ear people, has anyone tried the steak bavette yet? Okay, It’s not Jean Georges, but watch out for this 55-seat cute-as-a button French bistro located on, believe it or not, Spadina past Bathurst. Thoughtful touches include a well planned menu, a cozy patio come summer, bathrooms lit nicely enough to make you look like you haven't had such a bad day after all, and one killer Croque Monsieur.

A dinner for two
at Auberge de Pommier will set you back $300, but if you're not quite that liquid, camp out at Jules. You may just love it here. Although this insanely popular French eatery doesn't look it, the basic Francophone menu is the real thing. And the lunchtime crowd is the real thing too.

Busy.
Expect an inhuman waiting time for a table. Always packed to the gills, the best tables go quickly at lunch, so think quickly here. By 3pm or 4pm though, you will get the table of choice. The menu holds true French form, but order off the daily board, you will be rewarded. Terrific quiche, crepes and steak bavette at ridiculously inexpensive prices. Simple and affordable French cuisine -- salads, sandwiches, quiche, crepes and, of course, steak frites.

La Bavette
Herb-dusted flank steak with mesclun, veggies and first-rate fries; foot-long baguette sandwiches like Le Parisian or creamy Brie with tomato and greens, all with pureed soup, mesclun or fries. Complete meals for $15 per person, including all all taxes, tip and a glass of wine. Beer and wine only.


Reader Reviews


Loved it!
Curtis Toronto, ON
Nov.27, 2001
If you're looking for a Queen Street trendy but fun place to try, go here. Cheap drinks, quick service and great music. Its crowded, but not loud or smoky. A great place for lounging on the weekends when you're not up for anything big.


MATCHBOX LOUNGE
Big PuppyDog
Jan. 27, 2002
This place is tiny and smoke-filled.