• Canoe A patriotic nod to all things Canadian, the menu includes Canadian cheese and Ontario wines. Canoe is located on the 54th floor of a bank tower, with lake views.
  66 Wellington St. W.; 416-364-0054.
• Chiado At this elegant Portuguese restaurant, fresh fish flown in from Portugal, and 100-year-old madeiras, make their way to white-sheathed tables.
  864 College St.; 416-538-1910.
• Madeline’s Celebrated chef Susur Lee offers dishes with European flair, including crispy Cornish hen with gorgonzola, and seared foie gras topped with sautéed cherries.
  601 King St. W.; 416-603-2205.
• Julie’s Favorite dishes at this informal Cuban restaurant include ropa vieja (shredded beef with red and green peppers, rice, and plantains) and avocado-mango salad.
  202 Dovercourt Rd.; 416-532-7397.
• Gallery Grill On the University of Toronto campus, take part in the city’s hearty brunch tradition at this sophisticated spot. Patrons buck their regular diets of Proust and Borges for poached eggs and Campari-and-sodas.
  7 Hart House Circle; 416-978-2445.

• Courage My Love This Kensington Market boutique is a quirky trove of vintage cashmere, fun jewelry, and under-$10 ties.
  14 Kensington Ave.; 416-979-1992.
• Lululemon Athletica Beloved by yogis and other stylish gym-goers, Lululemon’s athletic gear (sweatshirts, sport tanks, pants) make the transition to casual wear seamlessly.
  342 Queen St. W.; 416-703-1399.
• Augustina This upscale boutique is a dreamscape of jelly bean-hued cashmere, fanciful handbags, and Hanky Panky underwear.
  138 Cumberland St.; 416-922-4248.
• Ethel Chrome, teak, and vinyl abound in this sleek shop of mid-20th-century housewares.
  1091 Queen St. E.; 416-778-6608.
• Trianon This King Street East emporium of French contemporary furnishings is rife with chandeliers and antique curios.
  247 King St. E.; 416-363-9851.
• Fresh Baked Goods This tiny Kensington outpost is filled with one-of-a-kind juicy-hued seasonal knits —from bikinis to handbags, scarves to mittens. An expert knitter crafts the goods onsite. Favorite items: sweaters for kids and women.
  274 Augusta Ave.; 416-966-0123.

Little India runs along Gerrard Street East, roughly from Greenwood to Coxwell, and is accessible via the 506 streetcar from downtown.

The mingled smells of cumin and cardamom, garlic and seared lamb waft from restaurants along the street. Most eateries offer a buffet but these tend to be generic fare. Opt to order instead from the menu when you can.

At Motimahal (1422 Gerrard St. E.; 416-461-3111) the chat papri is a hauntingly complex mixture of chickpeas, fried “crisps,” spices, and sweet and pungent sauces. Try the karahi gosht (lamb) and other halal Pakistani dishes at Lahore Tikka House (1365 Gerrard St. E.; 416-406-1668). Diners at Siddartha Restaurant (1411 Gerrard St. E.; 416-466-9777) use the steamed rounds of rice and lentil flour called idly to sop up dhal (curried bean stew).

For high-quality fabrics, scarves, and custom made saris, go to Kala Kendar (1440 Gerrard St. E.; 416–463–3111). Also check out their collection of traditional musical instruments upstairs. Kohinoor Foods (1438 Gerrard Street E.; 416–461-4432) stocks Indian spices and condiments.

• Souz Dal This petite and venerable Moroccan style martini lounge pours creative cocktails, including a delicately perfumed lychee martini. Romance and confessions bloom in Souz Dal’s dark crannies.
  636 College St.; 416-537-1883.
• Teatro Beautiful night owls choose from 20 varieties of wine by the glass at this Little Italy bar with huge picture windows.
  505 College St. W.; 416-972-1475.
• Kalendar This tenderly lit spot is perfect for canoodling couples and good friends. The sidewalk patio is a golden wedge of real estate in summer.
  546 College St.; 416-923-4138.
• Crush Wine Bar Loft dwellers and corporate types in loosened ties are drawn here by the serious wine list and menu of appetizers.
  455 King St. W.; 416-977-1234.
• Lula Lounge Nimble-of-hip revelers sip mojitos and groove to the sunny beats of Afro-Colombian bands at this pretense-free Latin spot.
  1585 Dundas St. W.; 416-588-0307.
• The Paddock Ad execs, brat-pack literati, and cocktail cognoscenti regard this swank 1940s style pub their midnight address.
  178 Bathurst St.; 416-504-9997.