Where to eat near the Toronto Centre for the Arts

Much of Toronto’s restaurant buzz remains south of Bloor, but North York dining offers its own benefits. For starters, there are no swarms of tourists affecting the price and quality of its eateries. Sure, it’s suburbia, but it’s not all Costco hot dogs and IKEA meatballs. For those venturing up to North York for the critically acclaimed Jersey Boys during the month of May, here is our rundown of the best nearby spots.
Where to eat near the Toronto Centre for the Arts View in a larger map

Where: Toronto Centre for the Arts, 5040 Yonge St., 416-733-9388
When: Tue–Sat at 8 p.m.; Wed, Sat and Sun at 2 p.m

Pourquoi Pas?, 63 Sheppard Ave. W., 416-226-9071, pourquoipas.ca
When in the burbs, it’s only fitting to dine in a restaurant that resembles a quaint residence. This French restaurant serves such provincial classics as ratatouille ($10.95) and calf’s liver ($16.95), as well as a daily two-course prix fixe dinner for $24.95. The wine list may be small, but Pourquoi Pas makes up for it by providing a fine-dining experience for about $30 per person. Open for lunch every day from noon to 2 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. *Dancap members get 13 per cent off.

Bombay Bhel, 5009 Yonge St., 416-221-4255, bombaybhelrestaurant.com
Those who want an alternative to the cramped (and somewhat overrated) Cuisine of India head to this aromatic chain restaurant that also serves traditional cuisine (mains $8–$16). The large vegetarian menu is highlighted by the palak paneer (curried spinach with cubes of fried, homemade cottage cheese) and pani poori (crispy shells filled with potatoes and chick peas); carnivores can chomp such standards as tandoori and vindaloo (chicken, beef or lamb cooked in a hot sauce). Monday to Friday, lunch 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., dinner 5 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m.–10 p.m. Dancap members get 15 per cent off.

Asian Legend, 5186 Yonge St., 416-221-9797, asianlegend.ca
The uptown location of the authentic Chinese restaurant is the go-to place for Shanghai eats (the city’s eponymous noodles and dumplings are a must). The Peking duck ($29.95) is worth the splurge, but the fried dough balls with a red bean paste centre satisfy for less ($6.95 for four). Open every day 11–11.

Café Mirage, 4841 Yonge St., 416-250-9422, cafe-mirage.com
Although the name and faux Italian decor screams mid-’90s tacky, the expansive menu has everything from breakfast staples (steak and eggs is only $12) to salads ($8–$12 for dinner-size portions) and pizzas ($13–$15). A large dessert menu of cakes, crêpes and squares will keep theatre-goers buzzing at least until intermission. Monday to Thursday 8 a.m.–1 a.m., Friday 8 a.m.–2 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–2 a.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–1 a.m.

Shawarma Max, 4969 Yonge St., 416-224-2423
For those who are rushing to make the curtain, shawarma is the perfect all-in-one, travel-friendly meal—university students have been consuming them for years. Shawarma sandwiches are in the $5 range; most people opt for the chicken with lots of tzatziki and a dash of hot sauce (as long as they aren’t on a date). Open until 2 a.m. Monday to Thursday and 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Visit the Dancap Web site for a complete list of restaurants that offer discounts to Dancap members: dancaptickets.com/memberships/restaurant_partners