Hillcrest/Wychwood Park/Casa Loma/Regal Heights

The Corner House

Of The Corner House’s Desserts

The Corner House has consistently been voted among the top ten restaurants in Toronto and has a Zagat rating of four stars. Essentially a house converted into a fine-dining establishment, this perennial midtown favourite is the perfect spot for special occasions when splendid ambience is called for. The Corner House has a reputation for French/Mediterranean inspired bistro cuisine with offerings such as lobster bisque, potato gnocchi and arctic char.

The Stockyards Smokehouse & Larder
699 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto, ON
416-658-9666
Neighbourhood: Wychwood Park

The Stockyards

The Stockyards is a new kid on the block that’s already been voted Toronto’s Best Barbecue by NOW Magazine, scoring a perfect 5 out of 5 n’s and making the tiny restaurant a real threat to the Portuguese churrasco at Christie and St. Clair, not to mention diverting takeout customers from the nearby McDonalds.

As someone who know how to make great chicken n’ ribs, I’m always skeptical when I hear buzz about great barbecue. Cluck, Grunt n’ Low at Bloor and Walmer had the best southern food and barbecue I’ve ever tasted, and they’re out of business, while some of the pulled pork offerings I’ve had lately tasted like sawdust coated in sauce. In fact, that’s the problem I have with barbecue joints in general. Coat any food in enough sweet, smoky sauce and it’ll probably taste good. So I’m already a doubter, but definitely up for some nice greasy meat, when I grab three friends and head to the Stockyards.