For my first proper French meal in Toronto, I chose Chantecler, and it was a great experience. The Half Duck Confit was excellent.. the duck breast was juicy and medium-rare, while the duck leg had crispy skin and tender meat. The portion was very generous and could easily be shared. The Steak Tartare was also a very nice starter, light, fresh, and smooth, served with bread and a pasteurized egg. I also enjoyed their signature G&T, which was refreshing with a slightly sweeter twist than a classic gin and tonic. The ambience was warm, elegant, and full of charm, while the service was attentive and polished without feeling too formal. Overall, Chantecler made a wonderful first French dining experience in Toronto. read more

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Stopped by for brunch and thought overall it was pretty good. - Marinated Mussels: Strong marinade, ok plumpness. - Pate en Croute: Richly decadent, yet not overwhelmingly so. - French Onion Soup: Star dish of the meal with its strong broth. Would have liked a bit more of that lovely gruyere cheese. - Steak and Frites: A bit disappointing, as I would have liked it a bit more tender and flavourful. Fries were fairly standard. - Smoked Trout Benedict: Liked how smoky the trout was. Vibe is friendly and casual vibe. Kitchen was really slow. Prices are on the higher end for brunch, but you pay up for the atmosphere. Overall, a pretty good spot to visit. read more

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The ambiance here was quite nice, not too classy but not too casual The staff were attentive but not annoying either The food was great and wasn't as expensive as I thought it would be. Overall I recommend this for anyone to have a fun dinner with drinks or a date night read more

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We had such a great experience at Chantecler. From start to finish, the service was amazing. Attentive, warm, and perfectly paced without ever feeling rushed. It was also surprisingly easy to get a reservation, which made planning the night seamless. The steak tartare was one of the best we've had in a long time. Perfectly balanced and beautifully hand-cut, not overly ground, which made the texture so much better. The whole duck was deeply flavourful, and the legs were especially tender and delicious. The Brussels sprouts were honestly some of the best we've had in a while: crispy, caramelized, and packed with flavour. The charred greens paired beautifully with the duck. We also tried the French onion soup and oysters. Both were good, just not the stars of the night compared to some of the stronger dishes. Cocktails were well executed, a classic negroni done right and a smooth, balanced espresso martini. Overall, some of the best French food we've had in Toronto recently. Elevated without being pretentious, refined but still warm and inviting. We'll absolutely be back. read more

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I've been to Chantecler twice now and both times the service was A+. They are attentive, accommodating, and always giving solid recs. It's probably one of my favourite French restaurants in Toronto right now. We always end up ordering the same things because... why mess with a good thing: oysters, scallop crudo, steak tartare, the half duck, dry-aged ribeye, fish (usually cod or salmon), and whatever seasonal veggies they're offering. I won't pretend I'm an expert on French cuisine, but flavour-wise, Chantecler did great. Their steak tartare is easily in my top 5 at the moment. The half duck is also my favorite here, with dry-aged duck breast + duck confit leg and both cooked beautifully. The jus adds a little tangy note that cuts through the richness of the duck so well. And when I find myself randomly craving their tartare and duck dish... yeah, that's my cue to go back again, probably soon. read more

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Great spot for brunch! My partner wanted something more upscale than our typically diner brunch, and so glad we came here. Staff was friendly and accomodating as we walked in. Bloody Caesar was great and refreshing. The oysters were perfect, and my croque madame was so decadent. The eggs Benedict were great too. Star of the show was the brioche. It's a must order- so soft and bouncy! read more

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We started off our day with butter tarts from ba noi and asked them for a dinner recommendation - Chantecler came up from multiple people and it certainly did not disappoint! This place deserves more hype and more guests than what they are getting right now, it was an excellent meal. Starting off we were a little eh about being squeezed in the middle near the windows but that twinge quickly disappeared once our drinks arrived. I had a super interesting and woody flavor - so delicious. For food we had marinated mussels, oysters, beef tartar, scallops, mussels & cabbage, asparagus, and strawberry & rhubarb for dessert. Simply delicious and not a bad one in the bunch (I liked the scallop one the most). The service was great and very attentive. Paired with everything about the atmosphere, simply great is all aspects. read more

A great friend of mine took a group of us out to Chantecler for a Wednesday dinner. The service was prompt and they were very good with changing our plates, which I appreciated. Six Oysters ($21) 8.5/10 High rating due to the mignonette sauce and how well it went with the oysters. Brioche a Tete ($8) 6.5/10 It came out warm and it was tasty with the soft, whipped butter. Duck Liver Mousse ($18) 7.5/10 It came with a sweet sable biscuit/toast that tasted AMAZING on its own, albeit a bit crumbly to spread the mousse. As a combo, it was a bit on the sweeter side especially after adding some compote. Each individual parts of the dish was pretty great though. Roasted Eggplant & Stracciatella ($18) 9/10 This dish was amazing. Would definitely get it again. The combination made it quite tasty and unique. Fiddleheads ($11) 7/10 It came with a good amount of fiddleheads. It wasn't anything special but it was a nice spring vegetable to have alongside the meats. Steak Tartare ($24) 7/10 The tartare was great, but I was not a fan of the sourdough with the tartare as they were both on the sour side in taste. The sourdough was also a bit burnt on some of the sides. Seared Scallops ($24) 7/10 The scallops were cooked pretty well, however, the sauce did not go well with the scallops. What I mean by that is that the dressing just glides off the scallops and it was hard to have them together like intended. The scallops repelled the sauce lol Half Duck ($45) 9/10 My partner enjoyed the duck leg, while I found it a bit salty. However, the dry-aged breast was AMAZING. Cooked very well and it went really well with the jus. The jus was just mouthwatering on it's own with a lot of depth in flavor. Would love to know how that was made. 20oz Dry-Aged Ribeye of Beef ($110) 9/10 The bordelaise/bone marrow sauce was AMAZING and the steak was cooked really well. I would love to have the jus for the duck and this sauce as a side to drink them lol Rhubarb & Foie Gras Terrine ($18) 7/10 I kind of get where they were going with this but this was too sweet, especially the white chocolate. It felt a bit like a waste of foie gras as well and the combination was a bit off putting. It might have gone well without the white chocolate ganache although the aftertaste of it was not bad as a combo. read more

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Wow massive portions and good service. I went to Chantecler many years ago when it was at a different location. This layout was definitely better although further to the west end of the city. Was impressed though. Had the following: Steak tartare was solid. Pickles were a plus. Pate en croute was disappointing. Cold, tasteless. Don't bother. Fogo island cod was very large serving and delicious. The buttery sauce was great. Whole duck was cooked to perfection. Large portion of duck perfectly sliced and slow cooked beautifully. This is a must order. Confit legs on the side indicates you are getting duck two ways. 20 oz dry aged beef also huge. I don't prefer sauces on my steak but this was good considering what it is. This overstuffed 4 people. Be prepared or order less. read more

Great food, service and portions. Ordered the whole duck that was two breast and confit.Cooked perfect. Sauce was great but could use a bit more sweetness. Steak was seared perfect. Cod was the best dish with crispy skin and moist center. Steak tartar was excellent. Pork pate was good, but could skip this. Was very happy with the meal. Restaurants had an open concept that was great food in a casual environment. Would come back. read more

Chantecler - Whole duck, ribeye, 10 Oz Fogo cod - French Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Well I have a ton to say.. this place is gorgeous on the inside, with a lovely sized menu. Staff were attentive and friendly... however... the food... I'm not sure if they have salt in that kitchen! It's just a giant bottle of balsamic. We ordered scallops, acorn squash, French onion soup, French fries and their rendition on a mushroom steak. The French fries and soup were a hit, everything else was a bit strange, under seasoned, and at times just not good. Also I think the loudest man alive was sat next to us but alas, not the restaurants fault! read more

Chantecler - Scallops and acorn squash - French Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Great French restaurant right on Bloor St! Delicious apps - ordered a steak tartare and mussels on charred cabbage which is were both amazing and well balanced! The half duck large plate was good but you need to order sides as it only comes w sliced duck breast and a duck confit leg. The leg was super soft and pairs really well with their Pino Noir! Their wax beans were okay but glad I tried this place out! Really dark ambiance and great for date night or dinner w friends. Our server was also great and super friendly! read more

Love, love, love this spot!! We came here for brunch on a very cold winter day, and the food was definitely much needed to warm up. We ordered the croque madame and a mushroom egg Benny, and both dishes were savoury and so delicious. We also tried their blood orange mimosas, which were a fun complement to our dishes. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful with recommendations, and the vibes inside of the restaurant were cozy and immaculate! read more

Chantecler - French Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Our group was celebrating a birthday with a five-course menu. Everything we ate was phenomenal with more than enough to satisfy everyone at the table. This was my first time having a shared plate coursed meal for French cuisine, and I would definitely recommend trying this with a larger group! The service was not only very friendly, but also very attentive; they were quick to replace plates and cutlery between courses to prepare for the next ones. The food is delicious, the service is excellent, and the interior is very aesthetically pleasing. I would definitely return again and come prepared with more room in my stomach to be able to finish everything! read more

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Part of a longer review... Service at Chantecler is the perfect harmony of professionalism and warmth. Attentive without being overbearing, the staff navigates the dining room with a balletic grace, ensuring each guest feels both welcomed and cherished. In its new abode, is a nod to the past and a toast to the future of French dining in Toronto. It stands as a testament to the beauty of French bistro cuisine when treated with reverence and a dash of innovation. It's a dining experience that, despite a few minor culinary faux pas, remains as delightful as it is memorable. Consistently delivering on both food and service, Chantecler firmly holds its place on my list of Toronto dining favourites - especially for a cozy destination in the cooler months. read more

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I came for a collab dinner tasting menu. It was good, but I wasn't blown away. If anything, the best way to describe it was unique and a rare opportunity. Since it wasn't their regular menu, i still expected a bit more of a wow factor. Overall, service was attentive. However, we did have noticeable lulls between courses. Keep in mind 20% gratuity is automatically added to your bill. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed that nothing special was done for it being a birthday dinner. Sure they wished me a happy birthday at the beginning and at the end, but that was pretty much it. read more

Excellent French cuisine located on the west end of Bloor. A wide selection of classic French dishes. I would recommend you to get the Steak Tartare, Duck Confit and the Braised Beef. Good cocktail selection as well. Overall a great choice for french food in the city. However it just didn't blow us away - I was hoping for a 5/5 but ended up with a 4/5 here. Make reservations in advance! read more

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This was our first time here since Chantecler moved and it is even better than I remember. We came during happy hour, which meant shared plates were dirt cheap. We literally ordered one of everything and the staff were great to remind us when the happy hour was ending. Good wine recommendations. Ambiance was bustling bistro. Reminded me of Paris actually. read more

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We were looking for a restaurant for a special night out, and I remembered that Chantecler had this new spot after losing their Queen West location. I'd been to that original restaurant several years back and remembered really enjoying it, so I went ahead and made a reservation for a Thursday evening. We showed up a few minutes early and were quickly shown to a table in the middle of the restaurant. I was immediately frustrated because this table was literally in the middle of the restaurant, surrounded by loud tables. I felt like I was going to be on display all night. (Honestly, there shouldn't be a table there.) Fortunately, I noticed a couple leaving a small booth for two near the back and I asked our server if we could move. We got the go-ahead and I was so happy I asked. It was a fantastic, intimate table more in line with what I was expecting. We ordered a number of dishes and they were all terrific: Brioche à Tête ("Rosemary glaze & whipped butter"): I'd seen pictures of this online and it looked amazing, so obviously I had to order it. And it's just as good/impressive as it looks, if not better. The brioche is so soft and fresh, and that rosemary glaze is irresistible. The whole thing is taken way, way over the top by the delectable whipped butter. Seared Cabbage & Mussels ("Cabbage, PEI mussels, bone marrow, cashew aioli & fermented chili powder"): First of all, the presentation on this dish is amazing. But beyond that, it's just so darn tasty. The cabbage is cooked in such a way that it barely resembles cabbage (i.e. it's meaty, somehow), while the mussels and other components are just so full of flavor. This is one of those dishes where I kept discovering new tastes the more I kept eating. Steak Tartar ("Hand-cut beef, traditional accompaniments & house sourdough"): I'll never be able to say no to steak tartar, and this is certainly one of the better versions of the venerable dish out there. Although it was maybe a little saltier than I would've liked, the dish is just so well prepared and thought out that I enjoyed the heck out of it. Half Duck ("Confit leg, dry-aged breast, preserved quince & jus"): This was our main and the highlight of the meal for me. Honestly, I don't think I've ever eaten duck this tender and flavorful. Everything about this dish knocked my socks off, from the perfectly-cooked duck to the various accompaniments. This is a must-try. Fries ("Lemon & house aioli"): We weren't planning on ordering this, but after watching the fries walk by our table a few times, I knew I had to try them. I was probably too full to completely appreciate them, but they were just so, so good. The fries were cooked perfectly (i.e. they had an amazing crunch) and enhanced by the delicious aioli. I also had a couple of cocktails, the Chantecler Old Fashioned and the Golden Doodle, and they were both amazing. Our server was incredible, too. He was super helpful and friendly, and made our experience all-the-more enjoyable. Chantecler is easily one of the best restaurants in the city, and I look forward to returning many times in the future. (Just beware that weird table in the middle of the restaurant!) read more

Chantecler, located at the corner of Bloor St. and Crawford in Bloorcourt (about a 5 min walk away from Christie subway station), is the newest location of the French bistro that was once in Parkdale. No stranger to Chantecler, my partner and I have dined at their original location on Queen West in Parkdale (before the fire) many years ago as well as when they opened Le Phenix. The space at this new location is casual yet intimate where the centerpiece of the restaurant is the bar. They also have a patio which was not open yet to the public. Reservations are recommended especially on the weekends. My partner and I dined at Chantecler on a Sat night where I had made reservations a few weeks before. The restaurant was already bustling and busy when we arrived around 6pm. We were promptly seated and given menus. In terms of food, we ordered the following items to share: - Steak tartar (hand-cut beef, traditional accompaniments, and house sourdough). This is a classic and a must get item here! The dish is beautifully presented where you mix the egg into the meat yourself. The hot sauce it comes with adds an extra oomph to the dish. I do wish that the house sourdough it came with was slightly crispier (some pieces were soggy) - Half duck (confit leg and dry-aged breast, thyme jus, celeriac puree). The duck was delicious and cooked well! A bit tough to cut but when you eat it you realize how tender it is. The celeriac puree was also so smooth and velvety. The portion of half duck is definitely filling. - Braised short rib bourguignon (red wine and glazed Cipollini onion). The short rib was extremely tender and it just fell off the bone as we were trying to cut it. The sauce it came with was flavourful and the onions added an extra element to the taste of the short rib. - Roasted mushrooms (Madeira glaze and truffle puree) - the mushrooms were cooked well and you really can't go wrong with truffle puree. The food items we ordered were on the heavier side and we were definitely full afterwards. The chocolate tart looked delicious (we saw that the table next to us ordered it) but we had no room to order any dessert. The wine menu is extensive where they also have beers and non-alcoholic options as well. I did ask the staff for a recommendation which paired nicely with the food we ordered. Service wise, staff were friendly and attentive. The wait for food was a bit of a miss as we did have to wait longer than usual. Overall, Chantecler still serves up some elevated French classics in a beautiful new location. Food is executed well and prepared with care. The space is welcoming to everyone of all ages (we saw older couples enjoying dinner as well as a younger crowd as well). No doubt that this place is still on the best restaurants for French food in the city! read more

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This hip and lively French bistro that used to be on Queen West, before a fire forced them to close and pop up nearby as Le Phenix -- a restaurant that was supposed to be temporary but lasted for like 3 years -- has been transplanted to Bloor and Crawford. And all the elements that made Chantecler's former incarnations so good, remain. That dim, sexy ambiance, the well executed French staples, the nice service and wines. They also do seafood really well. The oysters and accompaniments were perfect, and the scallop crudo was sublime. Looking forward to returning here soon! read more

The guy (seems to be the manager) was pretty passive aggressive when we asked him if we could change a table, as we were three people group but was first seated next to the emergency exit (later when i checked, the spot became a two people table, so i guess they also realized it was way too small). The original table was so dark and so squished, and there was a half wall on one side to separate us from the rest of the table, I wish I had a picture to better describe it. There were other corner tables that were available, why put us in a dark two people table next to exit door? The manager (?) became very passive aggressive after we changed table, as he kept saying that he wished the food was good so it worth the hassle of changing seats, like you didn't need to mention that we changed table every time. Moreover, we found a bug in our seared cabbage and mussels. I attached a photo and a video. When we called him over, all he said was that's a fruit fly. Well, we could tell it's a fruit fly too, but shouldn't you apologize first? Is a fruit fly necessarily better than other bugs? He took the plate away and let us know he would replace the dish, and we told him we don't want a new one because it was already a bad experience, but he just walked away before we even finished speaking. At that point it really was a shitty experience and service. He came back later with the food and finally apologized for the bug. Overall the food was good but with the experience and service, I couldn't see a reason for returning or recommending. read more

Chantecler - A bug on the seared cabbage in the plate. - French Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I came to Toronto to try many restaurants for my own career. By far the best experience was at chantecler. Food top notch. service gives a big effort to promoting the experience. Dave our bartender figured us out quick. loved it. read more

We went to celebrate our anniversary date. However, not sure why the server placed us a table in front of safety door at a corner. There were a lot of empty tables when i asked if we could sit somewhere else before we sat down. I thought it was because tables were all reserved, but by the time we left there were still a lot vacancy. Foods were ok, i like the cream brûlée which can taste a little orange favour. read more

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We had the heirloom tomatoes, fries, seared scallops, lobster cavatelli, steak tartare and creme brûlée. Other than the tomatoes, every single one was unbelievably delicious. Especially the duck fat toasted bread for the tartare was just out of this world. It is obvious the quality of ingredients is above average and the chefs did an amazing job. The service was also great, everything was on time. I will be back!! read more