Guests coming in to town for the holidays? Let some of Toronto’s pros do the work in the kitchen and enjoy your company while you relax together over fine cuisine. This is the perfect opportunity to explore some of the city’s most fabulous (and female powered) restaurants and splurge on a gourmet meal!

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen (templekitchen.com) – Casual yet simplistically chic, the menu at Temple offers sophisticated flavors sourced locally. Adventurous? The curried cauliflower with quinoa and caramelized onions sounds delightful. Looking more for a classic with a twist? The Mildred burger with beer cheese should satisfy. For a delicious holiday flavored dessert the figgy bread pudding with vanilla cream anglaise is a perfect find.

Green Eggplant (greeneggplant.com) – This family restaurant is known for its generous portions, so bring your friends and family and plan to share! With brunch options of Greek Feta Mediterranean Omelette and Sky High Mixed Berry French Toast how could you pick just one? My favorite thing about this menu is the wide selection of culturally infused dishes- choose a pasta dish with flavors from the Mediterranean, Thailand, China or Spain!

Fresh (freshrestaurants.ca) – Having a roommate who eats completely dairy/soy/wheat/gluten free, I recognize that there is a high value in a local vegan restaurant. Fresh does not cook with butter, dairy, eggs, honey or any other animal by-product. For those (like me!) who crave nutritious ingredients that are healthy and yummy this place will become a new favorite. From wheat-grass infused shakes and immune elixirs to protein packed salads and wraps everything on the menu truly sounds fresh and filling.

Embrujo Flamenco (embrujoflamenco.com) – This tapas restaurant combines traditional Spanish cooking with live Flamenco shows! Grab your sisters or girlfriends for a festive night of one stop dining and entertainment! Meat, seafood and vegetarian tapas provide an option for all tastes, as well as classic paella dishes.