A casual dinner in Toronto, ON

Is there anything better than sitting outside with friends, sipping a chilled bevy and soaking in the summer sun? Patio season is a sacred time in the west end of Toronto and there is a plethora of places to choose from. The following is a list of the top west-end patios that you’re bound to adore. [Image credit: iStock.com/AnjelaGr]

Is there any country in the world that does bar food better than Spain? Don’t worry, you don’t need to cross the pond, we’ve hand-picked the city’s top spots for authentic Spanish tapas. These cozy tavernas are serving up some of the most piquant-in-flavour small plates in Toronto – and they each boast their own unique, chilled-out vibe to boot.

Vegetarians rejoice: pho is typically a beef-based dish, but you can enjoy it too. This traditional Vietnamese soup usually contains rare beef but the meat-free version — with noodles and tofu in a veggie broth — is available if you know where to look. It might not taste like the classic version, but these pho-makers still ladle on the flavour. [Image credit: iStock.com/Kelseyhboyte]

Oyster fans love their seafood fresh, but where do you find them so far from the coast? Luckily, Toronto's is on top of its seafood game, with a variety of fresh oysters to choose from, imported and guaranteed fresh. Whether you seek a fancy night out or a casual conch, you're sure to have a shucking good time.  Here's Toronto's best oyster bars. [Image credit: Oysters from Rodney's Oyster House by Kathleen Renne]

Born to the streets of urban Japan, the izakaya is traditionally understood as a place to stay and drink. Whether it’s a divey hole where a stomach is quelled with copious deep-fried edibles, or a refined eatery delivering a superb culinary and social experience, the city is rich with unique takes on Japanese food and atmosphere. Itadakimasu! [Image credit: iStock.com/PamelaJoeMcFarlane]

There are two kinds of wine drinkers: those that taste with their palate, and those that taste with their wallet. For those of us in the latter category, you’ll be pleased to find Toronto’s east-end offers a number of budget-friendly wine nights throughout the week, sure to satisfy your inner wino as well as your inner cheapskate.

The classic restaurant date. It’s a safe bet, allowing for optimal conversation, minimal awkwardness, and best of all, a tasty meal. If it's date night and you're finding yourself wanting to avoid the downtown core, try these neighbourhood favourites and off-the-beaten-track gems, instead.

When choosing a restaurant feels more akin to choosing what to watch on Netflix (read: an hour or two of scrolling, scrolling, scrolling), be thankful that maxed-out, relaxed-out dining is something that Toronto does best. With an emphasis on soulful, filling food and chill vibes, surprisingly free of pretense, put on your best fashion sweats and check out some of the city’s best spots for a casual dinner date.

Mexican cuisine is about so much more than nachos, quesadillas and guac, and luckily for us, Toronto has a great selection of authentic Mexican restaurants. From grilled corn and sandwiches to tamales and churros, there’s a bevy of selections for any Mexican cuisine lover. Here are the top Mexican eats in Toronto.

Whether you’re watching your favourite team, attending a concert starring the hottest band on the radio or taking in some big ticket entertainment, you will work up an appetite when you’re downtown at the Air Canada Centre. There are lots of options nearby from fine dining to sports bars, and we've managed to get the list down to 10 spots. Here are your best bets for dining near the ACC.

These 24-hour diners and restaurants are here to satisfy any craving around the clock, whether it’s burgers, eggs benny or cocktails. Many of the restaurants play a pivotal role in Toronto’s food scene, and have become institutions where diners flock to eat again and again. Here are some of Toronto’s best restaurants that are always open. [Photo credit: Courtesy of the Thompson Diner]

Being a professional glutton is a tough job. Each year, I scarf my way through shameful amounts of food. By year's end my belts need extra holes and my cholesterol needs lowering. But it's not all bad news as I am privileged to have experienced some culinary inspiration not to mention tasted some mighty fine meals.Here are my picks for the best and most memorable dishes of 2015 (in no particular order):