Toronto bars and restaurants inhabit a fiercely competitive space, and while many like to make themselves known with flashy lights and screaming signage, others take a more calculated approach embracing an air of mystery that feels all the more rewarding when found.

Here's a round-up of recently opened hidden bars and restaurants in Toronto.

Parcae
Found in the basement level of the Templar Hotel this restaurant rewards those in the know with an adventurous array of dishes from chefs Danny Hassell (ex-Buca) and Joseph Awad (formerly of Au Pied De Cochon). Look forward to seasonal, nose-to-tail cuisine including horse carpaccio, deep fried lamb brains, and sausage-stuffed chicken legs.

Alo
Without much street presence to draw you in, it'd be easy to miss this fine French restaurant located on the upper levels at Queen and Spadina. The restaurant triumphs tasting menus featuring a couple of choices for each course, plus a parade of surprises along the way.

Apt. 200
There's little signage to mark the entrance to this second floor bar near Queen and Ossington. Inside is decked out like an apartment complete with a well stocked bar, couches, video games and pool table.

Golden Cafe
Tucked away in a former uniform factory at the end of a small street off Dundas West, this cafe, bakery and lunch counter caters to locals in-the-know and local businesses like Ninutik and SOMA's cocoa bean lab among others who work in the building.

Bar Batavia
Located above Little Sister in midtown, this cocktail bar offers a dimly lit destination to imbibe while nibbling on Indo-Dutch snack foods.

Did I miss any? Add your suggestions in the comments.

Photo of Parcae.