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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

A genuinely impressive dining experience. I really appreciate restaurants that respect seasonality…read moreand keep the menu fresh. Even around 9 PM, the place was still completely full, which says a lot. The slow-cooked egg starter was a standout, and both the salmon and steak were beautifully executed. Service was polished and attentive, which made the experience even better. Refined, thoughtful, and definitely a place I'd return to.

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.

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.

Spacious restaurant right on Front Street serving classic French bistro food…read more They have a happy hour with half price oysters and happy hour drinks before 6pm. The oysters we were served (Pearl Island) were briney and fresh. The steaks had good sear and overall the food was very enjoyable. Service was hit or miss depending on the staff member in question. Overall this is a nice spot if you want to splurge a bit on a cute date night or special occasion.

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

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

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