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5 Under the Radar Picks for Winterlicious 2014

destingo1

With over 200 restaurants participating in the 12th annual city wide food extravaganza that is Winterlicious, it’s easy to get caught up in the buzz and visit only popular restaurant choices. But here at Foodies on Foot, we’re all about unique eats and brag-about hidden gems. Check out these five affordable and relatively under the radar picks that are offering a massive bang for your buck!

Destingo 

Dinner: $25

It’s time to up the ante on your next Italian feast. Warning; this Queen West kitchen is going to become a frequent destination of yours, long after Winterlicious.

Don’t miss out on: Calamari

Cibo Wine Bar 

Lunch: $15

In the heart of the fashion district, we recommend you sample this tasty food, don’t wear it. And be sure to pronounce the name right, CHEE-BO, when you’re bragging about your meal to your friends.

Don’t miss out on: Tagliatelle

cibo2blogto

John & Sons Oyster House

Lunch: $20

Aphrodisiac or not, we’ve fallen head over heels for this oyster house. Just south of St.Clair, it’s drawing crowds midtown for a good reason.

Don’t miss out on: Moules et Frites (that mussels and fries, or a win-win)

john&son2blogto

Vertical 

Lunch: $25

Come for the view, stay for the local delicacies. You might not hang out on the patio in this weather, but this place is still a Financial district fave of ours (business meeting or not).

Don’t miss out on: Flank Steak and Frites

Quinta

Dinner: $25

Dundas West is serving up a new take on Portuguese cuisine! Bonus points go to this joint for offering vegan and vegetarian options for herbivore foodies.

Don’t miss: Country Fried Piri Piri Cornish Hen

Quinta1 - national post

Hear that grumbling? That’s your stomach telling you to try these restaurants now! Winterlicious runs January 31st to 13th, meaning you can get in on as many as 28 fantastic meals before it ends. Be sure to tweet us @foodiesonfoot with your favourite Winterlicious experiences and drool worthy pics.

Don’t forget that we are also running some of our most popular food tours throughout Winterlicious. Check out the Foodies on Foot upcoming events page, grab some friends (or come alone and make some friends), and try 5-7 of Toronto’s tastiest eats in one day.

Thanks for The National Post, BlogTO, and Destingo for the photos!

on 30 January, 2014