Good Bars and Cafes in Downtown (Toronto)

Jersey Giant

Located near the St Lawrence Market, this is a basic British-style pub complete with a dartboard and pool table. The bar attracts plenty of corporates but the atmosphere is relaxed and calm. The dark wooden ceiling beams, pictures of Queen Victoria and Churchill and Victorian-style lanterns invite you to settle on a bar stool or at a table. The standard British menu, like shepherd's pie, fish and chips, and liver and onions is what you get here. You can also choose from burgers, all-day breakfast, steak and seafood.

Victoria's at Le Meridien King Edward

Located in Le Meridien King Edward, Victoria's is well known for its power and leisure breakfasts, afternoon tea, and pre-theater meals. With an elegant setting of fine artwork, this restaurant has a contemporary atmosphere. Catering to the business crowd during the mornings and at lunch, and to the usual crowd during the entire day, this ritzy spot is popular with all. Executive Chef Daniel Schick is known for serving delicious and consistently inventive gastronomy to all his visitors since past 12 years. Victoria's is also known for its sunday brunch.

York's Station

A drink after work anyone? If you do then walk in to York Station in the Fairmont Royal York. Office goers flock to this place before catching the train back home. This bar was adjudged the 'Best bar in Canada', and is also the smallest intimate one in Toronto. Chat with their most experienced bartender Alina and let her serve you with the best in the cabinet. So what you waiting for? Walk in and become a regular there. Reservations not required.

Friar & Firkin

The Firkin is the perfect place to meet up, have a beer or simply dine. Located below street level, its tucked into a corner and is definitely a rare find. The interiors are narrow with upholstered couches and space utilized completely with a clear view of games on the large screen TV's. The food served is fabulous, reasonable with more than sixteen draft beers, sandwiches, salads and more. If you don't know which wine or pint to choose just ask for the "Pints and Plates" and let the delightful combination served surprise you. This way you get a beer that goes best with your food. Top off a fantastic meal with one of the rich desserts.

Original Motorcycle Cafe and Lounge

You can shop in a trendy boutique, eat a hearty dinner and then relax by the fireplace in a sleek and stylish lounge, all without stepping outside. Surrounded by glass, wood and steel, you can sample pasta, chicken and fresh lobster tails at the Original Motorcycle Cafe and Lounge. Try a Thin-Crusted Pizza or a more substantial Grilled Steak. Afterwards, an evening of socializing is just a staircase away, complete with chunky leather chairs, pool tables, a hip crowd and a jam-packed dance floor.

Acqua Ristorante

Situated on Toronto's first intersection front and Yonge, this upscale restaurant shares a city block with the Sony Centre, the Hockey Hall of Fame and BCE Place. Lunch packs in the business partners and their clients while dinner is mostly pre-theater or after-work supping. Chef and co-owner Robert Buchanan works an assortment of steak (grilled Black Angus ribeye), seafood (seared Georgian Bay whitefish), chicken and lamb into a Cal-Ital fusion cuisine. Lunch features options like butternut squash risotto with duck.

Panorama Lounge & Restaurant

As its name suggests, this restaurant is known for its incredible city view. Located on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre, this exclusive dining spot caters to the business and hotel crowd who don't mind paying extra for the experience. Two patios on both sides of the restaurant provide one with a seat above the hustle of Bloor and Bay Streets. The menu is a pricey selection of high-scale appetizers, including standard offerings as Spring Rolls to the more bizarre Ostrich Fillet with Kiwi Chutney.

Baton Rouge Restaurant & Bar

The first Toronto sighting of a five-restaurant chain out of Montreal, this self-styled "upscale bar and grill" features some of the best Baby Back Ribs with French Fries in the city; not to mention the juicy steaks for those with larger appetites. Located in the Eaton Centre with an entrance on Yonge,Baton Rouge Restaurant & Bar caters to the passing crowd and to those looking for a special place to spend an evening. Aside from the Baby Back Ribs, the menu includes Canadian Prime Beef, and appetizers such as Louisiana Spinach Dip.

Spirits Bar & Grill

A visit to Spirits Bar & Grill is sure to be the cure-all for your weekly woes. A longtime favorite in Toronto, Spirits combines an extensive menu, an amicable staff, and a laid-back atmosphere. Here you can try creative menu items such as pesto pizza or choose from more traditional pub fare. For detailed information on menu items and prices, visit their website.

Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill

Are you a seafood lover? If yes, then you just have to drop by at the Pure Spirits Oyster House and Grill and dig into all their seafood delights. From oysters, fish and other creatures of the sea, you'll find everything on your platter here. Try the grilled delicacies, such as Pan Seared Duck Breast and Beef Tenderloin that will tantalize your palate. While enjoying the food you can also have a drink at the bar. They have a spectacular beer garden that sets the mood for after work drinks. It also has a patio where you can listen to some jazz and private cozy booths for that intimate dinning experience. Its open daily from 11:30 onwards.

Crush Wine Bar

Crush offers conventional French cuisine complemented with an exquisite selection of wines. For those really finicky about the food they eat, there is an open kitchen. The ambiance is effervescent and the red-bricked walls are adorned with vintage paintings. Start your meal with appetizers, such as Pâté de Campagne, which is an amalgamation of walnut puree and apricots or the Seared Quebec Foie Gras. For the main course, there's delights, such as Chicken Sûpreme and Duck Confit. And for desert, sink your teeth into some Tahitian Vanilla Crème Brûlée.

Dufflet Pastries

Feel like biting into creamy pastries and cakes? Head to Dufflet Pastries, a cafe renowned for delicious savories and desserts. Right from signature cakes and tortes to brownies and cheese cakes, they have everything for those with a sweet tooth. Along with these, you can gorge on their gourmet snacks and sip on a royally blended 'Extra Brut'. If you're a chocolate fanatic, shop for 'chocolate morsels', 'chocolate crackles' and chocolate drinks. Signature Dufflet mugs and crockery are also a part of the retail merchandise.