Penelope is across the street from the Royal Alexandra Theatre inside of the Metro Centre. The restaurant specializes in Greek cuisine and has won awards for its cuisine from "Toronto Life" magazine, which declared the souvlaki the best in Toronto. The menu begins with 18 appetizers, such as the saganaki, the signature starter that consists of kefalotiri cheese brought to the table flaming in an ouzo and lemon sauce. In addition to its souvlaki, the restaurant is known for its roast lamb entree, a shoulder roast seasoned with rosemary. Frequently, the restaurant offers special for pre-theatre diners. The wine list features more than 25 varieties with several Greek imports. Penelope serves lunch Mondays through Fridays and dinner Mondays through Saturdays. The restaurant closes Sundays. Reservations are recommended. Business casual attire is appropriate.
Penelope
225 King Street West
Toronto, ON M5V 3C5
Canada
416-351-9393
peneloperestaurant.com
Barootes Restaurant is at the corner of King Street West and Simcoe Street, less than a block from the Royal Alexandra Theatre. The menu incorporates dishes from a variety of culinary traditions, evidenced from the nine appetizers that lead the menu, such as the duck spring rolls, crab cakes with jalapeno mayonnaise and baked brie and walnuts stuffed in phyllo dough. The restaurant features five signature wok-fried entrees like the pad thai made from chicken, shrimp, peppers, bean sprouts and rice noodles. Grilled steaks, ostrich and seafood are also featured. A prix fixe dinner special is offered before events at the Royal Alexandra. More than 50 bottled selections comprise the wine list. Barootes Restaurant is open for lunch Mondays through Fridays and for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays. The restaurant closes all day on Sundays. Reservations are suggested. Casual attire is acceptable.
Barootes Restaurant
220 King St. West
Toronto, ON M5H 1K4
Canada
416-979-7717
barootes.com
Specializing in Italian cuisine, Il Fornello is also at the corner of King Street West and Simcoe Street. The restaurant opened in May 1986 and held "Zagat" dining guide ratings of "good to very good" for its food, service and decor. To start the meal, the restaurant offers nine appetizers like the grilled calamari and shrimp and the smoked salmon and chevre with flatbread. Pizza is a specialty of the house with 10 signature pies featured, such as the fichi topped with mascarpone, figs, prosciutto, grana padano, arugula and a touch of honey. Pastas, grilled seafood and other Italian dishes like chicken parmigiana are also available. Il Fornello serves lunch Mondays through Fridays and dinner Mondays through Saturdays. The restaurant is typically closed Sundays, but it does open for dinner on days of performances at the Royal Alexandra and a limited number of other theaters in the area. Reservations are taken online as well as by phone. Casual attire is appropriate. Gluten-free pizza and pasta are available.
Il Fornello
214 King St. West
Toronto, ON M5H 3S6
Canada
416-977-2855
ilfornello.com
