Restaurants in the Area

James Chatto's Picks

James Chatto, Toronto Life's esteemed food critic, recommends restaurants near our performance home:

COOL - Ultra Supper Club
Late at night it becomes a glittering night club, but the chef and his kitchen staff are for real - suave, contemporary cooking and service without attitude.
Closed Sunday.
$$$ 314 Queen Street West 416 263 0330.

INDIAN - Babur
There's snowy linen on the tables but the atmosphere is casual for well-judged northern Indian dishes, the spicing more subtle and complex than flammable.
$$. 273 Queen St. W., 416 599 7720.

STEAK - Barberian's
Impeccable steaks and a stunning wine list are the cosy veteran's winning pas de deux. A classic menu is tailored for late dining after the performance.
$$$. 7 Elm St., 416 597 0335.

LUNCH AND TEA - Great Cooks on Eight
Scrumptious salads and sandwiches are part of the seasonal lunch menu; afternoon tea is also a speciality in The Bay's airy glass penthouse.
Closed Sunday.
$. 401 Bay St., 416 861 4333.

CHINESE - Lai Wah Heen
Lunch in this smart hotel dining room means Toronto's most accomplished and formal dim sum; dinner brings fascinating regional Chinese dishes.
$$$. Metropolitan Hotel, 108 Chestnut St., 416 977 9899.

PAN-ASIAN - Monsoon
A hip but opulent modern décor reflects the kitchen's refined, imaginative pan-Asian dishes. Where else can you find Thai black rice paella?
Closed Sunday.
$$. 100 Simcoe St., 416 979 7172.

GLamOUR - The Fifth
Before or after the curtain, this gracefully sophisticated loft offers fine French dining indoors or a more casual grill on the summertime rooftop terrace. Thursday through Saturday.
$$$. 225 Richmond St. W., 416 979 3005.