A casual dinner in Toronto, ON

Vegetarians rejoice: pho is typically a beef-based dish, but you can enjoy it too. This traditional Vietnamese soup usually contains rare beef but the meat-free version — with noodles and tofu in a veggie broth — is available if you know where to look. It might not taste like the classic version, but these pho-makers still ladle on the flavour. [Image credit: iStock.com/Kelseyhboyte]

Oyster fans love their seafood fresh, but where do you find them so far from the coast? Luckily, Toronto's is on top of its seafood game, with a variety of fresh oysters to choose from, imported and guaranteed fresh. Whether you seek a fancy night out or a casual conch, you're sure to have a shucking good time.  Here's Toronto's best oyster bars. [Image credit: Oysters from Rodney's Oyster House by Kathleen Renne]

Out with the old and in with the new: successful restaurants are rebranding and expanding all the time in Toronto. This means more great food at more locations and creative spinoffs of popular themes. Less-successful eateries are renovating and overhauling their menus to try to win back your loyalty. It’s a win-win for local foodies. [Feature Image: Barque]

Toronto is a city that thrives on diversity and is home to a wide range of ethnicities. This incredibly diverse and culture-rich city offers cuisine from around the culinary globe. From Thai to Indian, Polish to African, there's so much to experience. Take a trip around the world, eating at a different authentic restaurant each night of the week.

Born to the streets of urban Japan, the izakaya is traditionally understood as a place to stay and drink. Whether it’s a divey hole where a stomach is quelled with copious deep-fried edibles, or a refined eatery delivering a superb culinary and social experience, the city is rich with unique takes on Japanese food and atmosphere. Itadakimasu! [Image credit: iStock.com/PamelaJoeMcFarlane]

Prefer to order in rather than go out for authentic Indian cuisine? Having it delivered to your doorstep has never been easier. If you live in the east end, here’s who to call when the craving for savoury samosas or spicy curry hits, and you can’t or don’t want to leave the house.

You don’t have to travel far to try authentic pho – it’s available right here in your backyard. This delicious Vietnamese soup has reached new heights of popularity, and foodies aren’t the only ones taking notice. The dish is affordable and accessible to all tastes. Adventurous diners eager to please their culinary palates can enjoy a taste of Vietnam right here in Toronto.

The classic restaurant date. It’s a safe bet, allowing for optimal conversation, minimal awkwardness, and best of all, a tasty meal. If it's date night and you're finding yourself wanting to avoid the downtown core, try these neighbourhood favourites and off-the-beaten-track gems, instead.

When choosing a restaurant feels more akin to choosing what to watch on Netflix (read: an hour or two of scrolling, scrolling, scrolling), be thankful that maxed-out, relaxed-out dining is something that Toronto does best. With an emphasis on soulful, filling food and chill vibes, surprisingly free of pretense, put on your best fashion sweats and check out some of the city’s best spots for a casual dinner date.

2015 was a busy year for Toronto’s east end, from Riverdale to Cabbagetown to the Distillery. Fresh new businesses are popping up everywhere, and among them are some of the finest eateries in the city. Whether for brunch with pals, a dinner date, or dessert, there are many places to indulge without the hustle and bustle of downtown.

These 24-hour diners and restaurants are here to satisfy any craving around the clock, whether it’s burgers, eggs benny or cocktails. Many of the restaurants play a pivotal role in Toronto’s food scene, and have become institutions where diners flock to eat again and again. Here are some of Toronto’s best restaurants that are always open. [Photo credit: Courtesy of the Thompson Diner]

Being a professional glutton is a tough job. Each year, I scarf my way through shameful amounts of food. By year's end my belts need extra holes and my cholesterol needs lowering. But it's not all bad news as I am privileged to have experienced some culinary inspiration not to mention tasted some mighty fine meals.Here are my picks for the best and most memorable dishes of 2015 (in no particular order):