The Best New Restaurants in Toronto, 2007

While 2008 is living up to its promise as the year of the rat, 2007 might be remembered for the emergence of a number of star chefs on the Toronto restaurant scene. Sure, Scot Woods and Claudio Aprile were already well known for their previous stints as Sen5es and Habitat, but the opening of their new restaurants (Lucien and Colborne Lane respectively) just blocks from each other near St. Lawrence Market solidified their standing as local superstars and helped usher in the latest craze that is molecular gastronomy.

But beyond the foam, mousse and liquid nitrogen, new Toronto restaurants last year covered a range of cuisines, textures and serving sizes. Tapas and small plates were definitely in, as were local, organic and seasonal themes. But at the top of our list (as voted by readers of blogTO) for the Best New Restaurant of 2007 (meals over $15) was the moderately priced, friendly serviced and skilled cooking that is Riverside's Citizen.

Following on the success of Queen West's The Rosebud, owner and chef Rod Bowers' Citizen helped solidify the neighbourhood's claim that great dining has arrived on the East side.

Citizen

Homemade pasta, risotto and mussels highlight a mostly Italian-influenced menu. Casual, friendly service and moderate prices. More »

Cowbell

Owner and chef Mark Cutrara cooks up natural, organic meats from local farms at this Parkdale restaurant. The menu changes often based on what's fresh and in season. More »

Foxley

Tom Thai's intimate, fun Foxley on Ossington showcases the asian fusion cuisine that made him famous at previous gigs at Cafe Asia and Tempo. More »

Colborne Lane

One of the most anticipated restaurants of 2007, Colborne Lane is Chef Claudio Aprile's masterpiece. Expect small plates of highly inventive cuisine with a touch of molecular gastronomy. More »

Coca

A Spanish tapas and wine bar on West Queen West, Coca is the sister restaurant to nearby Czehoski. More »

Amaya the Indian Room

Amaya is one of the most acclaimed Indian restaurants to hit the city in years. North Toronto has been flocking here for the expertly crafted Northern Indian cuisine. More »

Marben

Marben is a sublimely designed space on Wellington that brings in the nearby advertising crowd and weekend revellers for its eclectic menu, chilled music and soothing cocktails. More »

KiWe Kitchen

A sleek, contemporary Italian restaurant that's equally good for lunch and dinner, KiWe also sports a killer side-patio and bustling late night bar scene. More »

Lucien

Star chef Scot Woods has created one of the most celebrated menus in the city featuring local and seasonal ingredients and house-cured meats. More »

Karuchie

On College Street west of Little Italy, Karuchie has been winning over fans and critics with its upscale bistro cuisine with Japanese influences. More »

L'Unita

A bustling Italian restaurant on Avenue Road in the space of the former Arlequin Restaurant. Just opened at the end of 2007. More »