When it comes to food, Torontonians have a sense of adventure, Taline co-owner and chef Seb Yacoubian says. “I find it heartening that Torontonians and visitors are open to trying so many new things because this empowers chefs to get really creative in the kitchen,” he says. “That openness allows us chefs to explore creating cuisine in the ways that we want to express them.”
Yacoubian creates cuisine that comes right from the heart: His restaurant — co-owned with his brothers — is named for his mother, and serves traditional Armenian food with a Lebanese twist. The first Armenian fine-dining restaurant in Toronto, it received Michelin recognition within its first year of opening. “Our food is under-represented in Canada, because there aren’t many Armenians, and our culture is therefore somewhat undiscovered in this world,” he says. “With Taline, one of our goals is to be at the forefront of change. Ensuring that we bring our culture to life in a meaningful way is very important to us.”
When Yacoubian isn’t whipping up succulent hummus or fattoush salad, he hits a variety of food spots across the city; here are a few of his faves.
“The food is incredible and the service is warm and welcoming. It’s everything I can ask for in a restaurant. First date with my wife was at Quetzal because I knew a few people that worked there, and I could show off my industry chops. Chef Steven is incredible at his craft and the rotating menus keep us going back time and time again.
Francesa Bakery, 2 Invergordon Ave.
“There is a local spot near our house called Francesca Bakery. We go there all the time when we’re craving a small bite of sweet or savoury treats. I love the atmosphere there because it’s a bit lost in time and just like stepping back into the ’90s or early 2000s: super-nostalgic. I’m a big fan of the show ‘The Sopranos,’ and being there makes me feel like I’m on the set of the show.”
Oddseoul, 90 Ossington Ave
“Oddseoul on Ossington feels under the radar despite being steady on the scene for a long time. I often find myself there late at night and have always enjoyed myself there when I want to indulge.”
Bar Isabel, 797 College St
“Bar Isabel has been a favourite of mine since they opened. I can’t get enough of the small bites and the fact that I can order the whole menu without having my wife get mad at me ‘because its smaller sharing plates’ makes me smile ear to ear. The service and food are always out of this world. Plus, the Gateaux Basque is to die for!”
The last best thing he ate
Danny’s Pizza Tavern, 611 College St
“The pizza at Danny’s Pizza Tavern is incredible. The mozzarella sticks and broccolini? Wow!”
Osteria Giulia, 134 Avenue Rd.
“Everything I’ve had from Osteria Giulia has been memorable, and I’m looking forward to going back again.”
Happy Burger, various locations
“It doesn’t matter what part of town I’m in, I will always go to Happy Burger.”
John Anderson Hamburgers, 2832 Victoria Park Ave.
“This one is nostalgic for me. It’s Americanized Greek food, and it hits the spot whenever my wife and I have it. I can always rely on them when I have my friends coming over to my place, and they deliver us everything we want and more.”
Tango Palace Coffee Company, 1156 Queen St. E.
“The best cortado in the city by far! I can’t get enough of this place.”
Civil Liberties, 878 Bloor St. W.
“One of the bartenders knows me and always just concocts something that I love. I’ve been going to Civil liberties from day one, and the quality has remained steadfast since then.”
20 Victoria, 20 Victoria St.
“20 Victoria is at the top of the list. I just need to find the time, and the reservation to go.”
