A delicate facelift rather than a complete image change was a prudent decision – this hangout is still smoking hot among the restaurants in Toronto. Perched on the corner of one of the city’s most fashionable streets, the triumvirate of café, restaurant and bar holds appeal from lunch to late-night. 

Outdoor tables nestled under the awning of this distinctive yellow building are look-at-me lively on summer days, while the monochrome café with its wide open windows offers sofas for a more relaxed pose. Here, the menu is French bistro-style comfort food, available until 1.30am (Weds-Sat) when the cocktail bar is kicking (the Badass Mojito muddled with raspberries and served with a sugar stirring stick comes with a verbal warning). 

The dining room may attract the pastel crowd, but even with its piano accompaniment it’s anything but fusty. Cool in cream with a waterfall wall and sleek menu, this old favourite is still a sure-fire hit.