Pick a cuisine and bring an appetite. Toronto's trademark multiculturalism makes it a gourmand's dream. For Korean, try Korea House (666 Bloor Street West, +14165368666) for an authentic dishes like kalbi (beef ribs) and pig's foot. For delicious Portuguese seafood there is Chiado (864 College Street, +14165381910, www.chiadorestaurant.ca) and for Brazilian flavour there is Caju (922 Queen Street, +14165322550, www.caju.ca) .

Less easy to find is authentic Canadian cooking. Toronto has no culinary traditions as such, save for the ritual of a back bacon sandwich at St Lawrence Market on Saturdays. Still, venison and game, wild salmon and other iconic symbols of Canada's vast expanses do find their way to the plate. Canoe (Toronto-Dominion Tower, 66 Wellington Street, +14163640054, www.canoerestaurant.com) serves tender caribou loin and tourtiere meat pies. Also winning praise for its emphasis on Canadian cuisine is Tundra (145 Richmond Street West, 14168606800, tundra.sites.toronto.com). Situated in the Hilton Toronto (9 Church Street, +14163621957). Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar is the closest thing to a Canadian tapas bar you'll find. It serves scrumptious small portions of fois gras terrine, braised oxtail and artisanal cheeses, among others, while offering wines by the half-glass. Its popularity has prompted Kennedy to open an eponymous and more upscale restaurant on the same site.

The uber-trendy Ultra Supper Club (314 Queen Street, +14162630330, www.ultrasupperclub.com) offers a blend of design and delectable food with loungy relaxation. Auteur chef Susur Lee displays his pioneering fusion style at both Susur (601 King Street West, +14166032205, www.susur.com) and its less pricey neighbour Lee (603 King Street West, +14165047867). Allen's (143 Danforth Avenue, +14164633086) serves a meaty burger with 14 draught beers on tap.

Classic greasy-spoon diners remain affordable and cheerful choices. Check out the venerable Mimi's (218 Bathurst Street, +14167036464) or Aunties & Uncles (74 Lippincott Street, +14163241375) and you may be seated alongside a local musician or two.

The Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West area has plenty of no-frills, fluorescent–lit Chinese or Vietnamese options, such as Happy Seven (358 Spadina Avenue, +14169719820) and Pho Hung Restaurant (350 Spadina Avenue, +14165934274) respectively.

For Italian, try Romagna Mia's sublime risotto (106 Front Street, +14163638370, www.romagna-mia.com), Terroni's thin-crust pizza (720 Queen Street, +14165040320) and Noce's osso buco (875 Queen Street, +14165043463).

Dark and atmospheric bars capture the imagination. Try the retro Paddock (178 Bathurst Street, +14165049997) for leather-lined contemplation of the bourbons on offer. For good odds on spotting a martini-sipping celebrity, try the mainfloor bar at The Drake (1150 Queen Street West, +14165315042, www.thedrakehotel.ca). Souz Dal (636 College Street, +14165371883) flickers by candlelight and the sparks of smouldering couples. For a drink and a view, head for the Roof Lounge at the Park Hyatt (Park Hyatt Hotel 4 Avenue Road, +14163241568, parktoronto.hyatt.com) where you can sit fireside or at a secluded table on a hidden patio with the city at your feet.

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