Opened a month and a half ago in a former shawarma joint, Kathy's Kitchen serves up authentic Hungarian comfort food alongside standard-issue diner offerings like hamburgers and all-day breakfast. We stick with the former, trying hearty dishes like schnitzel and beef stew. And though the service and menu throws us a few curve balls (and a lot of garlic), we're generally impressed with our selections.

Read my review of Kathy's Kitchen in the restaurants section.

The newest addition to Toronto's burgeoning burger scene, Great Burger Kitchen is a bright spot on an underpopulated section of Gerrard at Jones. Despite the lack of action on the street and the infancy of the restaurant (three weeks old), on the day of my visit, the place is packed. Intrigued, my companion and I place our orders and eagerly await the chance to see how the burgers and poutine hold up against the competition.

Get the verdict on Great Burger Kitchen in the restaurants section.

Not long ago, Kensington burrito king Big Fat Burrito branched out by setting up a sister shop at Lee's Palace in the Annex. But can it compete with the second location of Burrito Bandidos? (by former Burrito Boyz partner Ian Angus). It seems the hood is primed for a showdown of spicy, refried proportions.

See my review of Burrito Bandidos in the restaurant section.

Hidden at the back of a strip mall at Ellesmere and Kennedy, The Hopper Hut isn't exactly central. But when I walked in and immediately got socked in the face with the incredible smells of Sri Lankan cooking, I knew it was gonna be worth the trek.

Hoppers are bowl-shaped pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, typically served with curry or vegetables. A cherished staple of Sri Lankan cuisine, The Hopper Hut's a great place to get them fresh, along with a broad swathe of Sri Lankan comfort food like curries, lampries and mutton rolls. With most dishes under $10, it is one of the best deals in town.

See my review of The Hopper Hut in the restaurant section.

Jesus Martinez hopes to replicate the street taquerias of his native Mexico City at Mexican Salsas Grill, his new restaurant located smack-dab in the middle of Kensington Market. I recently stopped by to get an indulgent sense of what's on the menu. Offering fast and tasty food at inexpensive prices, it's a good bet that this'll be a popular spot throughout the summer months.

Read my review of Mexican Salsas Grill in the restaurants section.

Skor bits, soy nuts, pretzels and potato chips... all crammed into a proud, formidable cookie? Indeed.

The Designer Cookie, at Eglinton and Avenue Road, is capitalizing on the do-it-yourself cookie trend. But don't let the name fool you. They also sell terrific cupcakes, scones, candied popcorn, and wedding cakes. And they have a chocolate printer.

See my profile of The Designer Cookie in the bakery section.