New uptown café and snack bar Baba loves a twist. “The food is a little different,” says co-owner and chef Kevin Chen. “But at the same time, it feels familiar.” There’s a Bolognese made with tofu-rice noodles and soy-braised pork ragu. A martini garnished with pickle slices. Even the avocado toast gets a little gochujang vinaigrette.
“Right now, we’re really drawn to refined comfort food, taking flavours and dishes people recognize and finding ways to make them feel new without losing what made them comforting in the first place,” co-owner and chef Michael Medeiros says. “There’s that first bite and that moment when you can tell someone is genuinely enjoying what you’ve created. That’s still the best feeling.”
Where does the pair venture out to when they want something delicious? Here are a few of their most mouth-watering destinations in town.
Best date-night spot
Liliana, 1198 Queen St. W.
“The food is great, the wine is great and the vibe just feels right for a night out. It’s the kind of place where the whole experience comes together without feeling overly formal.” —Chen
Hidden gem
3rd Mom Spicy Hot Pot, various locations
“This spot is incredible bang for your buck. The food is packed with flavour, and it’s the kind of place where you can order a lot and try a bit of everything.” —Medeiros
Repeat reservation
Bar Raval, 505 College St.
“It’s one of those places we can go back to again and again because it’s always such a good time. The food and drinks are consistently great, but it’s also the energy of the room that keeps us coming back. You know you’re going to have a fun night there.” —Chen
The last best thing you ate
Côte de Bœuf, 130 Ossington Ave.
“They’re just doing everything so well that it’s hard to complain about anything. It’s straightforward, confident cooking, and the whole meal was unbelievably good.” —Medeiros
Current obsession
Hong Ming BBQ, 3636 Steeles Ave. E.
“Everything on the menu is so delicious that I honestly can’t narrow it down to one dish. It’s the kind of place that makes you start thinking about what you’re going to order the next time you go.” —Chen
Fancy dinner
The Rosebud, 498 King St. E.
“It’s so underrated. They give you a wonderful experience from the moment you sit down, and the tasting menu feels thoughtful from beginning to end. We also love how much knowledge goes into the whole experience: you leave feeling like you’ve been really taken care of.” —Medeiros
Comfort food
Starchiva Cuisine, various locations
“The double-boiled free-range chicken reminds me of good times with friends and the kind of comforting food I’ve eaten since I was young. There’s no dressing it up. It’s simply warm, familiar and satisfying.” —Chen
Best dessert
Sushi Yugen, 150 York St.
“The black sesame ice cream is the perfect way to finish after such an amazing meal. The balance of umami and sweetness works beautifully and makes it incredibly memorable.” —Medeiros
Lunch spot
Mozy’s, 114 Atlantic Ave.
“The chicken is always perfectly cooked and has so much flavour. It’s easy, reliable and something I genuinely crave.” —Medeiros
Best late-night craving spot
KL Kitchen Seafood Cuisine, 536 Dundas St. W.
“Get the chicken and herb hot pot: it’s warm, comforting and always delicious, especially after a long night in the kitchen.” —Chen
Best cocktail bar
Slice of Life, 409 College St.
“The drinks are incredibly creative, and there’s a sense of fun to everything they do.” —Medeiros
Place I’m dying to try
The Wood Owl, 1380 Danforth Ave.
“I love a good wine bar, and everything I’ve seen from the food looks so good.” —Chen
