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The Best Florists in Toronto

Robyn Urback — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:18:00 -0500

The best florists in Toronto are akin to your indispensable best friends. They're there for life's highlights (weddings, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, and birthdays), lowlights (sickness, sympathy, and those times you get to drunk and start pawing your girlfriend's sister) and perhaps most importantly, offer cheap substitutes for jewellery that pack just as much meaning. Yes, the best florists in Toronto know how to ameliorate any event with the right combination of tulips and lilies, and they can usually whip up a unique bouquet for any sort of impromptu celebration or exercise in pandering for forgiveness. Many of the florists on this list have also placed high priority in keeping eco-friendly, either by sourcing local or seasonal blooms, or using biodegradable packaging and green energy in their stores (or all). Here is the list of the best florists in Toronto.

Here are the best florists in Toronto. For more ideas of where to buy flowers in Toronto, see our Toronto florists section.

See also:

The best chocolate in Toronto

Note: This list was previously published on February 14th, 2011. Comments below made up until February 12th 2012 are in reference to the old list. We've purposely kept the archived comments here because we believe they (mostly) add value to this topic. If you don't want to have to wade through all of them, simply hit the "sort by newest first" link at the top of the thread.

The Best Shepherd's Pie in Toronto

Robyn Urback — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:40:00 -0500

The best Shepherd's Pie in Toronto evokes images of cobblestone streets and old English stout. While we might not have the streets (though if you squint hard enough at a pothole-marked Steeles Ave., it might start to look like cobblestone) and the stout is only sporadically available, Toronto does have some pretty decent options for an authentic plate of hearty Shepherd's Pie.

Traditionalists vow it must be made with lamb, ideally braised with wine or beer and mixed with carrots, peas, and other vegetables. The top crust--the mash--may be classic or garlic flavoured, but always generously applied, fluffy, and crispy on the edges where the oven has done its thing. Bangers on the side? That's a matter of preference.

Here is the list of the best Shepherd's Pie in Toronto.

Top photos by mhaithaca, poopoorama and WordRidden.

The Best Shawarma in Toronto

Robyn Urback — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:00:00 -0500

The best shawarma in Toronto must start with a strong foundation. That is, the meat. You can have the tastiest garlic sauce or pickled turnips this side of the Atlantic Ocean, but if your meat is too dry (read: pre-shaved or left to sit) or without a slight crisp (shaved too early), the delight of the Middle Eastern fast food will soon start to dissipate.

And still, the spots on this list know the meat is just the start. Proper seasoning, marination, and appropriate shaving time, yes, but also fresh toppings, tangy sauces, warm pita--and hey, a smile never hurts. Of course, I'll take a delicious sandwich and a frown over a sub-par shawarma and friendly chit chat ay day. Never been one for small talk, after all. And on that note, here is the list of the best shawarma in Toronto.

Note: A previous version of this list was published in June 2009. Comments below made up until January 31, 2012 are in reference to the old list. We've purposely kept some of the archived comments here because we believe they (mostly) add value to this topic. If you don't want to have to wade through all of them, simply hit the "sort by newest first" link at the top of the thread.

The Best Sandwiches in Toronto

Robyn Urback — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:01:00 -0500

The best sandwiches in Toronto have a way of bringing people together. While few vegans care to weigh in on the issue of the best sauce-soaked ribs in the city--and, likewise, meat-eaters on the whole care not for sesame tempeh debates, everyone can appreciate the glory of a good sandwich.

It starts with great bread, naturally, which must compliment as much as contain the "meat" (figuratively speaking) of the sandwich. And whatever is put inside--slow-roasted brisket, veal smothered in homemade sauce, or BBQ tofu on a bed of arugula--it must be fresh, hearty, filling, and delicious. I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about.

Here is the list of the best sandwiches in Toronto.

Note: A previous version of this list was published in May 2008. Comments below made up until January 24th, 2012 are in reference to the old list. We've purposely kept most of the archived comments here because we believe they (mostly) add value to this topic. If you don't want to have to wade through all of them, simply hit the "sort by newest first" link at the top of the thread.

Top left photo by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The Best Green Retailers in Toronto

Robyn Urback — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:30:00 -0500

The best green retailers in Toronto usually have most of your environmental bases covered. While it's not unusual to find an organic product or a biodegradable bag here or there, the best green retailers in Toronto find a way to address more than one environmental concerns.

These are the stores that offer organic cotton t-shirts or bamboo coat hangers, available to take home in bags made of recycled paper or shipped to your house via bicycle transport. The stores themselves are powered via Bullfrog or a clean(er) source of energy, painted with low VOC paint, and might even have an organic garden stationed out back or up top. These retailers are on the cutting edge of what's new in green, and usually try to keep cost competitive to what you'll find in mainstream.

Here is the list of the best green retailers in Toronto.

Note: A previous version of this list was published in 2008. Comments below made up until January 17th, 2012 are in reference to the old list. We've purposely kept most of the archived comments here because we believe they (mostly) add value to this topic. If you don't want to have to wade through all of them, simply hit the "sort by newest first" link at the top of the thread.

The Best New Restaurants in Toronto, 2011

Frank — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:34:00 -0500

The best new restaurants to open in Toronto in 2011 are a varied lot to be sure with
everything from tacos to Thai, 'cue to Guu making an appearance. Since timing is everything in these kinds of end-of-year things, some places made it in by the skin of their teeth to qualify for this year's list (I'm lookin' at you Grand Electric & Yours Truly).

Low-key appears to still be the flavour of the moment as diners flock en masse to neighbourhood joints offering up tasty grub at a reasonable price-point in relaxed digs. Jen Agg's ears must be burning with the constant mention several of these restaurants as the next Black Hoof. Time will tell, but for now we've got some eating to do.

Here are the best new restaurants to open in Toronto in 2011.

See also:

The best new brunch restaurants in Toronto, 2011
The best new cheap eats in Toronto, 2011
The best new restaurants in Toronto, 2010

The best new restaurants in Toronto, 2009

The Best New Cheap Eats in Toronto, 2011

Robyn Urback — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:44:00 -0500

The best new cheap eats in Toronto in 2011 were all across the board. While in previous years we've see trends sway in favour of the gourmet burger, the burrito, or the hot pile of poutine, this year it was a healthy (well, I'm not sure if that's the right word) mix of a little bit of everything. Whether it speaks to the diversification of our communal taste or simply the fact that we've grown tired of gourmet burgers at every block, I'm not sure, but the variety of quality cheap eat options has certainly diversified for the better.

This list reflects the best of Middle Eastern, Turkish, Mexican and more than can be had without breaking the bank, with a vegan option, fish n' chips, and meatball-focused option tossed in too. And yes, there is one gourmet burger spot--this is Toronto, after all. Here is the list of the best new cheap eats in Toronto that opened in 2011.

The Best New Bakeries in Toronto, 2011

Robyn Urback — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:25:00 -0500

The best new bakeries in Toronto from 2011 might be churning out the same old things as ever, but they are, however, doing it remarkably well. There's nothing new about a shop devoted to cupcakes, the perfect French baguette, or classic homestyle baking. There are even more than a few options for gluten-free baking in Toronto.

Yet many of the best new bakeries in Toronto fall into these categories, managing to distinguish themselves by the sheer quality and taste of their baked goods. So, while on the surface it may seem like a whole lot of the same, a couple dollops of buttercream and a warm, fluffy cinnamon bun would do wonders to change our minds. Here is the list of the best new bakeries in Toronto for 2011.

The Best New Fashion Stores in Toronto, 2011

Robyn Urback — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:28:00 -0500

The best new fashion stores in Toronto from 2011 pull from a variety of styles, trends, regions, and even decades. Some of the best of the new boutiques of 2011 source from as far as Korea, Italy, and France, while others stick to merchandise that can be shipped via TTC. Curation and selection is obviously key, as these shop owners strive to keep stock low so that you, beloved customers, can maintain that air of originality.

The concept of the typical fashion store also shifted in 2011, with one shop actually serving more as a concept space, and another opting to merge the cafe and shopping experience into one. Guess you can leave that aging travel mug at home.

Here is the list of the best new fashion stores in Toronto.

The Best New Brunch Restaurants in Toronto, 2011

Robyn Urback — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:33:00 -0500

The best new brunch restaurants in Toronto carry on the glorious tradition of finding bigger and better things to do with hollandaise. With so many brunch options in the city already, the best of the new offerings have to get more creative than the typical bacon and eggs. For some restaurants that means adding a little pumpkin spice to their waffles or frying up a duck hash, and for more than a few it translates to whipping up their own ketchup and preserves.

The stars of the Toronto brunch scene — that is, the Mitzi's, the Lady Marmalades, the Edward Levesque's — have built loyal followings based on their unique twists on classics, balance of sweet and savoury options, and solid reputations for plain good food, and the best of the newbies all seem to place priority on these same qualities. That and great hollandaise, but that goes without saying. Here is the list of the best brunch restaurants that opened in 2011.

The Best New Bars in Toronto, 2011

Luke Champion — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:19:00 -0500

The best new bars to open in Toronto in 2011 continue to parallel Toronto's ascent up the cultural stratosphere. None of these places are merely neighbourhood locals — they're destinations. Whether it's for a calculated cocktail, dizzying live music or just an invigorating atmosphere, these are all establishments of merit, worthy of a streetcar or taxi ride. And if any of these happen to be your local? Well, the neighbourhood just got that much better.

Continuing a recent trend, this list reveals just how enthusiastically the city has embraced cocktail culture. No longer is a couple of taps and a few bottles of plonk enough to attract the masses. Far from it. Many of the establishments here has a sophisticated cocktail menu, often boasting both classic and modern offerings without even a whiff of saccharine, neon abominations like sour apple or melon liqueur. Yes, we've grown up: we're a discerning bunch who wants our beer local and our spirits mixed. Skillfully.

Here are the best new bars to open in Toronto during 2011.

The Best New Design Stores in Toronto, 2011

Robyn Urback — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:03:00 -0500

The best new design stores in Toronto give merit to the saying that what's old is new, and what's new is.. well.. probably hand-selected and imported from overseas. Vintage as a design concept certainly hasn't become dated, as evidenced by the shops cropping up on College, in Leslieville, and in the Distillery District in 2011.

Many of the other new design stores boast well-travelled owners; those who journey to South Africa, Korea, France and beyond to find unique, visually interesting pieces that are often crafted with an artisanal flair. Yet some great design picks can indeed still be found at home, and there's at least one shop on this list paying heed to locally made. "How 2010," the rabble-rouser might say.

Encompassing new and old, near and far, here is this list of the best new design stores that opened in 2011.

The Best New Cafes in Toronto, 2011

Robyn Urback — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:16:00 -0500

The best new cafes in Toronto in 2011 offered great atmosphere as much as quality espresso. With more and more independent cafes popping up around the city, the best of the bunch were able to deliver that intangible "it" factor (and others, laundry drop-off services, stocked bookshelves, and of course, free WiFi).

As well as new arrivals pulling their inaugural shots in 2011, the year saw the opening of new locations of popular cafes; Crema on Spadina and the Danforth, Bulldog at Yonge and Eglinton, and TAN in Baldwin Village, to name a few.

Amid all that competition, the best were able to make themselves known, be it through cups of cold drip, homemade almond milk, or lovely latte swans almost too pretty to sip.

Here are the best cafes that opened in Toronto in 2011.

The Best Turkey Burgers in Toronto

Robyn Urback — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:08:00 -0500

The best turkey burgers in Toronto need not be considered the best of a reluctant substitute. That is, there are delicious, tender, juicy turkey burgers out there that are more than just a healthier-than-beef, lower-taste-tier option. These burgers deserve all the mango chutney, caramelized onion, and homemade guacamole adornment as is so often frivolously bestowed on their beef counterparts, especially since they carry much less of the subsequent guilt. Where's the beef? Pft. More like where is the naturally-raised, hormone-free, locally sourced turkey?

Here is the list of the best turkey burgers in Toronto.

Additional photos by Justin, Victor Shum and Carrie Musgrave on Flickr

The Best Falafel in Toronto

Robyn Urback — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:31:00 -0500

The best falafel in Toronto, needless to say, comes down to the quality and freshness of its ingredients. I once, to my horror, was served a pita stuffed with microwaved falafel balls, and as I attempted (and ultimately failed) to choke down the gritty mess, I vowed never again to approach the (falafel-related) new without scrutiny.

My favourite falafel spots in Toronto are the ones with owners who recognize that hummus, pickled turnip, tahini, hot sauce and other add-ins must all come standard--and never shall a ball be fried before a customer has placed his or her order. A fresh, warm pita (or laffa) is another must-have, and as with most things, the bigger the better.

Here is the list of the best falafel in Toronto.

Note: This list was previously published in June 2008. Comments made up until December 21st, 2011 are in reference to the old list. We've purposely kept the archived comments here because we believe they (mostly) add value to this topic. If you don't want to have to wade through all of them, simply hit the "sort by newest first" link at the top of the thread.