In addition to Vise's solid recommendations and taking into consideration your hotel location, desire for a "casual" meal and not super high end, here are some other suggestions:

Grey Gardens (Kensington)
FK (formerly Frank's Kitchen) (Christie & St. Clair)
Chandni Chowk (Indian) (Gerrard)
Osteria Rialto (Bloor West)
Rodney's Oysters (King St. West)
Byblos (Duncan St.)
Lee (King Street West)

Mildred's Temple Kitchen (Brunch)

Bar Chef (Queen West) - CRAZY cocktails. If you want to check out one bar, do this.

 

Is this Sur Sur Lee's restaurant?

 

yes. Not as good as Susur was but I don’t think Toronto was ready for that cuisine when it was around.

 

I am very sorry that Susur went away. It was a simply amazing experience and of course Susur Lee had not yet gone on to TV and the like. He was there and it showed. I went quite a few times and loved every meal.

 

agreed. It was ahead of it’s time for Toronto. I remember going there for my 30th bday with my family and they served pig’s ear for one of the courses. My family was mortified.

 

Wow gents, thank you so much for the recs! Above and beyond.

I am sure we'll find some great experiences, we love wandering neighborhoods and sampling as many spots as we can reasonably fit in. It's going to be a short visit, but I am sure we can do some damage.

While we're at it, any favourite watering holes - anything goes - from the divey to the divine???

Cheers

Matt

 

I would suggest Terroni on Queen West for thin crust pizza

 

as I noted above, hit bar chef for some drinks and then grab dinner at one of the restaurants in the area. Many on the list above are even walking distance.

 

The nose in Leslieville is different. Always enjoyed it with family or friends.

Gio Rana's Really Really Nice
(416) 469-5225
https://goo.gl/maps/SYwQeKRTA4VyHnrz9

 

Tinuno - Filipino food best eaten shared with family and friends
Raku - Udon Ramen
Hong Fatt BBQ - Cantonese/HK style BBQ (cash only)
Clubhouse Sandwich near CAMH - Sandwiches and quick bites
Yin Ji Chang Fen - Morning porridge + dimsum style small dishes
Mapo Gamjatang - Korean pork bone soup, pretty famous chain from Korea
Cho Sun Ok - Korean Cold Noodles and Blood Sausages

I'm asian so most of the things I eat are asian cuisine.

 

Betty’s on King IMO is a good spot for a Caesar or decent selection of beer on tap. Definitely not on the ‘can’t miss’ list but a short stroll from the King Eddy. Thanks for the Mtl recommendations - I’ll be there for work the first week of June staying at the Queen E. Cheers.

 

definitely good some recommenations on this thread

some more casual good spots:
playa cabana for mexican
queen margherita for pizza
little sister for asian fusion
tabule for middle eastern

 

Does anyone know what happened to Lee Garden on Spadina….which was outstanding- always busy…then gone??

 

Agree the nose is good/fun

 

They decided to close up shop in 2017. Other than that, why they closed remains a mystery.