Maclean’s magazine has whipped up a list of the top fifty places to eat across the country, in the first-ever edition of the “Best Restaurants of Canada.”

Twelve of those restaurants are in Toronto, and one of them, The Grove (on Dundas West near Ossington) has been named the best new restaurant in Canada.

Maclean’s food columnist, Jacob Richler, said a big reason for the success of The Grove is the chef, Ben Heaton.

“His cooking is really superb. He loves his London, England references and he has English heroes in his cooking and their style. He’s doing a commendable job,” Richler explained. “It’s a very casual place, decor is modest but it’s a fun, entertaining and engaging sort of place.

Richler said basic bistros are popular these days, offering quality food at reasonable prices.

“There was an exuberance in the 90s that we could eat as well in Toronto as any other major city of our size. People were really enthusiastic about spending lots of money, but after a while, bistros are really what you need every day. People could do without the bells and whistles and spend a little less quite happily. I think fine dining will come back eventually but it’ll take a few years,” Richler explained.

The issue is now available at news-stands in Toronto.

Maclean’s has published the full list of top restaurants online.