1. Forest Hill Spa
The expansive 4,000-square-foot spa—tenderly lit, washed in creamy, low-blood-pressure hues and outfitted with 18 no-nonsense staff—offers an interminable list of treatments: manis, pedis, reiki, hot-stone massages, reflexology, glycolic acid peels, spray tanning and a signature two-hour Haute Couture Facial ($150). Tip: Doctors are on hand for Restylane injections.
435 Spadina Rd., 416-484-4216.

2. Track Fitness
Conveniently named owner Larry Track worked as a personal trainer for 10 years before opening this mini-club in 2004. The cozy gym feels more like you’re working out at your best friend’s loft. (Track bakes his own power bars, walls are panelled with his wife’s artwork and you’ll never find more than two clients in the training studio at a time.) Hour-long one-on-one sessions (including pre- and postnatal training) are offered, as well as a slew of small classes.
417 Spadina Rd., 416-544-8677.

3. Hope Street Café
Snug and unpretentious, the two-year-old spot serves up stylish takes on the classics to families who arrive home to find the Sub-Zero empty. Regulars come for the baby back ribs and six different kinds of caesar salads. Tip: Hope also dishes out a solid brunch. Try the avocado eggs Benny ($10.95).
324 Lonsdale Rd., 416-481-4834.

4. Lonsdale Gallery
Chad Wolfond’s 11-year-old space is committed to exhibiting “work that has shock value and elicits reaction.” Recent provocateurs: autistic painter Jonathan Lerman’s portraits and Italian artist Francesco Gallo’s images perked from espresso grinds. Tip: Wolfond now stocks a solid selection of art books and hard-to-find magazines.
410 Spadina Rd., 416-487-8733.

5. David’s by Day, Buzz by Night
On weekends, the buzz (or, at least, the bustle) starts well before dusk, with long lineups by 10 a.m. Clement weather brings everyone (and their schnoodles) to the patio. Hefty salads and sammies served on the carb of your choice (croissant, challah, rye or eight kinds of bagels) are a strong suit. Tip: From Thursday to Sunday, Buzz delivers dinner (rack of lamb $23.95, chicken marsala $14.95).
413 Spadina Rd., 416-482-7871.

6. Sushi Lovers
Weekdays at this buzzing takeout counter find busy professionals jangling car keys as they wait for their maki and students popping in for after-school sashimi snacks (what happened to Fruit Roll-Ups?). Lots of inexpensive maki-sushi combos (12 pieces $7.95), udon soups and special rolls. Tip: Sushi chefs are happily dispatched for private parties.
327 Lonsdale Rd., 416-482-8807.

7. Kitsch Boutique
Typical Friday afternoon at Kitsch: a woman bursts in, desperate for something cute to wear for her 33rd birthday. Success: “Oh…my…God. Too cute!” she says with a gasp, holding up a slinky black halter like she might a puppy. “Done.” This 18-year-old feel-good boutique carries frocks (from BCBG, Nanette Lapore, Laundry, A.B.S.) for way less than Holt’s. Well-versed in the “no, you don’t look fat” pep talk, staff expertly cheerlead patrons through trying-on marathons.
325 Lonsdale Rd., 416-481-6712.

8. Vila Ventura
This petite newcomer carries a carnival of high-end Brazilian labels, all suited to the tall and tanned and young and lovely: curve-hugging denim, skirts patterned with the country’s green flash, and panty line–proof laser-cut thongs. However, shoes from house brand Vila Ventura (delicately heeled and richly coloured pumps) are the real head turners. Tip: This spring, VV boasts elegant runners from California line Tsubo ($120).
394A Spadina Rd., 416-482-8880.