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you get a complimentary scalp massage and they served me drinks (I asked for hot chocolate) when I waited for my appointment. Staff is friendly and gives great service. The oldest vegetarian restaurant in the city (some say Canada), Annapurna serves up a tried and true assortment of wholesome North American grain-and-veg classics, along with a widely recommended roster of Indian dishes, fresh baked goods, homemade soups, juices and delicious chai. I love the cheery storybook wall murals of lotus flowers and figures in yogic repose. And the sweet-faced sari-ed women who tend to the customers and fill the place with good vibrations. Yes, you sit in a drafty portable at picnic tables (blame the never-ending reno), and yes, you must eat from paper and styrofoam using plastic utensils. But Lahore's south Asian homestyle cookery is so good, you'll have a hard time remembering the annoyances. Feast on remarkably delicious grilled meats and fish, savoury curries, perfect pilau, flatbreads, lassi and ice cream. And enjoy the prompt and friendly service. Roxton 379 Harbord St. , Toronto 
They have 50 on tap, and the ambiance is cozy.
This is a picture of Al Green. Not the Roxton. But they played his stuff one night while I ate their ribs, and the combination was delightful, so it's picture association. Celestin 623 Mount Pleasant Rd., Toronto They say a great creme brulee is the mark of a great chef and so a great restaurant. I can't say I've met too pots de creme I didn't like, but Celestin's is outstanding. Flavoured with the merest hint of vanilla, torched to reveal its candy coating, and garnished with fresh framboises and a slender choconut crisp, it was heaven in a ramekin. Because it's a cosy, comfortable cafe that has a great menu, from sandwiches to pastas, to salmon salads, and has a good brunch menu. - each dish is a classic but made with a distinct twist slightly unique to this place. - which exemplifies the reason to go to such places to dine, as oppose to big chain places.
Menu is Italian influenced.
Last note - If you're looking for a quite place to sit with your group of friends, their 2nd floor is perfect. it's scrumptiously geek-friendly and down-to-earth. Enjoy delicious espresso-based beverages made with rich, frothy steamed milk and served in the kind of mug--and with the type of warmth--you'd expect at a friend's house. For some, it is a cosy communal workspace where writer's block is fought over casual food and drink. For others, it's a spot for quiet reading. I think it's a great relaxed hangout for solitary chillin' or group gabbin'. It's just aces in my books. 
Call me morbid, but I love the silent, gothic charm of this place. It was established in 1850 - and is the final resting place of Toronto notables like William Lyon Mackenzie and George Brown - not to mention a few great ghost stories. 
Even though it's a stone's throw away from some posh & pricey Avenue Rd. establishments, Cantine is surprisingly down to earth. Nestled away among the Av/Dav flowershops & another fave, discount fashion outlet, Ends, Cantine has Yorkville sophistication with Annex casualness. My fave tweak on a classic item is a red pepper, roasted pear & brie frittata. Get there early to avoid the rush & enjoy a peaceful brunch in an warm, inviting space. The dish's complex spiced heat is perfectly balanced with creamy coconut. The main star, the seafood, is fresh and the accompanying jasmine rice is adequately scented, cooked to the perfect texture and served hot. Its cozy back room with the old chesterfields transports me back to my high school days when my friends and I would spend hours on end hanging out at the Green Room (only minus the horrible teen angst.) Ah, the power of nostalgia. It may be in hot hipsterville, but there's nothing snooty about this hangout: the music rocks, the service is pleasantly pressure-free and the atmosphere is warmly low-key. When I was in 6th grade, we went on a class trip to Casa Loma. In the main bedroom, there is a secret closet, where the ne'er do well tax evader who built Casa Loma used to hide.
I pressed on the wall, and there it was. And that was a good Toronto moment. 
The fact that they have "Satan resistant" soles was enough to sell me on this brand. Beyond that, Fluevogs are Canadian-designed and made (West Side, represent!) They're hipster, but not obnoxiously so. They're like what would happen if Doc Marten and Vivienne Westwood had a naughty lovechild. They're good enough for Madonna. My Fluevogs can beat up your Blahniks, etc.
http://www.fluevog.com/ 
I don't know what I prefer, the live music or the hot corn bread and collard greens. It's a little loud if you're planning on talking at all, but if you want to kick back, shut up, and eat some good Southern food or drink martinis named after motown stars, this is the place to go. 
Some days Toronto's hectic pace gets to be too much, and you need some love from Mother Nature. High Park is great, but it doesn't have waterfalls. Less than an hour west of the city lies Spencer Gorge, just off Highway 5. Bring hiking boots, a picnic, and $5 for parking. Enjoy walking behind the cascade of Webster's, or keep going to see the 41 meter drop of water at Tew's -- nearly as high as Niagara, but fewer tourists and less fudge. Don't litter, and remember, the park closes at sunset. 
Got beakers? These guys do. And telescopes and magnets and prisms and skeletons and all sorts of other cool science toys for kids and grown-ups. Board games and books galore for puzzle lovers, budding biologists, future chemists, young geologists, aspiring zoologists... Located under Holt Renfrew its hard to find, but worth it for the antique science kits in the window display alone! Good selection of cards and calendars, hours are 10-8, M-F, 10-7 Sat, 12-6 Sun. Cozy space, good music, great, fresh food ... and conveniently located around the corner from my apartment. 
They offer quality instruction in a peaceful environment to anyone (beginner to advanced) interested in deepening their yoga practice. Part of the worldwide network of non-profit International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres that were founded in 1959 by Swami Vishnu-devananda to spread yoga and Vedanta teachings for overall well-being, the Centre is a refreshingly far cry from the trendy, commercial vibe of many of the city’s studios. Yes, you can ditch the lululemon gear for regular old sweats. It's crammed from floor to ceiling with quality goods that can all be had for a great price. Can't find what you want? Never fear, Gwartzman and co. knowledgeable and ready to help. For close to 40 years, my family has gone to Gwartzman's for art supplies. Hopefully, the family tradition will continue for many years to come. Showing Results 1-19 of 19 1
