Dining at French Bistros in Toronto, Ontario

A Guide to Great Affordable Restaurants in Downtown Toronto, ON

Jul 19, 2009 Allison Anthony

Toronto is known for fabulous restaurants and famous Chef's, but dining out here doesn't always mean expensive. Instead try one of these budget friendly French bistros.

Choosing a restaurant that has great food, wine and affordable prices can be difficult in a city as large as Toronto. These French bistros excel at all three. They are not the typical tourist destination and yet are still centrally located in the downtown core of the city.

Found in three distinct Toronto neighbourhoods, each one of these bistros is popular with the locals who live and work in the area. Calling ahead for a reservation is always the best choice to secure a table when eating at any one of these restaurants.

Where to Eat When Visiting the Fashion District

Le Select Bistro – 432 Wellington Street West, 416-596-6405

Although Le Select is located slightly out of the way, once inside the restaurant the world will transform into a Parisian bistro immediately. French wine and movie ephemera hang on the walls, even the menu is impossibly French. Considered to have one of the largest wine lists in Toronto, this doesn’t necessarily mean overpriced. The wines are grouped by region so quite often a $35.00 bottle of wine is listed below a $200.00 bottle.

For dinner there will always be a cheaper steak frites option or try the flavourful bouillabaisse filled with shrimp, scallops and bass. Le Select is also one of Toronto’s top weekend brunch spots and the perfect place for a croissant and mimosa with friends.

Restaurants in the Annex and Close to the University of Toronto

Tati Bistro – 124 Harbord Street, 416-862-8284

Harbord Street has become one of the “go to” spots for local culinary fanatics and Tati is one of the reasons why. Crowded, boisterous and often plagued by slow service, somehow none of this matters because Tati is always fun. The food is never a disappointment and the three course prix fixe dinner available Sunday to Wednesday is an unbelievable value at $25.00.

The rooftop patio at Tati is reminiscent of the Swiss Family Robinson and is built to incorporate the very large maple tree that grows through it. Make sure to try the profiteroles for dessert. The ice cream stuffed pastry is the ideal size for something sweet after a filling dinner.

Dining and Shopping in the Yorkville Area

Le Paradis – 166 Bedford Road, 416-921-0995

There is nothing fancy or expensive about Le Paradis even though it is located in one of Toronto’s most expensive neighbourhoods. Very casual in décor and style the food here is as tasty as it is generous on the plate.

Although the bistro is not in the heart of Yorkville, it is worth the short cab ride. The food is guaranteed to taste just as good at a third of the price as other restaurant in the area. At lunch time try the “Les Combos Express.” For $10.00 there is a choice of four different lunch items served with soup, salad or frites. They are all good, but the open faced Croque Monsieur with ham and melted cheese is delicious.

Toronto is a vibrant city to visit but like any large urban center it can be expensive. These popular French restaurants are an affordable way to enjoy a savoury meal in Canada’s largest city.

The copyright of the article Dining at French Bistros in Toronto, Ontario in E Canada Travel is owned by Allison Anthony. Permission to republish Dining at French Bistros in Toronto, Ontario in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.