74. Maha's Egyptian Brunch: Egypt

 Maha's Egyptian Brunch
226 Greenwood Ave,
(just north of Gerrard)
416 462 2703

We were forewarned and so prepared to wait in line at this popular brunch spot. The serving staff are definitely geared up for fast turn over and made us feel welcomed. Coffee arrived quickly to warm us up. Seating is packed in and the noise volume understandably a bit high.
We order the Date Grilled Cheese with a side of Lentil Soup, $12; Cairo Classic - fava beans, tomatoes and onions topped with a sliced boiled egg, a falafel, tomato feta, charred balady bread and salata balady, (pictured here) $12; Date Scramble $12 and a side of mixed pickles $4. Everything tasted fresh, homemade and authentic. Total for three brunches including tax and tip $79.03.

Rating: Ambiance (2)
Service (4)
Food Presentation (4)
Food Quality (4)
Value for Money (3)

73. North Poké: Hawaiian

North Poké
179 Baldwin St
(in Kenssington Market)
M5T 1L9
416 599 7653

On a grey January Saturday we head to North Poké for a taste of the Hawaiian food trend that's taking Toronto by storm. The tiny shop has limited seating on tall stools by the windows and a couple of benches where you can wait for take out. We order the Shack Special (Salmon, gochuchang dressing, kimchi crema, radish, fried shallot, scallion and microgreens) regular size with 4 oz of fish, $9.95; large with 6 oz of fish $13.95 and The Big Wave (Albacore tuna, charred jalepeno citrus dressing, black garlic, mayo, pickled shallots, tenkasu & rice large) with 6 oz of fish $14.95. Everything tastes fresh, clean and is surprisingly filling. Three lunches including bottled drinks, tax and tip $56.81.

 Rating: Ambiance (3)
Service (4)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)

72. Sugar for My Honey: Austria

Sugar for My Honey
3399 Lake Shore Blvd W
(between Kipling and Browns Line)
M8W 1N2
647 933 2099


Since we were the only patrons in the restaurant for the entire time we were there, we had exclusive service. Palatshinken, traditional Austrian crepes, are the staples here and are offered in many sweet and savory versions. I try the feta, spinach and sun dried tomato served with a side salad for $10.99. The crepe has a very pleasing texture but I find the balsamic vinaigrette a bit over done for my taste. The schnitzel Vienna style with potato salad is a generous portion for $14.75. Excellent fresh coffee provides a nice foil for the authentic, made in house Sacher Torte, $5.95.

Rating: Ambiance (3)
Service (4)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)

71. Pero Restaurant and Lounge: Eritrean & Ethiopian

Pero Restaurant and Lounge 
812 Bloor Street West (just west of Ossington) 416 915-7225

My Eritrean dining companion guided me through the menu, pointing out the subtle distinction between Ethiopian dishes and those from her homeland. Good thing, as the server was not very well informed and not very attentive.
The coffee ceremony is quite a treat and is accompanied by salty popcorn. As my friend was expecting her first child, I savoured it solo.


Rating: Ambiance (3)
Service (3)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (2)

70. Keralia Kitchen: Latvian/Scandinavian

Karelia Kitchen
1194 Bloor Street West
(just west of Dufferin)
647 748 1194

The noise level is fairly high as we enter as a large group is enjoying their meal. Glasses of water and brunch menus arrive promptly with very helpful explanations about various dishes and how to order. 

From the brunch menu our mains are: Beetroot Rosti Smørrebrød, $12.99; Smoked Salmon Tartar, a creative dish with quail egg, fresh made cheese and Finnish mustard, $14.00; and  Duck Scramble (pictured above) with house smoked salmon, $14.00.

After a look in the pastry counter, we can't resist  dessert and choose Carrot Cake, $6.00, Buttermilk Pie topped with peach slices, $7.00 and a Black Fig Galette, $4.50. A game of "musical forks" ensues as we each want to taste the others' delicious treats. 

Total for three very filling meals with drinks $76.21.

As we leave, we're already plotting what to try on our next visit. 

Rating: Ambiance (3)

Service (4)
Food Presentation (4)
Food Quality (4)
Value for Money (3)

69. Taiwan: Kanpai Snack Bar

Kanpai Snack Bar
252 Carlton Street
(at Parliament)
416 968 6888

I ask the server if there is a "rule of thumb" as to how many plates to order in this hip, street food inspired place. (Think tapas crossed with dim sum.) She replied that 4 to 6 are recommended for two people and clearly knew the menu very well.
There are so many interesting things to try and we had a tough time narrowing down our choices which were: Ske-lo Salad, with large shrimps avocado and orange pieces, $7 (pictured below); Three pieces of TFC which were huge in extra crispy coating, $9; Edamame said knock you out, fried edamame with garlic chips $4; Fu Manchu fried cubes of tofu, $5; deep fried calamari, $7; O. G. Bao a night market inspired sandwich of slow cooked pork, taiwanese relish, pickled cabbage, teriyaki shoyu, crushed peanuts on a soft steamed bun, $6; and we just couldn't resist trying one of the three interesting deserts - Wow Bao,  bao bun served with nutella and condensed milk dipping sauces, $6. Total for three generous lunches $60 including tax and tip.
The funky decor is well thought out, even down to the bathroom faucets. Decor plus service plus food equals a real winner.

Rating: Ambiance (4)
Service (4)
Food Presentation (4)
Food Quality (4)
Value for Money (3)

68. Cameroon/Senegal/Gambia: Tree Top African Cafe

Tree Top African Cafe
620 Dundas Street West
(between Bathurst and Spadina)
(416) 519 9600

On this unseasonably cold and wet June afternoon, we welcomed a cup of lemon grass tea, $2.00, in this little cafe on the fringe of the Kennsington Market neighbourhood. There were more take out customers than those dining in.

We chose a Vegetarian Plate, $12 that came with a house made samosa, salad and Kilimanjaro Couscous, a Pan-African dish; Fou fou (pounded yams, cassava, green banana and other starchy veg) with fish and vegetables (photo above), $13 and Plantain with Chicken a generous portion with salad for $13. Many menu items are Senegambian and Pan-African.

Tree Top African Cafe was opened in 2014 by Cameroon born musician  Njacko Backo  and Saikou Sado who also owns the nearby African Drums & Art Crafts store.

Rating: Ambiance (2)Service (2)Food Presentation (3)Food Quality (3)Value for Money (2)

67. Guadaloupe and Martinique: Le Ti Colibri

Le Ti Colibri
291 Augusta Avenue 
(south of College)
(416) 925-2223

Don't be in a hurry to be greeted and served, unless you're one of the regulars, at this long narrow shop in Kensington Market. There are a few seats indoors and a couple of tables out front. I was watching the food being prepped while I waited for my lunch and thought to myself, "they're lucky I'm not a health inspector". There was little evidence of hand washing and keeping ingredients free from cross-contamination. 

I tried the Callaloo Veggie Fish plate which, seen above, comes with a mixed salad, fried plantains and a mini bokit  (a yeasty type of deep fried dumpling). The callaloo mixture is well seasoned and has okra and onions.

Rating: Ambiance (2)
Service (2)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)

66. Trinidad: Ali's Roti

Ali's Roti West Indian Food

1446 Queen Street West 

(East of Lansdown Avenue) 

Between the walls painted with murals of Caribbean landscapes, there's a steady stream of take-out and dine-in customers that represent a cross section of Toronto's population. You order and pay at the counter and the food is brought to your table when ready. You get the feeling that regulars are treated more graciously than walk ins.
Luckily, I'm with a Trinidadian friend who explains the menu and helps me decide what to try. We start with doubles which are made of bara (fried, yeast raised bread) filled with curried chickpeas. For our main course, we choose king fish which comes with rice and salad (pictured below). Realizing that the portions will be generous we opt for take-out containers to leave room for ice cream. There are many different flavours in tubs in the freezer. The soursop is delightful and refreshing.
While I drink my mango nectar, my companion sips on her Busta Kola Champagne and shares stories of growing up "back home". I can't resist taking some currants roll  (flaky pastry filled with currants and cinnamon) to try at home with tea - delicious.


Rating: Ambiance (3)
Service (2)
Food Presentation (2)
Food Quality (4)
Value for Money (4)

65.Myanmar: Motherhome Cuisine

Motherhome Myanmar Cuisine
1194 Bloor Street West
416 551 2593

This family run, cafeteria style restaurant used to be in the food court of the CBC building on front street. You can order the daily special at the steam table, as we did, or from the menu. Staff were helpful at explaining the various dishes, but a little slow in busing the tables.
We try the snakehead fish, which is cooked with tomatoes and onions and served with veg and tofu and vegetable rice (pictured here), $6.99; and the beef stir fry with rice and veg, $6.99. The seasonings are distinctively different from other Asian cuisines we've tried.
Next time I'll sample the Tea Leaf Salad, $6.99 or one of the interesting looking appetizers.

Rating: Ambiance (2)
Service (3)
Food Presentation (2)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)

64. Mongolia: Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill

Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill
900 Don Mills Road
(north of Eglinton Avenue)
416 449 8228

It is a cavernous restaurant with all the charm of a food court. Clean and orderly but not much character. The focal point is the Mongolian grill. Helpful, pre-programed servers guide you through the experience. In a deep bowl you select vegetables, meats, noodles and sauce. You wait in line for a cook to stir fry it on the huge grill seen here. It comes back to you in a clean bowl. For the same all inclusive price you can visit the buffet tables. There are arguably more Asian choices here than at the Mandarin. We ordered a pot of green tea which was inadvertently delivered to the wrong table when we were up at the grill. This must happen frequently. An interesting experience but not one we're willing to drive across town to repeat. Weekend dinner buffet $21.99 for adults.


Rating: Ambiance (2)
Service (3)
Food Presentation (2)
Food Quality (2)
Value for Money (2)

63. Morocco: Walima Cafe

Walima Cafe
1450 Danforth Ave
(West of Coxwell)
647 268 3327

Incense, decorative lanterns and mood music present an authentic North African ambiance. We are greeted somewhat off-handedly but the service improves as the evening goes on. We order mint tea which arrives in a large silver pot with a charming handle cover and accompanied by ornate, colourful glasses. For starters we choose Morocco salad $4.75, Beet Salad $3.75 and Hummus $4.25. Our main courses are Chicken Tagine $12.25, Shrimp Tagine $13.25, Lamb Tagine $13.50, Fish Tagine (Tilapia) $13.25 and Vegetarian Couscous $12.00. A Tagine is a heavy clay pot in two parts - circular base like a plate and a tall cone that sits inside the base as the dish cooks in the oven. The result is tender meat in flavourful sauces. By the time we'd just about given up hope of ordering dessert, our host had warmed up sufficiently to offer us sweet plates (assortments of traditional pastries) we order two lots to share between the six of us at $4.95 a plate. These tasty morsels disappeared quickly helped along by our second pot of mint tea. Total for six dinners $131.81 plus tip.

Rating: Ambiance (3)
Service (3)
Food Presentation (4)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)

62. Venezuela: Arepa Cafe

Arepa Cafe
490 Queen Street West
(between Bathurst & Spadina)
416 362 4111

When we arrived at the restaurant we had to wait for a table to become available so that the six of us could be seated together. It was a bit awkward and we helped move chairs to make it easier. They were expecting a party of 14 to arrive and were a bit flustered by us showing up as well.
The decor is a blend of past and present where bare brick walls and tin ceiling are complimented by urban modern fixtures.
For starters we order berros (watercress salad with tomato, avocado and pickled onion), $3.75, lentil soup $4.00 and codfish soup $4.00. The latter was very well seasoned and not overly salty.
Arepas, of the restaurant's name, are made from cornmeal formed into patties then grilled and cut open so they become like buns for sandwich fillings. We try three of the many arepa varieties- avocado & fresh cheese, $7.00 [picture below]; cazon bacalao (salted codfish, sweet peppers, onion and garlic), $7.00 and grilled chicken with herb mayonnaise, $7.50.
Our server explained the tempting desserts in the display case and we chose the guava tart $4.50 and Tres Leches $5.75. We drink decaf Americanos and sugar cane lemonade as there is no liquor license here. Total for four three-course lunches $80.23 plus tip.

Rating: Ambiance (3)
Service (2)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)

61. Ecuador: El Tipico Ecuatoriano

El Tipico Ecuatoriano
2312 Keele St (just south of Lawrence)
416 614 1136

We're the first customers in the door when they open up at noon on Saturday but three other tables fill up quickly.
Our menus and a pot of spicy salsa are brought to the table. I notice that the prices are higher than those on the website.
I order a special dish available only on weekends: Encebollado de Pescado [pictured here]- a hearty soup made with chunks of fresh tuna and cassava then garnished with cilantro and thinly sliced, pickled red onion, $11.00. A dish of roasted and salted corn kernels arrives and I'm not sure how to proceed. The waitress explains you can try them in your soup or eat them as is. They are crunchy and addictive; a bit like dry-roasted peanuts. The "arroz con pollo" - breaded chicken strips with rice, salad(again with slices of pickled onion) and fries is a tasty and filling meal but perhaps not as adventurous, $11.00 . We drink coffee at a dollar a cup.
Total $27.12 plus tip for two filling lunches. A large Ecuadoran flag pinned to the wall shows national pride but the strip mall location and Latin music videos on the TVs do little for the ambiance.

Rating: Ambiance (2)
Service (3)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)

60.South Africa: Nando's

Nando's Flame-grilled Chicken
839 Eglinton Ave East
(east of Bayview)
416 425 9292

I realize I'm breaking one of my rules here as Nando's is a restaurant chain.
Established in a suburb of Johannesburg in 1987, by friends Robert and Fernando, Nando's now has restaurants in 24 countries. There are seven locations in Ontario. Not all of Nando's Ontario outlets are licenced but this one sells beer and wine.
The menu is based on Mozambique/Portuguese style flame grilled chicken peri peri. We order and pay at the counter and take a sign with a number painted on it to our table. A half chicken dinner with two sides (peri fries and hearty coleslaw) is a filling meal for $13.69. The veggie burger served on a Portuguese roll was flavourful and well grilled, $8.49. We opt for tea at $1.49 each, since we're driving.
They sell bottles of various sauces and marinades made in South Africa that feature peri peri the bird's eye chili.
There are interesting bits of South Africa influenced decor but Christmas tinsel and disco music do not add to the ambiance. The service is what you would expect in a fast food outlet.

Rating: Ambiance (2)
Service (2)
Food Presentation (2)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)

59. Moldova: Moldova Restaurant

Moldova Restaurant
5000 Dufferin Street, Unit 1
(just south of Steeles)
416 665 4566

When we arrived for Sunday lunch the room was set up for a large party and the server wasn't sure what to do with us. We were seated by a window and perused the placemat menus. The food choices reflect Moldova's geographical position in Eastern Europe between Romania and Ukraine.
We chose: borsht, a hearty mixed vegetable soup, $4.99; kishineu, a surprisingly tasty cold dish made with thick slices of fried eggplant topped with with mayonnaise, grated cheese & tomatoes, $4.99 [pictured here]; chicken tabaka, spicy marinated, cornish hen, $13.99; chicken breast shishkebob with rice, $10.99; coffee $0.99 a cup; jug of water on the table.
Total for four generous lunches - $55.37 plus tip.

Rating: Ambiance (2)
Service (2)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)

58. Afghanistan: Taste of Afghanistan

Taste of Afghanistan
Downsview Park Merchant's Market Food Court
40 Carl Hall Road
(Sheppard and Keele)
416 638 2525

To find the food court you've got to walk to the back of the Downsview Park Merchant's Market and past the nearly 500 vendors peddling their wares. There are no fast food chains here, only family operated booths serving ethnic eats from far flung places.
We're here to try A Taste of Afghanistan, after reading about it in a Toronto Star article some months ago. The proprietor is friendly but not pushy, giving us glasses of green tea as we place our orders. We choose Bolani - a thin crust flat-bread stuffed with sauteed leeks and onions and Quabili Paulau - large chunks of tender meat on basmati rice topped with carrot julienne and raisins served with a spicy mint dipping sauce [both dishes pictured here]. We order at the counter then take a seat at a nearby table. The food court is spacious and brightly lit but booming music and sticky tables are a turn off. The food is authentic and tasty and at $15 for two filling lunches a pretty good deal.
We browse a book stall but nothing else about the place makes us want to stay. The "farmer's market" is just food terminal produce sold no cheaper here than my local shops. There is no charge for parking or admission and the market open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 6 pm.

Rating: Ambiance (1)
Service (2)
Food Presentation (2)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)

57. Belgium: Le Petit Déjeuner

Le Petit Déjeuner
191 King Street East
(East of Jarvis)
416 703 1560

This restaurant has an authentic continental atmosphere with somewhat incongruous green sparkly leatherette upholstery. We showed up about 6:30 on a Wednesday night. The waitress asked us if we were with "the party". We answered no and were seated at the front near the entrance and ordered drinks. They have several Belgian and Belgian style beers on the menu and we sample the Stella Artois, $5.50 bottle and the Mill Street Wit, $5.75 pint. The later is a locally brewed wheat beer. They also have an extensive list of loose leaf teas at $2.25 and we opt for the orange pekoe and masala chai rooibos.
Before ordering meals, we were told that they had no steak. For our main courses we choose: Flemish style beef stew - lean beef stewed with brown beer, served with a side salad and Belgian fries [pictured here], $14; Flemish Savoury Crêpe - filled with mushrooms, spinach and peppers served with apple slaw, $13; mesclun green salad served in a crispy poppadom cone with balsamic dressing, $5.50 and the soup de jour - which was a tasty blend of cauliflower, endive and cheddar, $5.00. The food was good but not exceptional. We order desserts - crème brûlée about $6.00 and Brussels style waffle with strawberries, organic maple syrup and chantilly cream $8.65 and waited. After some time, the waitress returned and told us that our dessert would take up to half an hour and suggested that we would not want to wait. We asked to our bill and then she returned in a few minutes saying that the desserts were now available and the chef was offering them to us gratis. We felt sorry for the waitress who was doing her best in difficult circumstances. Total for four dinners $73.40 plus tip.

Rating: Ambiance (4)
Service (1)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)

55. Malaysia: Matahari Bar and Grill

Matahari Bar and Grill
39 Baldwin Street
(west of McCaul Street)
416 596 2832

There is a cluster of diverse restaurants at the east end of Baldwin Street in the Kensington neighbourhood, and it's difficult to choose between them. We meet up at the Matahari for dinner on a Tuesday evening and quickly realize we've made a good choice. We notice that the University of Toronto faculty crowd has discovered it too.
Our starter, the Calamari Matahari [pictured here], is beautifully presented and nicely cooked in a tamarind glaze and served with a peanut sauce, $9.00. For main dishes we choose: Sayur Lodeh - eggplant, green beans, cabbage, tomatoes and tofu in a flavourful but not too hot curry sauce, $14.00; Chicken Kapitan - marinated chicken breast cooked with fresh lemongrass, galanga, lime leaf, lemon juice and coconut milk, $15.00. We wisely decide to share one order of steamed rice, $1.50, which was plenty for the two of us. The mango sorbet, $5.50, provided a light and refreshing finish to a delicious meal. We linger over a glass of Pinot Grigio $8.00 and a pot of ruby chai tea, $2.00. Total cost for two $62.31.
The service was prompt and efficient, if not overly friendly. The ambiance, though lacking in ethnic flair, is comfortable and chic in the minimalist fashion. The ladies restroom, however, did not pass the cleanliness test

Rating: Ambiance (3)
Service (3)
Food Presentation (4)
Food Quality (4)
Value for Money (3)

54. Somalia: New Bilan

New Bilan
183 Dundas Street East
(east of Jarvis)
416 943-0330

On this windy, sub-zero Saturday morning we arrived fifteen minutes before New Bilan officially opens but nevertheless ventured inside and take a seat.
Appetizing smells are coming from the kitchen and we are offered soup made with goat broth and vegetables which is tasty and warming. From the limited menu we choose the Vegetable dish [seen here] a stew made with kidney beans, broccoli, carrots, onions and other veggies in a delicious sauce that comes with either a side of chapatti or Somali rice, $6.99 and the grilled chicken steak served with a smaller portion of the same vegetable stew and rice ,$7.99, which is equally tasty and filling. A complimentary pitcher of mango juice arrived. It is not as thick and sweet as mango nectar and was very refreshing. At the end of our meal, we ask for some Somali tea which is sweet and spicy and comes in Styrofoam cups.
Total for four hearty lunches is $32, including tip - amazing value for money.
The decor is an odd mixture of depictions of Somali culture in plywood and garish dollar-store plastic tablecloths. Under a mural of an African village, a large TV was broadcasting the local news. We recommend you tread carefully in this neighbourhood and avoid the restaurant's washrooms.

Rating: Ambiance (2)
Service (2)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (4)