If you only hit one restaurant in Toronto, make it...

If you only hit one restaurant in Toronto, make it Bar Isabel!

When I asked my friends for Toronto recommendations, this was the only one that showed up (twice), and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere is elegant but relaxed, and the food is outstanding quality. The prices are a bit high (especially the wines -- and especially the sherries, unfortunately... so we opted for cocktails), but overall worth the pricetag.

My favorites were the shishito peppers (so good), gooseneck barnacles (seasonal special), grilled mushrooms with celeriac (fantastic), and patatas bravas with boquerones (I really enjoyed and felt like only moderate heat, but too much for my wife.) I wasn't as wowed by the octopus (it was fine, but I've had better, especially for the price.)