I finally got to try the tasting menu with a group of 6! We opted for the cheaper option ($65 pp). We arrived on a Friday night at 8pm and dinner went until nearly 11pm! I think they originally intended to give us oysters or tartare but because it was so late into the evening, they made something else. You can tell the chefs/cooks really do make most things from scratch because the wait/gap between courses was quite long (~30-40 min).
We got to try a total of 11-12 dishes: 4 appetizers, 2-3 mains (depending if you count the sausage and chicken dish as separate or one), 2 sides, and 3 desserts. I have no idea if/how the dish count fluctuates depending on group size. We were told that the tasting menu differs every night and even between parties/tables on the same night -- they change it up depending on group preferences, dietary restrictions, and ingredient inventory.
Overall, I really enjoyed our meal. The portions were generous and filling, and the variety was nice. I would say the appetizers (especially the veggies & sauces) were more impressive than the mains. I was hoping for more interesting proteins in the main course, but no complaints on the cook or seasoning. They might save the nicer proteins for the more expensive tasting menu ($85 pp). The desserts were really creative and delicious. Miso in a dessert is definitely innovative!
I wish I could tell you the names of every dish, but I could barely hear the server / remember what everything was. From what I know, everything except for the desserts aren't on the regular menu anyway.
Overall, I had a wonderful time and would recommend trying the tasting menu for an interesting and filling culinary experience! It certainly is good value, as you wouldn't be able to find a tasting menu of this quality/price in Toronto!
Note: Tomlin only accepts reservations for groups of 6 or more. read more