Slack's
Newly licensed. food is part of larger bar/socializing scene. simple stuff.
Cafe California
Been there longer than anyone else. extremely popular. dependable if unexciting menu. great staff.
Churchmouse & Firkin
English pub grub. small summer patio.
Garage Sandwich Co
At 509 church st, north of wellesley, is offers excellent and eclectic home made sandwiches. they aren't cheap, but they aren't unreasonable either, for the quality.
Byzantium
The "see and be seen" attitude restaurant and bar. overpriced and not what it once was, but still the destination for that first date, a smart little cocktail or introducing the straight family to the village.
Hair of the Dog
Overpriced pub grub, but they have very good nachos.
Just Thai
The best part is food flexibility. they will make it any way you like, from mild to molten. fun staff.
Church Street Diner
Cheap, basic, high calorie, "home cooked" meals.
On Church Street between Isabella to the north and Carlton to the south you will find more restaurants than just about anywhere in the city in a comparable distance comparable to Greektown. The restaurants often suffer in Toronto's tourist districts, this is no exception. If you have to eat here, the take-out often beats sit-down, and you get to walk. There are several good "sub" joints north of Wellesley on Church. The key here is that you are eating as part of a larger plan to be out with friends for drinks, socializing, dancing and debauchery.
Pi-Tom's Thai Cuisine
6a alexander street, at yonge (http://www.pi-tom.com). serves excellent thai food and is very consistent in offering high quality meals. lunch specials are available during day and the price is excellent. the atmosphere is very clean and quiet. pi pronounced pee means is a prefix of respect, takeout is also available. be sure to try the pumpkin soup! meals from under $10.
Pimblett's
263 gerrard. a charming fixture just west of parliament. beer is great, menus are pasted into old copies of punch, and in the basement pub, you can see a portrait of the owner, geoffrey pimblett, dressed up as lovely as queen victoria.
PJ Mellons
Serviceable food.
Ginger
Asian fast food. can be tasty but high calorie.