Byblos

On a cold night, which is basically half the year in Toronto, we love to come to Byblos and feel the heat coming out of the open kitchen, where they're cooking up Mediterranean plates like roasted lamb shoulder and truffle pide. Even though plates are meant to be shared, you’ll definitely want two servings of the sweet jeweled rice that goes with basically everything on the menu—especially the aforementioned lamb and their hummus royale with wagyu beef. The cocktails use Middle Eastern ingredients like pistachio, apricot, orange blossom, and sumac, and there’s also an excellent wine list with options from around the globe including bottles from Lebanon. Sit downstairs if you want a cozy atmosphere next to the open kitchen or head upstairs, where you’ll find high ceilings, plush booths, and bigger tables for groups.