1. Fresh From Genua
Tony and Vira Craparotta’s pretty groceteria specializes in designer protein (grain fed, free range and hormone free) fit for Forest Hill barbecues. A carnivore’s to-nosh list: oyster-marinated steaks, turkey burgers and sausages, Miami ribs, and cooked shrimp the size of hockey pucks. 532 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-483-3521.

2. Earthchild
This kids’ clothier hails from Cape Town (the bleached pine panelling and fixtures were even shipped in from South Africa). Here, wee outfits (newborn to size seven) are handmade by rural women outside Cape Town of implausibly soft cotton from Mauritius. Fine-wale corduroy jumpers are the little black dresses of the sandbox world, and nubbly sweaters ($36) look as if they’ve been loomed from passing clouds. 501 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-849-1119.

3. Bella
If this boutique were in Malibu, celeb stylist Rachel Zoe would shop for her leggings-clad clients here. Everything looks as if it belongs in Nicole Richie’s closet: belted cardigans from L.A. designer Susana Monaco, cashmere tunics from Karoo ($250–$450) and bow-topped ballet flats ($115). 498 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-440-8852.

4. Space FB
Although the Montreal-based chain has become a teen hangout (they confirm orthodontist appointments as they rifle through racks), designer François Beauregard is no longer focusing on loungewear. There’s a lot to tempt the postretainer demographic, as well: high-waisted shirt-dresses ($139), puff-sleeve Ts in peony pinks, and plaid wool-lined trench coats ($259). 490 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-481-2750.

5. Patricia Miller
With silver hair, a British accent and a wilful demeanour, Patricia Miller seems more like a governess out of a Brontë novel than a pioneering aromatherapist. After studying botanical medicine and acupuncture in Europe, Miller opened up shop here in 1976, with her own line of skin care products. Facial fetishists have long proclaimed her the saint of Toronto’s pores. 458 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-485-0600.

6. TNT Gallery
Owner Arie Assaraf, Toronto’s Fred Segal, is launching a new store—slated to open later this year—that will surely entice size zeros toward fashionable bankruptcy. A browse through the soon-tobe-unveiled Gallery (stocked with such star lines as Thomas Wylde, Hanii Y and Collette Dinnigan) and the Shoe Salon (Stella McCartney and Chloé) will incite a gamut of emotions: love, elation, disappointment—all depending on the girth of your pocketbook. 390 Eglinton Ave. W.

7. Fat Cat Bistro
This feline is perfectly svelte: the slender tryst-friendly room is intimate, and chef Mathew Sutherland offers up an array of yummy mains. Some scene stealers: Malaysian-style lamb curry with spicy raita ($26), bison sirloin ($27) and almond crusted black grouper ($28). 376 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-484-4228.

8. Oink Oink
Kids scamper through well-stocked aisles with desire and wonder, occasionally weeping with unrequited longing. The Montreal emporium (sprawling, but still civilized in scale) is packed with clothes (from Burberry kilts to Jack & Lily booties) and toys (from multilingual dolls to wooden rocking dinosaurs). There’s also a bevy of educational books and DVDs, including a kids’ version of Lynne Truss’s Eats, Shoots & Leaves (it’s never too early to learn the dangers of bad punctuation). 352 Eglinton Ave. W., 416-322-8255.