While 2007 wasn't a huge travel year for us, we did manage to visit a few cities and try some excellent food. Here's our list of the top 10 restaurant experiences we had this year:

Best Service

1. Sushi Yasuda - New York
Conveniently located a couple of blocks from Grand Central Station, this is a one of a kind sushi experience you won't want to miss. The fish is so fresh you'll have trouble eating sushi anywhere else. Try the scallops with a hint of lemon. They are absolutely delicious and melt in your mouth. Sit at the sushi bar where you can interact with your very own Chef.

What really sets Sushi Yasuda apart is the service. They treat you like royalty. You never have to pull out your own chair, wipe up your own dribblings or ever ask to have your water glass refilled. Your server stands behind you and zips in and out cleaning up that blob of rice you just dropped or that dribble of soy sauce with an "excuse me!" each time - yet they do it in such a way you won't find it annoying in the least. We spent about $130, $30 of which was tip. Yes, it was that good.

sushiyasuda.com


Best Food

2. Le Select Bistro - Toronto
This is one of our all time favorite restaurants. Le Select is a truly authentic French bistro with beautiful decor, savory food and an extensive wine collection. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu and we have consistently had excellent service on every visit. You can order a la carte or enjoy their prix fixe menu for $30 a person, which includes soup or salad, main course and desert.

Come here when you are missing Paris.

leselect.com

3. The Boiler House - Toronto
Located in the heart of the historic Distillery District, here you will discover a beautiful brick and beam restaurant with lofty ceilings, live music on the weekends, mouth watering food and fantastic service. This is the ideal spot for a romantic date or to bring a group of friends who appreciate fine food. You should budget about $150 - $200 for 2 three course meals with wine and espresso.

boilerhouse.ca


Best Vibe

4. 107 Fourth Avenue Wine Bar & Cafe - Ottawa
Located in the Glebe in an old house, it is both intimate and lively with some private nooks as well as more open areas. Come with good friends and share a glass or several of their fantastic wines - many of which you can't get at the LCBO. They also serve food and desert. We only tried the chocolate cheese cake (superb!) but our friends had a thin crust tomato basil pizza and bread with olive oil and balsamic. We shared several bottles of wine between 6 of us, each better than the next!

We capped the night off with a perfect shot of espresso. Espresso aficionados take note, they have done it right: the espresso is a cup of rich velvety European goodness. This is rare.

107fourthavenue.com


Best Value

5. Seoul City Restaurant - Toronto
Seoul City is a little gem on Queen Street W that has been open for about a year. We've been here twice and it is amazing. The ambiance is really nice, excellent service and the food is fantastic and well priced.

You must try the carpaccio with pear, the spicy crab cakes and the beef ribs. The last time we were here we came with 4 people and the bill was $140, which included several drinks, appetizers, 4 mains and 3 chocolate cakes for desert. I don't know any other restaurant in Toronto where you can get this kind of food and service for that kind of price.

Seoulcityrestaurant.com


Best Presentation

6. Wasabi - Winnipeg
Wasabi is a really great sushi spot in the 'Peg. Since we have family there who happen to cook exceptionally well, we rarely go out to eat. But when we do, it's always Wasabi. They have two locations. The one we go to is in an old house that has been converted into a restaurant. It has a really great atmosphere and on the top level you can sit on the floor in traditional Japanese style. Try the Chef's menu and sample everything! Your senses will not be disappointed as presentation and flavor are their specialties.

7. Blow Fish - Toronto
Blow Fish falls under the "pricey but worth it" category. Located on the trendy King West strip in an old bank converted into a restaurant, they serve up taste style and ambiance. The food is beautifully presented so it is almost as fun to look at as it is to eat. Try the blowfish giant ebi shooter for a truly unique visual and taste experience. Portions are small but decadent.

Budget about $150 - $180 for two people or if that is too steep, grab a seat at the bar for a cocktail and enjoy the tunes from their live DJ.

blowfishrestaurant.com


Best Lunch on The Go

8. Sandwich Box - Toronto
Healthy gourmet sandwiches at Subway prices. You can either select a recommended sandwich or you can make your own. They have the most delicious bread selection. Try their Rosemary Focaccia with grilled vegetables and asiago cheese or load up at their extensive salad bar. Every sandwich comes with a plain side salad and it is all packed away in cute little white boxes that you can eat out of.

Sandwichbox.ca

Best Cafe

9. B Espresso Bar - Toronto
This authentic Italian cafe makes the smoothest, creamiest lattes in town. Each one comes out with a swirly decoration in the foam. Bar Manager, Alessandro loves to greet his female customers with a boisterous "Ciao Bella!" and a kiss.

During the World Cup the small cafe is packed with people in business suits cheering and shouting at the large flat screen tv. The gourmet selection for lunch is well worth the price and they often have delicious pasta specials you won't want to miss. Want a glass of wine with lunch? No problem. They have a decent wine selection and are also open on Thursday nights for Italian Cocktails Night. You will love the decor, the service and pretty much everything about this place.

bespressobar.com


Best Brunch

10. Xacutti - Toronto
Xacutti is an Indian restaurant by night and a hot brunch spot weekend mornings. The modern decor and loungy music paired with the generous gourmet selection attract Hipsters by the line-ups. Try the banana macadamia nut flap jacks with brown sugar butter and a glass of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. If you prefer savory, the croissant over stuffed with spicy scrambled eggs and smoked salmon is a great bet. Expect to spend about $40 for two people. Go early as they don't take reservations for Brunch.

Xacutti.com