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.

We had such a lovely lunch here celebrating a coworker's milestone birthday. The atmosphere was…read morebright and welcoming, perfect for a midday celebration. The food was excellent - fresh, flavourful, and beautifully presented. Everything came out promptly, which made it easy for our group to relax and enjoy the occasion without feeling rushed. A special thank you to Mike and Thomas, who made the experience even better. They were attentive, friendly, and kept everything running smoothly for our table. Their great service really added to the celebratory feel. A perfect spot for a special lunch--we'll definitely be back!

I came here for weekend brunch this afternoon and ordered the steak and eggs. The steak was just…read moreokay -- it was fairly tender but lacked flavour and didn't have a nice crust, which was a bit disappointing. On the positive side, the hash browns were excellent: perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I also tried the lychee and cactus pear juice, but unfortunately it tasted quite artificial and wasn't to my liking. The restaurant itself is modern, clean, and nicely designed with comfortable seating. Service was a highlight -- our server was very attentive and friendly throughout the meal. Overall, the experience was good thanks to the atmosphere and service, but the food didn't really stand out for me, so I don't think I'd return specifically for the brunch.

This was not our first time at a Cactus Club but this was the first time at this one. As expected…read moreit did not disappoint. It was a Sunday night , the day after Valentine's Day and it was packed. Good thing we had reservations. Despite how busy it was we were seated right away and our server Sarah was an absolute gem. Our drinks came out quickly and well made. They have a great wine list and we took advantage of it. So, ambience - check. Service - check. But it was the food that blew us away I started with the Wagyu carpaccio that emma's to die for. Just perfect with the crostinis. The my wife had the avocado bowl with salmon and I had the mushroom striploin. Both meals just freaking delicious- these folks have it down to a science and the food was off the charts. Some people may disagree because it's a chain restaurant but when they hit on all cylinders, which they have every time we've been there, it's awesome. Cactus Club - highly highly recommended. Ask for Sarah - she is amazing.

One of the gold standards of casual dining meets elegant ambiance…read more Date Night - Cactus Club Work lunch/Dinner - Cactus Club Drinks - Cactus Club It's a one size fits all if you want an elevated dining experience where you feel taken care of. Of course it comes with a price tag, but those willing to participate will get themselves many brownie points. Food/Drink is always consistent on each visit. Staff are typically very friendly. You also don't feel judged by anyone when you're in the place cause there's so many different crowds that come here for the vibes. You'll mostly see the Finance crowd since it is in the heart of financial district, but there's all types that come eat here cause it's just so consistently good. Steak & Frites w/ a glass of wine - 8/10 Angus Burger - 8/10 Ravioli - 8/10

I had the pleasure of being treated to a birthday dinner at Black + Blue, in the heart of the…read morefinancial district and the entire experience was nothing short of exceptional. Ambiance: Stunning from the moment you walk in. Despite the soaring ceilings and two-level layout, the space still feels intimate thanks to the dim, romantic lighting. We loved being seated beside each other rather than across from one another, an option I appreciated compared to the large half-moon booths in the centre of the room. Tables line the perimeter and upper level, while small trees with twinkling lights frame the booths, adding a whimsical, almost magical touch. A window displaying the cuts of steak was a fun and enticing detail. Appetizers & Mains: Every bite impressed. The seafood atop each piece of nigiri was incredibly fresh and buttery, literally melting in your mouth. The lobster mashed potatoes were an indulgent and unforgettable accompaniment to the perfectly tender steaks, which were thoughtfully presented tableside before cooking. Dessert: We saved room (and I'm so glad we did!) My cheesecake arrived beautifully plated with a candle and birthday message, while my boyfriend enjoyed the butter cake. Both were absolutely delicious and the perfect ending to the meal. Service: Every team member we encountered went above and beyond to make the evening feel special, but a heartfelt shout-out goes to our charming server, Vig. He was attentive, warm, and genuinely invested in ensuring each moment felt intentional and unique. He also shared enticing reasons to return for lunch, happy hour, and weekend brunch (options we had no idea the restaurant offered). Thoughtful Touches: From coat check, a welcome birthday cocktail, a personalized birthday card from the staff, to complimentary bubbly with dessert, every detail was thoughtfully considered. Both of us work in the area and will absolutely be spreading the word with our teams. I left feeling like a very lucky lady after such a memorable birthday celebration. We can't wait to return!

Amazing food, vibe and service…read more Definitely recommend trying it out especially during the holidays.

There is a particular pleasure in discovering a bar that requires you to earn your entrance. After…read moreSeven conceals itself behind an ice cream counter, its existence betrayed only by those who know to ask -- a conceit that could easily feel gimmicky but instead lands with genuine charm, setting the tone for what follows with quiet confidence. The room is small, intentional, and lovely: intimate seating, a sculptural emerald bar, and an atmosphere drawn from the Japanese cocktail tradition. The aesthetic is precise without being cold, and the candle-warm lighting encourages exactly the kind of unhurried conversation that a well-made cocktail deserves. But the bartenders are the true heart of the place. On the evening of my visit, the two behind the bar moved with a remarkable synchrony -- finishing each other's thoughts, trading warmth and wit in equal measure, drawing guests effortlessly into the orbit of their easy rapport. It is the kind of hospitality that cannot be trained into existence; it is either present or it isn't, and here it is very much present. The cocktail menu is East Asian in its inspiration and genuinely inventive in its execution.

such a hidden gem and speakeasy in toronto!! we went on a late weekday so we did not have to fill a…read morereservation, and instead was able to get seated right away at the bar area as we walked in. this place seems to specialize in asian flavoring, so drinks may taste umami on top of the sweetness and alcoholic taste of the drinks. i appreciate the art and tedious mixture of the drinks we had! this place was dimly lit and served the perfect vibe for me and my partner to chat, enjoy our beverages, and take cute pictures.

Matcha martini was one of the best martinis I've ever had. Would go back just for these (albeit it…read morewas more than half ice) although the chocolate orange dessert was incredible too. The bit of raspberry puree tied it all together. Overall vibe is absolutely incredible for a hotel lobby bar. Not quite what I expected from the fairmont but by no means am I unimpressed. Truffle fries were ok, the bartender forgot our order but did her best to make up for it. We left very happy!!

What a stunning place. I love the setting and how the place is styled. The menu has a lot of…read morewonderful sounding cocktails. I tried the Tick Tock with passion fruit, vodka, spiced jasmine, lemon, vanilla. It was very pleasant but wasn't too passion fruity. I guess my love of passion fruit is just too strong. It felt like drinking sparkling wine with lemon juice. We came around 430 on a Thursday so maybe it was busy but we put our drink order in and 20 minutes later still had nothing. We had to ask if he thought it might be soon. He then confirmed the order and we had them 5 minutes later. So glad it all came together but it wasn't the smoothest experience.

I love the speakeasy vibe of Secrette --the interior strikes the perfect balance between cozy and…read moreclassy. The whimsical rabbit motif on the wall adds such a charming touch. I visited during their Aperitif Hour (5-7 pm), which is a fantastic way to sample their menu at a discounted price. I tried the La Deese (Empress 1908 Gin, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, cold-pressed raspberry, and white wine). It was light and beautifully balanced between sweet and sour, with the egg white giving it a silky, frothy texture. The bartender was professional, courteous, and clearly skilled at their craft. I can't wait to return to explore more of their cocktails--and hopefully enjoy some snacks prepared by George

don't expect good service if girls are seated at bar. had to chase for service to order more food…read moreand drinks. get service staff that focus on customers

Perched high above the bustle of downtown Toronto, LOUIX LOUIS makes a compelling first impression…read more The dining room is genuinely handsome -- a study in polished Art Deco glamour softened by sweeping city views that lend every table a sense of occasion. On a Valentine's Day brunch visit, the atmosphere alone was enough to justify the reservation. The kitchen demonstrates genuine competence: dishes arrive with care, the pacing is unhurried, and the mise en scène -- from tableside presentation to that now-famous thirteen-layer chocolate cake -- reveals an establishment that understands the theatre of fine dining. That towering slice of chocolate cake, in particular, is a masterstroke of marketing and pastry craft in equal measure; it draws the eye, earns its reputation, and very nearly steals the show. Where LOUIX LOUIS gives one pause is in the cuisine's ability to fully match its surroundings. The cooking is accomplished and reliably pleasant, yet seldom rises to the level of genuine distinction one might hope for at this price point. Dishes satisfy without surprising; technique is evident but inspiration, at moments, feels held in reserve. For the corporate traveller or the visitor seeking a polished, geographically convenient showcase of the city's skyline, this represents an entirely sound choice. For those seeking an experience whose flavours linger as long as the view, the kitchen has room yet to grow into its magnificent stage. Service is attentive and well-intentioned, though it can occasionally want for the depth of knowledge that elevates a good meal into a memorable one. LOUIX LOUIS is, in sum, a very good restaurant striving -- not quite yet arriving -- at greatness. The bones are exceptional; one hopes the culinary vision will, in time, catch up with them.

My boyfriend took me here for our anniversary and it was memorable to say the least. This…read morerestaurant is located in upstairs on the 31st floor of the St. Regis hotel. Coming in, it felt very luxurious. To be honest I was a little nervous because I came in feeling out of place as it is not somewhere I would eat casually, but the waitress that assisted us was so kind! We came strictly for cake as we had eaten right before, but we took a peek at the winterlicious menu, and the prices looked super affordable! We ordered the cake and yes, it maybe just be a tall slice of cake, but it was moist and decadent and probably my favourite cake. Overall, if you are a chocolate cake fanatic, this is the place to go!

Fabulous little spot tucked away behind an unmarked door. It's like the speakeasy half of Cherry…read moreHigh, with a classier atmosphere and more elevated menus. Service was attentive and friendly, the drinks were crafted perfectly, and the bites were sumptuous. The bathroom is also well maintained which is always an important note i like to talk about! Will have to come back as it's a great place to bring your date.

A beautiful cocktail bar with a stunning interior and delicious drinks…read more Came here after dinner and was greeted at the front. Sat by the bar and was served by the bartender themselves. I got the the Flamingo Room which was a cocktail mixed with empress gin, strawberry, kiwi, sumac, lemon, yuzu foam, saline, and rose. It has fruity, complex and sour notes to it. Love anything with a foam top so this was a hit for me. I got 2 rounds of this during the night since it was so delicious. Would be back for more cocktails and maybe light bites as the interior was so memorable and nice!

Made a reso for 5:15 on Tequila Tuesday. Why did the man say "we ran out of tacos" ? Tequila Tacos…read morestart at 5pm and there's no more tacos? Other than that calamari was pretty good

Had a great time at this bar. Some friends and I came for drinks and the server was super helpful…read morepicking out drinks for each of us based on our preferences! It's not too loud which was great for us as we were able to sit and chat. We also got the cheesecake and it was surprisingly very good!