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Café Boulud

3.6 (302 reviews)
Ultra High-EndCafes, Desserts, French
Closed 6:30 am - 10:00 pm

Café Boulud Photos

Business Info

CAFÉ BOULUD ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Upscale
Classy
Dressy

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Duck dish
Richmond O.

Service began entering the hotel as a staff escorted us from the entrance to the elevator. Was seated promptly and server took the time to confirm the dietary restrictions as I had called about the menu. Opted for the 6 course tasting menu. Every dish was presented well and tasted great. The bread that went with the fois gras was so delicious that a bakery could be started just selling it! Some of the juiciest and well cooked chicken and duck I've ever had. Ambiance was warm and welcoming and saw many families dining in. Being located in four seasons I'd say it's along the lines of casual fancy.

Whole rotisserie chicken ($120 a la carte)
Helen T.

This place took me by surprise! I had very low expectations, since it was a restaurant located within a hotel. It's located on the second floor of the four season hotel in the north east corner of Bay and Avenue. You can take the elevator or walk up a short flight of stairs. You will be greet by the host near the entrance; who will help you find your reservation and offer to take your coat. The service was spectacular from the start of your experience, until they bid you farewell. The food was phenomenal as well, we had the three course rotisserie chicken set coast meal ($65/ person). For appetizers, it came with a mushroom soup (9/10). For the main, it came with a whole chicken between two people! It was cooked until perfection - the meat was so juicy I thought the chicken was poached! The main course is served with roasted garden veggies and serving of salad (10/10). For dessert, their caramel mousse was top with gold flakes (9/10). I honestly enjoyed all their food tonight!

Chocolate molten cake - so good
mok k.

Heard so many good reviews about Café Boulud - we definitely visit this place with expectations. Weekend brunch - $72 for 3 courses - is worth it. Food was decent, nothing too surprising, but the ingredients were so fresh. Appetizer; Tuna nicoise Main: egg meurette (beef short ribs + sautéed mushrooms + sourdough) - highly recommended Dessert: warm madeleines - MVP of the meal - highly recommended A friend ordered oat cappuccino and it was disappointing, tasteless like water.

Striploin
Katie C.

I visited Cafe Boulud over the holiday season and it definitely met my expectations! It was my first time here and because we were a larger group, we chose from a set menu which included an appetizer, entree, and dessert. The items in the set menu were also available on the regular menu. House bread - So delicious and came with salted butter Oysters - Came in a half dozen, paired with the usual accompaniments including lemon, cocktail sauce, mignonette, and horseradish. They were fresh and not fishy at all Striploin - This was absolutely divine and cooked to a perfect medium rare. Served with mushrooms that were so delicious I couldn't decide whether I enjoyed the steak more or the mushrooms! Lobster - Sadly it was the tiniest piece of lobster and they served the claw (and not the tail)! Not much lobster meat at all so I would not recommend this dish. The accompanying jasmine rice was also very hard and overcooked Caramel dessert - A pleasant surprise, it tasted like ferrero rocher and included a little show (the waiter pours chocolate sauce all over the plate) Chocolate whiskey dessert - The chocolates themselves were nothing outstanding but the most memorable part was the brownie and whiskey ice cream Ambience was great and service was attentive. I would recommend coming here for special occasions

Marie N.

Cafe Boulud is located in the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville. Being a hotel restaurant, they offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The weekend brunch is a set menu with either two or three courses, for $60 or $75 respectively. The newly refreshed brunch menu offers French classics with a contemporary twist such as Croque Madame, Eggs Benedict and Crepes. The oeufs en meurette (eggs in red wine sauce) are delightful. Two poached eggs sit on top of miche and tender short rib add a flavourful punch. The succulent red wine sauce ties the whole dish together. Service is impeccable and the ambiance is lovely for a meal any time of the day!

Non-alcoholic fruity drinks
Maria J.

My friend and I read great reviews of this place, so we were very excited to experience everything it has to offer! Our visit was on a Thursday evening around 6:30 p.m.- my friend made a reservation in advance and I'm glad that he did! It was a very busy evening, and the place was full. Our waiter was a young man who showed us our seat and explained briefly about the menu. Then he brought out water and left, so that we could look over the menu. The price is steep here- the appetizers start at 25 dollars, the mains start at 40 dollars, and the desserts start at 19 dollars. However, the quality of the ingredients and creative presentation of dishes make up for the price! For the appetizer, my friend ordered Squash/Apple (soup) and I ordered Lobster/Bagna Cauda (pasta). For the main dish, my friend ordered Giguère chicken/Truffle (stuffed chicken with vegetables) and I ordered Scallop/Squash. For drinks, we ordered the same one- non-alcoholic fruity drink. The drink was lightly sweet and delicious, it tasted like a sparking fruity drink. The appetizer, Lobster/Bagna Cauda, was delicious! The pasta was cooked just right and the right amount of chew. The lobster pieces were juicy and succulent. The main dish, Scallop/Squash, was also great- the portion size was small, but every bite was great! The scallop pieces were also juicy and succulent, and the squash was soft and warm. My friend also said his dishes were yummy! For dessert, we shared a Pear/Mascarpone (mulled wine poached pear with honey mousse, ice cream, and caramel sauce). I never had a poached pear before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. To my surprise, it was very yummy- there were so many different flavours in my mouth! The tangy flavour of the poached pear balanced out well with sweet mousse, ice cream and caramel sauce. Throughout the evening, our waiter and other staff came by to check on us, making sure that the water was filled, empty dishes were taken away, and to check that we had everything that we needed. This would be a great place to celebrate a special occasion, a date night, or an indulgent treat for yourself and for your friend(s)! From start to finish, everything was top-notch! We had a great time and felt like royalty for the evening! Highly recommended!

Alberta Lamb Rack, Morels
Richard L.

Came here for a work dinner on a Tuesday night of the recommendation from a coworker. Restaurant was situated inside the four seasons hotel and was decorated immaculately. Our service was prompt but that wasn't difficult given there weren't that many tables. The bread came out nice and hot; perfect way to kick off the dinner. We shared a hamachi and a burrata. Both came out perfect. The hamachi was nice and light with a drop of citrus finish. The burrata and the jamon were a perfect combo. The saltiness from the jamon cut directly through the richness of the burrata. The entrees we got were the lobster, the lamb rack, and the beef duo. All the protein were cooked immaculately and flavor was good. The beef jus really helped elevate the dish but was a little odd with the eggplant purée. Might need a better delivery mechanism. Overall we had a really good meal but the portion size were a bit small for the price. I guess given the hotel and the name of Cafe Boulud it can always command customers. Just wish it was a bit of a better value as you can get better/more food nearby for a similar price.

Matcha
Linda P.

I came here on July 29, 2023 forgot write a review because I was a bit busy. However here I am writing this review because my experience was not the best. This place is located inside the Four seasons, was looking for fancy restaurants for breakfast. I was greeted by a hostess and taken to my table. Cute restaurant inside my server was an Indian male I believe and we ordered a matcha latte and a tea to start. The drinks to quite a long wait and my matcha came out cold and half a cup. I would think the standard of this place would not be like this. I told my server and he said sorry we have a new barista and to recover he offer a tiny pastry that my mom loved. I ordered a sunny side up eggs with bacon and came with some bread and I wanted to get the staff attention because the bacon was cold and soggy not up to standard and my mom ordered the white frittata and it was the most sad looking frittata I have ever seen in my life is this a joke. Anyways we did not enjoy. So I ordered a pastry for the table which was the highlight of the whole experience. Pastry was amazing pretty sure they don't make it in house that's why. But when I got my pastry they did not clear my table or gave me fresh plates had to use the saucer of my matcha tea, server asked a female and she looked at us and never brought it over. Definitely very disappointing disorganized and was not memorable. Definitely not a high end standard not Forbes standard.

Shu O.

I've always wanted to try Cafe Boulud and I can finally say that I did and I love it. We were immediately brought to our seat by the server attendants (Raymond, Dhalwal and Marianna). Our server came to our table immediately. However, he did not introduce himself, ask how we were doing nor did he mention any specials; he only asked for our drink orders. Informed him that we will be needing a moment to review the menu as he came when the attendants were handing us the menu. He did not mention anything else and left. We were left puzzled and concerned by interaction. We later got his name (Shea) but the indifference towards us didn't diffuse. Each course arrived in a timely manner which Dhalwal and Raymond throughly explained each component of the dishes. As each dish was served, cutlery was discreetly switched out. After the main course, Shea returned with dessert menus. After placing our order, the cheeseboard and cake left, he returned to us with an "Happy Anniversary" dessert amenity, acknowledging this special event for this first time this evening. We had to ask what types of cheeses and croustini were on the board since it wasn't listed on the menu and he didn't present it to us like the other attendants. Overall, I loved it here with the food and quaint rustic design that Cafe Boulud brought to the table!

Mandy Z.

This is not our first time going to Cafe Boulud, but this time it gives us the most surprise. We were running 35 mins late from the original reservation, and it is getting close to closed time before we arrived. We called and asked if we can pre-ordered the duck for 2, and they worked out for us. Service is definitely unbeatable. Duck for 2 is always good and never disappointed us. We ordered the chocolate souffle for dessert, yet the waiter told us that the kitchen dropped the last souffle on the floor, and need us to order another dessert. We were slightly disappointed but not a big deal. The surprise comes when the dessert we ordered came out with another dessert on top. Also the waiter said the kitchen will make the souffle again from the beginning and asked us to be patient for 20 mins. The bill came up and surprised came, two complimentary desserts!! Wow. Not talking about the food, the service is top notch and this alone made us really want to come back again.

Kerry W.

Been here twice with friends, and everyone only had good impressions of Cafe Boulud....now that's rare. The service was impeccable, and on point. Very professional with right timing. And I love how the tables are not cramped together unlike many other restaurants. The food. Wow. Don't ask me which is my favourite dish, because that's an impossible question to answer, because I adore all the ones that I tried. Seriously, the presentations are so pretty, the colours, and the tastes. Superb! For example: Grilled octopus - the meat was cooked beautifully with not an iota of chewiness. Alberta lamb - the most tender cut of lamb I have ever eaten. Every bite was sheer bliss!! Wild Shrimp - the neutral taste of the shrimp was enhanced by the tangy taste of the cabbage beneath, and at the same time, the sweetness from the peach that teases the palette at the same time. Scallops - I literally told my friends I wasn't sharing lol. The grapefruit dessert is out of this world. You have to try it. And I don't usually like grapefruit! I highly recommend this place to the world if you don't already know lol

Julian L.

I'm so glad they removed all that artwork by Mr. brainwash. Everything is so much better now, although it's very mild and not memorable. I would rather recommend a restaurant for the food and great attentive service which we always receive than for the artwork being memorable but definitely it's a huge drag when they are at work, takes away from your pleasure with the food and the drink and the service.

Winterlicious 2020 - Mushroom Velouté
Danielle B.

I attended a Winterlicious dinner at Café Boulud a couple of days ago and was really happy with the whole experience. I felt that two of the mains were a bit misleading in their descriptions, because they were written as Beef Bourguignon and Bouillabaisse, so I was expecting a stew-type dish and a soup-type dish. Instead, they were both "regular" dishes with meat/fish plus sides (see photos). I ordered the Beef Bourguignon and it was actually beef short rib with roasted carrots, confit potatoes and pearl onions. It was absolutely delicious and the meat was super tender, but it definitely wasn't what I was expecting. My appetizer was the poached pear and duck confit salad. It was good but nothing special. Dessert was better than I expected. I had the Dulcey Creme Verrine with maple whisky ice cream and it was really good. We also had a fantastic bottle of wine for a great price (in comparison to regular prices) from their Winterlicious menu. Much better than expected. I've been here before and felt like everything was really consistent with respect to service and food quality.

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2 years ago

As good as it gets. Consistently great food and service. The staff was exceptional

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Café Boulud Reviews in Other Languages

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Lucie - La Noisette

Lucie

4.5(28 reviews)
2.6 kmDowntown Core

Oooooh la la. We came here for my last night in Toronto, sadly. I adore this sophisticated city…read more The presentation of each dish was perfection itself but the tastes were absolutely out of this world. Simply divine. My host chose the dishes and each was like receiving an exquisite gift. THIS is how food should always taste yet it is so rare to find. I enjoyed every bite and every sip. Thank you!

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.

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Lucie - Bar and counter seating

Bar and counter seating

Lucie - Le Cabillaud

Le Cabillaud

Lucie - Amuse Bouche (complimentary)

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Amuse Bouche (complimentary)

Frenchy Bar Et Brasserie - Steak frites

Frenchy Bar Et Brasserie

4.0(19 reviews)
2.5 kmFinancial District, Downtown Core

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.

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Frenchy Bar Et Brasserie - Tea offerings

Tea offerings

Frenchy Bar Et Brasserie - French onion soup

French onion soup

Frenchy Bar Et Brasserie - Checked in for Licious!!

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Checked in for Licious!!

LIBRARY BAR - Close, But No Cigar

LIBRARY BAR

4.1(161 reviews)
2.9 kmFinancial District, Downtown Core
$$$

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.

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LIBRARY BAR - Library Bar

Library Bar

LIBRARY BAR - Burrata

Burrata

LIBRARY BAR

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Piccolo Caffe E Vino - Frittata

Piccolo Caffe E Vino

4.3(19 reviews)
2.7 kmEntertainment District, Downtown Core
$$

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.

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Piccolo Caffe E Vino
Piccolo Caffe E Vino - Smoked salmon bagel

Smoked salmon bagel

Piccolo Caffe E Vino - Fried Artichoke, shrimp and peach burrata

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Fried Artichoke, shrimp and peach burrata

Canoe - Petite four

Canoe

4.1(795 reviews)
2.8 kmFinancial District, Downtown Core
$$$$

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.

We tried the Winterlicious menu here last week. The place…read moredoes not cover parking before 4 pm so it was $32. For guests coming in the evening parking is $12 and covered by the venue. The server we had was amazing, attentive, and quite busy that day. He answered all of our questions, and had some good suggestions. The seating is always comfortable and the view is second to none in the city. The food was cooked and prepared well, the skill and technique was very noticeable with every bite. The steak was cooked to perfection, the potatoes that came with this main were also impressive with their strong but robust flavour of thyme, and it wasn't greasy, just fried perfection. The app, I had the stracciatella cheese with rye and the grapes were blanched I think and the skins were peeled off, this was a very delicate dish, not very flavourful, but the textures is really where you'll see the layers come out. The grapefruit tart was simple the best way to end the meal. It was decadent for sure, but worth every bite

Photos
Canoe - Interior Design

Interior Design

Canoe - Crispy oyster with truffles custard and duck prosciutto. Sea lettuce grissini with foie gras and pancetta

Crispy oyster with truffles custard and duck prosciutto. Sea lettuce grissini with foie gras and pancetta

Canoe - Scallop crudo in a veloute with aonori, apple and hazelnut

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Scallop crudo in a veloute with aonori, apple and hazelnut

Richmond Station - Winter Pavlova

Richmond Station

4.4(988 reviews)
2.4 kmDowntown Core
$$$

Hidden away in downtown Toronto, this upscale French restaurant is a true gem…read more What's special is that it doesn't charge a service fee. Every dish is surprisingly delicious. The restaurant has a lively and charming atmosphere that's hard to leave behind ‍ One dish in particular that stands out is the foie gras. Golden, crispy toast topped with sweet and tangy maple syrup is incredibly appetizing. Another must-try is their signature dish--double portion of musk duck. Three slices of tender, juicy duck with crispy, delicious skin. Three slices of duck are really too little.

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.

Photos
Richmond Station - Intro

Intro

Richmond Station - Duo of Duck Tanjo

Duo of Duck Tanjo

Richmond Station - Duo of Duck Tanjo

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Duo of Duck Tanjo

Don Alfonso 1890 - Hazelnut dessert

Don Alfonso 1890

4.1(86 reviews)
3.6 kmHarbourfront
$$$$

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.

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Don Alfonso 1890 - Nice decor

Nice decor

Don Alfonso 1890 - Petit Four

Petit Four

Don Alfonso 1890 - Great views

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Great views

Aloette Bay

Aloette Bay

4.6(18 reviews)
3.2 km

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!

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Aloette Bay
Aloette Bay - Octopus Carpaccio

Octopus Carpaccio

Aloette Bay

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Café Boulud - cafes - Updated May 2026

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