Barnsteiner's

At the corner of 1 Balmoral and 1360 Yonge St.

Just posting the above photo of the Wiener Schnitzle at Barnsteiner's makes my mouth water. My husband and I discovered this great resto when looking for a place to eat at Yonge & St. Clair before doing some Christmas shopping last December.  We lived in the area when we first got married and always loved the Terroni that was previously in the space now occupied by Barnsteiner's.   I figured it only made sense to order the Schnitzle in a German restaurant. It was so tender and delicious and the potato salad was perfectly prepared. With a glass of white, it was the perfect lunch. My husband had one of the most amazing burgers ever, I was actually a little jealous. Give this awesome restaurant a try...you will not be disappointed.  

P.S. The deserts, which I did not try because I was stuffed with Schnitzle.. looked amazing. 

Terroni & Bar Centrale

1095 Yonge St. 

Speaking of Terroni...when it left the 1 Balmoral location, it moved just down the road to the corner of Yonge and Price St.  There you will find Terroni (entrance on Price) and Bar Centrale. I love both, and in fact there a few things at Bar Centrale (which is smaller) that I wish they made upstairs as well. But boo hoo right? So that drink above looks yummy doesn't it? Wish I could remember what cocktail it is...but I can't, so you'll just have to work your way through the cocktail menu to find out? Not the worst suggestion I've ever made.  At Bar Centrale I would recommend either the Tagliatelle alla Bolognese or the Trota in Padella which is the pan seared Rainbow Trout. If there's Rainbow Trout on the menu...I order it. One of my favourite fish dishes. Upstairs at Terroni I suggest you try Spaghetti Ca’ Pummarola N’poppa - spaghetti with tomato sauce and basil. This is simple spaghetti at it's finest, or any one of the amazing pizza's.  I really love the simplicity of the food at the Terroni restaurants. Check out their website for all the locations.

The Burger's Priest

Check website for all locations in Ontario and Alberta

A couple of years ago, my littlest and I went on the hunt to find our favourite burger joint in the city. The Burger's Priest on Yonge St. was the hands down winner.  We love the classic Cheeseburger. Again, keeping it simple and delicious. But I have on occasion strayed from the classic and ordered the Low Priest which is  a beef patty, secret sauce, cheese, pickles, chopped lettuce, diced onions on a non-sesame seed bun. Sounds familiar right? But it's oh so much better.  OMG...I'm so hungry thinking of that burger right now. No burger is complete without fires and a chocolate shake. Talk about the perfect trifecta!  

P.S. Check the website for their *secret menu* if you dare! ;)

Donlands Diner

417 Donland's Ave.

One of my gf's introduced me to this little restaurant gem in East York. If you love bacon, eggs, hash browns and pancakes...I suggest you get yourself there for a breakfast/brunch soon. They recently underwent a renovation and it looks great, though I enjoyed the original greasy spooness!  The wait staff are darling - and your cuppa coffee has no bottom. So go hungry...and uncafineated. 

Mildred's Temple Kitchen

85 Hanna Avenue - Liberty Village

If you want to upscale your brunch a little...and probably up calorie too, give Mildred's Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes a try. These are the most decadent and delicious pancakes you will ever try. I also completely love the scones and biscuits that are fresh baked every morning. Be sure to treat yourself to a mimosa with fresh squeezed orange juice. If you go for lunch, give the Chicken Avocado Club a try...super yummy with a side of frites. Oh...and for my fellow writer's out there, you must try the "Eats, Shoots & Leaves" salad. ;)