The geek-chic decor of the dining room helps you forget about the car lots outside.

The Vibe
Unfortunately, both the uptown crowd and the downtown crew find this location a culinary Scarberia. More than once I went in search of of the place, this strange little restaurant on Yonge near Eglinton, before I found it. Peeking in a place bearing the address, I saw a flickering TV and a couch. But beyond the couches, a hallway opens out into a large, lively backroom.

The Cuisine
This is food that went to art school, albeit, on the cheap. Dishes surprise, do odd tricks. Somehow, though, it all works--very, very well. A golden tomato soup sweet and comforting until a powerful green chili burn sneaks up on you. Pasta with a leek-flecked, cilantro-accented roasted pepper sauce: Chinese? Spanish? Enter into the spirit, and you'll find yourself gleefully playing "name that flavor."

The restaurant is heady with smells from a large open kitchen. The menu is based on a four-course meal, with a selection of antipasti ($3.95-$6.95), pasta ($4.95-$7.95), meat or fish ($5.95-$15.95) and vegetables ($2.95-$3.95). We start with the sardines, which are nicely grilled with tomatoes, onions and capers. Bony but good. The pasta of the day, Fettucine with grilled mushrooms and asparagus tossed in a light buttery sauce, is exquisite but the seafood risotto is in an overpowering cayenne tomato sauce that obliterates the flavours of the shellfish. A serving of grilled calamari, however, is perfectly tender. Smoking. Reservations accepted.

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Reader Reviews

feed off the energy.
Zanhoff, Toronto
I have been frequenting this flirtatious haunt for a while now, and LOVE the place, the ever-evolving menu, complimented with stellar soups keeps me coming back. Over the time I have been going have befriended the wait staff, and just love to feed off the energy in the place. Non-pretentiou, and up for it, great for an introduction and to warm up for an evening out. I will definitley be back.


My goodness, a moron writes.
Clayton Toronto
September 1, 2003
guess that I'm here to review the Reviewer. Which is it? North of eglinton or south of it. My goodness get it right people. Clay


Five Doors North
Christa Toronto
Fun and games, until someone complains! Service is poor, mostly due to rude waiters. Food is very good, but last time I went, half of our table's food was oversalted, to the point of having to send it back. Atmosphere is great; the restaurant is packed with suckers for punishment (i.e. people who think they don't deserve to be treated with respect when they go out to eat).


Poor Service...Poor Diners
Rachel Kim, Toronto
May 4, 2002
I ate at 5doors down in April and although the food was very good, the service completely downplayed the food. Too Bad! At the end of the meal, we couldn't get the check until we all stood up and almost left without it! As a result of the delays with everything, we also had to pay extra for parking. Management just defended the waiter, kind of cold and rude.


April 22, 2002
Jamey R, Toronto, ON
Im going to keep it simple. I like this place. Food, drink, atmosphere. Its all good.