Toronto is renowned for its wide array of dining options. You'll find you'll be in good company at almost any eatery on Church Street between Carlton and Isabella. Similarly, there are plenty of exciting options on Queen Street (west anywhere from University to beyond Bathurst or east between Broadview and Greenwood). And then there's the Danforth (home to the summer food festival Taste of the Danforth) with plenty of restaurants where gay boys and girls happily mix with straight folk. The Cafe at Holt Renfrew is pricey but is fun for watching "ladies who lunch" and the wannabe sales staff who serve them. Toronto's many interesting neighbourhoods are reflected in the resturants. Here are some recommendations (both on and off of Church Street) that are worth checking out because of the food, the crowd or the experience.

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Ballroom Cafe - a relaxed atmosphere with straight ahead classic favourites at the trendy Gladstone Hotel. (1214 Queen West, Streetcar: Queen west)

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Big Mamma's Boy - slow-cooked, homemade-style food in an informal atmosphere. (554 Parliament, Subway: Castle Frank)

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Bonjour Brioche - be prepared to line up at this great (but tiny) French bakery/cafe that gets tremendously busy for weekend breakfast/brunch. (812 Queen East, Streetcar: Queen east)

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The Bus Terminal - a favourite retro breakfast stop for east end boys on a less fashionable strip of the Danforth. Great quality at good prices. (1606 Danforth, Subway: Coxwell)

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Bull Dog Coffee - probably the best coffee near the Church Street village, served with attitude. (89 Granby, Subway: College)

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Byzantium - good food but better known for its long, narrow martini bar. Ideally located for watching the boys and girls of Church Street stroll by. (499 Church, Subway: Wellesley)

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Cafe California - Mediterranean food that's always incorporating interesting twists. Favoured by an older clientele. (538 Church, Subway: Wellesley)

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Church Street Diner - a tiny spot with cheap and cheerful comfort food that's best for breakfast or lunch. (555 Church, Subway: Wellesley)

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Churchmouse & Firkin - pub-style food with a small but popular side patio. (475 Church, Subway: Wellesley)

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Daybreak Diner - very popular for breakfast. (399 Church, Subway: College)

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The Drake - the hotel's restaurant has aspirations for greatness so the food is always interesting and adventurous. The crowd and atmosphere are part of the experience. Check out of excellent cafe for a quick bite or coffee. (1150 Queen West, Streetcar: Queen west)

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Edward Levesque's Kitchen - don't let the unpretentious exterior deter you - it's probably one of Leslieville's best dining spots and is very popular for weekend brunch. (1290 Queen East, Streetcar: Queen east)

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El Sol - truly authentic, unpretentious northern Mexican food. Check out all the masks on the wall while you sip on your margarita. (1448 Danforth, Subway: Coxwell)

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Fire on the East Side - Cajun inspired food with a pleasant patio out the front. (6 Gloucester, Subway: Wellesley)

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Fran's - a Toronto institution with two locations, it's open 24 hours so great for sketchy moments after a night of clubbing. (20 College, Subway: College)

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Fresh - gourmet vegetarian using non-traditional recipes and influenced by many styles and cultures. (894 Queen West, Streetcar: Queen west - and other locations)

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Fuzion - an Asian influenced restaurant with a large, comfortable patio. (580 Church, Subway: Wellesley)

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Hair of the Dog - unpretentious pub-style food with a nice sunny patio. (425 Church, Subway: College)

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Hernando's Hideaway - a local institution featuring California-style Mexican food. (545 Yonge, Subway: Wellesley)

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Il Fornello - the Church Street location of this pizza and pasta chain has a strong following although the other locations may have stronger kitchens. (491 Church, Subway: Wellesley)

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Jean's Vegetarian Kitchen - Asian influenced vegetarian that's been a long time favourite with east end dykes. (1262 Danforth, Subway: Greenwood)

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Just Thai - simple, affordable Thai food in the heart of the Church Street Village. (534 Church, Subway: Wellesley)

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Kokyo - by all accounts the best sushi in the neighbourhood. (501A Yonge, Subway: College)

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Mitzi's Sister - a bit out of the way, this lesbian-owned diner has a strong following among west end girls and big for weekend brunch. Check out the original Mitzi's, a tiny cafe a few blocks away (100 Sorauren) for something quieter. (1554 Queen West, Streetcar: Queen west)

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O'Grady's - another spot that's best known for its popular patio rather than its food. (518 Church, Subway: Wellesley)

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Pulp Kitchen - cheap and cheerful vegetarian fare in Leslieville. (898 Queen East, Streetcar: Queen east)

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Slack's - the only real lesbian hangout in the Church Street Village has a pretty good restaurant with a limited but smart menu. (562 Church, Subway: Wellesley)

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Toba - Italian influenced bistro-style food that's a particular favourite with gay boys, especially for the very busy Sunday brunch. (243 King East, Streetcar: King east)

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Veda - reasonable cafeteria-style Indian food with the perfect patio for watching Church Street. (506 Church, Subway: Wellesley)

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Village Rainbow - a diner that's all about its location and patio rather than food or service. (477 Church, Subway: Wellesley)

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Voglie - Italian cuisine with nice patios both in front and back. (582 Church, Subway: Wellesley)

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Zelda's - a Church Street institution with eclectically tacky decor and diner-style food. Often evening entertainment, shows or contests. (542 Church, Subway: Wellesley)