine continues to impress , even a few years removed from its peak newsworthiness . Go with a small group to maximize
the number of shareable dishes you can reasonably consume — and order the whole octopus to get envious glances from the surrounding tables . 797 College St ., barisabel . com
Edulis You might as well be dining at the owner ’ s home — such is the warmth of welcome at Edulis .
Buca Osteria & Bar
The food is more than a match for the hospitality : beautiful yet unfussy dishes incorporate southern European and Canadian influences , and change often to highlight the restaurant ’ s relationships with farmers . Visit during black truffle season — chef Michael Caballo has a transcendent way with the sought-after shroom . 169 Niagara St ., edulisrestaurant . com
Buca : DavE GillEspiE
38 where EssEntial toronto