Restaurants by Air Canada Centre

There are plenty of places to eat at around the ACC if you're coordinated enough to scarf down a hotdog while sprinting toward the door. But if you have a little more time and a little more cash, you might want to check out these restaurants before heading to the game or show. All within about a ten-minute walk of the Air Canada Centre, these spots offer you the choice of a $6 gyro a $60 steak, many operating under the pretense that their customers might be mindful of ticket times.

Voted the best sports bar in North America by ESPN and also at the top of our list of the best sports bars in Toronto, this mammoth man-cave has more TVs than you could possibly want, 100 taps to serve the thirsty crowds and line-ups so long you'll inevitably be forced to eat elsewhere. Good thing there are 9 more places on this list.

A cool 50 yards from the ACC (which, of course, only means something to Toronto's handful of football fans) and known for it's "serious seafood." Miller Tavern recently opened this second incarnation of its Yonge and Lawrence restaurant for all of those downtown game and concert fans, because every Rise Against show should be preceded by a plate of organic salmon and radish salad.

A familiar haunt for the out-of-town types, Taco Del Mar wisely chose its first Toronto spot between the Rogers Centre and the ACC. If you're looking for some quick eats (of which fish tacos are part of the menu) Taco Del Mar might be a good option, though its braised chicken and shredded beef do straddle the gourmet line in favour of fast food.

The perfect place to head before that Il Divo concert this summer, no doubt. Aria does upscale Italian in a space that has been impeccably designed, allowing you to (briefly) feel like a royal winner before heading over the watch the latest Leafs defeat.

Speaking of royalty, Harbour Sixty is one restaurant that will make you feel as though those tickets you're holding cost nothing but loose change. If you really want to make your night out at the ACC a complete evening, Harbour Sixty will surely do the trick with its $125 double porterhouse and $58 ribs. You can afford it — just hitchhike home.

Somewhat hidden at the base of a condo on Queens Quay, Oyshi Sushi has plenty of semi-private booths for a more intimate dinner before a game or show. Prices are typical of most downtown sushi joints, and service is usually super quick, which is good for when you're in a time-crunch. Sushi, sashimi, bento boxes, and more.

If you've got time for a walk to the harbour (and can find a vacant bench nearby), you'll definitely want to head to Alexandros. The take-out spot arguably has the best gyro south of the Danforth, plus a few extras to go alongside. Open late, so good for before and/or after the show.

E11even
A sophisticated source for a hot dog before the game, though E11even offers more than just its much-touted kosher frank and coleslaw. The restaurant and patio menu includes an eclectic mix of burgers, steaks, salads, and seafood, with classic sundaes and cheesecake if you're just stopping in for dessert.

The Fox
Another classic pub option, but this one comes with craft beer. The Fox has plenty of shareables for groups looking for a bite before an event, along with your regular mains, burgers, and sandwiches — for those who never participate in the company pools.