Some may refer to Toronto as a “melting pot”; Torontonians prefer to call their city a “cultural mosaic”.

The largest and most heavily populated city in all of Canada, Toronto is as well known for its racial and national diversity as it is for its friendliness and cleanliness. The diversity of the city and its inhabitants is most notable in the myriad of cuisines offered by the large number of restaurants, sprinkled throughout the city. And keeping in mind the fact that most who have immigrated to Canada from other countries are encouraged to hold onto their traditions, beliefs and values, you can be assured that whatever cuisine it is that you seek, it will be in its most authentic form.

For sushi lovers, one of the hottest spots is in the financial district on Bay Street called Ki. You have the option of watching your food be prepared by the chefs while perched at the sushi bar, or you can be seated in the dining area, which is surrounded by two ponds that look onto Bay Street.

One of Toronto’s most famous landmarks and the pride and joy of the city’s skyline is also one of the most fun dining experiences you’re sure to have: the top of the CN Tower. It’s called 360 because the dining room rotates 360 degrees while you eat, overlooking the entire city and Lake Ontario. With the addition of a menu featuring an excellent continental fare, it’s fun for a first date, a birthday party or an anniversary.

For something a little more “high brow”, you can visit The David Duncan House in the suburb of York Mills. A Victorian style mansion that has been converted into a restaurant, it offers an old world charm and romantic quality, all the while feeling like you haven’t quite left the comfort of your own home. A fun dining experience and a great Sunday brunch option is Marche in BCE Place at Front and Yonge Streets. This is a restaurant in reverse where you pick your table, place a ‘Reserved’ placard on it and walk around the restaurant choosing what kind of food you’d like to indulge in. They feature everything from seafood and sushi, to steaks and chops, homemade pasta and pizzas and everything in between. The bar is stocked with wonderful wines and imported beers and the dessert bar is to die for. It’s great fun for a family outing or a large group of friends.

For steak lovers, there is no better place authentic to Toronto than The Keg. Whether you’re a fan of the petite filet, the bone in rib eye or the porterhouse, they are prepared to your liking, coupled with an amazing dining experience. An FYI: don’t refuse the bread basket. Their steaming hot sour dough roles are 2nd to none.

And last but not least, one of the most famous Mom and Pop style restaurants in the city that has been around forever. For those of you who like Caribbean food, look no further than Albert’s at Vaughan Road and St Clair Ave. The line is sometimes out the door as patrons have become addicted to Albert’s famous Jerk Chicken and Oxtail with Rice and Peas. They have an extensive menu so you’re sure to find something you like there. Let it be known, you haven’t truly experienced Toronto, the T Dot as we like to call it, until you have eaten at Albert’s.