Came here because we heard the chef was leaving. A little sad that we discovered this so late…read more Chef Arnaud came out right at the beginning to greet us which was nice. However, I was a little disappointed that this was the only time we got to see him as we couldn't interact with him regarding some of his dishes. Decor is nice, dark and upscale. Standouts included: Le Homard - Nova Scotia Lobster, Coffee Papagayo, Plantain, Sweet-Pepper: Excellent dish that chef has won an award for. Fantastic flavours top to bottom. I think having caviar at the top would have made it even better though. Le Pithivier - Beef Wellington "À la Française", Foie Gras, Spinach, Mushrooms, Beef Jus : I added this for $80 and it was delightful. As an add on i I suggest sharing this as it is substantial. However the taste is excellent. Foie gras instead of pate is a very nice touch. Le Campignon consists of a Mueller (finely chopped mushroom mixture) was also excellent.

Lucie is a Michelin-recommended (2024 and 2025) upscale French restaurant, serving modern French…read morecuisine. The Chef is Arnaud Bloquel. This review is for our visit on 2025-01-24. Sorry for the delay. I forgot about it. We went for lunch on a Fri aft. Apparently they are nit very busy on a Fri lunchtime ever since the pandemic. All the dishes were a work of art and tasted really good. Look at my photos and videos! The vibe was one of elegance. 1. Amuse Bouche (complimentary). 2. The Pursuit Chardonnay 3oz ($15.00). 3. Le Champignon ($37.00). Mushrooms variation, Coffee, "Cafexlate" Chocolate. 4. Le Canard ($56.00). Duck "A l'Orange", Carrot Ravioli, Orange & Honey Reduction. 5. Set lunch ($75.00). 5a. Le Homard. 5b. Le Cabillaud. 5c. La Noisette. 6. Petit Four (complimentary). The service was excellent. The Amuse Bouche is a savoury egg custard with truffle and a breadstick wrapped in lard. My wife drank the Chardonnay so I can't comment about it. Le Campignon consists of a Mueller (finely chopped mushroom mixture) of Porcini and Shiitake mushrooms, Armagnac and Mushroom Espuma, Cremini Carpaccio (thin slices), "Cafexlate" Chocolate, in a Porcini Consome. It is an appetizer made to look like a floating lotus flower. So delicious! Le Canard consists of Duck Magret glazed with honey and orange, Confit Carrot and Basil Ravioli, and a Orange and Honey Reduction sauce. Duck Magret is the rich, meaty breast of a Moulard Duck, raised for fois gras, known for its steak-like texture, deep red colour, and generous fat cap. It was cooked medium-rare along with crispy skin. It doesn't have a gamey taste. Le Homard is Nova Scotia Lobster Stuffed Ravioli, Pecan Cream, in an Emulsified Lobster Bisque, and Fresh Tarragon. Le Chabillaud consists of seared Lingcod, Spinach and Lemon Confit Mousseline, Confit Fennel, Fresh Fennel, and a Creamy Poultry Reduction with Caviar Jus. They actually put caviar in the Jus; how extravagant! A Lingcod is neither a Ling nor a Cod! It tastes like a mild, slightly sweet white fish with a buttery flavour, firm texture, with large moist flakes. La Noisette consists of Torrefied Hazelnuts, Choux Pastry, and Vanilla Ice Cream. It was artistically plated. The Petit Four was served in a specially craft box with drawers, holding three different bite-sized desserts. Unfortunately they only gave me one of each because by that time, my wife had to go back to work; it seems they usually give one of each per person. There is free WiFi. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible. There is one gender-neutral washroom. There is paid neighbourhood street parking. Review 2026-001

The hubby and I decided to wander over for a slow lunch one Sunday afternoon…read more It was surprisingly nice for a restaurant in the middle of the hotel lobby. They actually have a good selection of champagnes, and our server was knowledgeable. We had a lovely salad, and tried their two tartare options. I can't say that the either of the tatare were good - the quality was ok I suppose, but a lot of people working in kitchens seem to have forgotten what a tartar should taste or feel like.... The frites were fine, and the server surprised us with a welcome to Toronto dessert (we had just moved back). Overall, I would come back for a bottle of champagne and try different items from their menu.

Frenchy is such a great find in the heart of downtown Toronto, tucked into the lobby of the Hilton…read moreToronto and giving off genuine Parisian brasserie vibes with elegant décor, plush seating, and a lively yet refined atmosphere. You can feel the Paris inspiration the moment you walk in, from the chic brass-accented bar to the warm ambient lighting and stylish design. We went for a Saturday dinner at 7pm and surprisingly had no trouble booking a last-minute reservation. We started with cocktails -- the Beurre Noisette (Brown Butter Spring Mills Whisky, Spice Rack Demerara, Aged Bitters) and the Eau Poivre (Tromba Blanco Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Cointreau, White Pepper, Lime, Cucumber Bitters). Both drinks were beautifully presented and tasted delicious. For starters, we had two French Onion Soups (rich beef broth, red wine, caramelized onion, toasted baguette, and Gruyère cheese), which were seriously comforting and, in my opinion, some of the best French onion soups in the city. We also shared the escargots with garlic, butter, parsley, lemon, and brioche -- classic and satisfying. For mains, my date ordered the Duck Confit Cassoulet with Herbes de Provence sausage, lardons, white beans, tomato, parsley, and jus, and I had the Beef Bourguignon with braised beef, pomme purée with carrots, pearl onions, mushrooms, and bordelaise. Both dishes were beautifully cooked and rich in flavour. We finished with crème brûlée (vanilla bean custard with Chantilly and berries) and lemon curd cheesecake (pâte sablée with lemon curd and blueberries). Both desserts were a lovely finish to the meal. The place was busy without feeling chaotic, and the service was friendly and professional, even if a little slower than I expected. The food was delicious overall and showed quality and creativity. The room was a bit chilly for my liking. I ended up draping my coat over my lap to stay warm (I get cold easily, though). Frenchy is a beautiful spot for date night or a special dinner, and I'd happily return to try more from the menu.

I would go back again in a heartbeat. This was one of the best meals and experiences of the year…read more The shaved prime rib steak with the dipping au jus plus French onion soup as an appetizer... this was phenomenal. Every aspect from the sauce to the baguette to the meat was so tasty. I also recommend getting the garlic aoli for the fries. The drinks were very well done and unique in flavor as well, in particular I tried to the midnight show which was like a raspberry espresso martini. It was fantastic. The ambiance of the place is spectacular as well with a cool, library naturally, vibe. The servers were also great and helped accommodate my date who is gluten free, and her baguette replacement was the best that she'd ever had of a gluten free option. All in all top tier experience start to finish.

This cocktail bar inside Fairmont Royal York Hotel has a nice classy ambiance. It feels like…read morestepping into a movie set, with the iconic clock tower. They decorate the lobby, bar area, and the whole main floor with Christmas decorations during the holiday season, including the giant Christmas tree in the lobby (complete with its own lighting ceremony and live music performance). Good selection of drinks and great customer service. Fun facts: The Royal York Hotel opened in 1929. It hosted royalty, heads of state, and golden-age Hollywood legends like Cary Grant and Alfred Hitchcock when they were in town filming or staying upstairs in the hotel. Stepping inside is like time-traveling back decades, with velvet seating, brass accents, and dark, moody lighting. As soon as you walk into the Library Bar, the real centerpiece that grabs your attention is the massive oil portrait above the fireplace. That dignified gentleman watching you sip your drink is George Locke, the very first chief librarian of the Toronto Public Library. I love that a librarian is the patron saint of this bar! The drinks here aren't just cocktails; they're chapters in a story. The current menu, titled "Ink & Alchemy," is actually inspired by Michael Ondaatje's famous novel In the Skin of a Lion. Created by their award-winning mixologist James Grant, the menu is a tribute to the people who built this city: the immigrants, bridge-builders, thieves, and dreamers. You aren't just sipping a martini; you're drinking a liquid homage to Toronto's history.

Went here for dinner on a Saturday night / great location and cute spot! I love the branding and…read morethe inside + feels very trendy. This is a wine bar - the house lager was bad (maybe my own bad decision) and the red I got was fine ... nothing to write home about. However place fell apart with the food - the shrimp came with 5 medium sized shrimp with the tails, legs and shells on and were under seasoned. The artichokes were mediocre (loved the sauce they came with). Worst of all was the "Ontario peaches" with the burrata were totally canned peaches - could've even been dole brand! This place has amazing potential with the location and vibe - but the food just was not it. Small portions and the price didn't match what was served. The service was friendly but nothing too crazy. Go here for the drinks, but maybe not for the dinner!

Went with a friend on a Saturday night and it was pretty easy to get a seat, but they do take…read morereservations. Our server was great at helping us pick our wine, he mentioned that their wines are all on the dry side which is perfect for me, I'm not one for sweet wines. We also had two of their small plates the mussels and the burrata. The mussels tasted great with the sauce, a little garlicky which I prefer. The combination of the peach and mint went really well with the burrata. Light and easy to eat. The patio at night is one of the highlights. The only small complaint was it did take a while to get our wine after we ordered it and a little while to get our check. Otherwise cute spot.

Delighted to run into Joy, a true professional of the Toronto restaurant scene, now a manager at…read moreCanoe. We were welcomed like family and treated like celebrities. Thank you!

My work mom took me out for a belated birthday dinner at Canoe, and it was such a lovely…read moreexperience. Located on the 54th floor of the TD Tower, the views alone already set the tone before the food even arrives. The ambiance was romantic and intimate, with dimmed lighting that made the space feel elevated without being stuffy. A nice touch right from the start: complimentary coat check (always appreciated in the winter), and validated parking -- just remember to provide your license plate to the host. We ordered the featured cocktail (big rock candy) and spirit free to enjoy throughout our meal. The cocktail was on the sweet side but the tequila really helped balance out the sweetness. It also came with a mini skewer of candy that you can munch on. For starters, we ordered the beef tartare and the smoked trout tostada. Both were beautifully presented and well balanced. The beef tartare was rich and clean in flavour, while the smoked trout tostada felt lighter and refreshing, making it a great contrast to begin the meal. For mains, we both chose the Alberta beef. The beef itself was cooked nicely and very tender, but paired with the mashed potato and truffle mushroom cream sauce, the dish leaned on the heavier side. Comforting and indulgent, though a bit rich after a full appetizer course. Dessert wrapped things up on a high note with the chocolate tart and pudding chômeur. Both were beautifully presented, with the chocolate tart decadent but not overly sweet, and the pudding chômeur warm and nostalgic... a cozy, satisfying way to finish the meal. Overall, Canoe's Winterlicious dinner offered a well-rounded experience with elevated flavours, thoughtful service, and one of the best views in the city. While some dishes felt richer than expected, the ambiance and presentation made it a memorable evening. Perfect for a belated birthday treat or any special occasion where you want to slow down and enjoy the moment.

The menu changes every two weeks, with fresh ingredients chosen seasonally. The quality is…read moreexcellent and the restaurant is still busy even at 9 PM, showing how popular it is. Service is attentive, and the no-tips policy makes the experience more relaxed and enjoyable. The appetizer, a slow-cooked egg, is a standout. The onsen egg paired with corn cheese sauce, crispy Italian lard, and sourdough is aromatic and layered with flavors. Every bite has a perfect balance of textures. The confit salmon has a texture between raw and medium, tender and delicate without being dry. The dry-aged steak is juicy and flavorful, with rich fat and aroma that lingers beautifully. Overall, the six-course menu is well thought out, each dish showing the chef's attention to detail and care for flavors. The experience was very satisfying, the environment comfortable, and the service professional and welcoming.

The ingredients were very fresh, all selected according to the season. Even at 9 pm, the restaurant…read morewas still packed, showing its popularity. And they don't accept tips, which is very wallet-friendly, haha. The appetizer, the sous-vide egg, was very unique. The combination of a soft-boiled egg, cheese and corn sauce, Italian pork lard crisps, and sour dough was an explosion of flavor--a rich and complex experience in both texture and taste. The confit salmon had a texture between raw and medium-rare, not dry at all, but not as raw as sashimi. The dry-aged steak was incredibly tender and juicy! Every bite was bursting with the aroma of the fat. The six courses cost a total of 115 pence, and the servers didn't neglect the guests despite the lack of a tipping policy.

Don Alfonso is a Michelin-starred restaurant I first experienced in Italy, and when I found out…read morethey had a Toronto location, I knew I had to come. Nestled inside a hotel with its own private elevator, the entire arrival experience already sets the tone for something special. The atmosphere is nothing short of stunning. You get sweeping Lakeshore views, a refined yet warm dining room, and service that is both professional and genuinely welcoming. The servers make you feel completely taken care of without being overbearing, which is exactly what you'd expect at this level of dining. As for the food--unsurprisingly, everything is exceptional. Every dish feels carefully thought out, beautifully plated, and full of flavor that balances creativity with tradition. This is not just dinner; it's an experience. Even the small details stand out, from the wine pairings to the impeccable timing of each course. And here's something unexpected: the bathroom is worth a visit on its own. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls give you the feeling of floating above the city--but don't worry, they assure you it's one-way glass. It's a little surprise that adds to the unforgettable character of the evening. If you've ever wanted to understand what Michelin-star dining feels like--without leaving Toronto--Don Alfonso is the place. It's elegant, memorable, and easily one of the most unique culinary experiences in the city. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates fine dining.

Good attempt, but not what I was expecting from a Michelin rated restaurant. The restaurant was…read morereally beautiful and the waiters were really nice but had some issues. The food itself was not amazing. The truffle butter was the best part. Really great. The dish with duck and squash really did not taste like a good pairing. The pastas and the bison were both really under seasoned. The opener and the dessert were both ok, but not memorable.

While out for a walk on Wednesday, we popped into Biff's Bistro for a drink. Olha mixed a perfect…read morecocktail and gave us a fantastic wine recommendation. We were so impressed that we came back for lunch the next day; the burger and frites were expertly prepared, with the chargrilled flavor and bun really standing out. Biff's was packed for lunch, which was great to see. We actually returned for a third visit on Friday! The General Manager, Jessica, gave us such a warm welcome and even treated us to a small crock of their spectacular French Onion soup. Hal took over behind the bar and kept the momentum going with more excellent cocktails. Biff's is officially on our list for dinner the next time we're in Toronto.

TLDR: cute French spot for date night or a night out on the town with your friends - the price…read morepoint matches the quality and value you receive in return Came here for Winterlicious so was able to try six different dishes and they were all great in their own ways :D $55 got me an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert that all looked to be the same portion size as if we had ordered off of their regular menu. Also got myself a drink to go with it all! -[CHICKEN LIVER PARFAIT] 10/10 Would literally come back just for this dish alone haha. The amount they give you in chicken liver parfait is EXTREMELY generous and you can taste how fresh it is in that they made it recently. Just delightful all around and it's served with their pickles (imo get more of their pickled onions because that paired best with the sourdough and the chicken liver) and grilled sourdough -[BRAISED BEEF SHORTRIBS] 7/10 This dish had a generous amount of braised beef served over a bed of creamy polenta, broccolini, rosemary jus, and sauce vierge. Truthfully, this dish lackee a bit of flavor when not eaten with bites of the sauce vierge (often described to be a bright, tangy, and fresh, combining tomato, citrus, and herbs). The polenta was also an odd choice in my eyes for being paired with the braised beef as I felt like it couldn't enhance or absorb the flavors around it. Still solid as part of the winterlicious menu but I would opt for a different main in my next visit :') due to the aforementioned -[POT AU CHOCOLAT] (10/10) This is a very generous amount of chocolate custard topped with chantilly, a sable cookie, and cocoa nibs. I loveeed the flavor profile of this as it tasted like it was made with a darker chocolate so it wasn't too sweet and the chantilly had hints of coconut flavor in it :D I just felt very full afterwards because the portions of all the food were so large haha (not a complaint, I swear) The french onion soup here is also very good but my god, get the chicken liver parfait unless that isn't something up your alley! Our server was also amazing and told us they could bring us more bread if needed for the chicken liver parfait and they also checked in on us at the right times and not when my mouth was full of food - it makes all the difference, truly :D

I got the Reuben Sandwich for lunch. The stall is part of queens crossing food course in the…read morebasement of the Eaton's center. It took about 5-7 min to prepare. Service was good. The sandwich was bigger than expected, full of flavour and greasy. It was the perfect afternoon bite. No skimping on the meat. Would return for this again!

Located in the food court near the Queen side of Eaton Centre. We were super curious with the…read moreFrench Onion Soup grilled cheese and we weren't disappointed. Look at that cheese pull! Simply delicious. A great snack that allows for room for you to sample the other shops nearby too.

I made a dinner reservation at Aloette Bay during Winterlicious 2026 in Feb to celebrate my…read moreboyfriend's birthday! The location is at the new CIBC Square Food Court and this restaurant is with a Michelin Guide recommendation. The staff was attentive, she messaged me a day before to check-in on our preferences. The restaurant was small than I expected with bar setting, sofa tables, and regular tables. I love the atmosphere there, classy and cozy. We ordered the 3-courses Winterlicious menu. We had Octopus Carpaccio, Forie Gras Parfait as appetiser. Both were delicious, a little bit sour for the Carpaccio, but the Parfait was perfect. For Main, we had Short ribs steak and house-made pasta, the portion of the short ribs steak was a little bit small, but the steak is tender. For dessert, the waitress recommended us for Biscoff Cake, which was a unique item for Winterlicious. I love the cake, it was soft and creamy. Overall, it was a great dining experience, good for dating and celebration.

Had a surprisingly great Winterlicious lunch at Aloette. When I arrived at 12:30 PM, it was peak…read morelunch rush and felt a little too busy. However, the restaurant cleared out within about 30 minutes once the rush was over. This was Aloette's first year participating in Licious, and their lunch menu offered either 2 courses ($39) or 3 courses ($46). My friend and I decided to share one dessert between us. Everything we ordered was delicious and beautifully presented. The wedge salad was super fresh, and the foie gras parfait was very well executed. Both the signature Aloette burger with Beaufort cheese and the fried chicken sandwich were excellent. But the highlight was the lemon meringue pie! The lemon curd and meringue were some of the best I've ever tasted. Oh, I almost forgot to mention their cheddar cheese bread! Sooo good! I'm officially a fan of Aloette!