We’ve already revealed our top Winterlicious restaurants for lovers of the social scene. Our second Winterlicious Top 5 is for those seeking some comfort. In these harshly cold days, nothing cheers us up quite like a delectable meal in a soothing space…
The Rosedale Diner, $20 Lunch and $35 Dinner
Don’t let the name fool you, this diner is more than its moniker suggests. Take a look at its Winterlicious menu for evidence: duck liver pate, cassoulet au confit de canard, wagyu beef burger, and crab and salt cod cake. It’s an eclectic mix, all focusing around giving you that big hug only food can deliver.
Starfish Oyster Bed and Grill, $20 Lunch and $35 Dinner
This staple oyster restaurant – the sister to Ceili Cottage – has, of course, oysters on offer as an app. We wouldn’t expect anything less. However, more out of left field we’ve got a filet of seabream with a winter squash and brown butter puree, haddock fishcakes with sweet onion jam, and roasted pear and ginger tartlette with creme fraiche ice cream. Note: anyone not in love with seafood better stay the f**k away.
Prohibition Gastrohouse, $15 Lunch and $25 Dinner
This has always been one of our favourite spots in Leslieville. More than one of their Hooch Hours has seen us looking for happiness at the bottom of a pint. So, for Winterlicious, we’ll be making our rounds here. Haute poutine (that’s poutine with duck confit and duck gravy), mac et fromage (that’s mac n’ cheese with black truffles), and creme de mascarpone (that’s a fancy way of saying strawberry shortcake), are all part of what we love about this hip joint.
L’Unita, $35 Dinner
This Yorkville favourite is warm and cozy; both in food and decor. For Winterlicious this year, you’ll see a winter salad with prosciutto, braised venison, and honey roasted bosc pears. Delicioso!
Habits Gastropub, $25 Dinner
Ah, this gastropub leads to good habits. Har to the har. Their Winterlicious dinner is a steal: Ontario rabbit terrine, pork tenderloin with dried apricot jus, and a selection of Monforte cheese are just a sampling of their, well, samplings. They also boast over 100 different brown liquors and tons of local craft beers, so sidle on up at the bar and drink and eat your way to ‘happy’.
Photo courtesy L’Unita
