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    Mother Tongue

    3.8 (100 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)

    Mother Tongue Photos

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    MOTHER TONGUE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - Mother Tongue

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    Karla T.

    A cozy, welcoming space with genuinely great service. Mother Tongue is one of those spots that works just as well for a date night as it does for a night out with friends. It's not a must-return-immediately kind of place for me, but it's an easy recommendation and one I'd gladly say yes to if friends wanted to go. We ordered: * Duck Dumplings * Torched Wagyu Chow Mein * Szechuan Sticky Pork Ribs * Korean Beef Short Rib * Butterfish Escabeche

    Entrance
    Paige D.

    Visiting Toronto for the first time I knew I had to try some place good. Really good! Mother Tongue did not disappoint (and how convenient that it was right across the street from the BNB.) This dimly lit restaurant is inviting and easy to find with its neon sign out front. My friend and I sat in the back at a two top table where we had a glass of red wine and started off with the wagyu bistek bao. For dinner I had the Korean short rib and my friend had the Taiwanese noodles, both which were exceptional. Plan to pay on the higher end while visiting this restaurant. It is a great place to eat for yourself or split plates among a small group if you want to try a bit of everything and try to save some money. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. I really wish we had a place like this in Charleston because I can't stop thinking about how amazing the flavors were in all of their dishes. Mother Tongue is a must visit on your travel list.

    Roger Z.

    I'll be honest, I walked into the restaurant with a bias. As someone who's Chinese, paying $16 for a bao and a bowl of chili noodles felt absurd. But... after tasting everything, I had to admit the food was well-executed and delicious. The ribs, in particular, were sweet, tender, and paired perfectly with the garlic rice. I still think the prices are steep, but once in a while, I could be convinced it's worth it. Service was warm and attentive, and the inside was unique and intimate, perfect for a date night.

    Sofi N.

    Went for winterlicious. Already loved this place which I first tried at Blue Mountain and was impressed there. Sexy atmosphere, delicious fusion food very detail-oriented and subtle nuanced flavours, awesome cocktails. Good service. On the pricier side, but at least for this place, u do get what u pay for, and it is worth it!

    Cat L.

    The Summerlicious menu at Mother Tongue looked amazing, so my friend and I decided to come check it out. While we loved our cocktails (especially the ube!), the food was a bit of a miss. We both felt that the food was not quite flavourful. The ambience and vibe inside is trendy and fits the mood, and the service is efficient and kind.

    Waygyu
    Navnit S.

    The food here is great always. They have a variety of Asian fusion foods and it tastes unique. Great spot for a date as the ambiance is nice and romantic vibes inside. Service was good even though we messed up the order and confused the waitress she still replaced our dish.

    07.05.25 Tokyo miso black cod was good
    Chris V.

    Our dinner journey kicked off at Mother Tongue, where we sampled a trio of dishes--Filipino slaw, butterfish escabeche, and Tokyo miso black cod. Each one was a delightful. Service was adequate given that one server was juggling both the bar and front of house duties, and still managed to keep things flowing. It was a good stop to start the evening on a flavorful note.

    Dessert
    Isabelle C.

    Came for dinner. Food was pretty good, the fish was very tender. Service was good. I liked the interior / vibe of the restaurant.

    Geraldine G.

    Asian influence spot in the downtown core. My favourites were the skewer, Korean beef and the Bao dessert. It was really in

    Rachel S.

    My friends were keen to try Mother Tongue for their Summerlicious promotion, which is still going on as I type this. The dinner menu is $55 prix fixe, which seemed fair at the time. When we actually got down to ordering, the numbers just weren't numbering, meaning there were only a few combinations where the three course meal made sense for the price. We ended up doing a mixture of summerlicious and a la carte to get the best value. For 7 people, we ordered 2 summerlicious 3 course meals and 6 additional dishes. My favourite dishes were definitely the Grilled Liempo Skewer (part of summerlicious, but otherwise $19) and Fried Brussel Sprouts ($17), which were both appetizers. I wasn't the biggest fan of the fried rice, which really lacked flavour for me - but I don't think the rest of the table agreed since we ordered another one. I had a few bites that tasted just like white rice. The short rib was good, but nothing special. I'm not sure if the one on the summerlicious menu is the same as the one on the regular menu ($55), as the ingredients noted below the dish name are a bit different between the two. The service was attentive and the environment was also good. It does seem like they mashed two tables together to accommodate for our group of 7, which looked a bit awkward. Overall, the vibes were there but the food fell a bit flat for me, especially for the price (around $60 each).

    Menu Exterior
    Keith W.

    The atmosphere surrounding this place oozed a certain level of sophistication. As for the waiters, they were very attentive and asked us if we needed anything multiple times throughout the evening (maybe a bit too much). Be warned that the portions of the dishes are fairly small and come at a higher end price tag. Although the flavour profile was definitely there, I believe that the quantity should be significantly increased given that they are charging top dollar for these items. All-in-all, I would likely only come back for winter or summer-licious (reduced pricing - fixed menu) and/or a very special outting occasion as it is most definitely a bougie establishment

    Chicken inasal Bicol express
    Monika W.

    Great ambiance, great service, and amazing food! Was in town for work from Chicago and had dinner here my first night - the duck dumplings were absolutely phenomenal. So tasty and flavorful without being too rich. The chicken inasal Bicol express was my main, would have been great to have a side of rice but honestly I'm glad I didn't so that I could eat everything on the plate. The coconut curry and chicken were perfectly cooked and I could have licked the plate clean. Being Filipino myself, I have a high bar for Filipino restaurants but this place did not disappoint! Would definitely come back, maybe even on this same trip

    Winterlicious menu was good. The ube tart was disappointing because they were two mini ones instead of the one advertised on Instagram. There was too much crush and too little filling, making the ube flavour less apparent. I hope they don't do that again and just serve the one larger tart instead. Service was fine!

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    4 months ago

    Stopped by Mother Tongue to have a quick drink. I had a lovely ube cocktail and my server Matteo was such a ki! Such a cute little spot!

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    10 months ago

    4.5 stars it was great! Tried all the Dim Sum. Service was friendly and timely. A bit pricey but worth it.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Mother Tongue Reviews in Other Languages

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    LIBRARY BAR - Close, But No Cigar

    LIBRARY BAR

    4.1(161 reviews)
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    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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    Daphne - Black Truffle

    Daphne

    3.9(56 reviews)
    1.0 kmFinancial District, Downtown Core

    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.

    I really wanted to try out this restaurant because of how hyped it is on online and the food looked…read moregood but i knew it wasn't going to be amazing. I got to the special steak cut of the day which was a bone in rib eye. It was 32oz and good to share with 1-2 people. I also got the truffle butter with it and would skip on that as well. I would just skip the steak as there was nothing special, i mean it's not a steakhouse but i'm a little sad. The sides were good. and the pizza was good too. Service was just meh, my server wasn't that very attentive but maybe he was having a hard day. This restaurant is only worth it if you're going for the ambiance, appetizers and drinks.

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    Daphne - January 13, 2024 -  I wonder if the wine bottles have wine in them

    January 13, 2024 - I wonder if the wine bottles have wine in them

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    Cactus Club Cafe - Crispy yam fries, chicken sliders and another peach Bellini

    Cactus Club Cafe

    3.8(695 reviews)
    0.9 kmFinancial District, Downtown Core
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    We go here whenever we don't want to cook. The food, service, and ambiance is super consistent. The…read morefood is tasty and good happy hour out of most happy hours in the area! Great for lunches, especially during patio season when the third floor roof is open. At night, it's moody and dark, lit by candles on the table and the tvs at every corner with sports playing or generic videos. Dishes that I always get are the creole blackened chicken, avocado kale salad and truffle fries. The sunset soda is also a great, cheap and low calorie drink. Honorable food mentions are their featured (at the time) crab dip and the salmon aburi sushi.

    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.

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    Black+Blue Toronto - Lobster Vongole

    Black+Blue Toronto

    4.0(109 reviews)
    0.8 kmFinancial District, Downtown Core

    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.

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    Inside

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    Entrance

    After Seven - The green house

    After Seven

    4.6(65 reviews)
    0.5 kmDowntown Core

    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.

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    LOUIX LOUIS - NY trips frites

    LOUIX LOUIS

    3.6(173 reviews)
    1.1 kmDowntown Core
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    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!

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    Madame Tallien Cocktail $28

    Mother Tongue - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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