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  • Wendy Goldman, Ourfaves.com
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  • Dec 14, 2009 - 11:32 AM
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Discover Your City

Fave Old-School Toronto Eateries

Singing an old tune. On top of the home cooked meal, every table at People's has its own mini jukebox.

Inside Toronto has teamed up with Ourfaves.com to bring you the very best in Toronto culture, according to passionate locals like you.

With so many new restaurants popping up all over the city, it`s important to pay homage to those places that have remained tied to their roots. Here’s a roundup of some local favourites, in the words of ravenous reviewers at Ourfaves.com.

People’s Foods

"This place screams old school. Every table has its own mini jukebox and the booths look like they’ve been transplanted from another era (or just have yet to see a facelift). This family-owned place has a great brunch menu and is famous for its home-cooked hamburgers. You can also see the cooks fry up the eggs and potatoes before your very eyes, making for an overall great diner experience." Read more reviews...

Camarra’s

"One of Toronto's most authentic Italian restaurants doesn't actually live in Little Italy but rather on an unassuming Dufferin strip between Eglinton and Lawrence. If the impressive collage of sticker-awards that line Camarra's front door doesn't impress, the strong scents of garlic, herbs, and fresh hospitality are sure to whet your appetite. Try the whole-wheat spaghetti with their 'famous' marinara, or the most amazing gnocchi this city has to offer. Picture fluffy cloud-like bundles of potato goodness immersed in a pool of meaty marinara. The bill isn't light - roughly $20 per entree - but it's worth every penny. You'll appreciate the white table cloths and friendly old-style service, I'm sure of it." Read more reviews...

Senator Restaurant

"I was thrilled when I finally discovered the Senator, as the neighbourhood around the Eaton Centre always seems devoid of good (non-touristy) places to eat. It's since become one of my favourite brunch spots, partly because of the food (which always seems to please everyone - my parents loved it here) and partly because of the classic diner decor (it's the real thing). I can't vouch for everything as I think I've ordered the huevos rancheros every time I've been - they're that good. They offer you three eggs, fried, but I get two poached - because it's healthier and because I prefer them. (And three eggs is too much). They're served with fresh avocado, beans, salsa and a lovely little cornbread muffin." Read more reviews...

House of Chan

"It is home to one of the best steaks in the city, hands down, but don’t expect trendy decor or a fancy crowd.  This dimly lit midtown steakhouse is certainly worth a visit for seriously succulent steak. But don't just fill up on the meat - the Asian-inspired side dishes are all part of the experience. Pair your steak with Chinese goodies like Lo Mein and stir-fried veggies. The potatoes are also spectacular." Read more reviews...

Grano Ristorante

"Grano has been a staple of Yonge and Eglinton's restaurant scene for over 20 years and to have survived that long on Toronto's landscape is an accomplishment in itself. Rustic uncovered wooden tables and framed Italian-inspired art on the walls is all part of the ambiance that keep people coming back time and time again. The antipasto bar is fun and full of fresh ingredients and classic flavours and usually 10+ choices from green beans to artichokes, sauteed mushrooms and ricotta/spinach balls. Appetizers range from around $12-20. Try the Carpaccio Di Vitello (veal carpaccio with greens, pecorino and pine nuts) or the classic Italia Mia (prosciutto, mozzarella di bufala and grano padano with balsamic). The pasta comes in small or large portions and the selection is anything but standard with a wide range of different kinds of dishes and flavours. Don't skip dessert! Try their signature dessert, the Crostata Tricolore with an Illy espresso." Read more reviews...

Senior’s Restaurant and Steakhouse

"Open for more than 40 years, this Yonge and St. Clair steakhouse is pleasantly old school with its dim wood paneled dining room and worn-in feel. Veterans and youngens alike enjoy their amazingly simple breakfasts without any pretension or pomp and circumstance. Their thick-cut bacon and perfectly cooked eggs slide around on your plate waiting to be mopped up with your delicious buttery toast. It’s just classic greasy goodness. The only drawback is it’s only open on Saturdays." Read more reviews...

About Ourfaves.com

Ourfaves.com is an online community and collaborative city guide where people can share and explore reviews on a city-wide scale. Love spreading the word about your own stand-out city finds – that perfect date spot, indie boutique, or new art gallery? Join the community conversation and we may feature your reviews in Your City.



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