Don’t shoot the messenger. Zagat, the international restaurant guide, released the results of its 2012 Toronto Restaurants Survey in which they asked more than 2,000 local diners about their dining habits in the past year.
They found that the Torontonians they surveyed went out to eat three times a week, which is on par with cities like Chicago, New York and L.A. However, the average tip left by respondents (17.1 per cent) is two per cent less than in other major American cities.
In the most popular restaurant category, pan-Asian restaurant chain Spring Rolls won out, while Canoe, the embodiment of fine dining, ranked second. Whether you agree with this or not, the reality is that a lot more Torontonians have dined at one of Spring Rolls’ many locations than Canoe, thus making it more popular.
For best food, Scaramouche ranked first (it also won best service) followed by Chiado and The Burger’s Priest, whose unapologetically lowbrow offerings have won over critics tired of overly fancy burgers. Also, Oliver & Bonacini must be happy that Canoe and Auberge du Pommier took the top two spots for décor.
Newer restaurants that also won over diners include Italian restaurant Campagnolo, Ici Bistro, Thai place Khao San Road, vegetarian-friendly Woodlot and Roncesvalles’ Barque Smokehouse.
More survey results here. Keep in mind that surveys are subjective since everyone has different dining preferences.
Leave your grievances (e.g.: Toronto will never be New York, blah blah blah) in the comments section below.
