If you’re looking for something to motivate you to get out of your studying den, look no further: Winterlicious has officially arrived. The annual winter foodfest has prix-fixe menus set at $18–$28 for lunch and $25–$45 for dinner, with over 200 restaurants participating. Restaurants you could only previously afford during parental visits can be experienced during the event at a fraction of the regular cost. Whether you’re looking for savings, new exciting cuisines, or a new date spot, we went through and found the best restaurants for every occasion.
BEST CHEAP EATS
Normally priced at much more than Winterlicious’s $18/$25 lunch/dinner menus, Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill in Bayview Village is a must-visit. Offering a contemporary menu with a distinct Mediterranean influence, the restaurant provides a sophisticated, urban twist to classic Italian dishes — from fresh salads and soups to pastas and oven-roasted pizzas.
For those with more international palettes, Arisu, known for serving authentic Korean-Japanese fusion cuisine, also has great value for your dollar. Serving up everything from perfectly seared Korean Barbecue to butter-like pork belly — and with an extensive roster of sushi options to match — Arisu, located near campus in the Annex, is well worth the trip.
Also dealing in Japanese fare, the celebrated fried chicken, noodles, and rice cakes of Momofuku Noodle Bar — David Chang’s well-loved, stylish establishment — can also be had at a bargain rate during Winterlicious.
BEST GREEN OPTIONS
While only a limited number of restaurants cater to those on a vegan or vegetarian diet, a few restaurants participating in Winterlicious offer veggie-friendly menu options. A standout among them is Grasslands. Boasting a $25 dinner-only menu and an elegant atmosphere, Grasslands offers imaginative vegan options ranging from pesto cream fettucini to grilled seitan steak.
La Maquette, located in Old Town, is famous not only for its classic French and Italian menu, but also for its sumptuous interiors. With crystal chandeliers, an elegant staircase, and a one-of-a-kind solarium that looks onto St. James Cathedral, La Maquette is the perfect venue for a romantic dinner, and has plenty of vegetarian options to boot.
BEST DATE SPOTS
La Société, a dinner date classic, is a sure-to-please option when it comes to romantic dining during Winterlicious. Serving casual Parisian bistro fare in an upscale setting, the atmosphere itself — and the famous stained glass dome ceiling — is reason enough to pay the restaurant a visit if you want to impress your date.
Tucked away in the heart of Yorkville, Ciao Wine Bar not only offers authentic Italian cuisine, but provides a cozy, candle-lit atmosphere for a date. With décor featuring exposed brickwork and vaulted ceilings, the rustic-yet-elegant feel of Ciao is perfect for a second or third romantic outing.
BEST SPLURGES
For those wanting to sample Toronto’s top-of-the-line culinary scene, Winterlicious is the perfect opportunity to get normally pricey restaurants at good value. While many flock to upscale dining staples such as Mark McEwan’s One Restaurant or the ever-popular Canoe, there are many other restaurants that offer fine dining without the brand-hype.
Auberge du Pommier. COURTESY OF ROB HYNDMAN/FLICKR CC
Café Boulud, Daniel Boulud’s Toronto restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel, serves a menu reflective of the café’s eclectic décor: French-themed, but inflected with strong international accents.
Another standout in Toronto’s fine dining scene is Auberge du Pommier, which offers up culinary gems in a setting reminiscent of a rustic French cottage. With over 500 wines to choose from, as well as carefully crafted dishes infused with a unique Japanese style, Auberge du Pommier, though farther away from downtown than the other restaurants on this list, is well worth a visit.
Correction (February 2, 2015, 3:01 pm): A previous version of this article referred to the downtown location of Oliver & Bonacini. In fact, the restaurant is offering a Winterlicious menu at its Bayview Village location. The Varsity regrets the error.
