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The fourth annual Michelin Guide to the GTA was announced Thursday, adding to the growing list of local spots deemed worthy of the internationally recognized dining distinction — originally launched, famously, by a tire company hoping to get more people on the road. By now, fans of the guide know its anonymous inspectors tend to favour ultra-fine dining, often with French or Japanese leanings. It’s a prestigious list, but one that doesn't always capture the full culinary scope of º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøand its sprawling suburbs. Then again, no single list ever could — especially in a city as diverse as this.

That’s why, for the past few years, I’ve kept my own list of the most memorable places I’ve eaten over the last 12 months. Spots that reflect what I value in a restaurant: not just great food, but warm, talkative staff who brighten the neighbourhood; price points that make repeat visits realistic; and, perhaps most importantly, somewhere I could take my mom without her declaring it "hipster nonsense." I hope it nudges you to discover a few new favourites of your own — and maybe even share them (with others, or with me).