Where the chef at White Lily Diner eats out in Toronto — including a 'mind-blowing' chicken sandwich

“Dining in Toronto is great — there’s food from everywhere in the world here, and the city serves as a melting pot where different flavours and approaches combine,” White Lily Diner head chef Kenny Kathiresan says. “There seems to be less focus on chasing trends and more emphasis on quality, flavour and making something honest. Chefs are making menus with real intention instead of trying to find something that just sounds flashy for the sake of it. I think that really excites people going out looking to try somewhere new.”

Want to freshen up your own restaurant roster? Check out these memorable spots as recommended by Kathiresan.

Best date-night spot

Hanmoto, 2 Lakeview Ave.

“Hanmoto is a Japanese restaurant that offers excellent small, sharing-portion dishes and a nicely paired beer and cocktail list. My favourite things on the menu are the dyno wings and the surf n’ turf hand roll. It’s a small and intimate spot with a lively and exciting atmosphere.”

Best baked good

Athens, 707 Danforth Ave.

“The spanakopita (spinach pie) and loukoumades (honey balls) are amazing. Athens has been a staple on the Danforth for decades and that’s largely due to their precise and passionate approach to their filo pastry.”

Hidden gem

Souvlike, various locations

“They have the best chicken gyro I’ve ever had, hands-down. You have to get it with fries and secret sauce added into the wrap. They’re open late too, usually until 1 a.m.”

Repeat reservation

Watercolour, 166 Main St. 

“At Watercolour, I can’t get enough of the lamb chops and seafood risotto, but the tuna tartare and octopus a la plancha are just as impressive. The restaurant feels very classy without being intimidating. It has a very cosy and inviting atmosphere that makes every meal feel special.”

The last best thing you ate

“I just grabbed some Trinidadian doubles and aloo pie from ACR in Scarborough. Their bara is made perfectly and I love that signature sweet and spicy scotch bonnet hot sauce.”

Current obsession

Kensei Bar, 1173 Dundas St. W.

“The galbi burger, especially with a nice cold pint of Sapporo, is fantastic.”

Fancy dinner

Côte de Bœuf, 130 Ossington Ave.

“Another small, intimate-feeling space. It’s a French-inspired bistro built around locally sourced meats they butcher themselves in-house. A rotating menu based around skilled butchering practices is going to produce some pretty decadent high-quality options and they certainly don’t disappoint. The 10 oz. steak frites is excellent, but if you’re really out to treat yourself, get their namesake and order the côte de bœuf. They’ve got a lovely French wine list to pair with the menu as well.”

Best dessert

Ed’s Real Scoop, various locations

“I love ice cream. It might not be anything fancy but it’s excellent. Ed’s makes their ice cream the right way: in-store, with a large rotating menu of available flavours. I can never pass up getting a scoop of Ed’s rocky road when I’m there.”

Lunch spot

Maha’s Brunch, 226 Greenwood Ave.

“Maha’s is an Egyptian brunch and lunch restaurant with a fantastic menu. My favourite thing is either the mind-blowing chicken sandwich or the Cairo classic with a honey cardamom latte. The restaurant feels very warm and homey, kind of like visiting a friend’s home for lunch when you’re a kid.”

Best late night

Pho Pasteur, 525 Dundas St. W.

“The portions are generous and the broth is rich. My go-to order is the #13 with extra tendon. They’re open 24-7 so you can’t get much later than that.”

Best takeout

Mac’s Pizza, 759 Dovercourt Rd.

“They really know how to make a pie! The Angry Pepperoni is my favourite, just a simple classic pizza. Their pizza dough and well-balanced sauce shine, with perfect attention to details.”

Best coffee

Rooms Coffee, various locations

“They have excellent baristas, and great music and decor, like a very large living room with very comfortably cushioned couches. I usually just get a cortado.”