PaiGu

Green Mango is known for giving huge servings of everything. The satay chicken skewer appetizer ($7.95 for 4), though expensive for an appetizer, is filling and well worth it. The thinly-cut chicken stripes are grilled to perfection and marinated subtly, with a side of peanut-y peanut sauce. The “Fresh Rolls” ($5.00 for 3) is also a healthy choice for an appetizer, although be wary of the mint leaves they wrap into the roll. Their “Pad Thai” (chicken $8,95) is very sweet, and a lot more noodles than anything else. If you’re not a huge fan of sweet pad thai, try the “Street-Style Pad Thai” (same price). The “Chicken Cashew” ($10.95) is the best I’ve ever had, and the “Peanut Chicken” ($10.95) is also worth trying, although a bit too saucy. The “Mango Chicken” ($10.95) is far too saucy, a taste of ketchup mixed with orange juice, but the “Golden Curry Chicken” ($10.95) is a fairly satisfactory curry dish. The ice cream crepe (with fresh fruits, $7.00) is absolutely heavenly, big enough to share between two people, and by far the best dessert on the menu. For a smaller, one-person dessert, try the “Tiramisu Diablo” ($5.95). Great service, although the interior decor is mediocre.

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730 Yonge St.
Toronto, ON
(416) 928-0021
Website

The menu at EAST! is a smaller version of the one at Spring Rolls, but it is much more sophisticated-looking. Unfortunately, the maitre d’ were very hesitant to seat us, being casually-dressed and clearly students, unlike their normal audience of businessmen on lunch break from the nearby office buildings. Very bustling, but decent service, great decor and ambiance. The “Unique Satay Pad Thai” is a perfect mix of street-style with sweetness, and a decent ratio of noodle to everything else (chicken, egg, tofu, bean sprouts, and peanuts sprinkled on top), and only $7.95 for lunch. The “Tango Mango Chicken” ($8.95) is very saucy and has a strange taste to it, but the strips of mangoes are sweet, instead of the traditional sour thai mangos. I’d definitely recommend the “Grilled Marinated Chicken with Mango Salad” if you’re looking for a decent chicken meal, balanced with sweet, succulent mangoes. All the entrees are fairly large servings, but reasonable. Drinks are the usual price for Toronto restaurants, and the martini I tried was not particularly pleasant.

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240 Queen St. W.
Toronto, ON
416-351-EAST
Website

An authentic Japanese restaurant hidden away in Yorkville, Yamato is always lively and bustling, with generous portions, fair prices, and great service. Though its regulars are generally well-dressed, as is common in Yorkville restaurants, it’s hard to feel uncomfortable in this subtly sophisticated yet cozy joint. Whether you’re looking for a unique teppanyaki experience with a group of friends or order sushi a la carte with a special somebody, this restaurant can accommodate your needs. The Chicken Katsu Don is amazing, with tender breaded chicken strips, well-cooked onions, and eggs with soy sauce on a bed of rice that’ll satisfy your hunger instantly. For dessert, vanilla ice cream with hot banana tempura ($3.95) is a popular choice, for good reason.

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24 Bellair St.
Toronto, ON M5R 2C7
(416) 927-0077