The Central combines a restaurant and bar with a live music venue in the heart of Mirvish Village. The restaurant offers an Italian-fusion menu of Italian fusion including dishes like bruschetta, chicken parmesan, fettuccini alfredo and lasagna. North American dishes such as chicken wings, burgers and a New York striploin steak are also on the menu.

On different nights of the week, you can enjoy live music shows showcasing jazz, pop, rock, folk and R&B music.

The Central is a sophisticated addition to the historic Markham Street. It takes over from what was once a budding arts hotspot and continues its legacy. It’s a dark, romantic venue that is part bar, part restaurant and part music venue, with two spacious patios, a tunnel-like music room and original 1920s hardwood floors and exposed brick.

Formerly The Red Guitar, The Central has managed to keep the old joint’s regulars and even keep some of its old bands. However, The Central has closed off what was a mid-level patio and created a sunnier, adjoining room for diners who don’t necessarily want to be centre-stage.

WHAT’S PLAYING: As a music venue, it mainly attracts the older jazz crowds and folk acts from the old days at The Red Guitar, but are now moving more toward indie rock bands and louder groups.

MENU: Classic appetizers like calamari and bruschetta, panini sandwiches. Also heartier, meatier options like steak, salmon or chicken dishes for hungrier stomachs.

Who you'll see? jazz fans from The Red Guitar days, Annex area students and musicians.

The second floor rec-room and lounge area can be booked for private parties, as long as the parties are small. The second floor patio is nice for hanging out on sunny afternoons.

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